What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is based on the AMD B550 chipset, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend utilizes the B450 chipset.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a Realtek ALC1200 audio codec, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend uses a Realtek ALC892 audio codec.
- The ASRock B450M Steel Legend also has a capable BIOS with overclocking capabilities, but it may not be as beginner-friendly as the ASUS BIOS.
When it comes to building a gaming PC, the motherboard is a crucial component that determines the system’s capabilities and performance. Two popular options for budget-conscious gamers are the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus and the ASRock B450M Steel Legend. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences and similarities between these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Compatibility
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is based on the AMD B550 chipset, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend utilizes the B450 chipset. The B550 chipset offers native support for PCIe 4.0, providing faster data transfer speeds for PCIe devices such as graphics cards and NVMe SSDs. The B450 chipset, on the other hand, supports PCIe 3.0.
In terms of CPU compatibility, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus supports AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend supports AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, 3000, and 2000 series processors.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system is responsible for supplying stable power to the CPU. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus features a 12+2 phase power delivery system with high-quality metal chokes and durable capacitors. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has an 8+2 phase power delivery system.
Expansion Slots
Both motherboards offer PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for graphics cards. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has one additional PCIe 4.0 x1 slot and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend has one additional PCIe 3.0 x1 slot.
Storage Connectivity
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus provides two M.2 slots, both of which support PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSDs. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend also has two M.2 slots, but only one supports PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSDs.
Connectivity
Both motherboards include an integrated Gigabit Ethernet LAN port. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a Realtek ALC1200 audio codec, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend uses a Realtek ALC892 audio codec.
BIOS and Overclocking
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus features a user-friendly BIOS with a variety of overclocking options. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend also has a capable BIOS with overclocking capabilities, but it may not be as beginner-friendly as the ASUS BIOS.
Price and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus and the ASRock B450M Steel Legend are both budget-friendly motherboards. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus typically retails for around $150, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is slightly cheaper at around $120.
Key Points
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus and the ASRock B450M Steel Legend are both excellent choices for budget-minded gamers. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus offers a more future-proof platform with PCIe 4.0 support and a more robust power delivery system, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is slightly cheaper and offers wider CPU compatibility. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is a better choice for gaming as it offers PCIe 4.0 support for faster graphics card performance.
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has more robust overclocking options than the ASRock B450M Steel Legend.
Q: Is the ASRock B450M Steel Legend compatible with Ryzen 5000 series processors?
A: Yes, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend supports Ryzen 5000 series processors with a BIOS update.
