What To Know
- The B550M-Plus boasts an 8+2 phase VRM with 50A DrMOS power stages, while the Steel Legend has a 10+2 phase VRM with 60A DrMOS power stages.
- The B550M-Plus has four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum capacity of 128GB, while the Steel Legend has two DIMM slots with a maximum capacity of 64GB.
- The B550M-Plus has a military-grade design with a black and gray color scheme, while the Steel Legend features a more vibrant black and gold design.
In the realm of PC gaming, motherboards serve as the foundation for building exceptional systems. Two contenders in this arena are the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus and the ASRock B550M Steel Legend. Both offer compelling features for budget-conscious enthusiasts, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences and help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards are based on the AMD B550 chipset, which supports AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors. The B550M-Plus features an AM4 socket, while the Steel Legend also supports the newer AM4+ socket. This slight advantage gives the Steel Legend compatibility with upcoming Ryzen processors.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (voltage regulator module) is crucial for providing stable power to the processor. The B550M-Plus boasts an 8+2 phase VRM with 50A DrMOS power stages, while the Steel Legend has a 10+2 phase VRM with 60A DrMOS power stages. The Steel Legend’s more robust VRM provides better overclocking potential and improved stability under heavy loads.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 4400MHz. The B550M-Plus has four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum capacity of 128GB, while the Steel Legend has two DIMM slots with a maximum capacity of 64GB. For most users, the B550M-Plus’s increased memory capacity is a more practical option.
Storage Options
The B550M-Plus offers two M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, while the other supports PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs. The Steel Legend has three M.2 slots, two of which support PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, and the third supports PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs. This gives the Steel Legend a slight advantage in terms of storage expansion options.
Expansion Slots
Both motherboards have one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for graphics cards and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for other expansion cards. The B550M-Plus also has one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, while the Steel Legend has two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. For most users, the Steel Legend’s additional PCIe x1 slot provides greater flexibility for expansion.
Connectivity
The B550M-Plus features a Realtek RTL8125B 2.5GbE LAN port, while the Steel Legend has an Intel I219-V 1GbE LAN port. The B550M-Plus’s faster LAN port is an advantage for users who require high-speed network connectivity. In terms of audio, both motherboards have ALC887 codecs, providing solid audio performance.
Aesthetics and Features
The B550M-Plus has a military-grade design with a black and gray color scheme, while the Steel Legend features a more vibrant black and gold design. Both motherboards have RGB headers for customization, allowing users to create their own lighting effects. The B550M-Plus also includes a BIOS FlashBack button for easy BIOS updates, which is a convenient feature.
Pros and Cons
ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus
Pros:
- 8+2 phase VRM with 50A DrMOS power stages
- Four DIMM slots with 128GB maximum memory capacity
- 2.5GbE LAN port
- BIOS FlashBack button
Cons:
- Fewer M.2 slots (2)
- Fewer PCIe x1 slots (1)
ASRock B550M Steel Legend
Pros:
- 10+2 phase VRM with 60A DrMOS power stages
- Three M.2 slots (two PCIe 4.0)
- Two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
- More vibrant design
Cons:
- 1GbE LAN port
- Fewer DIMM slots (2)
- No BIOS FlashBack button
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is a solid choice for users seeking a feature-packed motherboard with good overclocking potential. Its 2.5GbE LAN port and BIOS FlashBack button make it a convenient option.
The ASRock B550M Steel Legend, on the other hand, is better suited for users who prioritize storage expandability and aesthetics. Its three M.2 slots and more vibrant design make it an attractive choice for those building high-performance systems with plenty of storage options.
Takeaways: A Close Battle
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus and the ASRock B550M Steel Legend are excellent motherboards for AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors. The B550M-Plus offers a strong balance of features and performance, while the Steel Legend excels in storage expandability and aesthetics. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The ASRock B550M Steel Legend has a more robust VRM, providing better overclocking potential.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The ASRock B550M Steel Legend has three M.2 slots, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has two.
Q: Which motherboard has more DIMM slots?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has four DIMM slots, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend has two.
Q: Which motherboard has a faster LAN port?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a 2.5GbE LAN port, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend has a 1GbE LAN port.
Q: Which motherboard has a BIOS FlashBack button?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a BIOS FlashBack button, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend does not.
