What To Know
- For discerning PC enthusiasts, the choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi motherboards presents a tantalizing dilemma.
- The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6400MHz, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6000MHz.
- The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi has a slight edge with its Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 module, which provides faster Wi-Fi speeds than the Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX200 module found on the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi.
For discerning PC enthusiasts, the choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi motherboards presents a tantalizing dilemma. Both these ATX form factor boards offer compelling features for gamers and content creators alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two high-performance motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi utilize the latest AMD B650 chipset, which supports the AM5 socket. This socket is designed for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors, providing exceptional performance and efficiency.
Power Delivery
The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi boasts a superior power delivery system with a 16+2+1 phase VRM design. This design ensures stable power delivery even under demanding loads, making it an ideal choice for overclocking enthusiasts. In contrast, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi features a 12+2+1 phase VRM design, which is more than adequate for most users.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, offering faster speeds and lower latencies than previous generations. The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6400MHz, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6000MHz.
Storage Options
The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi provides more storage options with four M.2 slots, two of which support PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi offers three M.2 slots, with one supporting PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds. Both motherboards also include multiple SATA ports for additional storage devices.
Expansion Slots
The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi features three full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, allowing for multiple high-performance graphics cards. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has two full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. Both motherboards also include several PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for additional expansion cards.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer comprehensive connectivity options, including 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi has a slight edge with its Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 module, which provides faster Wi-Fi speeds than the Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX200 module found on the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi.
Aesthetics and Features
The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi sports a sleek and aggressive design with RGB lighting accents. It also includes a pre-installed I/O shield and an ROG SupremeFX ALC4080 audio codec for enhanced audio quality. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has a more subdued design with a black and gray color scheme. It includes a TUF Gaming LANGuard for network protection and a Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi are both excellent motherboards that offer a wide range of features for gamers and enthusiasts. The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi is the superior choice for users who demand the absolute best performance, with its superior power delivery, more storage options, and faster Wi-Fi speeds. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi provides excellent value for money with its solid performance and ample features.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi is better for overclocking due to its superior power delivery system.
2. Does either motherboard support PCIe 5.0 storage?
Yes, both motherboards support PCIe 5.0 storage via their M.2 slots.
3. Which motherboard has more expansion slots?
The ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi has more expansion slots, including three full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slots.
4. Does either motherboard have RGB lighting?
Yes, the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi features RGB lighting accents.
5. What type of audio codec does the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi use?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi uses a Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
