What To Know
- In the realm of gaming motherboards, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi stand as formidable contenders.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi are both excellent gaming motherboards that offer a plethora of features and connectivity options.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has a slightly better power delivery system and memory support, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has more storage options and a more subdued design.
In the realm of gaming motherboards, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi stand as formidable contenders. These motherboards are designed to unleash the full potential of AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 series processors, offering a plethora of features and connectivity options. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two gaming powerhouses, helping you make an informed decision for your next system build.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi are built around AMD’s B650 chipset, which supports the latest AM5 socket. This socket is designed for the Ryzen 7000 series processors, offering increased performance and efficiency.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system is crucial for ensuring stable and reliable performance. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi boasts a 16+2 power stage design, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi features a 12+2+1 power stage design. Both motherboards provide ample power for even the most demanding processors, ensuring smooth gaming and multitasking.
Memory Support
Memory performance is essential for gaming and content creation. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6400MHz. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi also supports 128GB of DDR5 memory but with speeds up to 6000MHz.
Storage Options
Storage options are abundant on both motherboards. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi offers four SATA ports and three M.2 slots, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi provides six SATA ports and four M.2 slots. The M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 and NVMe protocols, ensuring fast data transfer speeds for SSDs.
Connectivity
Connectivity is paramount for modern gaming motherboards. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi includes a Realtek 2.5GbE LAN port, six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi offers a Realtek 2.5GbE LAN port, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. Both motherboards also feature integrated WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
Aesthetics and Features
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi sports a rugged and angular design with a black and gray color scheme. It features an RGB LED strip on the bottom edge of the motherboard and a TUF Gaming logo on the chipset heatsink. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has a more subdued design with a black and silver color scheme. It features a large MSI logo on the chipset heatsink and a smaller one on the I/O panel. Both motherboards offer a wide range of features, including BIOS Flashback, EZ Debug LED, and AI Cooling.
Overclocking
Overclocking enthusiasts will appreciate the overclocking capabilities of these motherboards. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi offers a dedicated OC Panel on the motherboard for easy overclocking adjustments. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi provides a robust BIOS with advanced overclocking options.
Takeaways: The Ultimate Choice
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi are both excellent gaming motherboards that offer a plethora of features and connectivity options. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has a slightly better power delivery system and memory support, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has more storage options and a more subdued design. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Questions
Q1: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities, but the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has a dedicated OC Panel for easier adjustments.
Q2: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi offers more storage options with six SATA ports and four M.2 slots compared to the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi’s four SATA ports and three M.2 slots.
Q3: Which motherboard has better connectivity?
A: Both motherboards offer similar connectivity options, including 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has one more USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port than the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi.
