What To Know
- In terms of RGB lighting, the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 has a single RGB header, while the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has two RGB headers and a dedicated addressable Gen 2 RGB header.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 are both excellent motherboards that offer a range of features and performance capabilities for gaming enthusiasts.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 is a durable and reliable choice with a competitive price point, while the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 provides a more feature-rich experience with its advanced audio, networking, and RGB lighting options.
In the realm of gaming motherboards, the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 stand as two formidable contenders. Both offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and aesthetics, but which one emerges as the superior choice for discerning gamers? This in-depth comparison will delve into the key differences between these two exceptional motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket Compatibility
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 utilize the Intel B660 chipset, providing compatibility with 12th-generation Intel Core processors. This chipset offers a wide range of features, including support for PCIe 4.0, DDR4 memory, and Intel Optane memory.
Form Factor and Design
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 comes in the ATX form factor, making it suitable for larger gaming builds. It features a rugged and durable design with a black and gray color scheme and TUF Gaming branding. The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4, on the other hand, is available in both ATX and micro-ATX form factors, providing flexibility for different build sizes. It boasts a more striking aesthetic with a black and silver design, RGB lighting, and ROG Strix branding.
Memory Support
Both motherboards offer support for DDR4 memory, but there are some key differences. The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with speeds of up to 5333MHz. The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with speeds of up to 5000MHz.
Storage Options
In terms of storage options, the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 provides four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots. The primary M.2 slot supports PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSDs, while the secondary M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe SSDs. The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 offers a similar configuration, with four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots. However, both M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSDs.
Expansion Slots
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 features three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has a similar configuration, with two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. Both motherboards provide ample expansion options for graphics cards, storage devices, and other peripherals.
Connectivity and Networking
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 comes equipped with a 2.5GbE LAN port and an Intel Wi-Fi 6E module, providing fast and stable wired and wireless connectivity. The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 also features a 2.5GbE LAN port but has a more advanced Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 module, offering even faster wireless speeds.
Audio and RGB Lighting
Both motherboards offer high-quality audio solutions with Realtek ALC897 codecs. However, the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has a slight edge with its SupremeFX audio technology, which provides enhanced audio quality and features. In terms of RGB lighting, the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 has a single RGB header, while the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has two RGB headers and a dedicated addressable Gen 2 RGB header.
Takeaways: Choosing the Right Motherboard
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 are both excellent motherboards that offer a range of features and performance capabilities for gaming enthusiasts. The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 is a durable and reliable choice with a competitive price point, while the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 provides a more feature-rich experience with its advanced audio, networking, and RGB lighting options. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards support overclocking, but the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has more advanced overclocking features and a more robust power delivery system.
Q: Which motherboard has better cooling?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has a more comprehensive cooling solution with larger heatsinks and dedicated fan headers for both the CPU and M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has more USB ports, including both USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports.
