What To Know
- For those seeking a mid-range option that offers a solid foundation for gaming and productivity, the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 emerge as compelling choices.
- The TUF Gaming motherboard features a rugged, military-inspired design with black and gray accents, while the ROG Strix motherboard has a more vibrant and futuristic design with RGB lighting and a white and silver color scheme.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 includes a BIOS Flashback button for easy BIOS updates, while the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 features a Q-Code LED display for troubleshooting and error diagnostics.
In the realm of PC hardware, motherboards play a pivotal role in determining a system’s performance and capabilities. For those seeking a mid-range option that offers a solid foundation for gaming and productivity, the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 emerge as compelling choices. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards are based on Intel’s B660 chipset, which supports 12th and 13th-generation Intel Core processors. This chipset provides a solid balance of features and affordability, making it an ideal option for mid-range builds. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, allowing for compatibility with a wide range of Intel CPUs.
Power Delivery
Power delivery is crucial for stable performance, especially when overclocking. The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 employs an 8+1+1 phase power design, while the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 boasts a superior 12+1+1 phase design. The higher number of phases in the latter motherboard ensures better voltage regulation and power efficiency, which is particularly advantageous for overclocking high-end CPUs.
Connectivity and Expansion
In terms of connectivity, both motherboards offer a comprehensive array of options. They feature dual-channel DDR4 memory slots, supporting up to 128GB of RAM with speeds of up to 5333MHz (OC). Additionally, they include multiple PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for graphics cards, as well as PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for other expansion cards.
The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has a slight edge in connectivity, offering an additional PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot for storage expansion. It also includes a built-in WiFi 6E module, which provides faster wireless speeds and lower latency compared to the WiFi 6 module on the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4.
Storage Options
Both motherboards offer ample storage options. They feature four SATA III ports for traditional hard drives and solid-state drives, as well as three M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs. The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 supports PCIe 4.0 x4 for its primary M.2 slot, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 supports PCIe 3.0 x4.
Aesthetics and Features
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 have distinct aesthetic designs. The TUF Gaming motherboard features a rugged, military-inspired design with black and gray accents, while the ROG Strix motherboard has a more vibrant and futuristic design with RGB lighting and a white and silver color scheme.
Both motherboards come with a range of features to enhance the user experience. The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 includes a BIOS Flashback button for easy BIOS updates, while the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 features a Q-Code LED display for troubleshooting and error diagnostics.
Price and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 are available at competitive price points. The TUF Gaming motherboard is typically priced slightly lower than the ROG Strix motherboard, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Summary: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 are both excellent choices for mid-range gaming and productivity systems. The TUF Gaming motherboard offers a solid feature set at a reasonable price, while the ROG Strix motherboard provides premium features and superior power delivery for overclocking enthusiasts. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Top Questions Asked
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has a superior 12+1+1 phase power design, which provides better voltage regulation and power efficiency for overclocking.
2. Which motherboard has more storage options?
The ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has an additional PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot, providing more storage expansion options.
3. Which motherboard has better aesthetics?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660-Plus WiFi D4 has a rugged, military-inspired design, while the ASUS ROG Strix B660-A Gaming WiFi D4 has a more vibrant and futuristic design with RGB lighting.
