Asus tuf gaming x570-plus vs asrock x570 steel legend: which motherboard reigns supreme?

In the realm of PC gaming, the motherboard serves as the heart and soul of the system. For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate performance and reliability from their AMD Ryzen processors, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend emerge as formidable contenders. Both motherboards boast a plethora of features and capabilities, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each motherboard, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately aiding you in making an informed decision.

Chipset and Socket

Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend are built upon AMD’s X570 chipset, the pinnacle of motherboard technology for Ryzen processors. This chipset offers unparalleled connectivity options, including support for PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2, ensuring compatibility with the latest and greatest hardware components. Additionally, both motherboards employ the AM4 socket, accommodating a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors, from the entry-level to the high-end.

Power Delivery

The performance of a motherboard hinges on its ability to provide stable and efficient power to the processor. Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend feature robust power delivery systems, but they differ in their approach.

The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus employs a 12+2-phase digital power design, utilizing high-quality MOSFETs and chokes to ensure stable voltage delivery even under demanding workloads. ASRock, on the other hand, opts for a 10+2-phase design with a combination of analog and digital power stages. While both motherboards provide ample power for most users, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus may have a slight edge in terms of overall efficiency and stability.

Connectivity

When it comes to connectivity, both motherboards offer an impressive array of options. They both feature multiple PCIe 4.0 slots for graphics cards and other expansion devices, along with ample USB ports (including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C) for peripherals and external storage.

However, there are some subtle differences to note. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus offers two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the ASRock X570 Steel Legend has only one. This may be a consideration for users who plan to run multiple high-end graphics cards in a multi-GPU configuration. Additionally, the ASRock X570 Steel Legend includes a dedicated Wi-Fi 6 module, while the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus requires a separate adapter for wireless connectivity.

Cooling

Proper cooling is essential for maintaining optimal performance and longevity of your system components. Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend feature robust cooling solutions.

The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus is equipped with a large VRM heatsink and a dedicated chipset heatsink, ensuring that the motherboard remains cool even under heavy loads. ASRock, on the other hand, utilizes a more elaborate cooling system with a combination of heatsinks, heat pipes, and a fan to dissipate heat effectively. While both motherboards offer excellent cooling capabilities, the ASRock X570 Steel Legend may have a slight advantage in terms of overall thermal performance.

Aesthetics and Features

In addition to their technical capabilities, both motherboards also boast distinct aesthetics and additional features. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus sports a sleek black and gray color scheme with military-grade components, emphasizing its durability and resilience. The ASRock X570 Steel Legend, on the other hand, features a more traditional black and silver design with RGB lighting accents, allowing users to customize the look of their system.

Both motherboards offer a range of additional features, such as support for addressable RGB lighting, overclocking capabilities, and BIOS flashback technology for easy firmware updates. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus includes a dedicated BIOS switch for quick and convenient BIOS selection, while the ASRock X570 Steel Legend offers a built-in power button for easy system startup.

Price and Availability

The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend fall within a similar price range, with the ASUS motherboard typically retailing for a slightly higher price. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online marketplaces.

The Verdict

Choosing between the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and ASRock X570 Steel Legend ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize stability, power delivery, and durability, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus may be a better choice. However, if you value thermal performance, aesthetics, and a dedicated Wi-Fi 6 module, the ASRock X570 Steel Legend might be a more suitable option.

Both motherboards represent excellent choices for AMD Ryzen enthusiasts seeking a high-quality and feature-rich foundation for their gaming or workstation builds. Ultimately, the best decision is the one that aligns with your individual requirements and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?

Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities, but the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus may have a slight edge due to its more advanced power delivery system.

2. Does either motherboard support DDR5 memory?

No, both motherboards only support DDR4 memory.

3. Can I use a non-Ryzen processor on these motherboards?

No, both motherboards are designed specifically for AMD Ryzen processors and do not support Intel processors.

4. Which motherboard has more USB ports?

Both motherboards offer a similar number of USB ports, but the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus has one additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port.

5. Does either motherboard include a dedicated audio card?

No, neither motherboard includes a dedicated audio card.