What To Know
- The MSI motherboard supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to 4400MHz, while the ASUS motherboard supports up to 64GB of memory at speeds up to 4800MHz.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus does not have built-in Wi-Fi, so users will need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi adapter or use a wired connection.
- The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI features a 6+2+1 phase power delivery system, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has an 8+2 phase power delivery system.
In the realm of PC building, choosing the right motherboard is crucial for a well-rounded system. When it comes to mid-range options for AMD Ryzen processors, two standout contenders emerge: the MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two motherboards, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Features and Specifications
Form Factor and Dimensions
Both motherboards feature the compact Micro-ATX form factor, making them suitable for smaller builds. The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI measures 244mm x 244mm, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is slightly larger at 244mm x 236mm.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards utilize the AMD B550 chipset, which supports all AMD Ryzen processors up to the 5000 series. They both feature the AM4 socket, ensuring compatibility with current and future Ryzen CPUs.
Memory Support
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI and ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus support DDR4 memory. The MSI motherboard supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to 4400MHz, while the ASUS motherboard supports up to 64GB of memory at speeds up to 4800MHz.
Storage Options
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI offers four SATA III ports for storage drives, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus provides six SATA III ports. Both motherboards also have one M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs, supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 for lightning-fast data transfer speeds.
Expansion Slots
In terms of expansion slots, both motherboards feature one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for graphics cards and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot that can operate at x4 speeds. Additionally, the MSI motherboard has two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, while the ASUS motherboard has one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot and one M.2 slot for Wi-Fi modules.
Connectivity
Wired Networking
Both motherboards come equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired network connectivity.
Wireless Networking
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI, as its name suggests, features built-in Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) connectivity. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus does not have built-in Wi-Fi, so users will need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi adapter or use a wired connection.
USB Ports
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI has four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has six USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port.
Power Delivery and Cooling
Power Delivery
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI features a 6+2+1 phase power delivery system, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has an 8+2 phase power delivery system. Both motherboards provide ample power for most CPUs, even when overclocked.
Cooling
Both motherboards have robust VRM heatsinks to dissipate heat from the power delivery system. Additionally, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a dedicated M.2 heatsink to keep NVMe SSDs cool during heavy workloads.
BIOS and Software
Both motherboards have user-friendly BIOS interfaces with a wide range of settings for customization and overclocking. The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI comes with MSI’s Click BIOS 5, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus features ASUS’s UEFI BIOS.
In terms of software, the MSI motherboard comes with MSI Center, a comprehensive suite of tools for system monitoring, performance optimization, and RGB lighting control. The ASUS motherboard comes with Armoury Crate, a similar software suite that offers a wide range of features and customization options.
Price and Availability
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI is priced around $120-$140, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is slightly more expensive at around $150-$170. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online marketplaces.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Choose the MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI if:
- You need built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
- You prefer a motherboard with a more affordable price point.
- You don’t require a dedicated M.2 heatsink.
Choose the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus if:
- You want a motherboard with a slightly more powerful power delivery system.
- You need a dedicated M.2 heatsink for your NVMe SSD.
- You prefer a motherboard with more USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither of these motherboards meets your requirements, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Gigabyte B550M Aorus Pro-P: A mid-range motherboard with a similar feature set to the MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI.
- ASRock B550M Steel Legend: A budget-friendly motherboard with a solid feature set for basic builds.
- MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus: A higher-end motherboard with more advanced features, such as a 10+2+1 phase power delivery system and support for PCIe 4.0 storage.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a slightly better power delivery system, which may provide a slight advantage for overclocking.
2. Does the MSI motherboard support RGB lighting?
Yes, the MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI has RGB headers for connecting RGB lighting strips and devices.
3. Which motherboard is more durable?
Both motherboards are built to high standards and are designed to last. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a slightly more robust construction with its TUF components.
4. Can I use DDR5 memory with these motherboards?
No, both motherboards only support DDR4 memory. DDR5 is not compatible with AMD B550 chipsets.
5. Which motherboard has a better BIOS interface?
Both motherboards have user-friendly BIOS interfaces, but some users may prefer the MSI Click BIOS 5 over the ASUS UEFI BIOS.
