What To Know
- Both the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi and the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi utilize the latest AMD B650 chipset, providing support for the full range of Ryzen 7000 series processors.
- The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6600MHz, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz.
- The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has a slight edge in terms of memory support and expansion slots, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi offers more storage options and a slightly more robust VRM configuration.
The launch of AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 series processors has sparked a fierce competition among motherboard manufacturers to provide the best platform for these powerful CPUs. Two contenders that have emerged as top contenders are the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi and the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi. Both motherboards offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and price, making them ideal choices for gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two motherboards, helping you make an informed decision for your next PC build.
Chipset
Both the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi and the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi utilize the latest AMD B650 chipset, providing support for the full range of Ryzen 7000 series processors. The B650 chipset offers a number of improvements over its predecessor, the B550, including increased PCIe 4.0 lanes, enhanced memory support, and native USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connectivity.
CPU Socket
Both motherboards feature the AM5 CPU socket, which is required for all Ryzen 7000 series processors. This socket represents a significant upgrade over the previous AM4 socket, offering increased pin count and improved memory compatibility.
VRM Configuration
The VRM (voltage regulation module) is responsible for delivering stable power to the CPU. A more robust VRM configuration can provide better overclocking potential and overall system stability.
- MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi: 16+2+1 phase VRM with 80A power stages
- ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi: 16+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has a slightly higher number of power stages and higher amperage rating, which may provide a marginal advantage in terms of VRM performance.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, which offers significantly faster speeds than DDR4. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6600MHz, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz.
Storage
- MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi: 4x SATA III ports, 3x M.2 NVMe slots (1x PCIe 5.0, 2x PCIe 4.0)
- ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi: 4x SATA III ports, 4x M.2 NVMe slots (1x PCIe 5.0, 3x PCIe 4.0)
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi offers one additional M.2 NVMe slot, providing more storage expansion options.
Expansion Slots
- MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi: 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
- ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi: 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (x8), 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4), 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi offers one additional PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has an additional PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, albeit with a reduced bandwidth.
Connectivity
- MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi:
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Intel Wi-Fi 6E
- Bluetooth 5.2
- ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi:
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Intel Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
Both motherboards offer excellent connectivity options, including high-speed wired and wireless networking. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has the advantage of supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, which provides faster speeds and lower latency.
Form Factor
Both motherboards use the ATX form factor, which is the most common size for full-size desktop computers.
Price
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is typically priced around $250, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is slightly more expensive at around $270.
Conclusion
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi and the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi are both excellent motherboards for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors. They offer a comprehensive range of features, solid performance, and reliable connectivity. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has a slight edge in terms of memory support and expansion slots, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi offers more storage options and a slightly more robust VRM configuration. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
FAQ
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has a slightly more robust VRM configuration, which may provide a marginal advantage in terms of overclocking.
Q: Which motherboard supports faster memory speeds?
A: The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi supports DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6600MHz, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi supports DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi has one additional M.2 NVMe slot, providing more storage expansion options.
Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity options?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent connectivity options, including high-speed wired and wireless networking. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has the advantage of supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is typically priced around $250, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is slightly more expensive at around $270.
