What To Know
- Both the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F are based on the AMD B550 chipset, which supports the latest Ryzen 5000 series processors.
- When it comes to connectivity, the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F offer a wide range of options.
- The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F has a more aggressive design with a black and red theme and customizable RGB lighting on the I/O cover, chipset heatsink, and M.
When building a budget-friendly gaming PC, the motherboard is a crucial component that can significantly impact your system’s performance and features. In the realm of B550 motherboards, two standout options are the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F. Both boards offer an excellent blend of features and affordability, but which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Features
Both the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F are based on the AMD B550 chipset, which supports the latest Ryzen 5000 series processors. However, there are some subtle differences in their feature sets.
The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus comes with four DDR4 DIMM slots, supporting up to 128GB of RAM with speeds of up to 4400MHz (OC). It also features two M.2 slots, one with PCIe 4.0 x4 support and the other with PCIe 3.0 x4 support. Additionally, the board includes four SATA ports for traditional storage options.
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F offers similar connectivity options with four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of RAM at speeds of up to 4600MHz (OC). However, it has a slight edge in storage options with three M.2 slots, all supporting PCIe 4.0 x4. It also comes with six SATA ports for additional storage expansion.
Connectivity and I/O
When it comes to connectivity, the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F offer a wide range of options. Both boards feature a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, ensuring fast and reliable network connectivity. They also include Wi-Fi 6 support for wireless connectivity, although the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F comes with a more advanced Intel Wi-Fi 6E module.
In terms of rear panel I/O, the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus has a slightly more extensive selection. It includes two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, and two USB 2.0 ports. The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F has a similar selection but lacks one of the USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports.
Expansion Options
For gamers and enthusiasts who need additional expansion options, the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F provide ample flexibility. Both boards feature two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, allowing for multi-GPU configurations. Additionally, they have one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for other expansion cards.
Power Delivery and Cooling
The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F are both equipped with robust power delivery systems to handle the power demands of high-end Ryzen CPUs. The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus features a 12+2+1 phase VRM, while the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F has a 14+2 phase VRM.
In terms of cooling, the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus comes with a basic heatsink on the VRM and chipset. The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F, on the other hand, features a more elaborate heatsink design with a larger surface area and additional heat pipes.
Aesthetics and Lighting
For users who prioritize aesthetics, both the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F offer stylish designs with customizable RGB lighting. The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus has a sleek black and silver theme with customizable RGB lighting on the I/O cover and chipset heatsink. The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F has a more aggressive design with a black and red theme and customizable RGB lighting on the I/O cover, chipset heatsink, and M.2 heatsinks.
Price and Availability
The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F are priced competitively in the budget-friendly segment. The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus typically retails for around $150, while the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F is slightly more expensive at around $170. Both boards are widely available from major online retailers.
Verdict: Which Motherboard is Right for You?
Choosing between the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a solid motherboard with a good balance of features and affordability, the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus is an excellent choice. It offers essential connectivity options, a capable power delivery system, and customizable RGB lighting at a budget-friendly price.
However, if you want a motherboard with more advanced features, such as additional M.2 slots, a more robust power delivery system, and a more elaborate heatsink design, the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F is worth considering. It comes with a premium feature set and a more aggressive aesthetic, but it also commands a slightly higher price.
Regardless of which motherboard you choose, both the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F provide a solid foundation for building a budget-friendly and capable gaming PC.
Questions You May Have
Q1: Which motherboard has better RAM support?
A1: The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F supports slightly faster RAM speeds (up to 4600MHz) compared to the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus (up to 4400MHz).
Q2: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A2: The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F has a slight advantage with three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots and six SATA ports compared to the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus’s two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 x4, one PCIe 3.0 x4) and four SATA ports.
Q3: Which motherboard has a better power delivery system?
A3: The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F has a more robust power delivery system with a 14+2 phase VRM compared to the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus’s 12+2+1 phase VRM.
