Highlights
- The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming, on the other hand, boasts a rugged and durable design with a military-grade certification.
- The ASRock Steel Legend features the ASRock Polychrome RGB software for controlling RGB lighting, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming comes with the ASUS Aura Sync software for the same purpose.
- However, if you are on a tighter budget or prefer a more compact design, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is a solid option that provides excellent value for money.
In the realm of PC building, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. For budget-conscious builders, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend and ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming offer compelling options. Both motherboards are based on AMD’s B450 chipset, providing a solid foundation for building a reliable and efficient system. However, they differ in several key aspects, making it essential to determine which one is the better choice for your specific needs.
Feature Comparison
Form Factor and Design
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend and ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming both feature a micro-ATX form factor, making them suitable for smaller builds. The ASRock Steel Legend has a sleek, industrial design with a black and silver color scheme. The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming, on the other hand, boasts a rugged and durable design with a military-grade certification.
CPU Support
Both motherboards support AMD‘s Ryzen processors, including the latest 3rd generation models. However, the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming offers slightly better overclocking potential due to its enhanced power delivery system.
Memory Support
The ASRock Steel Legend and ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming both support up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, with speeds up to 3200MHz. However, the ASUS motherboard offers more flexibility with its support for XMP 2.0 profiles, allowing for easier overclocking of memory modules.
Storage Options
The ASRock Steel Legend features six SATA III ports and one M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs. The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming has four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, providing more options for storage expansion.
Expansion Slots
The ASRock Steel Legend has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. Both motherboards offer ample expansion options for graphics cards, sound cards, and other peripherals.
Connectivity
The ASRock Steel Legend and ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming provide a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports, and audio jacks. The ASUS motherboard has a slight edge with its inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 support.
BIOS and Software
Both motherboards come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide extensive customization and overclocking options. The ASRock Steel Legend features the ASRock Polychrome RGB software for controlling RGB lighting, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming comes with the ASUS Aura Sync software for the same purpose.
Price and Availability
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend is typically priced around $100, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming is slightly more expensive at around $120. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers.
Key Points: The Best Choice for You
Choosing between the ASRock B450M Steel Legend and ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize durability, overclocking potential, and storage options, the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming is the better choice. However, if you are on a tighter budget or prefer a more compact design, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is a solid option that provides excellent value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking support?
A: The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming has slightly better overclocking potential due to its enhanced power delivery system.
Q: Which motherboard offers more storage options?
A: The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming has two M.2 slots, providing more options for storage expansion.
Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity options?
A: The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming has Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 support, providing more connectivity options.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are suitable for gaming, but the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming may provide a slight advantage due to its better overclocking capabilities.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The ASRock B450M Steel Legend is typically priced around $100, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming is slightly more expensive at around $120.