Asus rog strix b650e-e vs f: clash of the titans

The Asus ROG Strix B650E-E and B650E-F are two high-end motherboards from Asus designed for AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 series processors. With a plethora of features and cutting-edge technologies, both motherboards offer exceptional performance and customization options. But which one is the right choice for your gaming or workstation setup? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Asus ROG Strix B650E-E and F to help you make an informed decision.

Chipset and Features

The Asus ROG Strix B650E-E and B650E-F are both based on the AMD B650E chipset, which supports all Ryzen 7000 series processors. The B650E-E, however, offers a few additional features over the B650E-F, including:

• PCIe 5.0 Slot: The B650E-E features an additional PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, providing greater bandwidth for graphics cards and other PCIe devices.
• USB 4.0 Ports: The B650E-E has two USB 4.0 ports, while the B650E-F only has one. USB 4.0 offers faster data transfer speeds and support for external displays.
• 10GbE LAN: The B650E-E comes with a built-in 10GbE LAN port, providing ultra-fast wired network connectivity.

VRM and Power Delivery

Both the B650E-E and B650E-F feature robust VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) designs to ensure stable power delivery to the CPU. The B650E-E, however, has a slight edge in this area:

• 16+2 Power Stages: The B650E-E utilizes a 16+2 power stage VRM, while the B650E-F has a 14+2 power stage VRM. More power stages typically translate to better voltage regulation and lower operating temperatures under heavy loads.

Cooling

The Asus ROG Strix B650E-E and B650E-F both employ comprehensive cooling solutions to keep the motherboard and components running at optimal temperatures:

• VRM Heatsink: Both motherboards feature large VRM heatsinks with integrated heat pipes to dissipate heat from the power delivery components.
• M.2 Heatsinks: The B650E-E comes with dedicated heatsinks for both M.2 slots, preventing thermal throttling of high-performance NVMe SSDs.

Expansion Slots

When it comes to expansion slots, the Asus ROG Strix B650E-E offers a more versatile configuration:

• PCIe 5.0 x16 Slots: Both motherboards have two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, but the B650E-E supports CrossFireX multi-GPU setups, while the B650E-F does not.
• PCIe 4.0 Slots: The B650E-E has three PCIe 4.0 x1 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, while the B650E-F has two PCIe 4.0 x1 slots and two PCIe 4.0 x4 slots.

Connectivity

Both the Asus ROG Strix B650E-E and B650E-F provide a wide range of connectivity options:

• Wi-Fi 6E: Both motherboards support Wi-Fi 6E, offering high-speed wireless connectivity with reduced latency.
• Bluetooth 5.2: Both motherboards have built-in Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connections to peripherals and devices.
• USB Ports: The B650E-E has a total of 10 USB ports, including two USB 4.0 ports, six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. The B650E-F has eight USB ports, including one USB 4.0 port, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and three USB 2.0 ports.

Aesthetics and Customization

The Asus ROG Strix B650E-E and B650E-F both feature a bold and stylish design with RGB lighting:

• Aura Sync RGB: Both motherboards support Asus’s Aura Sync RGB lighting technology, allowing you to customize the lighting effects across compatible components.
• Onboard RGB LEDs: The B650E-E has additional onboard RGB LEDs that can be controlled through the Asus Armoury Crate software.

Price and Availability

The Asus ROG Strix B650E-E typically retails for around $350, while the B650E-F costs approximately $280. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.

Final Verdict: Which One to Choose?

The Asus ROG Strix B650E-E and B650E-F are both excellent motherboards that offer a compelling combination of features and performance. For those who prioritize maximum expansion options, additional USB 4.0 ports, and 10GbE LAN, the B650E-E is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t require those specific features, the B650E-F still provides a solid foundation for a high-performance PC build.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: Both motherboards have robust VRM designs and cooling solutions, but the B650E-E may have a slight edge due to its additional power stages.

Q: Can I use both M.2 slots with NVMe SSDs on the B650E-F?
A: Yes, both M.2 slots on the B650E-F support NVMe SSDs, but only one has a dedicated heatsink.

Q: Does the B650E-E support DDR5 memory?
A: Yes, both the B650E-E and B650E-F support DDR5 memory up to 6400MHz.

Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are well-suited for gaming, but the B650E-E may offer slightly better performance due to its additional PCIe 5.0 slot for graphics cards.

Q: Does the B650E-F have Wi-Fi 6E?
A: Yes, both the B650E-E and B650E-F support Wi-Fi 6E.