Summary
- Both the ASUS TUF B450M Pro II and ASRock B450M Steel Legend utilize the AMD B450 chipset, providing support for AMD Ryzen processors up to the 3rd generation.
- The ASUS TUF B450M Pro II sports a rugged military-grade aesthetic, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend features a more understated black and silver design.
- The ASUS TUF B450M Pro II and ASRock B450M Steel Legend are both excellent micro ATX motherboards that offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and value.
When building a compact and budget-friendly PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two contenders in the micro ATX segment that stand out are the ASUS TUF B450M Pro II and the ASRock B450M Steel Legend. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key features, specifications, and performance aspects of these two motherboards to determine which one reigns supreme.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF B450M Pro II and ASRock B450M Steel Legend utilize the AMD B450 chipset, providing support for AMD Ryzen processors up to the 3rd generation. This chipset offers a balanced mix of features and affordability, making it a popular choice for mainstream builds.
Form Factor and Design
As micro ATX motherboards, both the ASUS TUF B450M Pro II and ASRock B450M Steel Legend are compact and designed for smaller form factor builds. The ASUS TUF B450M Pro II sports a rugged military-grade aesthetic, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend features a more understated black and silver design.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory with speeds up to 3200MHz. The ASUS TUF B450M Pro II offers two DIMM slots, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend provides four DIMM slots, allowing for greater memory expansion capabilities.
Storage Options
The ASUS TUF B450M Pro II provides two M.2 slots, one of which supports NVMe and the other SATA. It also offers four SATA ports for additional storage devices. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend features two M.2 slots, both of which support NVMe, and four SATA ports.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. The ASUS TUF B450M Pro II includes an Intel Gigabit Ethernet port, two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend provides an Intel Gigabit Ethernet port, two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, four USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and one USB 2.0 port.
BIOS and Overclocking
The ASUS TUF B450M Pro II and ASRock B450M Steel Legend both offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with overclocking capabilities. The ASUS TUF B450M Pro II features the UEFI BIOS, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend utilizes the ASRock UEFI BIOS.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ASUS TUF B450M Pro II | ASRock B450M Steel Legend |
| — | — | — |
| Chipset | AMD B450 | AMD B450 |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Form Factor | micro ATX | micro ATX |
| Memory Support | Dual-channel DDR4 up to 3200MHz | Dual-channel DDR4 up to 3200MHz |
| DIMM Slots | 2 | 4 |
| Storage Options | 2x M.2 slots (1x NVMe, 1x SATA), 4x SATA ports | 2x M.2 slots (both NVMe), 4x SATA ports |
| Connectivity | 1x Intel Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0 | 1x Intel Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1, 1x USB 2.0 |
| BIOS | UEFI BIOS | ASRock UEFI BIOS |
| Overclocking | Supported | Supported |
Performance and Benchmarks
In terms of performance, both the ASUS TUF B450M Pro II and ASRock B450M Steel Legend deliver solid results. They provide stable and reliable operation with AMD Ryzen processors, enabling users to achieve good performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS TUF B450M Pro II and ASRock B450M Steel Legend are both widely available with similar pricing. The ASUS TUF B450M Pro II typically retails for around $100, while the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is slightly more expensive at around $110.
The Bottom Line: The Best Choice for Your Build
The ASUS TUF B450M Pro II and ASRock B450M Steel Legend are both excellent micro ATX motherboards that offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. However, the best choice for your specific build depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize durability and a military-grade aesthetic, the ASUS TUF B450M Pro II is a solid choice. Its rugged design and reliable performance make it a great option for users who demand the best.
On the other hand, if you value memory expansion capabilities and additional M.2 storage options, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is a better choice. Its four DIMM slots and dual NVMe M.2 slots provide greater flexibility and future-proofing for your build.
Ultimately, both the ASUS TUF B450M Pro II and ASRock B450M Steel Legend are outstanding motherboards that will serve you well in a compact and budget-friendly PC build.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer good overclocking capabilities, but the ASUS TUF B450M Pro II may have a slight edge due to its more robust VRM design.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The ASRock B450M Steel Legend features the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which provides slightly better audio quality than the Realtek ALC887 codec used on the ASUS TUF B450M Pro II.
Q: Which motherboard has better overall value for money?
A: The ASUS TUF B450M Pro II offers a great balance of features and performance for its price, making it a better value for money option compared to the ASRock B450M Steel Legend.