Highlights
- The ASUS TUF B550M is an ATX-sized motherboard, while the MSI B550M Mortar is a Micro-ATX motherboard.
- However, the ASUS TUF B550M has a slight edge over the MSI B550M Mortar in terms of overclocking potential and connectivity options.
- However, if you prefer a more compact form factor or a lower price point, then the MSI B550M Mortar is a solid option.
When building a high-performance PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. The ASUS TUF B550M and MSI B550M Mortar are two highly regarded options in the B550 chipset category. Both motherboards offer an impressive feature set and excellent performance, but which one is the better choice for your next build? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the ASUS TUF B550M and MSI B550M Mortar, helping you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF B550M and MSI B550M Mortar are based on AMD’s B550 chipset, which supports the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors. This chipset provides a solid foundation for high-end gaming and content creation systems.
Form Factor and Design
The ASUS TUF B550M is an ATX-sized motherboard, while the MSI B550M Mortar is a Micro-ATX motherboard. The ATX form factor offers more expansion options, but the Micro-ATX form factor is more compact and suitable for smaller builds.
In terms of design, the ASUS TUF B550M features a military-grade aesthetic with a black and yellow color scheme. The MSI B550M Mortar, on the other hand, has a more understated design with a black and gray color scheme.
Features
ASUS TUF B550M
- 12+2 power stages
- Realtek ALC1200 audio codec
- Intel Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- BIOS Flashback button
MSI B550M Mortar
- 10+2+1 power stages
- Realtek ALC4080 audio codec
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port
- Mystic Light RGB lighting
Performance
Both the ASUS TUF B550M and MSI B550M Mortar offer excellent performance for gaming and content creation. They both support high-speed memory and provide ample expansion options for graphics cards and storage drives.
In terms of overclocking, the ASUS TUF B550M has a slight edge over the MSI B550M Mortar. However, the difference in overclocking potential is negligible for most users.
Connectivity
The ASUS TUF B550M offers a wide range of connectivity options, including 2.5Gb Ethernet, Intel Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1. The MSI B550M Mortar also has 2.5Gb Ethernet, but it lacks Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Price
The ASUS TUF B550M typically retails for around $150, while the MSI B550M Mortar is slightly more expensive at around $160. Both motherboards offer excellent value for their price ranges.
In a nutshell: Deciding the Victor
The ASUS TUF B550M and MSI B550M Mortar are both excellent motherboards that offer a great balance of features, performance, and price. However, the ASUS TUF B550M has a slight edge over the MSI B550M Mortar in terms of overclocking potential and connectivity options. If these features are important to you, then the ASUS TUF B550M is the better choice. However, if you prefer a more compact form factor or a lower price point, then the MSI B550M Mortar is a solid option.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The ASUS TUF B550M has a better audio codec (Realtek ALC1200) than the MSI B550M Mortar (Realtek ALC4080).
Q: Does the MSI B550M Mortar support USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C?
A: Yes, the MSI B550M Mortar has a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port.
Q: Which motherboard has more expansion slots?
A: The ASUS TUF B550M has more expansion slots than the MSI B550M Mortar.