Key points
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend both offer a wide range of features that make them ideal for gaming PCs.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slightly faster memory controller and a better VRM design, but the ASRock B550 Steel Legend is slightly less expensive.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slight edge in terms of performance, but the ASRock B550 Steel Legend is slightly less expensive.
When it comes to building a gaming PC, the motherboard is one of the most important components. It’s responsible for connecting all of the other components in your system, and it can have a big impact on your overall performance. In this blog post, we’ll be comparing two of the most popular B550 motherboards on the market: the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend. We’ll take a close look at their features, performance, and pricing to help you decide which one is right for you.
Features
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend both offer a wide range of features that make them ideal for gaming PCs. Both motherboards support AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series processors, and they both have four DDR4 memory slots that can support up to 128GB of RAM. They also both have multiple PCIe slots for graphics cards and other expansion cards.
One of the key differences between the two motherboards is their VRM design. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a 12+2 phase VRM, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend has a 10+2 phase VRM. A higher phase count VRM can provide more stable power delivery to the CPU, which can be beneficial for overclocking.
Another difference between the two motherboards is their onboard audio. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend has a Realtek ALC1200 audio codec. The ALC1220 is a slightly newer and more powerful codec, so it can provide better audio quality.
Performance
In terms of performance, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend are very similar. Both motherboards offer excellent performance for gaming and other demanding applications. However, there are a few minor differences between the two motherboards.
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slightly faster memory controller than the ASRock B550 Steel Legend. This means that the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus can support slightly faster RAM speeds. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus also has a slightly better VRM design, which can provide more stable power delivery to the CPU. This can be beneficial for overclocking.
Pricing
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend are both priced similarly. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus typically retails for around $150, while the ASRock B550 Steel Legend typically retails for around $140.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend are both excellent motherboards for gaming PCs. They offer a wide range of features, excellent performance, and competitive pricing. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slightly faster memory controller and a better VRM design, but the ASRock B550 Steel Legend is slightly less expensive.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for the best possible performance, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is the better choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, the ASRock B550 Steel Legend is a great option that still offers excellent performance.
The Verdict
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the ASRock B550 Steel Legend are both excellent motherboards for gaming PCs. They offer a wide range of features, excellent performance, and competitive pricing. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slight edge in terms of performance, but the ASRock B550 Steel Legend is slightly less expensive. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slightly better VRM design than the ASRock B550 Steel Legend.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slightly better audio codec than the ASRock B550 Steel Legend.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is better for overclocking due to its slightly better VRM design.