Essential Information
- Two of the most popular options on the market are the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk.
- Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk feature the AMD AM4 socket, which is compatible with AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors.
- If you’re on a budget or you don’t need all of the extra features, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is a great value.
When it comes to building a gaming PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two of the most popular options on the market are the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk. Both motherboards offer a wide range of features, but which one is the best choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the key differences between these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Features
Socket and Chipset
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk feature the AMD AM4 socket, which is compatible with AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors. They also both use the AMD B550 chipset, which provides support for PCIe 4.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and Wi-Fi 6.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is responsible for delivering power to the CPU. Both motherboards have a 12+2 phase VRM, which is more than enough to handle even the most power-hungry CPUs. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slightly better VRM design, with higher-quality components and a more efficient layout.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 4400MHz. However, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk has a slight edge in memory overclocking, as it supports XMP profiles up to 4800MHz.
Storage
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has six SATA ports and two M.2 slots, while the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk has four SATA ports and three M.2 slots. Both motherboards support PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, but the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk has an additional M.2 slot that supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode, which provides even faster speeds.
Expansion Slots
Both motherboards have two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus also has an additional PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, which can be used for additional expansion cards.
Rear Panel I/O
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk have similar rear panel I/O configurations, including:
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
- USB 2.0 ports
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- Audio jacks
- HDMI and DisplayPort outputs
However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has an additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and a BIOS Flashback button, which allows you to update the BIOS without a CPU installed.
Design
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a military-grade design with a black and yellow color scheme. It features a reinforced PCIe slot and a protective backplate, which adds durability and stability. The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk has a more traditional design with a black and red color scheme. It also features a reinforced PCIe slot, but it does not have a protective backplate.
Software
Both motherboards come with a suite of software tools to help you manage your system. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus comes with Armoury Crate, which allows you to control the motherboard’s lighting, fan speeds, and overclocking settings. The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk comes with MSI Center, which offers similar features, as well as a built-in game mode that optimizes the motherboard’s performance for gaming.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is priced at around $170, while the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is priced at around $180. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk are both excellent motherboards for gaming PCs. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slightly better VRM design, more expansion slots, and a more feature-rich software suite. If you’re looking for the best possible performance and features, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is the better choice.
If you’re on a budget or you don’t need all of the extra features, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is a great value. It offers similar performance to the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus, but at a lower price.
The Verdict
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk are excellent motherboards for gaming PCs. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slight edge in terms of performance and features, but the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is a better value. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slightly better VRM design, which makes it better for overclocking.
Q: Which motherboard has more expansion slots?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has more expansion slots, including an additional PCIe 3.0 x4 slot.
Q: Which motherboard has better software?
A: Both motherboards come with feature-rich software suites, but the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slightly more comprehensive suite.