Highlights
- The TUF Gaming series is known for its durability, and both motherboards feature military-grade components and a reinforced PCB.
- If you prioritize the latest WiFi 6 connectivity, the WiFi II variant is the better choice.
- However, if you are on a budget or don’t need the latest WiFi standard, the original WiFi model is still a solid option.
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus motherboard series has long been a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers and enthusiasts. With the introduction of the WiFi II variant, it’s time to pit these two boards against each other to see how they stack up.
Connectivity
WiFi
The key difference between the B550-Plus WiFi and WiFi II is the wireless connectivity. The WiFi II variant boasts the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard, offering faster speeds and improved range compared to the WiFi 5 (802.11ac) on the original WiFi model.
Ethernet
Both motherboards feature a single Gigabit Ethernet port, providing a stable and reliable wired connection.
Expansion Slots
PCIe
Both motherboards offer a single PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for the primary graphics card. Additionally, they have two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (x4 electrical) and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for expansion.
M.2
Both motherboards have two M.2 slots, one supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 and the other supporting PCIe 3.0 x4. This allows for fast NVMe SSD storage options.
Audio
Both motherboards feature the Realtek ALC897 audio codec, providing decent audio quality for gaming and entertainment.
BIOS
Both motherboards use the ASUS UEFI BIOS, which is user-friendly and offers a wide range of customization options.
RGB Lighting
Both motherboards have RGB headers for connecting addressable RGB devices, allowing for customizable lighting effects.
Durability
The TUF Gaming series is known for its durability, and both motherboards feature military-grade components and a reinforced PCB.
Performance
In terms of performance, both motherboards offer similar levels of performance for gaming and general use. The WiFi II variant may have a slight edge due to its improved WiFi connectivity.
Overclocking
Both motherboards support overclocking, but the WiFi II variant may have a slight advantage due to its improved power delivery system.
Price
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus WiFi is typically priced around $150, while the WiFi II variant is priced around $170.
In a nutshell
The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus WiFi and WiFi II depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize the latest WiFi 6 connectivity, the WiFi II variant is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget or don’t need the latest WiFi standard, the original WiFi model is still a solid option.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which motherboard has better WiFi connectivity?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus WiFi II has WiFi 6 connectivity, while the original WiFi model has WiFi 5.
Q: Do both motherboards support PCIe 4.0?
A: Yes, both motherboards have a single PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for the primary graphics card.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: Both motherboards have two M.2 slots.
Q: Do both motherboards have RGB headers?
A: Yes, both motherboards have RGB headers for connecting addressable RGB devices.
Q: Which motherboard is more durable?
A: Both motherboards feature military-grade components and a reinforced PCB for durability.