What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro features a 12+2 phase power delivery system, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has an 8+2 phase power delivery system.
- The B550-Pro offers a more robust power delivery system, more memory slots, and more expansion slots, making it the better choice for enthusiasts who plan to overclock or build a high-performance system.
- If you are on a tighter budget or don’t need all the extra features, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is a great choice.
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus are two highly capable motherboards designed for gamers. Both offer a robust feature set and excellent performance, but there are some key differences to consider when choosing between them. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the specifications, features, and performance of these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus are based on the AMD B550 chipset, which supports AMD‘s AM4 socket. This means that both motherboards are compatible with a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors, including the latest 3rd and 5th generation models.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system is crucial for ensuring stable and reliable performance, especially when overclocking. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro features a 12+2 phase power delivery system, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has an 8+2 phase power delivery system. The higher number of phases on the B550-Pro indicates a more robust power delivery system that can handle higher power draw.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, with speeds of up to 4400MHz (OC). However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has four memory slots, while the B550-Plus has only two. This gives the B550-Pro more flexibility for memory upgrades and configurations.
Storage Options
Both motherboards offer a similar range of storage options, including six SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots. The M.2 slots on the B550-Pro support both PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs, while the M.2 slots on the B550-Plus support only PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs.
Expansion Slots
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the B550-Plus has only one. The additional PCIe 4.0 slot on the B550-Pro can be useful for multi-GPU setups or for connecting high-bandwidth devices such as NVMe SSDs.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1. The B550-Pro has an additional 2.5Gb Ethernet port, which can provide significantly faster network speeds.
Audio and Lighting
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro features a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, while the B550-Plus has a Realtek ALC897 codec. The ALC1220 codec supports higher-quality audio output and has a wider frequency response.
Both motherboards have RGB lighting headers that allow you to connect RGB LED strips and devices. The B550-Pro has an additional addressable RGB header that provides more customization options.
BIOS and Software
Both motherboards come with the ASUS UEFI BIOS, which is known for its user-friendly interface and advanced overclocking options. The B550-Pro has a slightly more robust BIOS with additional features and settings.
ASUS also provides a range of software tools for both motherboards, including Armoury Crate, which allows you to monitor and control the system’s performance, lighting, and audio settings.
Takeaways: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro and ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus are both excellent motherboards for gamers. The B550-Pro offers a more robust power delivery system, more memory slots, and more expansion slots, making it the better choice for enthusiasts who plan to overclock or build a high-performance system. The B550-Plus is a more budget-friendly option that still offers a solid feature set and good performance.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for the best possible performance and features, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro is the way to go. If you are on a tighter budget or don’t need all the extra features, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is a great choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has a more robust power delivery system, which gives it better overclocking potential.
2. Which motherboard has more storage options?
Both motherboards have six SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots, but the M.2 slots on the B550-Pro support PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, while the B550-Plus supports only PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs.
3. Which motherboard has better audio quality?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro features a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which provides higher-quality audio output than the Realtek ALC897 codec on the B550-Plus.
4. Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has an additional addressable RGB header, which provides more RGB lighting customization options than the B550-Plus.
5. Which motherboard is better for multi-GPU setups?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Pro has two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the B550-Plus has only one. This makes the B550-Pro the better choice for multi-GPU setups.
