Summary
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus are both based on the AMD B550 chipset, which supports AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E offers a slightly more affordable option with a similar feature set to the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus.
- If you’re looking for a durable and reliable motherboard with a solid feature set at an affordable price, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E is a great choice.
The world of PC gaming is constantly evolving, with new hardware and components being released all the time. In the realm of motherboards, ASUS has established itself as a leading manufacturer, offering a wide range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Two of their most popular models in the mid-range segment are the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus. In this blog post, we will compare these two motherboards in detail, highlighting their similarities, differences, and which one might be the best choice for you.
Form Factor and Design
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus share the same micro-ATX form factor, making them suitable for compact and mid-tower builds. They feature a durable and robust design with black and yellow accents that align with the TUF Gaming aesthetic.
Chipset and Socket
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus are both based on the AMD B550 chipset, which supports AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors. This chipset offers a range of features, including support for PCIe 4.0, dual-channel memory, and advanced overclocking capabilities.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support dual-channel memory with a maximum capacity of 128GB. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E supports memory speeds up to DDR4-4800MHz, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus supports speeds up to DDR4-5100MHz.
Storage Options
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E offers four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x4). The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has the same SATA III ports but only one M.2 slot (PCIe 4.0 x4).
Expansion Slots
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E features two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots (one running at x16 mode and the other at x4 mode), while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has only one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. Both motherboards also include one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including:
- Gigabit LAN
- Wi-Fi 6 (ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus only)
- Bluetooth 5.0
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
- USB 2.0 ports
Audio
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus both feature a Realtek ALC897 audio codec, providing high-quality audio performance.
RGB Lighting
Both motherboards support RGB lighting and are compatible with the ASUS Aura Sync ecosystem. This allows you to customize your lighting effects and synchronize them with other ASUS components.
BIOS and Overclocking
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus both offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with a range of overclocking options. They support XMP profiles for easy memory overclocking and provide manual voltage control for advanced users.
Which One Should You Choose?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus are both excellent motherboards for mid-range gaming builds. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E offers a slightly more affordable option with a similar feature set to the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus. However, if you need Wi-Fi 6 connectivity or prefer a motherboard with a higher memory speed limit, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is the better choice.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a durable and reliable motherboard with a solid feature set at an affordable price, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E is a great choice. If you need Wi-Fi 6, a higher memory speed limit, and a more advanced feature set, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is the better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key differences between the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus?
The key differences are:
- Wi-Fi 6 connectivity (B550M-Plus only)
- Higher memory speed limit (B550M-Plus)
- Fewer M.2 slots (B550M-Plus)
2. Which motherboard is better for gaming?
Both motherboards are suitable for gaming, but the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a slight edge due to its higher memory speed limit.
3. Which motherboard is more affordable?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-E is slightly more affordable than the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus.