Quick summary
- The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi takes it up a notch with a 16+2 power stage design, ensuring stable and reliable operation even under heavy loads.
- While the TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi offers a solid combination of features and durability, the ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi stands out with its enhanced connectivity, power delivery, and aesthetics.
- The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi, with its enhanced connectivity and aesthetics, is a better choice for a gaming build.
In the realm of PC building, motherboards serve as the backbone, connecting all components and enabling seamless communication. When it comes to the latest AMD AM5 platform, two prominent contenders emerge: the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi. Both boards offer exceptional features, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Form Factor and Aesthetics
The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi sports the standard ATX form factor, providing ample space for expansion. Its military-grade design incorporates a black and gray color scheme, exuding durability and a rugged aesthetic. In contrast, the ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi adopts a compact EATX form factor, allowing for more flexibility in smaller cases. Its striking black and red design evokes a sense of speed and aggression, catering to enthusiasts seeking a vibrant aesthetic.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards feature the latest AMD B650 chipset, offering support for the new generation of Ryzen 7000 series processors. The B650 chipset provides PCIe 5.0 connectivity, enabling lightning-fast data transfer speeds. The boards also boast the AM5 socket, ensuring compatibility with future Ryzen processors.
Memory and Storage
The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory across four DIMM slots, with speeds up to 6400MHz. The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi offers similar capabilities, supporting up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds of up to 6600MHz. Both motherboards feature four M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, providing ample storage options and blazing-fast performance.
Connectivity and Expansion
The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port for wired networking. The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi goes a step further, boasting Wi-Fi 6E and a 10Gb Ethernet port, providing even faster network speeds for demanding applications. Both boards feature multiple PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 expansion slots, allowing for the installation of high-performance graphics cards, storage devices, and other peripherals.
Power Delivery and Cooling
The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi employs a 12+2 power stage design, delivering ample power to the Ryzen 7000 series processors. The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi takes it up a notch with a 16+2 power stage design, ensuring stable and reliable operation even under heavy loads. Both motherboards incorporate robust heatsinks and thermal pads to effectively dissipate heat from the power delivery system and chipset, maintaining optimal performance.
BIOS and Software
The TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi come equipped with user-friendly BIOS interfaces, providing intuitive overclocking and system configuration options. ASUS also offers a suite of software utilities, including Armoury Crate, which provides comprehensive control over system performance, lighting, and fan profiles.
Key Points: The Verdict
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and ASUS ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi are both exceptional motherboards for the AMD AM5 platform. While the TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi offers a solid combination of features and durability, the ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi stands out with its enhanced connectivity, power delivery, and aesthetics. Ultimately, the choice between these two boards depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi offers a more robust power delivery system, making it the better choice for overclocking.
Q: Does the TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi support PCIe 5.0?
A: Yes, both the TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi support PCIe 5.0 connectivity.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: Both motherboards feature four M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs.
Q: Does the ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
A: Yes, the ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi comes with built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
Q: Which motherboard is more suitable for a gaming build?
A: The ROG Strix B650-A Gaming WiFi, with its enhanced connectivity and aesthetics, is a better choice for a gaming build.