What to know
- The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 features a striking black and gray color scheme with angular accents, while the Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 sports a more understated black and white design.
- The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 offers four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum memory capacity of 128GB, while the Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 has two DIMM slots, supporting up to 64GB of memory.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 come with a range of additional features and software to enhance the user experience.
In the realm of PC building, choosing the right motherboard is a crucial decision that can make or break your gaming experience. When it comes to budget-friendly options, the ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 stand out as top contenders. Both motherboards offer a solid foundation for building a powerful gaming PC, but which one comes out on top? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Form Factor and Design: Compact and Durable
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 share a compact Micro-ATX form factor, making them ideal for smaller builds or cases with limited space. The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 features a striking black and gray color scheme with angular accents, while the Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 sports a more understated black and white design. Both motherboards boast durable construction, with the TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 featuring a reinforced PCB and military-grade components for enhanced durability.
Socket and Chipset: The Foundation of Your Build
At the heart of these motherboards lies the Intel B660 chipset, providing support for 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors. This chipset offers a wide range of features, including support for PCIe 4.0, high-speed memory, and fast storage options. Both motherboards feature an LGA 1700 socket, allowing for easy CPU upgrades within the supported generations.
Memory and Storage: Speed and Capacity
When it comes to memory, both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory with speeds up to 5333MHz (overclocked). The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 offers four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum memory capacity of 128GB, while the Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 has two DIMM slots, supporting up to 64GB of memory. For storage, both motherboards provide multiple SATA ports for traditional hard drives and solid-state drives, as well as M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs.
Expansion Slots and Connectivity: Versatility and Connectivity
In terms of expansion slots, the TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 offers two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. This configuration allows for flexible graphics card configurations and the addition of other expansion cards. The Prime B660M-A WiFi D4, on the other hand, has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Both motherboards come equipped with built-in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections.
Power Delivery and Cooling: Stability and Performance
The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 boasts a robust 12+1+1 phase power delivery system, while the Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 features a 10+1+1 phase power delivery system. These power delivery systems provide stable and efficient power to the CPU, ensuring reliable performance even under demanding workloads. Both motherboards also feature VRM heatsinks to dissipate heat and maintain optimal temperatures.
Additional Features and Software: Enhancing the Experience
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 come with a range of additional features and software to enhance the user experience. The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 includes features like Aura Sync RGB lighting, a pre-mounted I/O shield, and a dedicated BIOS Flashback button for easy BIOS updates. The Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 offers features like Fan Xpert 4 for advanced fan control and Armoury Crate software for centralized control of system settings and RGB lighting.
Pricing and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 typically retails for around $160, while the ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 is slightly more affordable at around $140. When considering the overall value proposition, the TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 offers a compelling package with its robust power delivery, additional features, and durable construction. However, the Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 remains a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option with essential features and reliable performance.
The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
Ultimately, the choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 and ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize durability, additional features, and robust power delivery, the TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 is the clear winner. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with essential features and reliable performance, the Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 is a great choice. Both motherboards offer a solid foundation for building a powerful gaming PC, and the final decision should be based on your individual requirements and preferences.
Popular Questions
1. Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 generally offers better overclocking potential due to its robust power delivery system and additional cooling features.
2. Q: Can I use both M.2 slots simultaneously on these motherboards?
A: Yes, both motherboards support the simultaneous use of both M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs.
3. Q: Does either motherboard support Thunderbolt 4 connectivity?
A: No, neither the ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 nor the ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 supports Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.