What To Know
- Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 are based on Intel’s B660 chipset.
- The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 features a distinctive military-grade aesthetic with a black and gray color scheme, while the Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 has a more understated black and silver design.
- The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 has four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum memory speed of 5333MHz (OC), while the Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 has two DIMM slots with a maximum speed of 4800MHz (OC).
When building a budget-friendly gaming PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two excellent options to consider are the ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4. Both motherboards offer a solid foundation for your system, but they have subtle differences that may influence your decision. 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 choice.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 are based on Intel’s B660 chipset. This chipset supports Intel’s 12th and 13th generation Core processors (LGA 1700 socket). It provides essential features such as PCIe 4.0 connectivity, memory overclocking, and integrated Wi-Fi.
Form Factor and Design
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 share the same micro-ATX (mATX) form factor. This compact size makes them suitable for smaller builds or systems with limited space. The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 features a distinctive military-grade aesthetic with a black and gray color scheme, while the Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 has a more understated black and silver design.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory with a maximum capacity of 128GB. The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 has four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum memory speed of 5333MHz (OC), while the Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 has two DIMM slots with a maximum speed of 4800MHz (OC).
Storage Options
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 offers a wider range of storage options compared to the Prime B660M-A WiFi D4. It features four SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x4). The Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 has two SATA 6Gb/s ports and only one M.2 slot (PCIe 4.0 x4).
Expansion Slots
Both motherboards provide essential expansion slots for graphics cards, storage devices, and other peripherals. The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4 electrical), and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
Connectivity
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 both come equipped with Wi-Fi 6, providing fast and reliable wireless connectivity. The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 also includes Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless peripherals. Both motherboards have a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired network connections.
BIOS and Overclocking
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 feature user-friendly BIOS interfaces that allow for easy customization and overclocking. The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 offers more advanced overclocking options, including voltage control and memory tuning.
Value for Money
When comparing the value for money, both motherboards offer a solid foundation for a budget-friendly gaming PC. The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 has a slightly higher price point due to its additional features, such as more memory slots, storage options, and overclocking capabilities. The ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 is a more affordable option for those looking for a basic and reliable motherboard.
Final Note
The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 and the ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 are both excellent choices for budget-friendly LGA 1700 builds. The TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 offers a more comprehensive feature set, including additional memory slots, storage options, and overclocking capabilities. The Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 is a more affordable option for those seeking a basic and reliable motherboard. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which motherboard has more memory slots?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 has four DIMM slots, while the ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 has two DIMM slots.
Q: Which motherboard supports faster memory speeds?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 supports memory speeds up to 5333MHz (OC), while the ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 supports speeds up to 4800MHz (OC).
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B660M-Plus WiFi D4 has four SATA ports and two M.2 slots, while the ASUS Prime B660M-A WiFi D4 has two SATA ports and one M.2 slot.
