What to know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus features a large VRM heatsink with a dedicated fan, while the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk utilizes a smaller, passive VRM heatsink.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus features a dedicated Realtek ALC S1220A audio codec, while the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk utilizes a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec.
- However, if you are on a tighter budget and still desire a high-performance motherboard with excellent gaming features, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is an exceptional option.
In the realm of gaming motherboards, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk stand as formidable contenders. Both boasting impressive features and capabilities, these motherboards aim to empower gamers with exceptional performance and reliability. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of each motherboard, providing insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different gaming scenarios.
Chipset and Socket
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus utilizes the AMD X570 chipset, while the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk employs the AMD B550 chipset. The X570 chipset offers more PCIe lanes (40 vs. 24), allowing for greater expansion capabilities. It also supports PCIe 4.0, enabling faster data transfer speeds for NVMe SSDs and graphics cards.
Power Delivery and Cooling
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus features a robust 12+2 power phase design, delivering ample power to even the most demanding CPUs. The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk, on the other hand, utilizes an 8+2+1 power phase design, which is still capable of handling most high-end CPUs but may not offer as much headroom for extreme overclocking.
Both motherboards incorporate comprehensive cooling solutions to ensure stable operation. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus features a large VRM heatsink with a dedicated fan, while the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk utilizes a smaller, passive VRM heatsink.
Memory Support
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 4400MHz. The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk also supports 128GB of DDR4 memory but with a slightly lower maximum speed of 4266MHz. Both motherboards offer dual-channel memory configurations for enhanced performance.
Storage and Expansion
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus provides ample storage options with six SATA ports and two M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds. The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk offers a similar configuration with six SATA ports and two M.2 slots, both supporting PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds.
In terms of expansion, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus features three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, and one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot. The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk offers two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot.
Connectivity and Features
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus features a dedicated Realtek ALC S1220A audio codec, while the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk utilizes a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec.
Additionally, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus includes a variety of gaming-centric features such as the TUF LANGuard, TUF ESD Guards 2, and TUF Protection. The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk offers a similar suite of gaming-oriented features, including the MSI Mystic Light, MSI Audio Boost, and MSI Flash BIOS Button.
BIOS and Software
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk both feature user-friendly UEFI BIOS interfaces that provide extensive customization options. Both motherboards also come with dedicated software suites that allow for system monitoring, fan control, and other advanced settings.
Price and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus typically retails for around $200, while the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is slightly more affordable at around $180. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require maximum expansion capabilities, PCIe 4.0 support, and a more robust power delivery system, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus is the better choice. However, if you are on a tighter budget and still desire a high-performance motherboard with excellent gaming features, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk is an exceptional option.
Popular Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus offers a more robust power delivery system, providing better overclocking potential for high-end CPUs.
Q: Does the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk support PCIe 4.0?
A: No, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk only supports PCIe 3.0, while the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus supports both PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: Both motherboards offer decent audio quality, but the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus features a slightly better audio codec (Realtek ALC S1220A) compared to the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk’s Realtek ALC1220 codec.