Key points
- However, the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F offers a slight edge in performance and features, making it the better choice for users who demand the best possible performance.
- The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F offers a slight edge in performance and features over the MSI B550 Gaming Plus.
- The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F has a more powerful VRM, a better audio codec, and a higher price.
The MSI B550 Gaming Plus and ASUS ROG Strix B550-F are two of the most popular AMD B550 motherboards on the market. Both boards offer a wide range of features and options, making them ideal for a variety of users. However, there are some key differences between the two boards that may make one a better choice for you than the other.
Features:
MSI B550 Gaming Plus
- Supports AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors
- 4x DDR4 RAM slots (up to 128GB)
- 2x PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
- 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot
- 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot
- 2x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4)
- 6x SATA ports
- Realtek ALC892 audio codec
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
ASUS ROG Strix B550-F
- Supports AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors
- 4x DDR4 RAM slots (up to 128GB)
- 2x PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
- 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot
- 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot
- 2x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4)
- 6x SATA ports
- Realtek ALC1220 audio codec
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
Performance:
Both the MSI B550 Gaming Plus and ASUS ROG Strix B550-F offer excellent performance. They both support the latest AMD Ryzen processors and have a wide range of features to enhance performance. However, the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F has a slight edge in performance due to its use of a more powerful VRM (voltage regulator module).
Features Comparison:
| Feature | MSI B550 Gaming Plus | ASUS ROG Strix B550-F |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Chipset | B550 | B550 |
| RAM Slots | 4x DDR4 | 4x DDR4 |
| Max RAM | 128GB | 128GB |
| PCIe Slots | 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 Slots | 2x M.2 (1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4) | 2x M.2 (1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4) |
| SATA Ports | 6x SATA | 6x SATA |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC892 | Realtek ALC1220 |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Price:
The MSI B550 Gaming Plus is typically priced at around $150, while the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F is typically priced at around $200.
Key Points:
The MSI B550 Gaming Plus and ASUS ROG Strix B550-F are both excellent AMD B550 motherboards. However, the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F offers a slight edge in performance and features, making it the better choice for users who demand the best possible performance.
Choosing the Right Motherboard for You:
When choosing a motherboard, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Your budget: How much are you willing to spend on a motherboard?
- Your needs: What features are important to you? Do you need a motherboard with a lot of PCIe slots? Do you need a motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi?
- Your processor: What type of processor do you have? Make sure that the motherboard you choose is compatible with your processor.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better, the MSI B550 Gaming Plus or the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F offers a slight edge in performance and features over the MSI B550 Gaming Plus. However, the MSI B550 Gaming Plus is a more budget-friendly option.
Q: What are the key differences between the MSI B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F?
A: The key differences between the two motherboards are the VRM, the audio codec, and the price. The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F has a more powerful VRM, a better audio codec, and a higher price.
Q: Which motherboard is right for me?
A: The best motherboard for you depends on your budget, your needs, and your processor. If you are looking for the best possible performance, the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F is the better choice. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the MSI B550 Gaming Plus is a good choice.