Summary
- The MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi has a slight edge in the networking department, as it comes equipped with Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200, providing faster wireless speeds and improved connectivity.
- When it comes to value, the MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi has a slight edge, as it offers a comparable feature set to the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus at a slightly lower price.
- If you’re willing to pay a bit more for a more robust VRM design and prefer the TUF Gaming aesthetic, the ASUS board is worth considering.
In the realm of budget-friendly B550 motherboards, two contenders stand out: the MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus. Both offer a compelling blend of features and performance at an affordable price point, making them ideal for budget-conscious PC builders. But which one is the better choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi against the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus, examining their key features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Head-to-Head Specifications Comparison
| Feature | MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi | ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus |
| — | — | — |
| Form Factor | mATX | mATX |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Chipset | AMD B550 | AMD B550 |
| Memory Support | Up to 128GB DDR4 | Up to 128GB DDR4 |
| Maximum Memory Speed | 4600MHz (OC) | 4600MHz (OC) |
| Storage | 2x M.2 slots, 6x SATA ports | 2x M.2 slots, 6x SATA ports |
| Expansion Slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Rear Panel I/O | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x Gigabit LAN, 1x PS/2, 3x Audio Jacks | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x Gigabit LAN, 1x PS/2, 3x Audio Jacks |
| Networking | Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 | Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit LAN, Realtek Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac |
| Audio | Realtek ALC892 | Realtek ALC887 |
| Price | Approximately $120 | Approximately $130 |
Design and Build Quality
Both the MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus adopt a micro ATX form factor, making them suitable for compact PC builds. The MSI board features a sleek black PCB with silver accents, while the ASUS board sports a military-inspired camouflage design. Both motherboards have a solid build quality, with sturdy construction and high-quality components.
Features and Connectivity
In terms of features, the MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus offer a similar set of options. Both boards support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, with maximum speeds of 4600MHz (OC). They also provide ample storage options, with two M.2 slots and six SATA ports.
For expansion, both motherboards offer a single PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4), and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The rear panel I/O is also comparable, with both boards featuring a mix of USB ports, video outputs, and audio jacks.
Networking and Audio
The MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi has a slight edge in the networking department, as it comes equipped with Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200, providing faster wireless speeds and improved connectivity. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus, on the other hand, relies on Realtek Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac, which is still capable but not as advanced as Wi-Fi 6.
For audio, both motherboards utilize Realtek audio codecs, with the MSI board featuring the ALC892 and the ASUS board using the ALC887. Both codecs offer solid audio performance, suitable for casual gaming and multimedia use.
Performance and Overclocking
In terms of performance, both the MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus deliver solid results. They provide stable and reliable operation, handling everyday tasks and gaming without any issues. Overclocking capabilities are also similar, with both boards allowing for memory overclocking and some limited CPU overclocking.
Value and Conclusion
When it comes to value, the MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi has a slight edge, as it offers a comparable feature set to the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus at a slightly lower price. However, the ASUS board has a more robust VRM design, which may be beneficial for users who plan on pushing their CPUs to the limits.
Ultimately, the decision between the MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly B550 motherboard with solid performance and features, the MSI board is a great choice. If you’re willing to pay a bit more for a more robust VRM design and prefer the TUF Gaming aesthetic, the ASUS board is worth considering.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a more robust VRM design and better VRM cooling compared to the MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi.
Q: Does either motherboard support PCIe 4.0 storage?
A: Yes, both the MSI B550M Pro-VDH Wifi and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus support PCIe 4.0 storage via the primary M.2 slot.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: Both motherboards use Realtek audio codecs, with the MSI board featuring the ALC892 and the ASUS board using the ALC887. Both codecs offer solid audio performance, but the ALC892 is generally considered to be slightly better.