Quick summary
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a more aggressive look with a black and yellow color scheme and a large TUF logo on the I/O panel.
- If you’re looking for a motherboard with integrated Wi-Fi 6 and a sleek design, the MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi is a great choice.
- The MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi is a great choice for users who prioritize Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and aesthetics, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is better suited for overclocking enthusiasts and those who want a more comprehensive software experience.
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi and ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus are two highly regarded micro-ATX motherboards designed for AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series processors. Both offer a solid foundation for gaming, content creation, and daily computing, but they also have some key differences. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the specifications, features, and performance of these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.
Specifications
Feature | MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi | ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus |
— | — | — |
Socket | AMD AM4 | AMD AM4 |
Chipset | AMD B550 | AMD B550 |
Form Factor | micro-ATX | micro-ATX |
Memory | 4x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB | 4x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB |
Storage | 2x M.2 NVMe slots, 4x SATA III ports | 2x M.2 NVMe slots, 4x SATA III ports |
PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
USB Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4x USB 2.0 | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4x USB 2.0 |
Audio | Realtek ALC892 | Realtek ALC897 |
Networking | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200, Gigabit Ethernet | Realtek RTL8125 Gigabit Ethernet |
Features
MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6 AX200: Integrated Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for fast and reliable wireless networking.
- EZ Debug LEDs: Diagnostic LEDs to help troubleshoot boot and system issues.
- Click BIOS 5: User-friendly BIOS interface with advanced overclocking and customization options.
ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus
- TUF Protection: Military-grade components for enhanced durability and reliability.
- ProCool Power Connector: Reinforced power connector for stable power delivery.
- Armory Crate: Comprehensive software suite for controlling motherboard settings, lighting, and more.
Performance
In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver solid results. They support AMD‘s latest Ryzen 5000 series processors and offer ample memory and storage options. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a slight edge in overclocking capabilities due to its enhanced power delivery system.
Overclocking
Both motherboards offer overclocking support, but the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus provides a more robust experience. It features a dedicated overclocking button, as well as a BIOS with advanced overclocking settings. The MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi also offers overclocking options, but they are more limited.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, M.2 NVMe slots, and Gigabit Ethernet. However, the MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi has the advantage of integrated Wi-Fi 6, which provides faster wireless speeds.
Aesthetics
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi has a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting on the heatsink. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a more aggressive look with a black and yellow color scheme and a large TUF logo on the I/O panel.
Value
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi is typically priced slightly lower than the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus offers better overclocking capabilities and a more comprehensive software suite, making it a better value for users who prioritize these features.
Which Motherboard Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a motherboard with integrated Wi-Fi 6 and a sleek design, the MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi is a great choice. If you’re an overclocking enthusiast or want a motherboard with a more robust software suite, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is the better option.
Final Thoughts
The MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi and ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus are both excellent micro-ATX motherboards that offer solid performance and features. The MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi is a great choice for users who prioritize Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and aesthetics, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus is better suited for overclocking enthusiasts and those who want a more comprehensive software experience.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has better overclocking capabilities due to its enhanced power delivery system and BIOS settings.
Q: Which motherboard offers integrated Wi-Fi?
A: The MSI B550M PRO-VDH Wi-Fi has integrated Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus does not.
Q: Which motherboard has a more comprehensive software suite?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550M-Plus has a more comprehensive software suite called Armory Crate, which allows users to control motherboard settings, lighting, and more.