Highlights
- The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus features a 12+2+1 phase VRM with a 60A power stage, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus boasts an 8+2 phase VRM with a 50A power stage.
- The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to DDR4-4866+, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to DDR4-4400.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is a solid option for those seeking a durable and feature-rich motherboard with a focus on long-term reliability.
When selecting a motherboard for your gaming PC build, two prominent contenders emerge: the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus. Both boards offer a robust feature set, but subtle differences may sway your decision. In this in-depth comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of these motherboards to help you make an informed choice.
Chipset and Socket
Both the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus utilize the AMD B550 chipset. This chipset supports AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors, providing ample upgradeability options.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (voltage regulator module) plays a crucial role in delivering stable power to the CPU. The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus features a 12+2+1 phase VRM with a 60A power stage, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus boasts an 8+2 phase VRM with a 50A power stage. Both motherboards offer reliable power delivery for demanding workloads.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory. The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to DDR4-4866+, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to DDR4-4400.
Expansion Slots
The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus offers one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (x4 mode), and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus also provides one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (x4 mode), and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Both motherboards provide ample expansion options for graphics cards, storage devices, and other peripherals.
Storage Connectivity
The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus comes with six SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x4). The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus also features six SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x4). Both motherboards offer ample storage connectivity for SSDs and HDDs.
Connectivity
The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus boasts a 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus provides a 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0. Both motherboards offer fast and reliable network connectivity.
Aesthetics and Features
The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus features a black and silver design with RGB LED lighting. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus sports a military-inspired design with black and yellow accents. Both motherboards include a range of features such as fan headers, addressable RGB headers, and BIOS Flashback.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus is an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize high-speed memory support and aesthetics. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is a solid option for those seeking a durable and feature-rich motherboard with a focus on long-term reliability.
MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus:
- Higher memory speeds (DDR4-4866+)
- RGB LED lighting
- Premium aesthetics
ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus:
- Durable military-inspired design
- BIOS Flashback
- Long-term reliability
Recommendations: A Close Comparison
The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus are both exceptional motherboards that offer a comprehensive feature set. The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus excels in memory support and aesthetics, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus stands out with its durability and long-term reliability. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: Both motherboards offer adequate VRM cooling.
Q: Does either motherboard support PCIe 5.0?
A: No, neither motherboard supports PCIe 5.0.
Q: Which motherboard has more fan headers?
A: The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Plus has more fan headers.
Q: Does either motherboard include a heatsink for the M.2 slots?
A: Yes, both motherboards include heatsinks for the M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio capabilities?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has better audio capabilities with a SupremeFX S1220A audio codec.