The ASUS Prime B550-Plus and ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming are both top-tier motherboards that offer a diverse range of features to cater to different user needs. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of their features, technical specifications, and overall performance. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or a tech enthusiast, this information will guide you to make an informed decision when choosing between the two.
Motherboard Overview
ASUS Prime B550-Plus
The ASUS Prime B550-Plus is a part of ASUS’s Prime series, known for its robust performance and superior quality. This motherboard supports DDR4 memory and has an AM4 socket, making it compatible with a wide range of AMD processors. It has an ATX form factor and the AMD B550 chipset.
ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming, on the other hand, is a part of ASUS’s Republic of Gamers (ROG) series, a line of products specifically designed for gamers. Like the Prime B550-Plus, it also supports DDR4 memory, has an AM4 socket, and uses the AMD B550 chipset. Its form factor is also ATX.
Expansion Capabilities
USB Ports
The ASUS Prime B550-Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming both offer ample potential for expansion. They both can add USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports through expansion. However, the exact number of ports that can be added remains unknown.
SATA Connectors
Both motherboards come with six SATA 3 connectors. SATA 3 has a native transfer rate of 6 Gbit/s, which is double the speed of its predecessor, SATA 2. This feature is especially useful for those who use an SSD, as it can perform at higher speeds.
Fan Headers
The ASUS Prime B550-Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming both have five fan headers. These connection points on the motherboard allow you to connect cooling fans. While fans can be directly connected to the power supply, connecting them to the motherboard provides finer control over them through software.
M.2 Sockets & TPM Connectors
Both motherboards have two M.2 sockets, an interface used for connecting different types of devices, particularly mass storage devices like M.2 SSDs. In terms of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) connectors, the ASUS Prime B550-Plus has one, while the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming does not. TPM is a component that significantly enhances security by allowing the creation of encryption keys in a secure environment.
Technical Specifications
Supported Memory
Both the ASUS Prime B550-Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming support DDR4 memory. The ROG Strix B550-F Gaming supports memory speeds up to 5000Mhz, while the Prime B550-Plus supports memory speeds up to 4600Mhz.
Audio and LAN Chipset
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming features the ROG SupremeFX High Definition Audio CODEC S1220A and the Intel I225-V LAN chipset. In contrast, the ASUS Prime B550-Plus comes with the Realtek ALC887 audio chipset and the Realtek RTL8111H LAN chipset.
Back I/O Ports
The back I/O ports of both motherboards are similar, with minor differences. Both feature USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and an Optical S/PDIF out. However, the ROG Strix B550-F Gaming comes with an additional Intel I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet and an ASUS Wi-Fi module.
PCI-Express Slots and SATA Ports
Both motherboards feature two PCI-Express x16 slots, three PCI-Express x1 slots, six SATA 6 Gbps ports, and two M.2 ports. However, they do not have any PCI-Express x4 slots or SATA Express ports.
| Features / Specifications | ASUS Prime B550-Plus | ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | AMD B550 | AMD B550 |
| CPU Support | AMD AM4 Socket 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Processors | AMD AM4 Socket 3rd Gen, future AMD Ryzen™ Processors |
| RAM Support | 4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 4400(O.C)/3466(O.C.)/3200/3000/2933/2800/2666/2400/2133 MHz | 4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 5100(O.C)/4800(O.C.)/4600(O.C)/4466(O.C.)/4400(O.C)/4266(O.C.)/4133(O.C.)/4000(O.C.)/3866(O.C.)/3733(O.C.)/3600(O.C.)/3466(O.C.)/3400(O.C.)/3333(O.C.)/3200/3000/2933/2800/2666/2400/2133 MHz |
| Storage Options | 1 x M.2 Slot, 4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s) | 2 x M.2 Slot, 6 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s) |
| Connectivity | Realtek® RTL8111H 1Gb Ethernet, Bluetooth® 5, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Intel® I225-V 2.5Gb Ethernet, Bluetooth® 5.1, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Audio | Realtek ALC S1200A 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC | ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC S1220A |
| Expansion Slots | PCIe 4.0 x16 (x16 mode), PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode), 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | PCIe 4.0 x16 (x16 or dual x8), PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode), 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| USB Ports | Rear USB: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x USB 2.0, Front USB: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 x USB 2.0 | Rear USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ,3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 x USB 2.0, Front USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| RGB Lighting | Yes, Aura Sync RGB headers | Yes, Aura Sync RGB headers and addressable Gen 2 RGB header |
| Cooling Options | Fan Xpert 4, AIO Pump, 4 x Chassis Fan connectors | Fan Xpert 4, AIO Pump, 6 x Chassis Fan connectors |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the ASUS Prime B550-Plus and the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming largely depends on your specific needs. Both motherboards are packed with features and offer superior performance.
However, if you are a gaming enthusiast or require advanced audio and LAN capabilities, you might lean towards the ASUS ROG Strix B550-F Gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize security and the potential for expansion, the ASUS Prime B550-Plus could be the better option.