What To Know
- Both the Asrock B450M Steel Legend and the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming boast a sleek and modern design.
- Both the Asrock B450M Steel Legend and the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming are excellent motherboards that deliver solid performance and a range of features.
- The Asrock B450M Steel Legend offers great value for money, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming provides a slightly more premium experience with its robust power delivery system and….
Choosing the right motherboard for your PC build can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular choices in the AMD B450 chipset category are the Asrock B450M Steel Legend and the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming. Both motherboards offer compelling features and performance, making it difficult to decide which one reigns supreme.
This comprehensive comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of each motherboard, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
Design and Features
Both the Asrock B450M Steel Legend and the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming boast a sleek and modern design. The Asrock B450M Steel Legend features a black and silver color scheme with a steel backplate for added durability. The board also sports a unique “Steel Legend” logo and a textured heatsink for the chipset.
On the other hand, the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming adopts a more understated design with a black and grey color scheme. Its TUF Gaming branding and camouflage pattern add a touch of military-inspired aesthetics. Both motherboards offer a range of features, including multiple fan headers, RGB lighting, and robust power delivery.
Chipset and Compatibility
Both the Asrock B450M Steel Legend and the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming are based on the AMD B450 chipset. This chipset supports AMD Ryzen 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation processors, along with a wide range of DDR4 memory modules. Both motherboards offer excellent compatibility with the latest AMD CPUs and a variety of other components, ensuring a smooth and reliable PC build.
Performance
In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver comparable results. The Asrock B450M Steel Legend features a 6+2 phase power delivery system, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming boasts an 8+2 phase system. While the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming might have a slight edge in power delivery, the difference in real-world performance is negligible. Both motherboards can handle high-end Ryzen CPUs without any issues.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive set of connectivity options. The Asrock B450M Steel Legend features a total of six SATA ports, two M.2 slots, and a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for graphics cards. It also includes a rear panel with HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports.
The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming also offers six SATA ports, two M.2 slots, and a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot. It features a similar rear panel with HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. Both motherboards include a Realtek ALC892 audio codec for decent audio quality.
Software and Features
Both motherboards come with their own proprietary software suites. Asrock’s Polychrome Sync allows users to customize RGB lighting effects, while ASUS’s Armoury Crate provides a centralized hub for managing system settings, including fan profiles, lighting, and performance modes. While both software suites offer a range of features, ASUS’s Armoury Crate is generally considered more user-friendly and comprehensive.
Price and Value
The Asrock B450M Steel Legend is generally available at a lower price point compared to the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming. This price difference can be attributed to the slightly less robust power delivery system and a smaller feature set on the Asrock board. However, the Asrock B450M Steel Legend still offers excellent value for money, providing a solid foundation for a budget-friendly PC build.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Asrock B450M Steel Legend and the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- Asrock B450M Steel Legend: Ideal for budget-conscious builders who prioritize value and don’t require the most robust power delivery system. Offers a good balance of features and performance.
- ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming: Suitable for gamers and enthusiasts who value a more robust power delivery system, advanced software features, and a slightly more premium design. Offers a more comprehensive feature set and a slightly better overall experience.
The Verdict: A Close Call
Both the Asrock B450M Steel Legend and the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming are excellent motherboards that deliver solid performance and a range of features. The Asrock B450M Steel Legend offers great value for money, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming provides a slightly more premium experience with its robust power delivery system and advanced software features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual budget and priorities.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Competition
While comparing these two motherboards is informative, it’s important to remember that the world of PC components is constantly evolving. New models and chipsets are released regularly, offering even more options and features.
Before making your final decision, consider researching other B450 motherboards and newer models in the B550 and X570 series. You might discover a motherboard that better suits your specific needs and budget.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Can I overclock my CPU on both motherboards?
Both motherboards support overclocking, but the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming might offer slightly better overclocking headroom due to its more robust power delivery system.
2. Which motherboard is better for gaming?
Both motherboards are excellent for gaming, but the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming might have a slight edge due to its more robust power delivery system and advanced software features.
3. What are the main differences between the two motherboards?
The main differences lie in the power delivery system, software features, and price. The Asrock B450M Steel Legend offers great value for money, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming provides a more premium experience.
4. Are there any other B450 motherboards worth considering?
Yes, there are several other excellent B450 motherboards available, such as the MSI B450 Gaming Pro Carbon AC and the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite.
5. Should I wait for a newer chipset?
If you’re looking for the latest features and performance, consider waiting for a newer chipset like the B550 or X570. However, the B450 chipset still offers excellent value and performance for most users.
