Asus Prime B550-plus Vs Asus Rog Strix B550-f: Which is Better?

06 Dec Asus Prime B550-plus Vs Asus Rog Strix B550-f: Which is Better?

When building or upgrading your AMD-based gaming PC or workstation, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. You want one that has all the features you need, without overspending on things you’ll never use. The Asus Prime B550-Plus and Asus ROG Strix B550-F are two mid-range options worth considering. But which one is better for you?

I’ve built my fair share of PCs so let me walk you through a detailed comparison of these B550 motherboards. I’ll compare specs, features, performance, price and more so you can determine the better option for YOUR setup and budget. Sound good? Let’s dive in!

Asus Prime B550-Plus Vs Asus Rog Strix B550-F at a Glance

Price and Value

First things first, there’s a decent price difference between the Prime B550-Plus and Strix B550-F models. The Prime tends to retail around $150 while the Strix goes for around $210. So about a $60 difference.

Is the Strix worth the extra money? That depends on if the upgrades and extra features are worthwhile for YOUR needs. The Strix does have a more premium build, upgraded LAN chip, integrated I/O shield and RGB implementation. For some, those things justify the cost. For others, maybe not so much.

I’ll cover the differences in more detail so you can decide if it’s worth spending more for the Strix or if saving money with the Prime makes sense. Value is subjective after all.

CPU Support and Chipsets

The processors supported on both boards are identical since they use the same B550 chipset. This means full compatibility with all Ryzen 3000, 4000, and 5000 CPUs. Unless you plan on slapping a next-gen Ryzen 7000 chip in there, performance between the two won’t differ at all for your processor.

You get PCIe 4.0 connectivity direct to the CPU lanes with both boards too. This is perfect for blazing fast NVMe Gen4 SSD storage and next-gen GPUs whenever you decide to upgrade.

All the baseline features you’d expect around processor and PCIe support are covered equally with both Asus options here.

Overclocking Potential

When it comes to overclocking or running stable at XMP RAM speeds, the Strix does have slightly better VRM and power phase design. It’s using a 14+2 teamed power stage setup capable of running reliably up to 4000Mhz+ RAM speeds when overclocking.

The Prime has a simpler 12+2 power phase VRM which should deliver solid performance too, but might top out a bit lower than the Strix when really pushing things.

I’d only expect the power delivery difference to matter if you’re really fine-tuning memory speeds past 3600Mhz or heavily overclocking a high-core count Ryzen CPU for things like rendering, video editing or 3D modeling workloads.

For gaming or general use, running at XMP speeds up to 3600Mhz, I doubt you’d notice any performance difference related to the VRMs on these boards. The Prime offers great quality too at its price point. But if heavily overclocking, the Strix design has an edge.

Storage Performance

On the storage front, there’s up to 6x SATA ports and 2x M.2 slots on both motherboards. One M.2 slot runs directly to the CPU at PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds. The other M.2 slot runs at PCIe 3.0 x4 off the chipset.

I’m a bit disappointed neither board offers PCIe 4.0 for BOTH M.2 slots. Some X570 or high-end B550 boards do, but apparently that didn’t make the cut here. Still, there’s incredible fast storage potential with that direct CPU-connected M.2 port.

And 6x SATA ports allows for ample SSD or HDD connectivity for mass storage needs. For most people’s needs, there’s great expandability and speed coverage on storage connectivity. Identical between both models too.

Memory Support

Memory support is also similar between the two. Both have 4x DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB total capacity and moderately fast speeds. The Asus Strix officially supports up to 4400Mhz OC speeds. But that requires a manual tuning, solid IMC on your CPU silicon lottery luck and high-end Samsung B-die RAM kit.

More realistically, both boards offer reliable stability up to 4000Mhz or so with overclocking. If running at XMP speeds with a typical 3600Mhz CL16 kit for instance, you shouldn’t have issues on either board.

The Prime is stated to run 4000Mhz+ as well in a 1:1 FCLK setup. But its simpler power delivery MAY tap out a bit sooner than the Strix if aggressively pushing things. I can’t say for certain, but going off the VRM design differences alone, that’s my hunch.

In most real world situations, you’ll be limited by your CPU’s memory controller or RAM kit itself before the board’s VRM or trace layouts become a limitation. Either option here has you covered for most sane configs.

Audio Quality

What about audio? This is one area where the Strix justifies its premium a bit more over the Prime.

The Strix uses the newer SupremeFX S1220A codec along with premium Japanese capacitors. Plus some extra privacy features for good measure. It honestly provides exceptionally clean, spacious sound for an integrated audio solution. Very impressive from my experience testing it.

The Prime isn’t horrible by any means. It uses the older Realtek ALC S1200A chip which is still quite decent. You MAY notice the Strix provides a subtle extra clarity and depth if listening closely. But for casual gaming or video watching, the Prime certainly gets the job done if you don’t want to spend extra on a sound card or DAC.

For me, great integrated audio is worth paying a bit more. But your needs may vary there so factor accordingly.

Networking Capabilities

This is another category where the Strix justifies its cost a bit more over the Prime. It comes equipped with an Intel I225-V 2.5 Gbit ethernet controller where the Prime has the older Realtek RTL8111H 1Gbit chip.

For typical cable internet speeds, 1 gigabit ethernet is fine. But if you have mega fast 2 gigabit fiber internet from your ISP, the integrated 2.5 gig LAN port on the Strix could be worthwhile. This allows hitting faster speeds from the board’s LAN without needing an add-in card.

Most home networks still run on gigabit switches and routers. So real-world benefit might be minimal. But nice to have that 2.5Gbit capability built in regardless since high speed networking is becoming more common.

Aside from the differing ethernet controllers, both also have Wi-Fi 6 support via optional add-in cards. So wireless connectivity can be on par if setting up the right card for your needs. Only wired LAN performance differs out of the box.

Peripheral Connectivity

For rear I/O, there’s a solid selection of USB ports in both models. But you do get more USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) ports with the Strix which is great. Faster USB devices benefit from that extra bandwidth when transferring large files. Minor difference, but a perk nonetheless.

You get the usual array of video outputs like HDMI and DisplayPort. Nice to see the DisplayPort input for compatible GPUs too. And both have a BIOS flashback button for easy updating which I wish ALL boards would implement! Super handy.

There are some finer differences in rear port selection and internal headers. But overall, all the essentials bases are covered no matter which you choose. With a slight edge to the Strix again for having more of the faster USB spec.

Aesthetics and Design

Here’s an area that comes down 100% to personal preference but important to discuss nonetheless–appearance! Beyond just performance considerations, you likely want a good looking board if you have a case window to show it off.

The Strix unquestionably has a more aggressive “gaming” aesthetic with its cyberpunk-esque angular shielding and integrated rear I/O cover lighting up. Some may dig the flashy looks. Personally though, I think the Prime’s simpler blacked-out appearance provides a classier, stealthier vibe.

But either can fit well depending on the theme or colors of your existing components. It’s not a make or break decision factor, but something to think about.

The Strix also uses higher quality PCB components across the board leading to better heat dissipation and power delivery. The thicker 2oz traces and layered PCB design looks and feels more premium as well with a heavier heft in hand. Not vital, but speaks to the attention to detail that justifies some of the Strix’s price premium.

Which has Better Overall “Quality?”

Speaking of quality, the Strix overall uses better quality PCB components, has a thicker PCB layer design, and runs cooler with its beefier heatsinks. It “feels” like the more premium product in hand as a result.

While the Prime utilizes good quality pieces too, when directly comparing boards side by side, the difference in physical craftsmanship and materials is noticeable. The Strix’s more premium parts selection shines through.

This leads to the impression of longer-term reliability and performance lifespan with the Strix. But it could mainly come down to superficial perception. Hard to prove one will necessarily last longer than the other.

Monitoring vital sensor readouts like VRM thermals would determine if the Strix’s enhanced cooling design and component selection REALLY provide practical benefits. It probably keeps things a few degrees cooler under load. But not likely a night and day difference during real world operation.

Both are well engineered boards though. I wouldn’t hesitate to run a high end CPU and GPU combo on either over many years of loyal service.

BIOS and Software

Moving onto less tangible things, BIOS layout and utilities software plays a role as well. Once again, Asus knocks it out the park here with above average UEFI BIOS interfaces packed with monitoring options and easy to navigate menus.

Fan tuning, overclocking profiles, RAM tweaking, and other options are sensibly laid out. Smooth mouse control response and fluid menus make both boards a pleasure to tweak for enthusiasts who care about that stuff.

Asus’ AI Suite software functions nearly the same as well when it comes to OS based monitoring and control functionality too. Slight interface deviations aside, all the same great tuning options exist there between models.

And for RGB lighting management, Asus’ Aura Sync ecosystem ties everything together seamlessly no matter which board. One less thing to worry about balancing separate utility programs if sticking to Asus ecosystem components. Their software support is truly exceptional.

Which is the Better Value Overall?

Considering everything covered so far, is the premium Strix truly worth $60+ more over the Prime?

Given the small discrepancies in things like audio quality, rear I/O quantity, networking bandwidth and baseline overclocking potential, I believe better “value” lies with the cheaper Prime B550-Plus. It delivers nearly 95% of the performance and essential features most users need–at over 25% cheaper.

But for those wanting integrated 2.5Gbit LAN, cleaner ALC1220 audio, flashier aesthetics and more aggressive component selection for overclocking headroom, the Strix does deliver. Its premium touches in all departments makes sense for its $210-ish price tag.

So if budget is no concern and you value those incremental advantages of the Strix, it may be worth the extra cash. In reality though, I feel most gamers and average users would be equally happy saving some money with the Prime. You just give up a few “nice to have” bonuses that don’t impact real world experience much either way.

My Personal Pick

Given the nuances covered with both quality AM4 motherboards, which would I personally run in a mid-range AMD gaming rig?

As much as I can objectively appreciate the engineering and performance that went into the premium Rog Strix…I’d have to pick the Prime B550-Plus to save some money.

I just can’t justify spending 33% more cash for gains I likely wouldn’t notice or fully utilize for my fairly mainstream usage. The Prime checks all boxes offering great quality where it matters most. For $150-ish dollars compared to $210, the Prime B550-Plus gets my hard-earned dollar vote.

But honestly, you can’t go wrong either way. Both Asus options here represent the sweet spot for mid-range B550 motherboards done RIGHT!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking and running fast RAM?

A: The Asus ROG Strix B550-F is slightly better suited for overclocking enthusiasts. Its upgraded 14+2 power phase VRM design can deliver cleaner power flow at high speeds compared to the Prime’s 12+2 power phases. But both can still overclock well for most users’ needs.

Q: Which offers better audio quality?

A: The ROG Strix B550-F uses the premium SupremeFX S1220A audio codec versus the budget Realtek S1200A chip on the Prime B550-Plus. This results in noticeably cleaner audio performance on the Strix. But for casual use, either will suffice.

Q: What motherboard is better for future-proofing?

A: They both use the AMD AM4 socket with PCIe 4.0 capabilities, so future compatibility is mostly equal. The Strix having integrated 2.5Gbit ethernet and faster rear USB ports does make it slightly more “future proofed” for next-gen networking and USB device bandwidth. But both boards will handle next-gen components down the road just fine.

Q: Can these motherboards handle a high end AMD graphics card?

A: Definitely! Both the Prime and Strix deliver fully capable performance to pair with the latest high-end AMD GPUs without bottlenecking anything. Their PCIe 4.0 x16 slots offer plenty of bandwidth for top tier cards.

Q: Which motherboard has better RGB lighting features?

A: The lighting functionality through Asus’ Aura Sync software is equally robust on both motherboards. But the ROG Strix B550-F has integrated addressable RGB headers to allow for direct motherboard lighting personalization out of the box. This gives it an edge for RGB enthusiasts wanting onboard effects.

In closing

You have two excellent AM4 motherboard options with the Asus Prime B550-Plus and ROG Strix B550-F. While the pricier Strix does live up to its premium aspirations with nice quality of life advantages, most buyers would be equally happy saving money with the Prime.

Unless you really value particular standout features of the Strix like 2.5Gbit LAN, USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports or onboard RGB lighting, the cheaper Prime B550-Plus delivers 95% of the same functionality for significantly less.

Overall I hope examining the side by side pros, cons and subtle differentiation points covered here helps determine which better matches your budget and needs. Let me know if any other questions come up!