Table of Contents
Finding a motherboard that perfectly matches your budget while perfectly meeting your needs can be a hassle when building a new PC. In this piece, we’ll be taking a closer look the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus Wi-Fi. This is an AM5 platform option which is ideal for budget users. It’s currently priced at around $150 in the UK, which is a major reduction from the original price of $250 at launch. Given the amount of premium features this motherboard comes with, it’s a steal. But, lets discuss the features it lacks to make it this affordable, is it truly worth it? We will outline everything you should know regarding it’s pros and cons, and key features.
Key Features of the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus Wi-Fi
The B650-Plus Wi-Fi is a mid-range motherboard from ASUS, built on the AM5 platform. It supports Ryzen 7000-series processors and offers a solid mix of performance, reliability, and value. Let’s look at the key specifications and features that make this motherboard a standout in its class.
1. AM5 Socket and Processor Support
- Socket Type: The AM5 socket supports a wide range of Ryzen 7000-series processors, from the entry-level Ryzen 5 7500F to the high-end Ryzen 9 7950X.
- Upgradable Future-Proofing: With AM5, you’re not just stuck with current-generation CPUs; you’re also ready for future Ryzen releases, making this motherboard a solid long-term investment.
2. Powerful VRM Setup
- 12+2 Phase VRM Configuration: The board features a 12+2 VRM setup, with 60-amp chokes, offering excellent stability even under load. This allows users to run demanding Ryzen 7000-series processors without worry.
- VRM Cooling: The board is equipped with beefy heatsinks designed to maintain stable operation, keeping the VRM temperature under 60°C, even under stress.
3. PCIe Gen 5 and Gen 4
- Primary PCIe Gen 5 x4 Slot: The top M.2 slot supports PCIe Gen 5 x4 speeds, making it future-proof for high-performance SSDs.
- PCIe Gen 4: The remaining PCIe slots and M.2 slots are limited to PCIe Gen 4 x4 speeds. While Gen 5 support is available for future storage solutions, this is still a step up compared to older generation boards.
4. Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6: The motherboard features Wi-Fi 6, ensuring fast and stable wireless connections.
- 2.5Gb Ethernet: For wired networking, the Realtek RTL 8125 chipset provides 2.5GB Ethernet support, ideal for gamers and streamers who need high-speed network access.
5. Diagnostic LEDs
- Four Diagnostic LEDs: The inclusion of diagnostic LEDs on the board helps identify hardware issues like CPU, RAM, or GPU issues. This is extremely helpful for beginners who may struggle to troubleshoot hardware problems during the build process.
6. DDR5 RAM Support
- Memory Compatibility: The motherboard supports DDR5 RAM with speeds of up to 7200MHz, though for Ryzen 7000-series processors, around 6000MHz is the sweet spot for stability and performance.
- Capacity: It supports up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM, which is ample for even the most demanding workloads.
7. Addressable RGB
- Aesthetics: The motherboard comes with addressable RGB headers for users who want to add custom lighting to their PC build. There are four RGB headers, including three addressable and one standard RGB header.
8. PCIe Slots
- Expansion Slots: The board offers multiple PCIe slots for expansion, including:
- PCIe Gen 4 x16 slot for a dedicated graphics card (RTX 4090-compatible).
- PCIe Gen 4 x4 and PCIe Gen 4 x1 slots for additional peripherals or expansion cards.
Unboxing and What’s in the Box
Here’s a breakdown of the unboxing experience and what’s included with the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus Wi-Fi motherboard:
- Motherboard: The B650-Plus main component, which is well-packaged to prevent damage.
- User Manual: Included for installation, though it’s a rare find these days.
- SATA Cables: A pair of SATA cables are included for connecting traditional drives.
- Regulatory Information: Standard paperwork to ensure compliance.
- Certificate of Reliability: ASUS includes a certificate of reliability, promising the board’s stability and quality.
- Stickers: A fun addition for those into PC aesthetics, featuring TUF Gaming branding to decorate your build.
- M.2 Standoffs and Screws: Additional accessories for M.2 drives, providing flexibility for different drive sizes.
- Wi-Fi Antenna: A typical Asus-style Wi-Fi antenna with SMA connectors, ensuring good wireless connectivity.
A Tour of the Board: In-Depth Look
Let’s break down the physical features of the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus Wi-Fi, starting from the top-left corner and moving through the board.
1. Power Connections
- 8-pin EPS Connector: The B650-Plus board uses a single 8-pin connector and an additional 4-pin connector for added CPU power, ensuring stable operation, especially when running high-power processors like the Ryzen 9 7950X.
2. AM5 Socket
- LGA 1718 Socket: The AM5 socket supports the latest Ryzen processors. Be cautious when installing a processor, as the pins are delicate. Always use the protective cover when handling.
3. Cooling Options
- 7 PWM Fan Headers: The board provides seven PWM fan headers, including connectors for an AIO pump and supplementary cooling for dual-fan CPU coolers. This is fantastic for users who prioritize cooling in their builds.
- RGB Fan Headers: The board also supports two 5V 3-pin addressable RGB headers, letting users customize lighting with ease.
4. RAM Slots
- DDR5 Support: The B650-Plus motherboard has four RAM slots, supporting DDR5 RAM at speeds up to 7200 MHz. However, as mentioned earlier, 6000 MHz is the sweet spot for Ryzen 7000-series CPUs.
5. M.2 Slots
- PCIe Gen 5 x4 M.2 Slot: The primary M.2 slot offers PCIe Gen 5 x4 speeds, directly connected to the CPU for blazing-fast storage speeds.
- PCIe Gen 4 M.2 Slots: The secondary M.2 slots are connected to the B650 chipset and operate at PCIe Gen 4 x4 speeds. Be aware that these slots share bandwidth, so using them may disable the corresponding PCIe Gen 4 x4 slot.
6. Expansion Slots
- PCIe Gen 4 x16 Slot: This primary expansion slot is designed for high-end graphics cards, such as the RTX 4090, and runs at Gen 4 x16 speeds.
- Other PCIe Slots: The board includes additional PCIe Gen 4 slots, with some offering x1 or x4 bandwidth for smaller expansion cards or peripherals.
7. Connectivity and I/O
- USB Ports: The board offers a variety of USB ports, including USB Type-A, USB Type-C, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 for fast data transfers.
- Ethernet: The board is equipped with a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, perfect for high-speed networking, while Wi-Fi 6 ensures fast wireless connectivity.
- Audio: It uses the Realtek S1200 chipset for 7.1 surround sound audio, a significant upgrade over cheaper motherboards.
- Display Ports: The board has DisplayPort and HDMI 2.1, supporting basic outputs for users with integrated graphics.
Pros and Cons of the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus Wi-Fi
Pros:
- Affordable Price: At £150, the B650-Plus is affordable for a motherboard with future-proof features.
- Solid VRM: The 12+2 VRM setup ensures the board is stable and can handle high-performance Ryzen processors.
- Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet: These features make the board ideal for gamers and streamers who require fast networking.
- PCIe Gen 5 Support: Ready for the next-generation SSDs and future hardware upgrades.
- Diagnostic LEDs: Great for beginners and even experienced builders to easily troubleshoot issues.
Cons:
- Limited PCIe Gen 5 Slots: B650-Plus Only one M.2 slot supports PCIe Gen 5; the rest are limited to PCIe Gen 4.
- Aesthetic: The TUF Gaming design may not appeal to those who prefer a more minimalist or professional look.
- Shared M.2 Slot: Using the PCIe Gen 4 x4 slot disables one of the M.2 slots, limiting flexibility for users who need multiple high-speed storage devices.
Conclusion: Is the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus Wi-Fi Worth It?
Gamers and streamers on a budget will appreciate the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus Wi-Fi Motherboard. It seamlessly integrates into the AM5 platform. At $150, its value for money is outstanding considering it has support for the newest Ryzen 7000-series processors, PCIe Gen 5, and solid network connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gethrenet.
Although it lacks the modern exuberant design of other motherboards, it performs admirably in the three facets of dependability, capability, and functionality. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus Wi-Fi motherboard is a proactive investment for anyone searching for an economical motherboard that balances contemporary gaming tasks while also enabling multi-year future-proofing.
