Product Overview
The ASUS TUF GAMING B550-PLUS is an AMD B550 Ryzen AM4 ATX gaming motherboard that brings the best of both worlds: a balance of cutting-edge features and durability. Built for gamers and PC enthusiasts, this motherboard offers advanced connectivity options, PCIe 4.0 support, robust power delivery, and comprehensive cooling solutions. With the TUF Gaming Alliance's signature military-grade components and rigorous testing, this motherboard ensures both performance and reliability in any gaming setup.
Designed with the latest AMD Ryzen processors in mind, the TUF GAMING B550-PLUS supports PCIe 4.0 for next-gen graphics cards and NVMe storage, making it an excellent choice for those looking to future-proof their system. It also includes a range of gaming-oriented features such as enhanced audio, network optimization, and customizable RGB lighting, ensuring an immersive and responsive gaming experience.
Product Description
The ASUS TUF GAMING B550-PLUS is an ATX motherboard that provides a strong foundation for a high-performance gaming rig. At its core, the motherboard supports the AMD B550 chipset, which brings with it the power of PCIe 4.0 and support for the latest AMD Ryzen processors. This ensures that the motherboard can handle the most demanding tasks, from gaming to content creation, with ease.
One of the standout features of the TUF GAMING B550-PLUS is its robust power delivery system. It includes military-grade components, such as TUF chokes, capacitors, and MOSFETs, which ensure stability and durability, even under intense workloads. The motherboard also features comprehensive cooling options, with multiple fan headers, VRM heatsinks, and an active chipset heatsink to keep your system running cool and efficiently.
In terms of connectivity, the TUF GAMING B550-PLUS is equipped with PCIe 4.0 slots for graphics cards and M.2 storage, delivering faster data transfer rates and lower latency. It also offers a variety of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C, ensuring high-speed connectivity for peripherals.
The motherboard is designed with gamers in mind, featuring enhanced audio with DTS Custom, which provides an immersive sound experience during gameplay. Additionally, the Realtek L8200A Gigabit Ethernet ensures a stable and fast network connection, essential for competitive online gaming.
The TUF GAMING B550-PLUS also supports ASUS Aura Sync, allowing for customizable RGB lighting that can be synchronized with other Aura Sync-compatible components. This adds a personalized touch to your gaming rig, ensuring it looks as good as it performs.
Key Features
PCIe 4.0 Support: The motherboard supports PCIe 4.0, providing faster data transfer rates for graphics cards and NVMe storage devices, making it ideal for high-performance gaming and content creation.
Robust Power Delivery: Featuring military-grade TUF components such as chokes, capacitors, and MOSFETs, the motherboard ensures reliable power delivery, enhancing system stability and durability.
Comprehensive Cooling Solutions: The TUF GAMING B550-PLUS includes multiple fan headers, VRM heatsinks, and an active chipset heatsink, ensuring effective thermal management for sustained performance.
Enhanced Audio: Equipped with DTS Custom audio technology, the motherboard delivers immersive sound quality, enhancing the gaming experience.
Networking: The Realtek L8200A Gigabit Ethernet provides a stable and fast network connection, essential for competitive online gaming.
ASUS Aura Sync: The motherboard supports Aura Sync RGB lighting, allowing for customizable lighting effects that can be synchronized with other Aura Sync-compatible components.
Durability: The TUF Gaming Alliance's rigorous testing and certification process ensures the motherboard can withstand the rigors of long gaming sessions and overclocking.
Expansion Options: With multiple PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 slots, as well as dual M.2 slots, the motherboard provides ample expansion options for future upgrades.
Specifications
Model
TUF GAMING B550-PLUS
CPU
AMD AM4 Socket for AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series/ 5000 G-Series/ 4000 G-Series/ 3000 Series Desktop Processors *
* Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list.
Chipset
AMD B550
Memory
AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series/ 3000 Series Desktop Processors
4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 4600(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.)/3333(O.C.)/3200/3000/2800/2666/2400/2133 MHz Un-buffered Memory *
AMD RyzenTM 4000 G-Series Processors
4 x DIMM, Max. 128GB, DDR4 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.)/3333(O.C.)/3200/3000/2800/2666/2400/2133 MHz Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
ECC Memory (ECC mode) support varies by CPU.
* Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).
Graphic
1 x DisplayPort 1.2
1 x HDMI 2.1(4K@60HZ)
*Graphics specifications may vary between CPU types.
Multi-GPU Support
Supports AMD 2-Way CrossFireX Technology
Expansion Slots
AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series/ 3000 Series Desktop Processors
1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x16 mode)
AMD Ryzen™ 5000 G-Series/ 4000 G-Series Desktop Processors
1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16 mode)
AMD B550 Chipset
1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode)
3 x PCIe 3.0 x1
* Support PCIe bifurcation for RAID on CPU function.
Storage
Total supports 2 x M.2 slot(s) and 6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series/ 3000 Series Desktop Processors :
1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support(SATA & PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)
AMD Ryzen™ 5000 G-Series/ 4000 G-Series Desktop Processors :
1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M Key, Type 2242/2260/2280/22110(PCIE 3.0 x4 and SATA modes) storage devices support
AMD B550 Chipset :
1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M Key, Type 2242/2260/2280/22110(PCIE 3.0 x4 and SATA modes) storage devices support*2
6 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s),
Support Raid 0, 1, 10
LAN
Realtek RTL8125B 2.5Gb Ethernet
TUF LANGuard
Wireless Data Network
M.2 slot only (Key E) (Support PCIe interface)*
*Wi-Fi module is sold separately.
Audio
Realtek ALC S1200A 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking, up to 24-Bit/192kHz playback
Audio Feature :
- Exclusive DTS Custom for GAMING Headsets.
- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
- Audio cover
- Audio Shielding
- Dedicated audio PCB layers
- Unique de-pop circuit
USB Ports
Rear USB Port ( Total 8 )
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port(s)(1 x Type-A +1 x USB Type-C®)
4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s)( x Type-A)
2 x USB 2.0 port(s)( x Type-A)
Front USB Port ( Total 6 )
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s)(2 x Type-A)
4 x USB 2.0 port(s)(4 x Type-A)
Software Features
ASUS Exclusive Software
Armoury Crate
- Aura Creator
- Aura Sync
- AI Noise Cancelling Microphone
AI Suite 3
- Performance And Power Saving Utility
TurboV EVO
EPU
Digi+ VRM
Fan Xpert 4
- EZ update
TUF GAMING CPU-Z
AI Charger
ASUS Turbo LAN
DAEMON Tools
DTS Custom for GAMING Headsets
Norton Anti-virus software (Free Trial for 60 days)
WinRAR
UEFI BIOS
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 3
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode
ASUS Special Features
ASUS TUF PROTECTION
- ASUS DIGI+ VRM (Digital power design with Dr. MOS)
- ASUS Enhanced DRAM Overcurrent Protection
- ASUS ESD Guards
- TUF LANGuard
- ASUS Overvoltage Protection
- ASUS SafeSlot
- ASUS Stainless-Steel Back I/O
ASUS Q-Design
- ASUS Q-DIMM
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU [red], DRAM [yellow], VGA [white], Boot Device [yellow green])
- ASUS Q-Slot
ASUS Thermal Solution
- Aluminum M.2 heatsink
ASUS EZ DIY
- BIOS FlashBack™ button
- BIOS FlashBack™ LED
- Procool
AURA Sync
- Standard RGB headers
- Addressable Gen 2 RGB header
Back I/O Ports
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI
1 x LAN (2.5G) port(s)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (teal blue) (1 x Type-A+1 x USB Type-C®)
4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (blue) Type-A
2 x USB 2.0 (one port can be switched to USB BIOS FlashBack™)
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
5 x Audio jack(s)
1 x BIOS FlashBack™ Button(s)
Internal I/O Ports
1 x CPU Fan connector(s)
1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s)
3 x Chassis Fan connector(s)
1 x AIO_PUMP connector
2 x Aura RGB Strip Headers
1 x Addressable Gen 2 header(s)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps) connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 port(s)
2 x USB 2.0 connector(s) support(s) additional 4 USB 2.0 port(s)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support(SATA & PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices support (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
1 x M.2 with E key for Wi-Fi module
1 x SPI TPM header
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
1 x Thunderbolt header(s)
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector(s)
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connectors
1 x Front panel audio connector(s) (AAFP)
1 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)
1 x System panel connector
1 x COM port header
Accessories
User´s manual
I/O Shield
2 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
1 x Supporting DVD
1 x TUF Gaming Sticker
1 x TUF Certification card(s)
1 x M.2 SSD screw package(s)
1 x M.2 Rubber Package(s)
BIOS
256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS
Manageability
WOL by PXE
Operating System
Windows® 10 64-bit
Form Factor
ATX Form Factor
12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )
Note
*1 PCIE 3.0 X16_2 runs x1 mode when any of the PCIe 3.0 x1 slots is occupied.
*2 M2_2 shares bandwidth with SATA6G_56. When M.2_2 is populated, SATA6G_56 will be disabled.
Review
The ASUS TUF GAMING B550-PLUS is a versatile and durable motherboard designed for gamers and power users who demand both performance and reliability. Its comprehensive feature set, combined with the TUF Gaming Alliance's commitment to durability, makes it a standout choice in the competitive ATX motherboard market.
Performance: The motherboard's support for PCIe 4.0 and the latest AMD Ryzen processors ensures top-tier performance, particularly in gaming and content creation tasks. The ability to use faster NVMe storage and next-gen graphics cards results in shorter load times and a smoother overall experience.
Power Delivery and Durability: One of the most impressive aspects of the TUF GAMING B550-PLUS is its robust power delivery system. The use of military-grade components, such as TUF chokes and capacitors, ensures stable and reliable power, even during intense gaming sessions or overclocking. This contributes to the motherboard's long-term durability, a key factor for users who push their systems to the limit.
Cooling: Cooling is another area where this motherboard excels. With multiple fan headers, including a dedicated AIO pump header, and comprehensive heatsink coverage, the TUF GAMING B550-PLUS keeps your system cool, even when running demanding applications. The active chipset heatsink is particularly effective in maintaining optimal temperatures, ensuring the longevity and stability of your components.
Audio and Networking: The enhanced audio capabilities provided by DTS Custom, combined with Realtek's high-quality audio chipset, deliver an immersive sound experience, whether you're gaming, streaming, or listening to music. The inclusion of Realtek's L8200A Gigabit Ethernet ensures a stable and fast network connection, which is crucial for competitive gaming.
Aesthetics and Customization: The ASUS Aura Sync RGB lighting is a welcome addition, allowing users to personalize their system's look. The ability to synchronize lighting effects across multiple components adds a cohesive aesthetic to any build. The TUF Gaming branding, with its military-inspired design, further reinforces the motherboard's robust and durable character.
Expandability: The motherboard offers a good range of expansion options, with multiple PCIe slots and dual M.2 slots for storage. This makes it easy to upgrade your system in the future, whether you're adding more storage, installing additional graphics cards, or expanding your network capabilities.
Software and Utilities: ASUS includes a range of useful software utilities with the TUF GAMING B550-PLUS, such as AI Suite 3 and Armoury Crate. These tools provide easy access to system monitoring, fan control, and overclocking settings, allowing users to fine-tune their system for optimal performance.
Warranty Details
The ASUS TUF GAMING B550-PLUS motherboard comes with a 1-year warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, ensuring that your motherboard will be repaired or replaced if any issues arise under normal use. The warranty does not cover damages caused by accidents, misuse, or unauthorized modifications.
Refund/Return/Exchange Policy
ASUS offers a 7-day refund/return/exchange policy for the TUF GAMING B550-PLUS motherboard. To be eligible for a refund or exchange, the product must be returned in its original packaging and in an unused condition. This policy covers instances where the product is found to be defective or if the customer is dissatisfied with the purchase within the 7-day period
Conclusion
The ASUS TUF GAMING B550-PLUS is a feature-rich motherboard that offers a perfect balance of performance, durability, and value. Its support for PCIe 4.0 and the latest AMD Ryzen processors ensures that it can handle the most demanding gaming and content creation tasks with ease. The robust power delivery system, comprehensive cooling solutions, and military-grade components make it a reliable choice for gamers and power users alike.
The inclusion of enhanced audio, fast networking, and customizable RGB lighting further enhances the gaming experience, making the TUF GAMING B550-PLUS a well-rounded motherboard that can meet the needs of a wide range of users. Whether you're building a new gaming rig or upgrading an existing system, this motherboard provides a solid foundation for any high-performance PC build.
With a 1-year warranty and a 7-day refund/return/exchange policy, ASUS ensures that you can purchase the TUF GAMING B550-PLUS with confidence, knowing that you're investing in a product that is both reliable and backed by excellent customer support.