MSI B550 Gaming Edge WiFi vs. ASUS Strix B550-F WiFi

[lugs]

I can't decide between the Gaming Edge WiFi and the B550-F WiFi, since both are similarly priced in my area. I'm planning a new build with the ff specs:

• 5800x w/ Noctua NHU12S chromax
• 3080 or 5800xt
• 2 m.2 SSDs (1 gen3 and 1 gen4)
• 2x8gb Trident Z Neo 3600
• Corsair RM850
• Phanteks P400A Digital

Here are some comparisons I found:

(r/buildapc thread) (Tier List on Reddit)

Spoiler

 

1. They have the same capabilities for ram / cpu / gpu / cpu fan / ssd
2. Fan Headers
   • The Gaming Edge has more headers and IMO much better placement (and much easier to assemble IMO)
3. Networking (both have WiFi 6)
   • LAN on the Strix is faulty except in newer revisions
4. Audio
   • It was noted that the audio on the Strix is better? (does this affect just the audio ports or ALL audio? I'm currently using a G Pro X headset through USB)
5. Rear IO
   • Strix has more USB ports but I don't necessarily need them.
6. Power
   • Strix requires 1 more 4pin connector (idk why)
7.  Software
   • From what I can gather, ASUS software is much more stable and reliable than MSI software (correct me if I'm wrong)
8. Other Features
   • RGB headers: pretty much the same
   • BIOS Flashback and Debug lights on both
   • Warranty: MSI=1-2years, ASUS=3years

 

 

What are your opinions? Looking back at what I've written, it does seem like the Gaming Edge is better for me, but the biggest deal breaker for me is the software (I seem to notice Mystic Light issues on the forum more often). Is the software and audio difference that big?

 

 

 

[Guest]

The obvious choice is the Strix board. Just the warranty alone is nice to have. Standing by the quality for 3 years. On TUF boards (non gaming) they have a 5 years warranty. 

 

 

Quote

 

Power

• Strix requires 1 more 4pin connector (idk why)

 

For more juice. Cater to the enthusiast in you. (Or me....) Helps for lower impedance.

You won't need to use it.

 

 

 

[lugs]

3 hours ago, ShrimpBrime said:

Just the warranty alone is nice to have.

That's a very good point.

How about the software side? Is one significantly  better than the other?

 

 

[Guest]

7 hours ago, lugs said:

That's a very good point.

How about the software side? Is one significantly  better than the other?

 

 

I dont know. I dont use MSI.

[Raz Ghost]

I've used Asus boards for the past 4 years and love the ai suite software for fan tuning and overclocking. I had a MSI b450 board when the amd 3000 series launch and just didn't get on with it.

 

I actually just finished a build with the Asus b550-f wifi you mention, really nice board, good wifi, fan headers all around the board, bios flashback was painless. Saying all this though it was a easy choice for me as I got it at £135 on prime day

[lugs]

7 hours ago, ShrimpBrime said:

I dont know. I dont use MSI.

 

6 hours ago, Raz Ghost said:

I've used Asus boards for the past 4 years and love the ai suite software for fan tuning and overclocking. I had a MSI b450 board when the amd 3000 series launch and just didn't get on with it.

 

I actually just finished a build with the Asus b550-f wifi you mention, really nice board, good wifi, fan headers all around the board, bios flashback was painless. Saying all this though it was a easy choice for me as I got it at £135 on prime day

Thank you guys for your input! I'm gonna change up my build now haha I'll try my best to score a B550-F that has working LAN.