What are phases and VRMs

[TheOnlyXenoT_T]

Can someone explain me what phases en VRMs because im a tech dummy

[PineyCreek]

I hit Google for you:

 

https://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/1229-anatomy-of-a-motherboard-what-is-a-vrm-mosfet?showall=1

 

https://en.wikichip.org/wiki/voltage_regulator_module

 

You could just search this forum as well:

 

 

[TheOnlyXenoT_T]

Alright because I was think about getting the Asus Rog Strix B450-F

and i don’t know how many phases it has 

[seon123]

A VRM on a motherboard reduces the 12V input from the PSU to the desirable voltage. The most important VRM is the Vcore VRM, which powers the CPU core. 

A phase on a VRM consists at least of an offset PWM signal, a driver, a low side MOSFET, a high side MOSFET, an inductor and a capacitor.

 

Typically, motherboard manufacturers lie about the phase count, as they lack one or more of the needed components. They can also lie about the number of phases by adding together the Vcore and minor rail voltages. EVGA is notorious for counting the memory VRM phase as a VRM phase. 

More phases equals cleaner power, so you can overclock better. 

 

Depending on how the brand counts phases, you can see things like "13 phases", "12 phases" or "10+2 phases", all describing the same VRM. The real phase count can be as low as 5+2 phases. 

 

Anyway, AHOC on YouTube has explanations on what a VRM is. 

 

[PineyCreek]

6 minutes ago, TheOnlyXenoT_T said:

Alright because I was think about getting the Asus Rog Strix B450-F

and i don’t know how many phases it has 

HQ VRMs and extra phases matter more when the CPU is more sensitive about its power delivery or you plan to do some serious OC.  Gamersnexus is really good about technical content when it comes to boards and GPU PCBs.  ASUS builds good motherboards, or so I hear.  You want decent VRMs? I'd say Asrock's Taichi lineup.

[seon123]

3 minutes ago, TheOnlyXenoT_T said:

Alright because I was think about getting the Asus Rog Strix B450-F

and i don’t know how many phases it has 

A crappy 4+2 phase VRM. Way overpriced motherboard. 

[TheOnlyXenoT_T]

1 minute ago, seon123 said:

A crappy 4+2 phase VRM. Way overpriced motherboard. 

And what about the ASUS prime b450 ?

[seon123]

Just now, TheOnlyXenoT_T said:

And what about the ASUS prime b450 ?

It's the same thing, but usually cheaper than the B450-F. 

If the Pro4, B450-A or B450 Tomahawk cost the same or less, they are better choices. 

[TheOnlyXenoT_T]

3 minutes ago, seon123 said:

It's the same thing, but usually cheaper than the B450-F. 

If the Pro4, B450-A or B450 Tomahawk cost the same or less, they are better choices. 

I was thinking about the MSI B450 tomahawk but everyone is saying msi sucks