The ROG Strix B550 Gaming series motherboards offer a set of features typically found in higher-end series, including the latest PCIe 4.0 technology.
With robust power delivery and efficient cooling, it is well-equipped to handle 3rd generation AMD Ryzen CPUs. Featuring futuristic aesthetics and intuitive ROG software, the ROG Strix B550-F Gaming gives you the edge to build your dream setup.
It is aimed at users who wish to build a gaming PC with the latest technology materials and features. It offers excellent build quality and reliability, as well as numerous gaming features such as built-in WiFi, RGB lighting, and various software programs to optimize system performance.
PCIe 4.0-Ready
It features two M.2 slots, one of which supports the latest PCIe 4.0 standard for maximum storage flexibility and the fastest data speeds available through the 3rd generation AMD Ryzen platform. Both M.2 slots support the 22110 type socket and NVM Express RAID for enhanced performance.
WiFi 6E
The built-in WiFi 6E technology takes advantage of the newly available radio spectrum in the 6 GHz band. It provides ultra-fast wireless connections and improved capacity, as well as better performance in environments with many devices.
WiFi 6E Antenna
The antenna features two built-in transmitters and receivers for higher transmission speeds and supports the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands.
Adjustable design, the four-direction placement allows for better signal reception
A strong magnetic base secures the antenna to the top or side of the computer case
2.5 Gb Ethernet
The built-in 2.5 Gb ethernet boosts your wired connection, with speeds that are 2.5 times faster than standard Ethernet connections for fast file transfers, lag-free gaming, and high-resolution video streaming.
SupremeFX
The built-in ROG SupremeFX audio technology ensures clear sound for the ROG Strix B550-F Gaming. Along with ensuring flat frequency response for a neutral, detailed sound signature, it offers two front panel outputs driven by amplifiers that provide high-quality sound to gaming headsets.
AI Noise Cancellation
This utility leverages a vast deep learning database to reduce background noise from the microphone and incoming sound while preserving vocals. Distracting keyboard typing, mouse clicks, and other environmental noises are intelligently neutralized, allowing you to hear and be heard with crystal-clear clarity during gaming or calls.
Sonic Studio III
Sonic Studio supports virtual surround based on HRTF (head-related transfer function) for VR headsets, creating an immersive soundscape that draws you deeper into the action. The intuitive Sonic Studio interface also offers a range of EQ options and one-click presets, allowing you to customize the audio according to personal preferences or the characteristics of your headset.
Performance
The ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WIFI II provides powerful power delivery to fuel Ryzen cores, comprehensive cooling, and support for faster memory, so it has everything you need to load your PC with high-performance components to play in the big leagues.
Power Design
Digital power control and an array of power stages ensure that the ROG Strix B550-A Gaming has the muscle to control the latest AMD CPUs.
The ProCool socket is built to exacting specifications to ensure flush contact with the PSU power lines, allowing for lower impedance and better heat dissipation.
ASUS DIGI+ Power Control is an innovative set of controllers for digital VRM and DRAM voltage. These controllers offer ultra-precise memory and voltage tuning for optimal system performance, stability, and efficiency.
12+2 power stages combine high-side and low-side MOSFET and drivers into a single package, delivering the power and efficiency that AMD CPUs demand.
Superior chokes and durable capacitors are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures and provide up to 110% better performance than industry standards.
The 6-layer PCB quickly dissipates heat around the VRM to improve overall system stability and give the CPU more overclocking headroom.
Cooling
The ROG Strix B550 series features the most comprehensive cooling options ever, configurable via Fan Xpert 4 or the UEFI BIOS.
Processor
Processor heatsink fan, an exclusive pair of PWM/DC fan headers for CPU heatsinks
Processor liquid cooling, an exclusive PWM/DC header for standalone liquid cooling settings
M.2
Keeps M.2 SSDs at optimal operating temperature for consistent performance and reliability.
Case
All onboard headers support automatic detection of PWM or DC fans.
VRM
VRM Heatsink, the MOS heatsink provides a large contact area for MOSFETs and chokes.
Thermal Pad, the high-quality thermal pad helps transfer heat from the inductor and phase array to the heatsink
BIOS FlashBack
Users can place a BIOS file on a USB drive formatted with FAT32 and simply connect it to the USB BIOS FlashBack port and press a button to update the (UEFI) BIOS. Updates can be done even if there is no memory or CPU.
Rog gives more
ROG's exclusive software utilities offer intuitive audio tuning and gaming enhancements that allow you to configure your game build the way you want.
UEFI BIOS
The renowned ROG UEFI (BIOS) provides everything you need to configure, modify, and tune your rig. It offers intelligently simplified options for new PC DIY users, as well as comprehensive features for seasoned veterans.
GameFirst VI
The ROG GameFirst VI utility is designed to help all users, beginners, experts, and anyone in between, optimize network settings to ensure smooth online gaming. New to this generation, GameFirst VI features enhanced AI-driven recognition and boosting technology to ensure faster and smarter network optimization.
Armoury Crate
Armoury Crate is a new software utility designed to give you centralized control of supported gaming products, making it easy to set up the look and feel of your system.
From a single intuitive interface, Armory Crate allows you to easily customize the lighting and RGB effects for compatible devices and sync them with Aura Sync to create a unified lighting scheme in your system. You can also use Armory Crate to download the user manual, drivers, and software.
RAMCache lll
RAMCache III software turns milliseconds into microseconds to boost game load times. Fully compatible with the latest NVM Express storage options, its uniquely intelligent technology effectively caches an entire storage device, so your favorite games and applications launch at breakneck speeds.
Specifications are collected from official manufacturer websites. Please verify the specifications before proceeding with your final purchase. If you notice any problem you can
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Beautiful motherboard with a plethora of USB ports.. I was disappointed by the BIOS being cumbersome and that it only had screws for the SSD M.2, which I consider unacceptable.. Time will tell..
I followed all the instructions and it worked! Amazing and even though I'm just a YouTuber, I didn't need anything at all, just the instruction booklet! Well done!
Good build quality and reliability of VRM. Stable performance without crashes and without high temperatures. Plenty of ports and headers. Beautiful and sturdy. Beautiful packaging and accessories. Although Asus is renowned for its excellent quality in its products, it is also infamous for the software it has in its ecosystem, such as Armoury Crate. Personally, it has not caused me any problems, on the contrary, but it is noticeable that it tries to prompt you to download bloatware.
Very high-quality construction and excellent materials, which is why it was preferred (known for these things is ASUS).
It works perfectly with an easy BIOS, the way to upgrade the BIOS is to have removed University, not University. Flashing with the USB stick didn't work, maybe I'm doing it wrong. In the end, I upgrade through the ASUS application and it's okay.
Although the prices have gone to heaven, I believe that if they are around 150 it's worth it. Basically, I have to say that I installed the RYZEN 5 5600g without needing a bios update and it worked straight away without any issues. I want to point out something that I read from some friends regarding drivers, if you do a clean install, take the trouble and download the two basic drivers for wifi and Ethernet on a USB stick from another PC, and this way you will make your life easier during installation. Unfortunately, I had a strange issue, I connected it to the kolink observatory case with the 6 argb fans and of course I connected them to the corresponding argb header 3 pin on the Mobo, but the fans have a lot of flickering unfortunately. I have seen countless solutions but nothing works for me unfortunately, and it bothers me because I can't control the lighting with Armoury Crate at all, so I can only change the colors from the reset button.
I have had the motherboard for a week and it is exactly what I wanted/expected.
I upgraded from a 7-year-old Asus Prime X-370 PRO since the sound card was not working for the past few years, limiting my RAM to 3200Mhz, and I also did not plan to upgrade to a DDR5/AM5 platform in the next 2+ years, so I considered the price of 170 euros to be good.
The packaging is great with plenty of bags containing all the necessary items such as 2 stand-off screws + screws for the two M.2 slots on the motherboard and 6 SATA cables, which is the number of drives the motherboard supports. The RGB lighting is amazing and fully customizable through the Armory Crate in Windows 11, which I use. As for the WiFi/Bluetooth, it is version 6 and 5.2 respectively (latest specifications) and the photo speaks for itself with a quick test I did! However, I use TP-Link Powerline for my network, so I only need the network card for my Bluetooth headphones.
I also updated to the latest version of the BIOS since the motherboard was several versions behind when it was on the shelf. I noticed a difference (not something drastic but noticeable) in the boot time, as it used to take 18 seconds to open the desktop, and now it takes 12-13 seconds.
My system is as follows:
• RAM: 2̶ x̶ 8̶G̶B̶ C̶o̶r̶s̶a̶i̶r̶ V̶e̶n̶g̶e̶a̶n̶c̶e̶ 2̶6̶6̶6̶M̶h̶z̶ Corsair Vengeance RGB RT 2x16GB 3600mHZ
• Disks: Kingston KC3000 1TB (Windows 11 installed) + 2 x 1TB WD Blue (games + backup)
• CPU: Ryzen 7 3700X
• CPU Cooler: NZXT X63
• GPU: Palit RTX 2080
• Power Supply: Corsair RM1000x
• Case: Lianli 0-11 Dynamic
• Fans: 6 x Arctic BioniX P120 (3 on the side and 3 on the bottom of the case).
• Router used for the test in the photo: TP-LINK Archer AX73 v1
I will provide further updates if anything new arises as I continue to explore what this motherboard has to offer in 2023.
Update after 3 months of use (January 14, 2024): I updated the BIOS to version 3405. After using it for 2 days, it is now fully stable. Generally, it is expected to receive BIOS updates for at least another year, and possibly 2 years. If you are considering upgrading your motherboard because it caused you problems, I highly recommend this one. However, if you are currently building a new system and want to keep it for 4+ years, definitely take a look at the AM5 platform, as for an additional 50-100 euros, the CPU-RAM performance is almost doubled.
In the past two months, it has proven to be flawless, garlic! Spacious, easy to install, only the sata cables that put everything together are difficult. The Bluetooth works great, I've used it very little. What impressed me was the wifi. From the top floor, it reaches a 50-line end.. (the magnetized antenna sticks to the box, very convenient) Also, with the alc1220, the sound is very good (although it has internal parasites, but that's another story). For the last two reasons, sound chip and wifi, I chose it at its expensive price (220), and I haven't regretted it....
Excellent motherboard. Comparing it to the X570, unless you have multiple nvme drives, you will be wasting your money going for the X570. The B550 performs exactly the same.