ROG STRIX B450-F Gaming Motherboard Review
AMD is back with the 2nd generation of Ryzen CPUs AMD Ryzen 7 2700X and Ryzen 5 2600X desktop processors. Although these newer generation are fully backward compatible with AM4 socket motherboards, but AMD also released a newer chipset that offering new technology and some new features. Focusing on higher end as well budget oriented builds.
To accompany the performance you need on a budget with AMD's newly launched 2nd-Gen Ryzen processors, AMD is now introducing the new B450 chipset and Asus has also launched new motherboards based on the B450 chipset, targeting budget gaming PC market segment.
Today we are reviewing an ASUS ROG STRIX family motherboard based on AMD B450 chipset, the ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F Gaming Motherboard. ROG STRIX B450-F Gaming motherboard is a slight cut short version of the high-end ROG STRIX X470 motherboard series, giving all the essentials needed for a well-balanced gaming PC build.
Adding “GAMING" in the ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F Gaming Motherboard means that now ASUS is offering the same ROG STRIX reliability to gamers for stable and smooth long gaming experience. With features like, dual PCIe 3.0 M.2 slots and AMD StoreMI support for incredible storage speeds, improved DDR4 memory stability and much more.
Now let's see what ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F board have for us.
Features
AMD B450 ATX gaming motherboard with Aura Sync RGB LED lighting, DDR4 3200MHz support, 32Gbps M.2, and native USB 3.1 Gen 2.
- AM4 socket: Ready for AMD Ryzen™ processors
- Fast memory and storage: Dual-channel DDR4 3200MHz (OC) and NVM Express® RAID supported.
- Aura Sync RGB: Synchronize LED lighting with a vast portfolio of compatible PC gear.
- Gaming connectivity: Dual M.2 and USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A connectors.
- Gaming networking: Intel Gigabit Ethernet, plus ASUS LANGuard and GameFirst technologies.
- 5-Way Optimization: Automated system-wide tuning, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailor-made for your rig.
- Gaming audio: SupremeFX S1220A teams with Sonic Studio III to create an aural landscape that draws you deeper into the action.
- Gamer’s Guardian: Pre-mounted I/O shield, ASUS SafeSlot and premium components for maximum endurance.
Specifications
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CPU
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AMD AM4 Socket AMD Ryzenâ„¢ 2nd
Generation/Ryzenâ„¢ with Radeonâ„¢ Vega Graphics/Ryzenâ„¢ 1st Generation
Processors
* Refer to www.asus.com for
CPU support list
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Chipset
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AMD B450
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Memory
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AMD Ryzenâ„¢ Processors
4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4 3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133 MHz
Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel Memory Architecture
* Refer to www.asus.com for
the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).
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Graphic
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Integrated in the AMD Ryzenâ„¢ with
Radeonâ„¢ Vega Graphics Processors
Multi-VGA output support : HDMI/DisplayPort ports
- Supports HDMI 2.0b with maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 @ 60 Hz
- Supports DisplayPort 1.2 with max. resolution 4096 x 2160 @ 60 Hz
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Multi-GPU Support
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AMD Ryzenâ„¢ 2nd Generation/Ryzenâ„¢ 1st
Generation Processors
Supports AMD 3-Way CrossFireXâ„¢ Technology
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Expansion Slots
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AMD Ryzenâ„¢ 2nd Generation/ Ryzenâ„¢ 1st
Generation Processors
2 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 or x8/x4)
AMD Ryzenâ„¢ with Radeonâ„¢ Vega Graphics Processor
1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x8 mode)
AMD B450 chipset
1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (max at x4 mode) *1
3 x PCIe 2.0 x1
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Storage
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AMD Ryzenâ„¢ 2nd Generation/ Ryzenâ„¢ 1st
Generation Processors : *2
1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
(SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*3
1 x M.2 Socket 3, , with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices
support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*4
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s)
AMD Ryzenâ„¢ with Radeonâ„¢ Vega Graphics Processor : *2
1 x M.2 Socket 3, with M key, type 2242/2260/2280 storage devices support
(SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)*3
2 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s)
AMD B450 chipset :
4 x SATA 6Gb/s port(s),
Support Raid 0, 1, 10
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LAN
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Intel® I211-AT, 1 x Gigabit LAN
Controller(s)
Anti-surge LANGuard
ROG GameFirst Technology
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Audio
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ROG SupremeFX 8-Channel High
Definition Audio CODEC S1220A
- Dual OP Amplifiers
- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs
- Supports : Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking
- High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR recording
input
- SupremeFX Shielding Technology
- Supports up to 32-Bit/192kHz playback *5
Audio Feature :
- Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
- Sonic Radar III
- Sonic Studio III + Sonic Studio Link
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USB Ports
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AMD Ryzenâ„¢ 2nd Generation/ Ryzenâ„¢ with
Radeonâ„¢ Vega Graphics/ Ryzenâ„¢ 1st Generation :
3 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s) (3 at back panel, blue)
AMD Ryzenâ„¢ 2nd Generation/ Ryzenâ„¢ with Radeonâ„¢ Vega Graphics/ Ryzenâ„¢ 1st
Generation :
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s) (1 at back panel, , Type-C)
AMD B450 chipset :
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 port(s) (2 at back panel, red)
AMD B450 chipset :
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 port(s)
AMD B450 chipset :
6 x USB 2.0 port(s) (2 at back panel, , 4 at mid-board)
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ROG Exclusive Features
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ROG RAMCache II
ROG CPU-Z
Pre-mounted I/O Shield
Overwolf
GameFirst IV
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Special Features
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5-Way Optimization by Dual Intelligent
Processors 5
- Whole system optimization with a single click! 5-Way Optimization tuning
key perfectly consolidates TPU, EPU, DIGI+ VRM, Fan Xpert 4, and Turbo App
together, providing better CPU performance, efficient power saving, precise
digital power control, whole system cooling and even tailor your own app
usages.
TPU
- Auto Tuning, TurboV, GPU Boost
Fan Xpert4
- Fan Xpert 4 featuring Fan Auto Tuning function and multiple thermistors
selection for optimized system cooling control
Gamer's Guardian:
- ESD Guards on LAN, Audio, KBMS and USB3.1/3.0/2.0 ports
- DRAM Overcurrent Protection
- Highly Durable Components
- SafeSlot
ASUS EPU :
- EPU
AURA :
- Aura Lighting Control
- Aura RGB Strip Headers
- Aura Lighting Effects Synchronization with compatible ASUS ROG devices
ASUS Exclusive Features :
- AI Suite 3
- Ai Charger
- ASUS Grid
ASUS EZ DIY :
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 3
ASUS Q-Design :
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM
Digi+VRM
Turbo APP
- featuring system performance tuning for selected applications
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Back I/O Ports
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1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s)
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI
1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s)
2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (red)Type-A,
4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (blue) ,
2 x USB 2.0
1 x Optical S/PDIF out
5 x Audio jack(s)
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Internal I/O Ports
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2 x Aura RGB Strip Headers
1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps) connector(s) support(s) additional 2 USB 3.1
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 storage devices support
(SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M key, type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices
support (PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode)
1 x TPM header
1 x COM port(s) connector(s)
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connector(s)
1 x CPU Fan connector(s)
1 x CPU OPT Fan connector(s)
3 x Chassis Fan connector(s)
1 x AIO_PUMP connector
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 System panel(s)
1 x Thermal sensor connector(s)
1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)
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Operating System
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Windows® 10 64-bit
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Form Factor
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ATX Form Factor
12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm )
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Package
Board comes in a nice black ROG coloured theme cardboard box with model number, image of the board and details about supporting technology and features.
Inside the box
ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING comes with very basic set of accessories :
Looks
Board made with a black PCB of size ATX (30.5 X 24.4 cm) with fixed back I/O plate.
Layout
Detailed layout of board.
1. AMD AM4 Socket AMD Ryzenâ„¢ 2nd Generation/Ryzenâ„¢ with Radeonâ„¢ Vega Graphics/Ryzenâ„¢ 1st Generation/7th Generation A-series/Athlon X4 Processors . Supports CPU up to 8 cores
2. ASUS B450-F is equipped with 4 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR4 3200(O.C.)/3000(O.C.)/2800(O.C.)/2666/2400/2133 MHz Un-buffered Memory
3. ATX Power connector (24-pin EATXPWR)
4. ATX CPU Power Connector 8-pin ATX12V.
5. Back I/O Ports - 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port(s), 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 1 x LAN (RJ45) port(s), 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (red)Type-A, 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (blue), 2 x USB 2.0 , 1 x Optical S/PDIF out, 5 x Audio jack(s)
6. 7. 1 x CPU Fan connector (1 x 4 -pin), 3 x Chassis Fan connector (3 x 4 -pin), 1 x AIO_PUMP connector (1 x 4 -pin)
8. 2 x Aura RGB Strip Headers
9. 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1(up to 5Gbps) connectors (19-pin)
10. 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
11. System Front panel(s) (Q-Connector)
12. 2 x USB 2.0 connector
13. COM Port and TPM connector
14. Front panel Audio connector
15. 2 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key design, type 2242/2260/2280storage devices support (Supports both SATA & PCIE SSD)
16. Expansion Slots - 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x16 mode), 1 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (x8 mode), 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (max at x4 mode) , 3 x PCIe 2.0 x1
Removing Heat-sinks
Heatsinks are made up of dense aluminum with thermal pad installed. But taking a close look we find that the Thermal pads are little small to cover the whole MOSFET array.
Component Layout
Let's now see what all components ASUS have planned for this board.
1. 2.Digital 8 phase Power VRM Section controlled with ASP1106GG controller IC with set ON Semiconductor YEI 4C06B and 4C10B Power MOSFETS for per phase giving total up to 40A of current handling, 60A Ferrite Chokes, and 10K Black Metallic Capacitors.
3. A separate DRAM Power section
4. 2 X ASM1543 chips are a 2 differential channels SuperSpeedPlus USB3.1 Gen2 Retimer for USB 3.1 Gen-I and GenII Support.
5. Taxes Instruments SN75DP159 DP to HDMI 2.0a Retimer chip.
6. Intel i211A integrated GBit LAN solutions.
7. ITE IT8665E chip provides the super I/O functions, such as fan control and system monitoring
8. Asmedia ASM1480 PCIe bus switch chips
9. ASUS custom TPU controller chip.
10. AMD B450 Chipset.
11. UEFI BIOS is stored in a Winbond 25Q128FV 128MB chip.
12. ASUS B450-F audio subsystem is based on SupremeFX ALC1220 controller with 10 DAC channels, simultaneous 7.1-channel playback, independent 2.0-channel, multiple-stream stereo to front-panel outputs, and an EMI cover for purer audio quality.
A semi-transparent line on motherboard separates the whole audio section from the rest of the board in order to minimize interference. Audio section is having premium Nichicon Gold Capacitors for audio filtration. In addition ASUS used TI OPA1688 Op-amp for front audio amplification.
RightMark Audio Analyzer (RMAA) suite is used for testing test ASUS B450-F audio against Asus Xonar U7 External Sound card. You can see clearly the difference between Noise level, dynamic rang and Total harmonic distortion percentage produced by on-board audio.
RMAA Asus Xonar U7
RMAA ASUS Audio
Testing
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 2700 |
| Board | ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F Gaming |
| RAM | 2X 8GB Corsair DDR4 3000Mhz |
| SSD | Corsair Force GT 240 SSD |
| Cooler | Cooler Master MASTERMAKER 240 |
| GFX | Gigabyte GTX 970 |
| PSU | Cooler Master750 |
BIOS
Bundled Software
Benchmarks
Overclocking
Power Consumption
Wattage reading as per displayed by APC Pro 1000VA (Model no. BR1000G-IN) UPS.
Pros
- Pre-Installed I/O shield
- Nice Price
- Decent Overclocking
- Great looks
- Superb Build quality
- Nice Audio
- Good bundled Software
- AMD StoreMI support
Cons
Conclusion
With ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F Gaming Motherboard, ASUS have succeeded in provided a well-balanced gaming pc build solution. Even the board is using AMD B450 chipset, the overclocking capability is very nice and offers stable system at higher overclocks, of course with adequate CPU cooling provided. With the offered features and performance the board will definitely attract budget gaming PC builders.
Finally at a price tag Rs.9.5K(approx.), ASUS ROG STRIX B450-F Gaming Motherboard offers the best "Value for Money" for AMD Ryzen 2nd generation platform build and is worthy of our PC TeK Reviews VALUE Award.
Manufacturers Info
Site Link
Thanks.