The Asus ROG Strix B660 motherboard has been making waves in the tech community, boasting an impressive array of features and capabilities that cater to the needs of both gamers and content creators. But the question on everyone’s mind is: is it really a good motherboard? In this article, we’ll delve into the details, exploring the key features, performance, and value for money to help you make an informed decision.
Introduction to the Asus ROG Strix B660
The Asus ROG Strix B660 is a mid-range motherboard based on the Intel B660 chipset, supporting 12th Gen Core processors. It’s part of the Republic of Gamers (ROG) series, which is known for its high-quality gaming peripherals and components. This motherboard is designed to offer a balance between performance, features, and affordability, making it an attractive option for those looking to build a powerful gaming PC without breaking the bank.
Key Features of the Asus ROG Strix B660
The Asus ROG Strix B660 comes with a plethora of features that make it an excellent choice for gamers and content creators. Some of the notable features include:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Socket | LGA 1700, supporting 12th Gen Core processors |
| Chipset | Intel B660 |
| RAM | Dual-channel DDR5, up to 64GB, 5200MHz+ |
| Expansion Slots | 2x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Storage | 4x SATA 6Gb/s, 2x M.2 NVMe |
| Networking | Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 |
| Audio | SupremeFX 7.1-channel audio, Sonic Studio III |
Performance and Overclocking
When it comes to performance, the Asus ROG Strix B660 doesn’t disappoint. With its 12th Gen Core processor support and dual-channel DDR5 memory, this motherboard can handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D modeling with ease. The PCIe 5.0 x16 slots also provide ample bandwidth for graphics cards, allowing for smooth gameplay and fast data transfer.
In terms of overclocking, the Asus ROG Strix B660 offers a range of options to tweak and optimize performance. The AI Overclocking feature uses machine learning to automatically adjust voltages and frequencies for optimal performance, while the Manual Overclocking option gives experienced users full control over the process.
Value for Money and Comparison
So, is the Asus ROG Strix B660 a good value for money? To answer this, let’s compare it to other motherboards in the same price range. The MSI MPG Z690 and ASRock B660M Steel Legend Micro ATX are two notable competitors, offering similar features and performance at slightly different price points.
While the MSI MPG Z690 offers more premium features like Wi-Fi 6E and a higher-quality audio codec, it comes at a significantly higher price point. The ASRock B660M Steel Legend Micro ATX, on the other hand, is more budget-friendly but lacks some of the advanced features found on the Asus ROG Strix B660.
Pros and Cons
Here are some key pros and cons to consider when evaluating the Asus ROG Strix B660:
- Excellent performance and overclocking capabilities
- Feature-rich, with Wi-Fi 6, SupremeFX audio, and high-quality power delivery
- Attractive design with customizable RGB lighting
- Good value for money, considering the features and performance
- Limited PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, which may be a drawback for some users
- No Wi-Fi 6E support, which may be a concern for those who need the latest wireless technology
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Asus ROG Strix B660 is a good motherboard that offers a great balance between performance, features, and value for money. With its 12th Gen Core processor support, dual-channel DDR5 memory, and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, this motherboard is capable of handling demanding tasks and providing a smooth gaming experience. While it may have some limitations, such as limited PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and no Wi-Fi 6E support, the Asus ROG Strix B660 is an excellent choice for those looking to build a powerful gaming PC without breaking the bank.
What are the key features of the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard?
The Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard is a high-performance motherboard designed for gaming and content creation. It features a B660 chipset, which supports 12th Gen Intel Core processors, and has a robust power delivery system with a 12+1 phase VRM design. The motherboard also has a high-quality audio system with SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound, and high-speed networking capabilities with Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet. Additionally, it has multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2, and high-speed storage options with SATA 6Gb/s and PCIe 4.0.
The Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard also has a robust cooling system with multiple fan headers and a comprehensive cooling solution that includes a VRM heatsink, a PCH heatsink, and a M.2 heatsink. The motherboard also features a high-quality PCB with a 6-layer design, which provides improved signal integrity and reduced electromagnetic interference. The Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard also has a stylish design with RGB lighting and a sleek aesthetic, making it a great choice for gamers and content creators who want a high-performance motherboard that looks good in their system.
How does the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard perform in gaming and content creation workloads?
The Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard delivers exceptional performance in gaming and content creation workloads, thanks to its high-quality power delivery system and robust cooling solution. The motherboard’s 12+1 phase VRM design provides stable and efficient power delivery to the CPU, which allows for high clock speeds and improved performance in demanding workloads. The motherboard’s high-speed storage options, including SATA 6Gb/s and PCIe 4.0, also provide fast storage and loading times, which is essential for gamers and content creators.
In benchmark tests, the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard has been shown to deliver exceptional performance in games and content creation applications, including 3D modeling, video editing, and streaming. The motherboard’s high-quality audio system and high-speed networking capabilities also provide a great gaming and streaming experience, with low latency and high-quality audio. Overall, the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard is a great choice for gamers and content creators who want a high-performance motherboard that can handle demanding workloads and provide a great user experience.
What kind of overclocking capabilities does the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard offer?
The Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard offers a range of overclocking capabilities that allow users to push their system to the limit. The motherboard’s high-quality power delivery system and robust cooling solution provide a stable and efficient platform for overclocking, and the motherboard’s UEFI BIOS provides a range of overclocking options and settings. The motherboard also supports Intel’s Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU), which provides a range of overclocking tools and settings, including CPU ratio adjustment, voltage adjustment, and memory timing adjustment.
The Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard also has a range of features that make it easy to overclock, including a built-in overclocking profile, a stress test function, and a range of monitoring tools that allow users to track their system’s temperatures, voltages, and clock speeds. The motherboard’s high-quality components and robust design also provide a high level of reliability and stability, even when overclocked to extreme levels. Overall, the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard is a great choice for overclockers who want a high-performance motherboard that can handle extreme overclocking and provide a stable and reliable platform for their system.
How does the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard compare to other motherboards in its class?
The Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard is a high-end motherboard that competes with other top-of-the-line motherboards in its class. Compared to other motherboards, the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard offers a range of unique features and capabilities, including its high-quality power delivery system, robust cooling solution, and high-speed storage options. The motherboard’s UEFI BIOS and overclocking capabilities also provide a high level of customization and control, which is essential for gamers and content creators who want to optimize their system’s performance.
In terms of price, the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard is competitively priced with other high-end motherboards in its class. However, its unique features and capabilities, including its high-quality audio system and high-speed networking capabilities, make it a great value for gamers and content creators who want a high-performance motherboard that can handle demanding workloads and provide a great user experience. Overall, the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-performance motherboard that can handle extreme overclocking and provide a stable and reliable platform for their system.
What kind of compatibility does the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard offer with different components and peripherals?
The Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard offers a high level of compatibility with different components and peripherals, including CPUs, memory, storage devices, and graphics cards. The motherboard supports 12th Gen Intel Core processors, and has multiple memory slots that support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory. The motherboard also has multiple storage options, including SATA 6Gb/s and PCIe 4.0, and supports a range of graphics cards, including NVIDIA GeForce and AMD Radeon.
The Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard also has a range of connectors and ports that provide compatibility with different peripherals, including USB devices, audio devices, and networking devices. The motherboard’s high-quality audio system also provides compatibility with a range of audio devices, including headphones, speakers, and microphones. Overall, the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard offers a high level of compatibility with different components and peripherals, making it a great choice for gamers and content creators who want a high-performance motherboard that can handle a range of different devices and applications.
How easy is it to install and set up the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard?
The Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard is relatively easy to install and set up, thanks to its high-quality design and comprehensive manual. The motherboard’s components are clearly labeled, and the manual provides a range of instructions and diagrams that make it easy to install the motherboard and its components. The motherboard’s UEFI BIOS is also easy to navigate, and provides a range of options and settings that allow users to configure their system to their liking.
The Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard also has a range of features that make it easy to install and set up, including a built-in installation guide, a range of pre-configured settings, and a comprehensive set of drivers and software. The motherboard’s high-quality components and robust design also provide a high level of reliability and stability, which makes it easy to install and set up the motherboard without worrying about compatibility issues or system crashes. Overall, the Asus Rog Strix B660 motherboard is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-performance motherboard that is easy to install and set up.
What kind of warranty and support does Asus offer for the Rog Strix B660 motherboard?
Asus offers a comprehensive warranty and support program for the Rog Strix B660 motherboard, which includes a 3-year limited warranty, a range of online support resources, and a dedicated customer support team. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, and provides replacement or repair of the motherboard if it fails due to a defect. The online support resources include a range of FAQs, manuals, and drivers, as well as a community forum where users can ask questions and share their experiences.
The Asus customer support team is also available to provide assistance with installation, configuration, and troubleshooting, and can be contacted via phone, email, or live chat. The team is knowledgeable and responsive, and can provide help with a range of issues, from simple installation questions to complex technical problems. Overall, the Asus warranty and support program provides a high level of protection and assistance for users of the Rog Strix B660 motherboard, which makes it a great choice for gamers and content creators who want a high-performance motherboard that is backed by a comprehensive support program.