Choose between b660 and b760
Choose between b660 and b760
Hello, I'm planning to upgrade my PC and need to decide between a Gigabyte B760M GAMING X DDR4 and an Asus TUF GAMING B660M PLUS D4. The Asus model is about $10 more, but I think it's worth it since it has a better architecture. I'm aiming for 13600K and prefer the stock performance over overclocking.
Only two options exist. If your shop updates the BIOS for you, I recommend MSI PRO B660M-A or MSI MAG B660M Mortar. Both are top B660M boards and offer great value. Just choose the one that matches your requirements; they’re both solid choices. The 13600K doesn’t require high-performance VRM coolers.
The ASUS B660 offers PCIe Gen 5 while the Gigabyte B760 has PCIe Gen 4. At present, there’s no benefit since GPUs aren’t fully utilizing the PCIe 4 bandwidth. Keep in mind that using a 13600k will probably require a BIOS update for this model; it appears the ASUS board lacks a BIOS flashback feature, so you’ll need a 12th generation processor to update the firmware.
The chipset isn't the main concern; what really counts is how the boards are built. These two boards are quite alike, differing only slightly. The ASUS model probably offers superior memory support compared to the Gigabyte version (Gigabyte's DDR4 setup on B660/Z690 was poor and they wouldn’t have improved it for B760/Z790), while the Gigabyte model is more affordable and includes BIOS Flashback. Unless you’re aiming for top-tier RAM speeds like 4000 CL16, skip the $10 difference and choose the Gigabyte board. For memory overclocking or speeds above 3600MT/s CL18, opt for the ASUS board.
Bios flashback doesn't seem very helpful for me; I focus mainly on performance. I saw that ASUS uses a VRM of 10+1+ and GB of 8+1+1, but the gap is only about $10... I’m also more comfortable with GB since my last two MBs were in GB. Plus, the Asus looks much better. It’s a tough choice. Will a 3600 CL 16 work?
Both boards are expected to perform similarly, which is why I focused on other aspects of the product. Your choice depends on what matters most to you—some features really stand out. It’s up to you whether you care about this detail or not; honestly, it’s saved me more times than I can count. Personally, it’s been a lifesaver (though I should admit I messed up the BIOS once). If you’re okay with that, aim for boards with those traits. If not, it’s fair to prioritize other factors.
In terms of efficiency, you’ll likely find both are about the same. They both come with solid heat sinks, so VRM temperatures should be roughly similar—around a 10°C difference at best.
Brand reputation can shift quickly; what worked well in the previous generation doesn’t always carry over. Just because you enjoyed a Gigabyte board before doesn’t guarantee the same experience now.
This particular Gigabyte board is decent and should perform adequately, but remember that you can’t predict its long-term reliability with confidence. You can’t compare it to ASUS, ASRock, or MSI in the same way.
If the price feels reasonable and looks good, go for it. Otherwise, a higher-end option might be worth considering, especially if you need XMP support and stability without extra tweaks. The later BIOS versions seem to have improved things, but they still struggle with decent timing at 3600 MHz.
For a dual-GPU setup, you’d probably prefer the ASUS board if your RAM kit matches.
They both seem quite alike, but I discovered another board with the same price in my country—the MSI PRO B660M-A. If the shop updates my BIOS, I should probably go with this one instead of the Gigabyte model. The CPU is 13600K, RAM is 3600, and it uses CL16. I really want native CPU support, but if MSI is better, I’ll choose them. There’s a risk with boards that don’t have native support for the 13th generation.
The MSI board isn't significantly superior to ASUS or Gigabyte, yet it tends to be the most affordable choice. It offers solid memory support. The main concerns when buying one without native 13th generation compatibility are the need for a BIOS update and potential issues with features like V/F curves if you intend to undervolt. MSI has reported broken V/F curves on their 13th gen boards, though this applies mainly to B660 models, which would still face problems regardless. I wouldn't steer clear of that board with 13th gen i5s.
Thanks for reaching out. I understand you're considering options and want advice. It looks like you're comparing prices and availability for similar products. You might want to check local stores or online retailers for the best deals. Let me know if you need further guidance!