F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Comparing MSI B550 Gaming Plus and Tomahawk offers a clear view of their features and strengths.

Comparing MSI B550 Gaming Plus and Tomahawk offers a clear view of their features and strengths.

Comparing MSI B550 Gaming Plus and Tomahawk offers a clear view of their features and strengths.

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NaiROolF
Senior Member
685
04-05-2021, 12:00 AM
#1
CPU specs: 5600x, GPU RTX 3060.
Why choose Gaming Plus?
- Extra USB rear ports
- More affordable at $35 less

Why choose Tomahawk?
- Improved VRM setup
- Superior sound card (ALC 1200/1200P vs A LC892/ALC897)
Which would you prefer?
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NaiROolF
04-05-2021, 12:00 AM #1

CPU specs: 5600x, GPU RTX 3060.
Why choose Gaming Plus?
- Extra USB rear ports
- More affordable at $35 less

Why choose Tomahawk?
- Improved VRM setup
- Superior sound card (ALC 1200/1200P vs A LC892/ALC897)
Which would you prefer?

S
SophieLe
Junior Member
6
04-05-2021, 01:06 AM
#2
I would opt for the pricier option and consider purchasing a USB card later if necessary. The higher-end model is likely to provide better durability.
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SophieLe
04-05-2021, 01:06 AM #2

I would opt for the pricier option and consider purchasing a USB card later if necessary. The higher-end model is likely to provide better durability.

R
ryder873
Member
66
04-05-2021, 09:47 AM
#3
That would definitely raise the cost even more. I wasn’t sure about that idea. What led you to think this way?
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ryder873
04-05-2021, 09:47 AM #3

That would definitely raise the cost even more. I wasn’t sure about that idea. What led you to think this way?

2
22landon
Junior Member
36
04-05-2021, 10:40 AM
#4
It would cost more but a better VRM means improved performance. If the main reason to choose this slightly pricier board is just price and USB compatibility, it could be fixed easily.
2
22landon
04-05-2021, 10:40 AM #4

It would cost more but a better VRM means improved performance. If the main reason to choose this slightly pricier board is just price and USB compatibility, it could be fixed easily.

Y
yalo29
Senior Member
641
04-05-2021, 12:15 PM
#5
The Gaming Plus features VRMs capable of managing even a 5950X without excessive overclocking, making it suitable for your needs. Upgrading later won't require a new board unless you pursue heavy overclocking. The Tomahawk outperforms the Plus, though the Plus's VRMs aren't inherently flawed—they simply lag behind. If you avoid overclocking, the gap won't be significant. In fact, the Plus can also undergo some modifications. According to Hardware Unboxed's VRM testing graph, the Plus reaches roughly 9°C hotter than the Tomahawk after an hour of Blender use in the 3950X overclock scenario.
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yalo29
04-05-2021, 12:15 PM #5

The Gaming Plus features VRMs capable of managing even a 5950X without excessive overclocking, making it suitable for your needs. Upgrading later won't require a new board unless you pursue heavy overclocking. The Tomahawk outperforms the Plus, though the Plus's VRMs aren't inherently flawed—they simply lag behind. If you avoid overclocking, the gap won't be significant. In fact, the Plus can also undergo some modifications. According to Hardware Unboxed's VRM testing graph, the Plus reaches roughly 9°C hotter than the Tomahawk after an hour of Blender use in the 3950X overclock scenario.

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Rayzz_23
Junior Member
13
04-05-2021, 01:42 PM
#6
I suggest the more affordable board. The audio variation between these two codecs is really negligible when using budget speakers or headphones. Perhaps they use premium gear, but if you hit the heat limit and performance drops, it’s likely due to overheating rather than quality. Even a small difference in temperature—like 60°C versus 90°C—won’t noticeably affect sound.
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Rayzz_23
04-05-2021, 01:42 PM #6

I suggest the more affordable board. The audio variation between these two codecs is really negligible when using budget speakers or headphones. Perhaps they use premium gear, but if you hit the heat limit and performance drops, it’s likely due to overheating rather than quality. Even a small difference in temperature—like 60°C versus 90°C—won’t noticeably affect sound.