Comparison Asus TUF GAMING B760M-PLUS WIFI vs Asus TUF GAMING B660M-PLUS WIFI

The number of processor power phases provided on the motherboard.

Very simplistically, phases can be described as electronic blocks of a special design, through which power is supplied to the processor. The task of such blocks is to optimize this power, in particular, to minimize power surges when the load on the processor changes. In general, the more phases, the lower the load on each of them, the more stable the power supply and the more durable the electronics of the board. And the more powerful the CPU and the more cores it has, the more phases it needs; this number increases even more if the processor is planned to be overclocked. For example, for a conventional quad-core chip, only four phases are often enough, and for an overclocked one, at least eight may be needed. It is because of this that powerful processors can have problems when used on inexpensive low-phase motherboards.

Detailed recommendations on choosing the number of phases for specific CPU series and models can be found in special sources (including the documentation for CPU itself). Here we note that with numerous phases on the motherboard (more than 8), some of them can be virtual. To do this, real electronic blocks are supplemented with doublers or even triplers, which, formally, increases the number of phases: for example, 12 claimed phases can represent 6 physical blocks with doublers. However, virtual phases are much inferior to real ones in terms of capabilities — in fact, t...hey are just additions that slightly improve the characteristics of real phases. So, let's say, in our example, it is more correct to speak not about twelve, but only about six (though improved) phases. These nuances must be specified when choosing a motherboard.

The chipset model installed in the motherboard. AMD's current chipset models are B450, A520, B550, X570, A620, B650, B650E, X670, X670E, B840, B850, X870, X870E. For Intel, in turn, the list of chipsets looks like this: X299, H410, B460, H470, Z490, H510, B560, H570, Z590, H610, B660, H670, Z690, B760, Z790, H810, B860, Z890.

A chipset is...a set of chips on the motherboard through which the individual components of the system interact directly: the processor, RAM, drives, audio and video adapters, network controllers, etc. Technically, such a set consists of two parts — the north and south bridges. The key element is the northbridge, it connects the processor, memory, graphics card and the southbridge (together with the devices it controls). Therefore, it is often the name of the north bridge that is indicated as the chipset model, and the south bridge model is specified separately (see below); it is this scheme that is used in traditional layout motherboards, where bridges are made in the form of separate microcircuits. There are also solutions where both bridges are combined in one chip; for them, the name of the entire chipset can be indicated.

Anyway, knowing the chipset model, you can find various additional data on it — from general reviews to special instructions. An ordinary user, usually, does not need such information, but it can be useful for various professional tasks.

The maximum RAM clock speed supported by the motherboard. The actual clock frequency of the installed RAM modules should not exceed this indicator — otherwise, malfunctions are possible, and the capabilities of the “RAM” cannot be used to the fullest.

For modern PCs, a RAM frequency of 1500 – 2000 MHz or less is considered very low, 2000 – 2500 MHz is modest, 2500 – 3000 MHz is average, 3000 – 3500 MHz is above average, and the most advanced boards can support frequencies of 3500 – 4000 MHz and even more than 4000 MHz.

Number of USB C 3.2 gen1 connectors provided on the motherboard.

USB C connectors (all versions) are used to connect USB C ports located on the outside of the case (usually on the front panel, less frequently on the top or side) to the "motherboard." Such a port is connected to the connector with a special cable, with one connector typically working with just one port. In other words, the number of connectors on the motherboard corresponds to the maximum number of USB C chassis ports that can be used with it.

Let us recall, USB C is a relatively new type of USB connector, distinguished by its small size and reversible design; these connectors have their specific technical features, so separate connectors must be provided for them. Specifically, the USB 3.2 gen1 version (previously known as USB 3.1 gen1 and USB 3.0) provides data transfer rates of up to 4.8 Gbps. In addition, on a USB C connector, this version can support the USB Power Delivery technology, allowing power supply to external devices up to 100W; however, this function is not mandatory, and its availability in the connectors of a particular "motherboard" should be clarified separately.

Number of USB C 3.2 gen2 connectors provided on the motherboard.

USB C connectors (of all versions) are used to connect USB C ports to the "motherboard" from the external side of the case (usually on the front panel, less often on the top or side). Such a port is connected to a connector with a special cable, and typically, one connector works with only one port. In other words, the number of connectors on the motherboard corresponds to the maximum number of USB C case ports that can be used with it.

Let's recall, USB C is a relatively new type of USB connector, distinguished by its small size and reversible design; such connectors have their technical features, hence separate connectors need to be accounted for them. Specifically, the USB 3.2 gen2 version (previously known as USB 3.1 gen2 and USB 3.1) operates at speeds up to 10 Gbit/s and allows the implementation of USB Power Delivery technology, allowing the power output for USB peripherals to reach up to 100 W per port. However, the availability of Power Delivery on specific motherboards (and even in specific connectors on one board) should be verified separately.

5-pin connector that allows you to connect an expansion card. It, in turn, provides high-speed data exchange (up to 40 Gbps), the ability to connect external monitors, high-speed charging of compatible devices, etc.