Asus ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II

Third Party Review

Author: Momnaa Ikram

The Asus ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING II is intended to replace the outgoing Asus ROG STRIX B350-F, though the older model is still functional. The board is undoubtedly competitive, but it isn’t more appealing than its predecessor. It now features a more up-to-date feature set, a better layout, and an additional M.2 Key-M slot.

This model has a feature set usually reserved for ROG motherboards at the top end of the market. The ROG StrixB450-F Gaming II is well-equipped to handle 1st/2nd/3rd Gen AMD RyzenTM and Ryzen 5000 CPUs, thanks to excellent cooling and reliable power supply.

Features - What Sets It Apart?

• Socket AM4: AMD RyzenTM processors of the third generation are now available.
• Robust Power Design: For the final AMD high-count-core CPUs, 8+2 DrMOS power stages with powerful capacitors and incredibly high alloy chokes deliver stable power.
• Optimized Thermal Solution: Extended PCH and VRM heatsinks, Fan Xpert Utility fan speed management, M.2 heatsinks, and multiple hybrid fan headers are also available.
• Gaming-optimized connectivity: Support for DisplayPortTM 1.2, HDMI® 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and Dual M.2 outputs
• Smooth networking: M.2 socket with E-key and Intel® Gigabit Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard
• Intuitive software: ASUS AI Networking and UEFI BIOS make configuring gaming builds a breeze.
• DIY-friendly design: SafeSlot, Q-LEDs, and an I/O shield are all included.
• Unparalleled customization: Aura Sync RGB illumination, including Addressable RGB headers and Aura RGB headers, is an ASUS-exclusive feature.
• Industry-leading gaming audio: For immersive sound, use Sonic Studio III, SupremeFX S1220A codec, and AI Noise-Canceling Microphone.

Who Should Be Interested In This Board?

It’s a solid motherboard for the money if you negotiate its few peculiarities correctly for a budget-conscious AMD Ryzen AM4 build. It’s ideal for individuals who want a motherboard with Noise-Canceling microphones, DDR4 4400 MHz support, and AI, as well as M.2 with cooling.

What Should Users Be Aware Of?

Pros:

• With two M.2 drives installed in this motherboard, you can transfer data up to three times faster than a SATA SSD.
• You can connect up to 128GB of RAM to this motherboard by connecting additional RAM strips.
• The ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II features redesigned alloy chokes for improved efficiency, as well as high-quality thermal pads to help transmit heat from the VRM array to a sink with enough surface area for today’s processors.
• NVM Express SSD RAID support is provided via two PCIe 3.0x4 M.2 slots, resulting in a significant performance improvement.
• ROG UEFI is a tweaker’s dream.
• Better-than-expected Overclocking DRAM
• ROG built-in The ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II has SupremeFX audio technology for crystal-clear sounds.
• With its elegant cut across the I/O shroud, the ROG Strix B450-F Gaming II reflects the Strix gaming attitude.

Cons:

• The PCI Express x16 bandwidth can be reduced using the more extended M.2 slot.
• Power/reset buttons are missing, as is the POST LED.
• There are a few BIOS flaws to be concerned about.

Conclusion

The back IO is well-equipped, with multiple USB connections, an HDMI port, a Type-C port, and a display port, allowing users of APUs like the 2400G and 2200G to build an affordable PC.

The grey and black color scheme should blend in with any system, but the graffiti adds a touch of personality. The graffiti on the back of the board seems meaningless, but it may inspire some case mods that can display it.