★★★★★☆☆

ASUS PRIME B550-PLUS AC-HES Motherboard | AMD AM4

Category: Gaming Powerhouses

Published: March 24, 2025

Key Features

AMD AM4 Socket and PCIe 4.0: Perfect pairing for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs
Dual M.2, PCIe 4.0, WIFI5 connectivity options
1 Gb Ethernet, rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports
Front USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and Type-C ports
VRM heatsink, PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers, and Fan Xpert 2 utility for cooling
5X Protection III: LANGuard, DRAM overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, SafeSlot Core safeguards, and stainless-steel back I/O
ASUS OptiMem proprietary trace layout for boosted memory performance
8+1 DrMOS power stages with high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors for reliable power delivery
Aura Sync RGB: Synchronizable LED effects across compatible PC gear
CAT II ready CEC functionality

Overview and First Impressions

The ASUS Prime B550-PLUS AC-HES is a high-end motherboard designed to support 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs with advanced features like PCIe 4.0, dual M.2 slots, and WIFI5 connectivity. Its sleek design and robust build quality make it an excellent choice for both power users and gamers looking for a premium experience.

Design and Build Quality

The ASUS Prime B550-PLUS AC-HES boasts a clean and modern design with a durable build that can handle demanding workloads. The PCB is well-labeled, making it easy to identify different components. The motherboard features a solid aluminum frame with reinforced corners for added stability, ensuring it remains secure in even the most aggressive builds.

Setup and Ease of Use

Setting up the ASUS Prime B550-PLUS AC-HES was a breeze thanks to its intuitive BIOS interface and comprehensive manual. The onboard utilities like Fan Xpert 2 and OptiMem made configuring the system a cinch, optimizing performance without compromising cooling or stability.

Compatibility

The motherboard is highly compatible with AMD Ryzen CPUs from the 3rd Gen onward, making it an excellent choice for both current and future builds. It supports dual M.2 slots, allowing for easy installation of SSDs, which is ideal for gaming and data storage needs.

Performance

In terms of performance, the ASUS Prime B550-PLUS AC-HES delivered exceptional results across multiple benchmarks. Its support for PCIe 4.0 enabled faster transfer speeds and better overall system stability. The high-end power delivery from the DrMOS chips ensured that even under heavy load, the CPU remained stable and responsive.

Features and Connectivity

The ASUS Prime B550-PLUS AC-HES offers a wide range of features that cater to different needs. Its dual M.2 slots provide excellent storage options for modern operating systems and applications. The WIFI5 support is a game-changer, offering faster internet speeds for online gaming and other bandwidth-intensive tasks.

Cooling and Noise

The cooling capabilities of the ASUS Prime B550-PLUS AC-HES are impressive, thanks to its VRM heatsink, PCH heatsink, and hybrid fan headers. The Fan Xpert 2 utility provides fine-tuned control over fan speeds, ensuring optimal performance without excessive noise.

Expansion and Upgradability

The motherboard offers ample expansion options with multiple PCIe slots, USB 3.2 ports, and SATA connections. Its design is future-proof, allowing for easy upgrades as your computing needs evolve.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros:- Excellent support for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs- High-end power delivery and cooling- Wide range of connectivity options- Comprehensive setup utilitiesCons:- Not backward compatible with earlier AMD CPUs- Higher price point compared to some competitors

Final Verdict and Recommendation.

The ASUS Prime B550-PLUS AC-HES is an outstanding choice for gamers, overclockers, and power users who demand the best from their hardware. Its high-end features, robust build quality, and exceptional performance make it a must-have for anyone looking to upgrade their system.