Need help deciding on a motherboard

[Rocetmal]

Having trouble really identifying the difference here. I would generally trust MSI as a brand over ASRock (aka Bargain ASUS). However from my read there may be more fan connectors on the ASRock, which would be nice. Anything jump out to you guys? Much appreciated!

ASRock: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157844

MSI: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813144190

 

[vapour]

the MSI one is mini-ITX?
I will get the solid ASROCK one.

 

[Rocetmal]

the MSI one is mini-ITX?
I will get the solid ASROCK one.

Both are mini. Micro cases are too big 🙁

 

[raisonjohn]

Having trouble really identifying the difference here. I would generally trust MSI as a brand over ASRock (aka Bargain ASUS). However from my read there may be more fan connectors on the ASRock, which would be nice. Anything jump out to you guys? Much appreciated!

ASRock: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157844

MSI: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813144190

You can use the comparison table of all AM4 motherboards (link in the other thread) as a guide to differentiate and identify specs you are looking for: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3502839/am4-motherboard-amd-ryzen-cpu-specs-comparison-list.html

Main Differences (Asrock Fatal1ty B450 Gaming-ITX/ac vs Msi B450I Gaming Plus AC):
Ethernet LAN: Asrock = Intel I211-AT | Msi = Realtek RTL8111H
Audio Codec: Asrock = Realtek ALC1220 | Msi = Realtek ALC887
Audio Jacks: Asrock = 5x + S/PDIF | Msi = 3x
USB Rear Panel Ports: Asrock = 2x USB2.0 + 2x USB3.0 + 1x USB3.1-A + 1x USB3.1-C | Msi = 2x USB2.0 + 4x USB3.0 (no 3.1)
USB2.0 Internal Headers: Asrock = 1.5x (supports up to 3x USB2.0 ports) | Msi = 1x (supports up to 2x USB2.0 ports)
Fan Header: Asrock = 3x | Msi = 2x
RGB LED Header: Asrock = 2x (1x 12V + 1x 5V) | Msi = 2x (2x 12V)
Debug LED Indicators: Asrock = None | Msi = CPU/VGA/DRAM/BOOT LEDs
CPU VCC Phases: Asrock = 6x (ISL95712 (3x2) | Msi = 6x (IR35201)
* Those marked in Blue are slightly better/more advantageous (if you need them).

Major Similarities:
Both are ITX-sized (170mm x 170mm)
Both have extended heatsinks (acts partially as I/O shroud)
Both have single-BIOS
Both have 2x DIMM slots
Both have 1x PCIe3.0 x16 expansion slot with "armor"/reinforcement
Both have 4x SATAIII ports
Both have 1x M.2 slot that supports either PCIe3.0 x4 or SATAIII modes
Both have the same Wireless LAN (using Intel Wireless-AC 3168 module up to 433Mbps)

 

[Rocetmal]

You can use the comparison table of all AM4 motherboards (link in the other thread) as a guide to differentiate and identify specs you are looking for: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3502839/am4-motherboard-amd-ryzen-cpu-specs-comparison-list.html

This is great! I loathe glowing cases so the LED headers are useless to me. Still, sounds like the ASRock board is winning in most of the other categories. Although I bet the differences are so small I may not notice.