The ASUS TUF B760M-PLUS D4 motherboard is an intriguing option in the mid-range PC component market. Its blend of robust design, decent performance, and cost-effective DDR4 compatibility appeals to users looking for value. In this article, we analyze its key features, performance metrics, and whether it stands the test of time when paired with Intel's latest CPUs.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to ASUS TUF B760M-PLUS D4
- Key Specifications and Features
- Performance and Efficiency
- Design and Build Quality
- Power Delivery and Overclocking Capabilities
- PCIe and GPU Connectivity
- BIOS Usability and Stability
- Conclusion: Is It Worth Your Investment?
Introduction to ASUS TUF B760M-PLUS D4
ASUS’s TUF (The Ultimate Force) series has long been recognized for its durability and performance, offering products that are built to last. The ASUS TUF B760M-PLUS D4 continues this legacy, offering support for Intel’s 13th generation processors while maintaining compatibility with the DDR4 memory standard.
Despite being a DDR4 variant in the 700-series chipset, this motherboard manages to provide a well-rounded experience. It is ideal for users seeking a reliable, cost-effective upgrade option without diving into the more expensive DDR5 memory landscape. However, as the market shifts toward DDR5, does the TUF B760M-PLUS D4 remain relevant?
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Key Specifications and Features
The TUF B760M-PLUS D4 delivers a well-balanced feature set. Here’s an overview of its primary technical specifications:
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel B760 |
| Form Factor | mATX |
| PCIe Slots | 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| Memory | 4 x DDR4 DIMM, up to 128GB, 5333MHz (OC) |
| Storage | 2 x M.2 PCIe Gen 4, 4 x SATA 6Gb/s |
| USB Ports | USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (1 x Type-C), USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0 |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 |
| Networking | 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 |
| VRM | 12+1 DrMOS |
| RGB | Aura Sync (minimal integration) |
Key Features Breakdown
- DDR4 Support: A critical feature that allows users to continue using their existing DDR4 memory, significantly reducing the cost of upgrading to a newer processor.
- PCIe 5.0 Compatibility: Future-proofing for next-gen GPUs, ensuring high-bandwidth support.
- Extensive Connectivity: Offering a mix of USB 3.2, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Wi-Fi 6 ensures this motherboard is versatile across various use cases.
Performance and Efficiency
The ASUS TUF B760M-PLUS D4 performs admirably with Intel’s Core i5-14600K processor. However, the reliance on DDR4 memory does introduce minor performance bottlenecks, particularly in memory-intensive tasks like rendering.
Benchmark Results
| Metric | ASUS TUF B760M-PLUS D4 (DDR4) | ASUS Strix B760M (DDR5) |
|---|---|---|
| Blender Classroom | 67 SPM (Samples Per Minute) | 70 SPM |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-core | 23,895 points | 24,431 points |
| Cinebench R23 | 18,920 points | 19,410 points |
These results highlight a slight drop in performance compared to DDR5-based motherboards, especially in rendering tasks. However, the margin is not significant for most users. Only professionals engaged in intensive workloads, such as 3D rendering or video editing, will notice substantial differences.
Power Efficiency: The TUF B760M-PLUS D4 is also efficient in terms of power consumption. During peak loads, it drew approximately 330W from the wall, with the motherboard temperature stabilizing around 27°C during prolonged benchmarking sessions. The VRM temperatures, even under overclocking scenarios, remained stable at 45°C.
Design and Build Quality
The ASUS TUF B760M-PLUS D4 follows the established TUF aesthetic, sporting a rugged industrial design. While it lacks excessive RGB lighting, it caters to those preferring a more subdued and stealthy look.
Key Design Elements:
- Pre-installed I/O Shield: Simplifies installation and enhances build quality.
- VRM Heatsinks: Adequate cooling for the VRM, though more premium boards may offer better cooling solutions.
- Minimal RGB: With minimal Aura Sync integration, this board is ideal for users who prefer functionality over form.
The motherboard’s mATX form factor also allows for compatibility with a wide range of PC cases, making it a flexible choice for various builds.
Power Delivery and Overclocking Capabilities
The power delivery on the ASUS TUF B760M-PLUS D4 is managed through a 12+1 DrMOS VRM design, which is sufficient for most mid-range tasks but may struggle with higher-end overclocking.
Overclocking Performance
This motherboard provides basic overclocking support, but due to the DDR4 memory configuration and the limitations of the B760 chipset, it may not be the best choice for users looking to push their hardware to extreme limits. For users planning to run the Intel Core i5-14600K at stock speeds or light overclocks, this board will suffice.
PCIe and GPU Connectivity
A standout feature of this motherboard is its PCIe Gen 5.0 x16 slot, which ensures compatibility with the latest GPUs, providing enhanced bandwidth and future-proofing. However, the second PCIe slot only supports Gen 4.0, which may limit users in dual-GPU configurations or those looking to utilize advanced expansion cards.
Additionally, the board includes two M.2 PCIe Gen 4 slots for fast storage solutions, supporting both 2230 and 22110 form factors, allowing for flexibility in storage expansion.
BIOS Usability and Stability
ASUS continues to offer one of the most user-friendly BIOS interfaces on the market, and the TUF B760M-PLUS D4 is no exception. Users can easily navigate through the BIOS settings, even in Advanced Mode, where overclocking and more detailed configurations can be managed.
The EZ Flash utility for BIOS updates simplifies the process, and the Q-LED diagnostic lights assist in troubleshooting. However, we encountered some memory compatibility issues during testing, requiring multiple CMOS clears to resolve, particularly with certain Corsair Vengeance RGB memory kits.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Your Investment?
The ASUS TUF B760M-PLUS D4 is a solid choice for users looking to upgrade to Intel's 13th generation processors without breaking the bank. Its DDR4 memory compatibility reduces the overall upgrade cost, and the motherboard delivers reliable performance across most tasks. However, for those focused on future-proofing or maximizing performance, it may be worth considering DDR5 alternatives.
This motherboard is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users looking to upgrade to Intel's latest processors without transitioning to DDR5.
- Casual gamers or users with mid-range builds.
- Users who prioritize stability and durability over flashy aesthetics.