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The demand for small form factor (SFF) PCs has steadily grown, particularly among modding enthusiasts. ASUS has responded to this trend with the Strix B550-I Gaming, a mini-ITX motherboard based on the B550 chipset, designed to deliver high-end performance in a compact package. This review explores how ASUS managed to pack so much power into such a small footprint.

ASUS Strix B550-I Gaming motherboard and packaging

Compact Design, Premium Features

Reflecting the motherboard’s diminutive size, the ASUS Strix B550-I Gaming arrives in compact packaging, only slightly larger than the board itself. Accessories like SATA cables and the Wi-Fi antenna are tucked beneath the motherboard, giving the box a thicker, squarer profile than typical motherboard packaging. The familiar Strix gaming aesthetic, with its iridescent logo and product image, is retained, albeit in a tighter layout.

Back of the ASUS Strix B550-I Gaming box

The back of the box highlights key features, including the intriguing Audio USB Type-C function, which we’ll discuss later. Unboxing the motherboard reveals a densely packed layout reminiscent of its predecessor, the ASUS ROG Strix B450-I Gaming.

ASUS Strix B550-I Gaming motherboard layout

Like its predecessor, the M.2 slot is strategically placed on a stacked PCB layer near the armored PCI Express 16x slot. Connectors line the top and right edges of the board. However, the B550 version sports a larger I/O shroud and heatsink covering the VRMs, extending across most of the left side.

Size comparison of ASUS Strix B550-I Gaming and ASUS B450-A Prime

Enhanced Power Delivery and Cooling

The enlarged heatsink accommodates the upgraded 8+2 power phase design, capable of handling the increased power demands of newer, higher-core-count Ryzen processors. This area also houses the B550 chipset, cooled by a small integrated fan for improved heat dissipation.

Close-up of the heatsink and fan on the ASUS Strix B550-I Gaming

This larger heatsink, extending over the Wi-Fi 6 card slot and audio section, partially obstructs the front audio header. To address this, ASUS includes a USB Type-C audio extension cable, allowing users to utilize the 3.5mm connection without accessing the rear audio ports.

USB Type-C audio extension cable

Feature-Rich Despite Size Constraints

Despite its limited size, the ASUS Strix B550-I Gaming boasts an impressive array of features. These include a pump header for AIO coolers, an Aura RGB header for Aura Sync compatible devices, and an Addressable Gen 2 RGB header for external lighting control.

RGB headers and other connectors

Dual M.2 slots cater to high-speed storage needs. The top slot, connected to the CPU, supports PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds, while the bottom slot, connected to the B550 chipset, utilizes PCIe 3.0. The board also features cutting-edge connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6, 2.5G LAN, and Bluetooth 5.1.

M.2 slots on the ASUS Strix B550-I Gaming

Rear I/O panel showing connectivity options

Subtle RGB Lighting

Unlike the B450 predecessor, the Strix B550-I Gaming features more subdued RGB lighting. The integrated lighting in the rear audio jacks is retained, while the board’s surface decoration is limited to an iridescent Strix logo.

Iridescent Strix logo on the motherboard

Conclusion

The ASUS Strix B550-I Gaming represents a compelling evolution of its predecessor, offering a blend of high-end features and compact design. While some compromises are inevitable given the mini-ITX form factor, such as fewer USB and SATA ports, the board delivers impressive performance and connectivity for small form factor enthusiasts. It’s an ideal choice for building a powerful yet compact gaming rig or workstation.