The ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E APEX is the objective winner of this comparison, securing victory in seven out of thirteen evaluated specifications. Its most significant technical advantage is the USB Type-C connectivity, which offers a 200% improvement over the alternative. While the ASRock B550 Steel Legend holds its own in four categories, the superior connectivity options provided by the ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E APEX establish it as the more advanced hardware platform overall.

Users who prioritize modern peripheral connectivity and high-end interface standards should select the ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E APEX for their build. Conversely, the ASRock B550 Steel Legend remains the logical choice for those who specifically require its memory slot configuration, which provides a 100% advantage in that category. Choosing between these two motherboards depends entirely on whether your workflow demands the expanded USB Type-C capacity of the former or the specific memory layout of the latter.