ASRock B450M Steel Legend vs. Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite: A Comprehensive Comparison for Budget-Conscious Builders
What To Know
- The ASRock B450M Steel Legend is based on the AMD B450 chipset, while the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite uses the newer B550 chipset.
- The ASRock B450M Steel Legend features a black and silver design with a sleek, industrial aesthetic, while the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a more vibrant black and red color scheme with RGB lighting.
- The ASRock B450M Steel Legend supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 4400MHz, while the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 5100MHz.
When building a budget-friendly PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two popular options for AMD processors are the ASRock B450M Steel Legend and the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite. This comprehensive comparison will help you make an informed decision between these two excellent motherboards.
Chipset and Socket
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend is based on the AMD B450 chipset, while the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite uses the newer B550 chipset. The B550 chipset offers several advantages over the B450, including support for PCIe 4.0 and improved power efficiency.
Form Factor and Aesthetics
Both motherboards use the compact micro-ATX form factor, making them suitable for smaller builds. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend features a black and silver design with a sleek, industrial aesthetic, while the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a more vibrant black and red color scheme with RGB lighting.
CPU Support
Both motherboards support AMD AM4 processors, including the latest Ryzen 5000 series. However, the B550 chipset provides better support for Zen 3 processors due to its improved power delivery and memory compatibility.
Memory
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 4400MHz, while the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 5100MHz. Both motherboards feature dual-channel memory architecture for improved performance.
Storage
Both motherboards offer a range of storage options. The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has four SATA ports and two M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has six SATA ports and three M.2 slots. The Gigabyte motherboard also has a dedicated PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot for faster NVMe SSDs.
Expansion Slots
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend has two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. The PCIe 4.0 slot on the Gigabyte motherboard allows for higher bandwidth for graphics cards and other peripherals.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. They include Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, multiple USB ports, and audio jacks. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has an additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port for faster data transfer speeds.
Price
The ASRock B450M Steel Legend is typically priced around $70-$80, while the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite is slightly more expensive, ranging from $90-$100. The price difference is primarily due to the B550 chipset’s advanced features, such as PCIe 4.0 support.
Final Verdict
Both the ASRock B450M Steel Legend and the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite are excellent motherboards for budget-conscious builders. The ASRock motherboard is a great value for its price, offering solid performance and a reliable feature set. The Gigabyte motherboard offers additional features and support for the latest technologies, but it comes at a slightly higher cost.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable motherboard for a mid-range build, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend is an excellent choice. If you want the latest features and support for high-performance components, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite is worth the extra investment.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite offers better overclocking capabilities due to its improved power delivery and memory compatibility.
2. Does the ASRock B450M Steel Legend support PCIe 4.0?
No, the ASRock B450M Steel Legend does not support PCIe 4.0.
3. Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has more RGB lighting options and a dedicated RGB header for additional customization.
4. Does either motherboard come with a built-in Wi-Fi module?
Yes, both the ASRock B450M Steel Legend and the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite have built-in Wi-Fi 5 modules.
5. Which motherboard is better for gaming?
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite is better for gaming due to its PCIe 4.0 slot, which allows for faster graphics card performance.
