Best Budget Motherboard for AMD Ryzen: Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro vs Elite Review
What To Know
- The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and Elite are two formidable contenders in the realm of motherboards, offering a plethora of features and capabilities.
- However, if you’re on a tighter budget or prefer a more compact form factor, the Elite is a solid option that still offers excellent capabilities.
- Whether you’re an experienced enthusiast or a first-time builder, the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and Elite are exceptional motherboards that cater to a wide range of users.
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and Elite are two formidable contenders in the realm of motherboards, offering a plethora of features and capabilities. However, discerning the subtle distinctions between these two powerhouses is crucial for tailoring your build to specific requirements. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro vs Elite, empowering you to make an informed decision for your next PC build.
Features Comparison
Chipset and Form Factor
Both motherboards are based on the AMD B550 chipset and share an ATX form factor, providing ample space for expansion and customization.
VRM and Power Delivery
The Aorus Pro boasts a robust 16-phase VRM with 70A power stages, while the Elite features a 12-phase VRM with 60A power stages. This difference translates to enhanced power efficiency and stability for demanding overclocking scenarios.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, with speeds ranging from 2133MHz to 4600MHz. However, the Aorus Pro offers more flexibility with four DIMM slots, compared to the Elite’s two.
Storage Options
The Aorus Pro and Elite come equipped with six SATA III ports and an M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs. Additionally, the Aorus Pro includes an additional M.2 slot, providing more storage expansion possibilities.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and USB 2.0 ports. The Aorus Pro has a slight edge with an additional USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port.
Audio
The Aorus Pro and Elite feature the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, delivering immersive sound quality. However, the Aorus Pro has a dedicated ESS Sabre DAC for enhanced audio performance.
Advantages of the Aorus Pro
- More robust VRM and power delivery
- More memory slots (four vs two)
- Additional M.2 slot for storage expansion
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port
- Dedicated ESS Sabre DAC for improved audio
Advantages of the Elite
- More affordable
- Smaller form factor for compact builds
- Sufficient VRM and power delivery for most users
- Adequate storage options
- Solid connectivity features
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and Elite depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize overclocking, memory expansion, and premium audio performance, the Aorus Pro is the clear choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or prefer a more compact form factor, the Elite is a solid option that still offers excellent capabilities.
Performance Comparison
In terms of raw performance, the Aorus Pro has a slight edge over the Elite due to its superior VRM and power delivery. This difference is most noticeable in demanding overclocking scenarios and heavy multitasking workloads. However, both motherboards provide ample performance for most users, including gaming, content creation, and general computing tasks.
Aesthetics and Design
The Aorus Pro and Elite share a sleek black and silver aesthetic, with RGB lighting elements on the chipset heatsink and I/O cover. However, the Aorus Pro features more elaborate RGB lighting options, including support for addressable RGB strips.
BIOS and Overclocking
Both motherboards offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with comprehensive overclocking options. The Aorus Pro has a slightly more advanced BIOS with additional features for fine-tuning system performance.
Final Note
Whether you’re an experienced enthusiast or a first-time builder, the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and Elite are exceptional motherboards that cater to a wide range of users. The Aorus Pro offers the ultimate combination of performance, features, and aesthetics, while the Elite provides a more budget-friendly option with solid capabilities. By carefully considering your requirements, you can make an informed decision that will elevate your PC experience to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro has a more robust VRM and power delivery, making it better suited for overclocking.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro has an additional M.2 slot, providing more storage expansion possibilities.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio performance?
A: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro has a dedicated ESS Sabre DAC for enhanced audio quality.
