Battle of the B550: Gigabyte’s Aorus Pro vs Aorus Pro V2 Compared
What To Know
- When it comes to building a high-performance PC on a budget, selecting the right motherboard is crucial.
- The B550 Aorus Pro V2 has a slight edge in memory overclocking capabilities, supporting speeds up to 5400MHz compared to 5000MHz on the B550 Aorus Pro.
- Additionally, the V2 includes a Q-Flash Plus button, which allows for BIOS updates without the need for a CPU or memory installed.
When it comes to building a high-performance PC on a budget, selecting the right motherboard is crucial. Two popular options for AMD Ryzen CPUs are the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and its successor, the B550 Aorus Pro V2. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two motherboards, helping you make an informed decision for your next build.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and V2 feature the AMD B550 chipset, which supports all Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors. The socket used is the AM4, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of AMD CPUs.
Power Delivery
Power delivery is a crucial factor for stable and efficient system operation. The B550 Aorus Pro V2 boasts a superior power delivery system compared to its predecessor. It utilizes a 12+2 phase digital VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) with 50A power stages, providing cleaner and more consistent power to the CPU. This enhanced power delivery allows for better overclocking capabilities and improved system stability, especially under heavy loads.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory, with a maximum capacity of 128GB. The B550 Aorus Pro V2 has a slight edge in memory overclocking capabilities, supporting speeds up to 5400MHz compared to 5000MHz on the B550 Aorus Pro. This advantage can be beneficial for users seeking to maximize memory performance.
Expansion Slots
When it comes to expansion slots, the two motherboards offer similar options. Both feature two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for graphics cards, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The B550 Aorus Pro V2 includes an additional M.2 slot, providing more storage expansion options.
Storage Options
Both motherboards offer ample storage options. They each have two M.2 slots, one supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe drives and the other supporting PCIe 3.0 x4 NVMe drives. Additionally, they feature six SATA 6Gbps ports for connecting traditional mechanical hard drives or solid-state drives.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the B550 Aorus Pro V2 offers a more comprehensive suite of options. It features an Intel I225-V 2.5GbE LAN port, providing faster network connectivity compared to the 1GbE LAN on the B550 Aorus Pro. The V2 also includes Wi-Fi 6 AX200 wireless connectivity, allowing for fast and stable wireless network access.
Aesthetics and Features
Both motherboards feature a sleek and modern design, with black and silver accents. The B550 Aorus Pro V2 has a slightly more premium look with a brushed aluminum heatsink cover and RGB lighting. Additionally, the V2 includes a Q-Flash Plus button, which allows for BIOS updates without the need for a CPU or memory installed.
BIOS and Software
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and V2 come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide extensive overclocking and customization options. Both motherboards also include a suite of software tools, such as the Gigabyte App Center, which allows users to monitor system performance, adjust fan speeds, and control RGB lighting.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro is typically priced around $150-$170, while the B550 Aorus Pro V2 is slightly more expensive at around $170-$190. Both motherboards are widely available from various retailers.
Summary of Key Differences
| Feature | Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro | Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro V2 |
| — | — | — |
| Power Delivery | 10+2 phase VRM | 12+2 phase VRM with 50A power stages |
| Memory Support | Up to 5000MHz | Up to 5400MHz |
| Expansion Slots | 2 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | Same as B550 Aorus Pro, plus 1 additional M.2 slot |
| Storage Options | 2 x M.2 slots (1 x PCIe 4.0, 1 x PCIe 3.0), 6 x SATA 6Gbps | Same as B550 Aorus Pro |
| Connectivity | 1GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 5 | 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6 |
| Aesthetics | Black and silver design | Sleek black and silver design with brushed aluminum heatsink cover and RGB lighting |
| BIOS | User-friendly BIOS interface | Same user-friendly BIOS interface with additional Q-Flash Plus button |
| Software | Gigabyte App Center | Same Gigabyte App Center with additional features |
Final Thoughts: Which One Is Right for You?
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and B550 Aorus Pro V2 are both excellent motherboards for AMD Ryzen CPUs. The B550 Aorus Pro offers a solid foundation for a budget-friendly build, while the B550 Aorus Pro V2 provides enhanced features such as a superior power delivery system, faster memory support, and improved connectivity.
If you prioritize power delivery and overclocking capabilities, the B550 Aorus Pro V2 is the better choice. Its 12+2 phase VRM with 50A power stages ensures stable and efficient operation, even under demanding loads. However, if you are on a tighter budget and do not require the additional features of the V2, the B550 Aorus Pro remains a reliable and cost-effective option.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and budget. By carefully considering the differences highlighted in this comparison, you can make an informed decision and choose the motherboard that best suits your build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The B550 Aorus Pro V2 has a superior power delivery system with 12+2 phase VRM and 50A power stages, providing better overclocking capabilities compared to the B550 Aorus Pro.
Q: Is the B550 Aorus Pro V2 worth the extra cost?
A: If you prioritize power delivery, memory overclocking, and improved connectivity, the B550 Aorus Pro V2 is worth the extra cost. However, if you are on a budget and do not require these additional features, the B550 Aorus Pro remains a solid option.
Q: Which motherboard has better storage options?
A: Both motherboards offer ample storage options, including two M.2 slots and six SATA 6Gbps ports. However, the B550 Aorus Pro V2 has an additional M.2 slot, providing more storage expansion flexibility.
