Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite vs ASRock B550M Steel Legend: A Comprehensive Comparison for Mid-Range Motherboard Supremacy
What To Know
- Both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Steel Legend are based on the AMD B550 chipset, providing support for AMD Ryzen 5000 and 3000 series processors.
- The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite features a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend sports a more subdued black and gray color scheme with subtle RGB accents.
- The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a dedicated overclocking button, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend has more granular overclocking options in the BIOS.
The world of PC building is constantly evolving, with new motherboards emerging to support the latest cutting-edge hardware. Two notable contenders in the mid-range motherboard segment are the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and the ASRock B550M Steel Legend. Both motherboards offer a compelling blend of features, performance, and aesthetics, making them ideal choices for budget-conscious enthusiasts. 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 B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Steel Legend are based on the AMD B550 chipset, providing support for AMD Ryzen 5000 and 3000 series processors. This compatibility ensures that you can utilize the latest Zen 3 and Zen 2 architectures for optimal performance.
Form Factor and Aesthetics:
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Steel Legend both come in the Micro-ATX form factor, making them suitable for compact and mid-tower builds. However, their aesthetics differ significantly. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite features a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend sports a more subdued black and gray color scheme with subtle RGB accents.
VRM and Power Delivery:
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is crucial for delivering stable power to the CPU. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a 12+2 phase VRM, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend features an 8+2 phase VRM. Both motherboards utilize high-quality components to ensure efficient power delivery, but the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a slight edge in this department.
Memory Support:
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory with speeds up to 4400MHz (OC). The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has four DIMM slots, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend has two. This difference may be a consideration if you plan on running a memory-intensive workload.
Storage and Expansion:
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite offers two M.2 slots, one PCIe 4.0 and one PCIe 3.0, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend has one PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot and one SATA M.2 slot. Both motherboards also have six SATA III ports for additional storage options. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a slight advantage in terms of storage expandability.
Connectivity:
Both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Steel Legend offer a wide range of connectivity options. They include Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and multiple USB ports. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend does not.
BIOS and Software:
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Steel Legend both have user-friendly BIOS interfaces. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite comes with Aorus Engine software, which provides extensive control over motherboard settings. The ASRock B550M Steel Legend has ASRock Polychrome RGB software for managing RGB lighting and other system settings.
Overclocking Capabilities:
Both motherboards support overclocking, allowing you to push your system to its limits. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a dedicated overclocking button, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend has more granular overclocking options in the BIOS.
Pricing and Availability:
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Steel Legend are priced similarly, with the Gigabyte motherboard being slightly more expensive. Both motherboards are readily available from major retailers.
Final Thoughts:
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Steel Legend are both excellent choices for mid-range motherboard builds. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite offers a more robust VRM, additional storage expandability, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port. The ASRock B550M Steel Legend has a more subdued aesthetic, a SATA M.2 slot, and a slightly lower price point. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
What People Want to Know
Q1: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
Both motherboards support overclocking, but the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a dedicated overclocking button and more granular overclocking options in the BIOS.
Q2: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has more RGB lighting zones and comes with Aorus Engine software for comprehensive control.
Q3: Which motherboard has a longer warranty?
Both motherboards come with a 3-year warranty from their respective manufacturers.
Q4: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend has a Realtek ALC897 audio codec. The ALC1220 is generally considered to have better audio quality.
Q5: Which motherboard has more fan headers?
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has 6 fan headers, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend has 5 fan headers.
