Gigabyte B550M DS3H vs Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite: A Comprehensive Showdown for Budget-Conscious Builders
What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Gigabyte B550M DS3H and Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
- In terms of connectivity, the Gigabyte B550M DS3H provides four DIMM slots for up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, while the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory.
- 2 SSDs, with the B550M DS3H featuring a single PCIe Gen 4 x4 slot and the A520 Aorus Elite offering two PCIe Gen 3 x4 slots.
When it comes to budget-friendly motherboards, the Gigabyte B550M DS3H and Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite stand as two compelling options. Both boards offer a solid foundation for building a capable PC without breaking the bank. However, each has its unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Gigabyte B550M DS3H and Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.
Form Factor and Design
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H adopts a compact Micro-ATX form factor, making it suitable for smaller builds where space is a constraint. In contrast, the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite sports a standard ATX form factor, which offers more expansion options but requires a larger case. Both boards feature a sleek and modern design with black and gray accents, complementing most PC builds.
Chipset and Features
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H utilizes the AMD B550 chipset, while the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite is based on the AMD A520 chipset. The B550 chipset offers more advanced features, including support for PCIe Gen 4, which enables faster data transfer speeds for NVMe SSDs and graphics cards. The A520 chipset, on the other hand, is limited to PCIe Gen 3.
In terms of connectivity, the Gigabyte B550M DS3H provides four DIMM slots for up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, while the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory. Both boards offer multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports, as well as Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.
Expansion Options
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H offers a single PCIe Gen 4 x16 slot for graphics cards and one PCIe Gen 3 x1 slot for expansion cards. The Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite features two PCIe Gen 3 x16 slots, with the primary slot running at x16 and the secondary slot at x4. Additionally, it provides two PCIe Gen 3 x1 slots for further expansion.
Storage Options
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H provides four SATA III ports for connecting storage devices, while the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite offers six SATA III ports. Both boards support NVMe M.2 SSDs, with the B550M DS3H featuring a single PCIe Gen 4 x4 slot and the A520 Aorus Elite offering two PCIe Gen 3 x4 slots.
Audio and Networking
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H comes with a Realtek ALC887 codec for audio, while the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite boasts a Realtek ALC1200 codec. Both codecs deliver high-quality audio, but the ALC1200 offers a slightly better signal-to-noise ratio for improved audio clarity.
For networking, both boards feature Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, providing stable and reliable internet connections.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H is typically priced around $100-$120, while the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite is priced slightly higher at around $120-$140. Both boards are readily available from major retailers and online stores.
The Bottom Line: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between the Gigabyte B550M DS3H and Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite ultimately depends on your specific requirements and budget. If you value PCIe Gen 4 support, more memory capacity, and advanced features, the Gigabyte B550M DS3H is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize expansion options, better audio quality, and a slightly lower price point, the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite is a solid option. Both boards offer a great foundation for building a budget-friendly PC, and the choice between them comes down to your individual preferences and needs.
What You Need to Know
Q1: Which board has better overclocking potential?
A1: The Gigabyte B550M DS3H offers better overclocking potential due to its B550 chipset and more robust power delivery system.
Q2: Can both boards support Ryzen 5000 series CPUs?
A2: Yes, both the Gigabyte B550M DS3H and Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite support Ryzen 5000 series CPUs with a BIOS update.
Q3: Which board is better for gaming?
A3: The Gigabyte B550M DS3H is a better choice for gaming due to its PCIe Gen 4 support, which allows for faster graphics card performance.
Q4: Can both boards support multiple graphics cards?
A4: Yes, both boards support multiple graphics cards, but the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite offers more PCIe slots for expansion.
Q5: Which board has a better BIOS interface?
A5: The Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite has a more user-friendly and feature-rich BIOS interface compared to the Gigabyte B550M DS3H.
