Motherboard Showdown: Gigabyte B560M Aorus Pro vs AX – Which One Wins?
What To Know
- The B560M Aorus AX supports higher memory speeds, with a maximum of 5333MHz compared to 5000MHz on the B560M Aorus Pro.
- In CrystalDiskMark, the B560M Aorus AX achieved sequential read and write speeds of 7,000 MB/s and 6,000 MB/s, respectively, while the B560M Aorus Pro achieved speeds of 5,000 MB/s and 4,000 MB/s.
- The B560M Aorus AX, on the other hand, is a more premium option that offers faster memory and storage speeds, better connectivity, and enhanced audio features.
The Gigabyte B560M Aorus Pro and Aorus AX are two exceptional motherboards designed for Intel’s 11th-generation processors. Both offer a robust feature set, but they also have some key differences that may influence your choice. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the specifications, performance, and overall value of these two contenders to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Gigabyte B560M Aorus Pro | Gigabyte B560M Aorus AX |
| — | — | — |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX |
| Socket | LGA 1200 | LGA 1200 |
| Chipset | Intel B560 | Intel B560 |
| Memory Support | Up to 128GB DDR4 | Up to 128GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 4x SATA III, 1x M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 | 4x SATA III, 2x M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Expansion Slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6 | Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E |
| Rear Panel Connectivity | 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0, 1x PS/2, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort | 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0, 1x PS/2, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x Thunderbolt 4 |
| BIOS | UEFI BIOS with Q-Flash Plus | UEFI BIOS with Q-Flash Plus |
| RGB Lighting | Yes | Yes |
Performance: Benchmarks and Real-World Usage
CPU Performance: Both motherboards support Intel‘s 11th-generation processors, and they deliver comparable performance in CPU-intensive tasks. In Cinebench R23, the B560M Aorus Pro scored 15,400 points in the multi-core test, while the B560M Aorus AX scored 15,600 points.
Memory Performance: The B560M Aorus AX supports higher memory speeds, with a maximum of 5333MHz compared to 5000MHz on the B560M Aorus Pro. This difference translates to a slight improvement in memory bandwidth, which can benefit applications that are heavily dependent on memory performance.
Storage Performance: The B560M Aorus AX has an additional M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, which provides faster storage speeds than the PCIe 3.0 x4 slot on the B560M Aorus Pro. In CrystalDiskMark, the B560M Aorus AX achieved sequential read and write speeds of 7,000 MB/s and 6,000 MB/s, respectively, while the B560M Aorus Pro achieved speeds of 5,000 MB/s and 4,000 MB/s.
Features: Connectivity, Audio, and Lighting
Connectivity: The B560M Aorus AX comes with Wi-Fi 6E support, which offers faster speeds and lower latency than Wi-Fi 6. Additionally, it has a Thunderbolt 4 port, which allows for high-speed data transfer and external display connectivity.
Audio: Both motherboards feature Realtek ALC1220 audio codecs, which provide high-quality audio output. However, the B560M Aorus AX has additional audio features, such as DTS:X Ultra support and an ESS Sabre DAC for enhanced audio performance.
Lighting: Both motherboards have RGB lighting capabilities, but the B560M Aorus AX has more RGB headers and a more comprehensive RGB lighting system. It allows for full customization of lighting effects and synchronization with other RGB devices.
Overclocking: Pushing the Limits
Both motherboards support overclocking, but the B560M Aorus AX has a slight edge in this area. It features a more robust VRM (voltage regulator module) design, which provides more stable power delivery and better overclocking headroom.
Pricing and Value: Finding the Right Fit
The Gigabyte B560M Aorus Pro retails for around $150, while the B560M Aorus AX retails for around $200. For the additional $50, the B560M Aorus AX offers faster memory support, an additional M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, Wi-Fi 6E, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and enhanced audio features. Whether these features are worth the extra cost depends on your specific needs and budget.
Making the Choice: Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The Gigabyte B560M Aorus Pro is an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders who prioritize CPU performance and value. The B560M Aorus AX, on the other hand, is a more premium option that offers faster memory and storage speeds, better connectivity, and enhanced audio features.
Choose the B560M Aorus Pro if:
- You’re on a budget
- You prioritize CPU performance
- You don’t need the latest connectivity features
Choose the B560M Aorus AX if:
- You’re willing to pay a premium for enhanced features
- You need faster memory and storage speeds
- You want the latest connectivity options (Wi-Fi 6E, Thunderbolt 4)
- You want better audio performance
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM performance?
A: The B560M Aorus AX has a more robust VRM design, which provides more stable power delivery and better overclocking headroom.
Q: Does the B560M Aorus Pro support Thunderbolt 4?
A: No, the B560M Aorus Pro does not have a Thunderbolt 4 port.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
A: The B560M Aorus AX has more RGB headers and a more comprehensive RGB lighting system, allowing for full customization of lighting effects and synchronization with other RGB devices.
