What To Know
- The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 boasts a more aggressive and gamer-centric aesthetic, featuring a black and silver design with RGB lighting accents.
- Both the ASUS Prime B550-Plus and the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 are exceptional motherboards that offer a compelling blend of performance, features, and connectivity.
- However, if you prioritize value and are not heavily invested in overclocking or high-end peripherals, the ASUS Prime B550-Plus remains a solid choice that delivers excellent performance at a slightly lower price point.
The battle for motherboard supremacy in the mid-range AMD B550 chipset segment intensifies as two formidable contenders enter the ring: the ASUS Prime B550-Plus and the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2. Both motherboards promise exceptional performance, connectivity, and features, but which one emerges victorious in this epic showdown?
Design and Aesthetics
ASUS Prime B550-Plus: Adorned in a sleek black and gray color scheme, the ASUS Prime B550-Plus exudes a professional and understated elegance. Its ATX form factor provides ample space for expansion, while the reinforced PCIe slots offer enhanced durability.
Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 boasts a more aggressive and gamer-centric aesthetic, featuring a black and silver design with RGB lighting accents. Its EATX form factor offers even more expansion possibilities and a more spacious layout.
Features and Connectivity
ASUS Prime B550-Plus:
- VRM: 8+2 power stages with a 60A power rating
- PCIe Slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4 mode)
- M.2 Slots: 2x PCIe 4.0 x4
- SATA Ports: 6x SATA 6Gb/s
Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2:
- VRM: 16+2 power stages with an 80A power rating
- PCIe Slots: 3x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1
- M.2 Slots: 1x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
- SATA Ports: 6x SATA 6Gb/s
Performance and Overclocking
ASUS Prime B550-Plus:
- Benchmark Performance: Delivers solid performance in both synthetic and real-world benchmarks
- Overclocking: Supports moderate overclocking capabilities
Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2:
- Benchmark Performance: Offers slightly better performance in some benchmarks, particularly with high-core-count CPUs
- Overclocking: Boasts enhanced overclocking potential with its more robust VRM
Connectivity and Audio
ASUS Prime B550-Plus:
- Networking: 1Gb Ethernet, Realtek ALC897 audio codec
- USB Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2:
- Networking: 2.5Gb Ethernet, Realtek ALC1220 audio codec
- USB Ports: 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 6x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
BIOS and Software
ASUS Prime B550-Plus:
- BIOS: Intuitive and easy-to-use BIOS with a wide range of options
- Software: ASUS Armory Crate for system monitoring and control
Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2:
- BIOS: Slightly more complex BIOS, but still feature-rich
- Software: Gigabyte App Center for a comprehensive suite of utilities
Price and Value
ASUS Prime B550-Plus: Typically priced around $150-$170
Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2: Typically priced around $180-$200
The Verdict: Which Motherboard Reigns Supreme?
Both the ASUS Prime B550-Plus and the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 are exceptional motherboards that offer a compelling blend of performance, features, and connectivity. However, based on our evaluation, the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 emerges as the overall winner.
With its superior VRM, slightly better performance, and more comprehensive connectivity options, the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 provides a more robust platform for demanding workloads and enthusiasts seeking maximum performance.
However, if you prioritize value and are not heavily invested in overclocking or high-end peripherals, the ASUS Prime B550-Plus remains a solid choice that delivers excellent performance at a slightly lower price point.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2
Q: Which motherboard offers more M.2 slots?
A: ASUS Prime B550-Plus
Q: Which motherboard has a more user-friendly BIOS?
A: ASUS Prime B550-Plus
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
