What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is based on the AMD B550 chipset, while the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite utilizes the X570 chipset.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus features a solid 8+2 phase VRM with DrMOS power stages, while the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite boasts a 12+2 phase VRM with digital power stages.
- The Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite, on the other hand, features a more aggressive design with prominent RGB lighting on the heatsinks and I/O shroud.
When building a gaming PC, the motherboard is a crucial component that determines the performance and stability of your system. Among the vast selection of motherboards available, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite stand out as two formidable options. Both boards offer a robust feature set, but they differ in certain aspects, making it essential to compare them thoroughly before making a decision.
Chipset and Compatibility
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is based on the AMD B550 chipset, while the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite utilizes the X570 chipset. The X570 chipset is superior in terms of features, offering more PCIe 4.0 lanes and additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. However, the B550 chipset is more affordable and provides ample connectivity options for most users.
Both motherboards support AMD Ryzen 5000 and 3000 series processors, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of CPUs.
VRM Design and Power Delivery
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is responsible for delivering stable power to the CPU. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus features a solid 8+2 phase VRM with DrMOS power stages, while the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite boasts a 12+2 phase VRM with digital power stages.
The Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite has a slight edge in power delivery, but both motherboards provide ample power for even the most demanding CPUs.
Expansion Slots and Storage
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus offers two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for graphics cards, while the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite provides three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots. Both boards also have multiple PCIe 3.0 slots for expansion cards.
In terms of storage, both motherboards offer four SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots. The Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs on both M.2 slots, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus only supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs on one M.2 slot.
Audio and Networking
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus features the Realtek ALC897 codec, while the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite utilizes the Realtek ALC1220 codec. Both codecs provide high-quality audio output, but the ALC1220 has a slightly higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
For networking, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus includes an Intel I219-V Gigabit Ethernet controller, while the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite features an Intel I255-V Gigabit Ethernet controller. Both controllers offer reliable and fast network connectivity.
RGB Lighting and Aesthetics
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a subtle and understated design with minimal RGB lighting. The Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite, on the other hand, features a more aggressive design with prominent RGB lighting on the heatsinks and I/O shroud.
BIOS and Overclocking
Both motherboards offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with comprehensive overclocking options. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a slightly simpler BIOS, while the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite provides more advanced settings for experienced overclockers.
Price and Value
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus typically retails for around $150, while the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite is priced at around $200. The Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite offers a more feature-rich experience, but the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus provides excellent value for its price.
Verdict
Choosing between the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a solid and affordable motherboard with ample connectivity options, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is an excellent choice. However, if you want a premium motherboard with advanced features, the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite is the better option.
The Ultimate Motherboard for Your Gaming Rig
What People Want to Know
Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
The Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite has a more robust VRM cooling system with larger heatsinks and a dedicated fan.
Which motherboard supports faster memory speeds?
Both motherboards support up to DDR4-4600 memory, but the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite has a wider range of memory overclocking options.
Which motherboard has more USB ports?
The Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite has more USB ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports.
