Quick notes
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus and Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite offer a comprehensive set of features and connectivity options.
- The Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite, on the other hand, has a more understated appearance with a black and gray color scheme and RGB lighting accents.
- Both motherboards offer excellent value for money, providing a solid foundation for a mid-range gaming or content creation PC.
In the realm of PC building, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two contenders that have caught the attention of enthusiasts are the ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus and the Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite. Both motherboards offer exceptional features within the mid-range segment, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specifications, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus | Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite |
| — | — | — |
| Chipset | Intel B560 | Intel B560 |
| Socket | LGA 1200 | LGA 1200 |
| Form Factor | micro-ATX | micro-ATX |
| Memory | 4x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB | 4x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB |
| Storage | 2x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0), 6x SATA ports | 2x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0), 6x SATA ports |
| Expansion Slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots |
| Rear Panel I/O | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x LAN, 5x audio jacks | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 5x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x LAN, 5x audio jacks |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC897 | Realtek ALC1220-VB |
| LAN Controller | Intel I219-V | Realtek RTL8125B |
Performance Evaluation
Both motherboards deliver excellent performance for most tasks. However, there are subtle differences to consider.
CPU Overclocking:
The ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus offers slightly better CPU overclocking capabilities due to its robust power delivery system. It can handle higher voltage and current, leading to improved stability and performance when pushing the limits of your processor.
Memory Overclocking:
The Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite has an edge in memory overclocking. It supports higher memory frequencies and timings, allowing you to extract more performance from your RAM modules.
Storage Performance:
Both motherboards support PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs, providing blazing-fast storage speeds. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus has an additional PCIe 4.0 slot, giving you more flexibility for high-speed storage devices.
Features and Connectivity
The ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus and Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite offer a comprehensive set of features and connectivity options.
Networking:
Both motherboards feature Intel’s I219-V and Realtek RTL8125B LAN controllers, respectively, providing stable and fast wired internet connectivity.
Audio:
The ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus uses the Realtek ALC897 audio codec, while the Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite employs the Realtek ALC1220-VB codec. Both codecs offer high-quality audio output, but the ALC1220-VB has slightly better signal-to-noise ratio and support for 7.1-channel surround sound.
USB Connectivity:
Both motherboards offer a variety of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C for ultra-fast data transfer speeds. The ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus has one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, while the Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite has two.
Build Quality and Aesthetics
The ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus is renowned for its exceptional build quality. It features a reinforced PCB, military-grade components, and a sleek black and yellow design. The Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite, on the other hand, has a more understated appearance with a black and gray color scheme and RGB lighting accents.
Price and Value
The ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus and Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite are priced similarly, around the $150-$200 range. Both motherboards offer excellent value for money, providing a solid foundation for a mid-range gaming or content creation PC.
Which Motherboard Is Right for You?
The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus and Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- If you prioritize CPU overclocking and build quality: ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus
- If you prioritize memory overclocking and audio performance: Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite
- If you need additional PCIe 4.0 slots for storage: ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus
- If you prefer a more understated design with RGB lighting: Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite
In a nutshell: The Verdict
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus and Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite are exceptional mid-range motherboards. The ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus stands out with its superior CPU overclocking capabilities, reinforced construction, and sleek design. The Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite excels in memory overclocking, audio performance, and USB connectivity. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual requirements and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which motherboard has better VRMs?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B560M-Plus has a more robust power delivery system, making it better for CPU overclocking.
2. Can I use a 10th-generation Intel processor on these motherboards?
Yes, both motherboards are compatible with 10th-generation Intel Core processors.
3. Which motherboard supports faster RAM speeds?
The Gigabyte B560M Aorus Elite supports higher memory frequencies and timings, allowing for better RAM overclocking.
4. What is the difference between PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0?
PCIe 4.0 offers twice the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0, resulting in faster data transfer speeds for storage devices.
5. Do these motherboards support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
No, neither motherboard has built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. You will need to purchase a separate adapter if you need these features.