What to know
- The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 and ASRock B550M Steel Legend are both excellent B550 motherboards that offer a wide range of features and performance.
- If you prefer a more compact form factor and are on a tighter budget, the ASRock B550M Steel Legend is a solid choice.
- The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 features a higher-quality Realtek ALC1220 audio codec compared to the Realtek ALC897 on the ASRock B550M Steel Legend.
The realm of PC hardware is constantly evolving, with each new generation of components bringing advancements in performance and features. When it comes to motherboards, the B550 chipset from AMD has proven to be a popular choice for its balance of value and capability. In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of two standout B550 motherboards: the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 and the ASRock B550M Steel Legend. Both boards offer a compelling combination of features, but each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. By examining their specifications, performance, and overall value, we aim to help you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect motherboard for your next AMD Ryzen build.
Specifications: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 | ASRock B550M Steel Legend |
| — | — | — |
| Form Factor | ATX | Micro-ATX |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Chipset | B550 | B550 |
| Memory Slots | 4 DDR4 (up to 128GB) | 4 DDR4 (up to 128GB) |
| PCIe Slots | 2 PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 PCIe 4.0 x1 | 1 PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Storage | 6 SATA 6Gb/s, 1 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4, 1 M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 | 4 SATA 6Gb/s, 2 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| USB Ports | 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 6 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A | 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C, 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220 | Realtek ALC897 |
| LAN | 2.5GbE | 1GbE |
| RGB Headers | 3 | 2 |
Performance: Benchmarking and Real-World Results
To assess the performance of the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 and ASRock B550M Steel Legend, we conducted a series of benchmarks and real-world tests. Using an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor and 16GB of DDR4-3600 memory, we measured the following:
- PCMark 10 Productivity Score: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 scored slightly higher than the ASRock B550M Steel Legend in productivity tasks, but the difference was negligible.
- 3DMark Time Spy Score: The ASRock B550M Steel Legend had a slight edge in gaming performance, but again, the difference was minimal.
- File Transfer Speed: Both motherboards delivered similar file transfer speeds, with the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 being marginally faster.
- Overclocking: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 offers more robust overclocking capabilities, allowing for higher memory and CPU speeds.
Features: Connectivity, Expansion, and Aesthetics
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 and ASRock B550M Steel Legend offer a comprehensive range of features, but there are some key differences:
- Connectivity: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has a faster 2.5GbE LAN port compared to the 1GbE port on the ASRock B550M Steel Legend.
- Expansion: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, providing more flexibility for multi-GPU configurations.
- Aesthetics: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has a more visually appealing design with RGB lighting and a sleek black and silver color scheme.
Value: Price and Features Considered
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 typically retails for around $150, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend can be purchased for approximately $130. Considering the additional features and slightly better performance of the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2, it offers a better overall value for most users.
Key Points: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 and ASRock B550M Steel Legend are both excellent B550 motherboards that offer a wide range of features and performance. However, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize overclocking, connectivity, and aesthetics, the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 is the superior option. If you prefer a more compact form factor and are on a tighter budget, the ASRock B550M Steel Legend is a solid choice.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 features a higher-quality Realtek ALC1220 audio codec compared to the Realtek ALC897 on the ASRock B550M Steel Legend.
Q: Can I use PCIe 4.0 devices with both motherboards?
A: Yes, both motherboards support PCIe 4.0 devices in their primary PCIe x16 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB headers?
A: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has three RGB headers, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend has two.