Gigabyte B550m Aorus Elite Vs Gigabyte B550m Ds3h

At a Glance

For those seeking a mid-range option compatible with AMD’s latest Ryzen 5000 series processors, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and Gigabyte B550M DS3H emerge as strong contenders.
Both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and Gigabyte B550M DS3H adopt the micro-ATX form factor, making them suitable for compact or mid-tower builds.
While the Aorus Elite boasts a sleek black PCB with a subtle RGB accent, the DS3H opts for a more understated gray PCB with minimal RGB elements.

In the realm of PC building, choosing the right motherboard is paramount. For those seeking a mid-range option compatible with AMD’s latest Ryzen 5000 series processors, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and Gigabyte B550M DS3H emerge as strong contenders. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of these two motherboards, comparing their features, specifications, and performance to help you make an informed decision.

Form Factor and Aesthetics:

Both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and Gigabyte B550M DS3H adopt the micro-ATX form factor, making them suitable for compact or mid-tower builds. While the Aorus Elite boasts a sleek black PCB with a subtle RGB accent, the DS3H opts for a more understated gray PCB with minimal RGB elements.

Chipset and Socket:

At their core, both motherboards utilize the AMD B550 chipset, offering support for AMD’s latest Ryzen 5000 series processors. The B550 chipset provides a robust feature set, including PCIe 4.0 connectivity and support for high-speed memory.

Memory Support:

Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory, with the Aorus Elite boasting a slightly higher maximum capacity of 128GB compared to the DS3H’s 64GB. Additionally, the Aorus Elite supports higher memory speeds of up to 5400MHz, while the DS3H is limited to 4400MHz.

Storage Connectivity:

The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and Gigabyte B550M DS3H offer ample storage connectivity options. The Aorus Elite features four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 and one PCIe 3.0), while the DS3H has two SATA III ports and a single PCIe 3.0 M.2 slot.

Expansion Slots:

For expansion cards, the Aorus Elite provides one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. In contrast, the DS3H offers one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and a single PCIe 3.0 x1 slot.

Network and Audio:

Both motherboards integrate a Realtek RTL8125B Gigabit Ethernet controller for stable and reliable network connectivity. The Aorus Elite also features an Intel AX200 Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 module, providing wireless connectivity options. For audio, both motherboards utilize the Realtek ALC1220 codec, delivering decent sound quality.

Power Delivery:

The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and Gigabyte B550M DS3H employ different power delivery systems. The Aorus Elite features a 12+2+1 phase digital power design, while the DS3H opts for an 8+2+1 phase design. The Aorus Elite’s superior power delivery system ensures stable and efficient power delivery to the CPU, especially during overclocking.

Final Thoughts:

The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and Gigabyte B550M DS3H are both excellent options for mid-range AMD Ryzen 5000 series builds. The Aorus Elite stands out with its superior memory support, storage connectivity, and power delivery, making it the ideal choice for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance. On the other hand, the DS3H offers a more affordable alternative while still providing solid features and reliable performance. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements and budget.