Quick notes
- The Gigabyte B550M DS3H has a 6+2 phase power delivery system, while the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has a 12+2 phase power delivery system.
- The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has more comprehensive RGB lighting, with RGB LEDs on the I/O panel, the chipset heatsink, and the PCIe slots.
- The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has a better VRM design with a 12+2 phase power delivery system compared to the 6+2 phase power delivery system on the B550M DS3H.
When building a budget-friendly PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. The Gigabyte B550M DS3H and the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 are two popular options that offer a range of features and capabilities. In this blog post, we will compare these two motherboards in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Form Factor and Dimensions
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H is a micro-ATX motherboard, measuring 244mm x 244mm. This compact form factor makes it suitable for smaller builds and cases. On the other hand, the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 is a full-ATX motherboard, measuring 305mm x 244mm. Its larger size provides more expansion options and better airflow.
Socket and Chipset
Both the Gigabyte B550M DS3H and the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 feature the AMD AM4 socket, which supports AMD Ryzen 5000, 4000, and 3000 series processors. They also utilize the AMD B550 chipset, which offers a wide range of features and connectivity options.
Memory Support
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory in four DIMM slots, with a maximum speed of 4400MHz. The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 also supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, but it has four DDR4 DIMM slots with a maximum speed of 5400MHz.
Storage Options
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H has four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots for SSD storage. The primary M.2 slot supports PCIe 4.0 x4 drives, while the secondary M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 drives. The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots. The primary M.2 slot supports PCIe 4.0 x4 drives, the secondary M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 drives, and the third M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x2 drives.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot on the Aorus Elite V2 allows for more demanding graphics card configurations.
Power Delivery
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H has a 6+2 phase power delivery system, while the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has a 12+2 phase power delivery system. A higher phase count typically results in better power stability and overclocking capabilities.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity options. They both feature Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and multiple USB ports. However, the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has a slight edge in this area, as it also includes a Thunderbolt 4 port.
RGB Lighting
The Gigabyte B550M DS3H has RGB lighting on the rear I/O panel and the chipset heatsink. The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has more comprehensive RGB lighting, with RGB LEDs on the I/O panel, the chipset heatsink, and the PCIe slots.
Wrap-Up: Choosing the Right Motherboard
Both the Gigabyte B550M DS3H and the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 are excellent motherboards that offer a range of features and capabilities. The B550M DS3H is a great option for budget-conscious builders who want a compact and reliable motherboard. The B550 Aorus Elite V2, on the other hand, is a better choice for users who want more expansion options, better power delivery, and more comprehensive RGB lighting.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which motherboard has a better VRM design?
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has a better VRM design with a 12+2 phase power delivery system compared to the 6+2 phase power delivery system on the B550M DS3H.
2. Which motherboard has more storage options?
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has more storage options with three M.2 slots and six SATA III ports compared to the two M.2 slots and four SATA III ports on the B550M DS3H.
3. Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite V2 has better overclocking capabilities due to its superior VRM design and more robust power delivery system.