What To Know
- In contrast, the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX features a more subdued black and silver design with subtle RGB lighting, offering a touch of elegance.
- The ASUS ROG Strix B550-I offers a dedicated BIOS Flashback button for easy BIOS updates, while the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX features a Q-Flash Plus button for hassle-free BIOS updates without a CPU installed.
- On the other hand, if you value a more subdued design, strong connectivity options, and a user-friendly BIOS, the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX is an equally formidable contender.
When building a compact and powerful ITX system, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two top contenders in the ITX arena are the ASUS ROG Strix B550-I and the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX. Both offer a potent combination of features and performance, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the depths of these ITX powerhouses to help you make an informed decision.
Form Factor and Aesthetics
Both motherboards adopt the compact Mini-ITX form factor, measuring a mere 170 x 170 mm. The ASUS ROG Strix B550-I boasts a striking black and gray color scheme with angular accents, exuding a sleek and aggressive aesthetic. In contrast, the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX features a more subdued black and silver design with subtle RGB lighting, offering a touch of elegance.
Chipset and Socket
At the heart of both motherboards lies AMD’s B550 chipset, providing support for AMD Ryzen 5000 and 4000 series processors. This chipset offers a wide range of connectivity options and features, including PCIe 4.0 support.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) plays a vital role in delivering stable power to the CPU. The ASUS ROG Strix B550-I employs an 8+2 phase VRM with high-quality components, ensuring reliable power delivery even under heavy overclocking conditions. The Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX also features a solid 8+2 phase VRM, providing ample power for most users.
Memory and Storage
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with speeds of up to 5100MHz. They offer two M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs, allowing for blazing-fast storage performance.
Connectivity
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-I provides a comprehensive set of connectivity options, including:
- 2.5GbE LAN
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.2
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
The Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX also offers a solid range of connectivity, including:
- 2.5GbE LAN
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
BIOS and Overclocking
Both motherboards come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide extensive overclocking options. The ASUS ROG Strix B550-I offers a dedicated BIOS Flashback button for easy BIOS updates, while the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX features a Q-Flash Plus button for hassle-free BIOS updates without a CPU installed.
Audio
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-I boasts SupremeFX S1220A audio with ESS 9018Q2C DAC, promising high-quality audio output. The Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX features Realtek ALC1220-VB audio with support for DTS:X Ultra, providing immersive audio experiences.
Recommendations: Choosing the Perfect ITX Motherboard
The ASUS ROG Strix B550-I and Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX are both exceptional ITX motherboards that offer a compelling blend of features and performance. Ultimately, the choice between these two titans depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritize aesthetics, advanced overclocking capabilities, and top-notch audio, the ASUS ROG Strix B550-I is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you value a more subdued design, strong connectivity options, and a user-friendly BIOS, the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX is an equally formidable contender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix B550-I features a dedicated VRM heatsink with a heat pipe, providing superior VRM cooling.
Q: Does either motherboard support Thunderbolt 4?
A: No, neither the ASUS ROG Strix B550-I nor the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX supports Thunderbolt 4.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix B550-I offers a total of 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, while the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX provides a total of 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and 2x USB 2.0 ports.
Q: Is either motherboard compatible with Ryzen 3000 series processors?
A: Yes, both the ASUS ROG Strix B550-I and Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX support Ryzen 3000 series processors with a BIOS update.
Q: Which motherboard has better BIOS overclocking options?
A: Both motherboards offer extensive overclocking options, but the ASUS ROG Strix B550-I may have a slight edge with its dedicated BIOS Flashback button and more granular voltage control settings.
