What To Know
- In the realm of ATX motherboards, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the B550 Aorus Elite from Gigabyte stand out as formidable contenders for mid-range PC builds.
- Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the B550 Aorus Elite share the same AMD B550 chipset, providing support for AMD’s 3rd generation Ryzen CPUs (Ryzen 3000 series) and 4th generation Ryzen CPUs (Ryzen 5000 series).
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus features an 8+2 phase VRM with a DrMOS power stage, while the B550 Aorus Elite boasts a 12+2 phase VRM with a digital PWM controller.
In the realm of ATX motherboards, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the B550 Aorus Elite from Gigabyte stand out as formidable contenders for mid-range PC builds. Both offer a solid foundation for gaming and general-purpose use, but they differ in their feature sets and design choices. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key aspects, helping you make an informed decision about which motherboard is the right fit for your needs.
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the B550 Aorus Elite share the same AMD B550 chipset, providing support for AMD’s 3rd generation Ryzen CPUs (Ryzen 3000 series) and 4th generation Ryzen CPUs (Ryzen 5000 series). They feature an AM4 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of AMD processors.
Form Factor and Design
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the B550 Aorus Elite share the ATX form factor, suitable for full-size cases. However, their design aesthetics differ significantly. The TUF Gaming B550-Plus sports a rugged, military-inspired appearance with a black and gray color scheme. In contrast, the B550 Aorus Elite exudes a more refined and elegant look with its primarily black PCB and metallic accents.
VRM and Power Delivery
The motherboard’s VRM (voltage regulator module) is crucial for delivering stable power to the CPU. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus features an 8+2 phase VRM with a DrMOS power stage, while the B550 Aorus Elite boasts a 12+2 phase VRM with a digital PWM controller. Both motherboards provide ample power delivery for most mid-range and high-end CPUs.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR4 memory, with the TUF Gaming B550-Plus offering up to 128GB of capacity and the B550 Aorus Elite supporting up to 64GB. They both feature dual-channel memory architecture for improved performance.
Expansion Slots
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the B550 Aorus Elite offer comparable expansion capabilities. They both provide two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The TUF Gaming B550-Plus has an additional M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 slot, while the B550 Aorus Elite has two M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 slots.
Storage Options
In terms of storage options, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus provides six SATA III ports and one M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 slot. The B550 Aorus Elite also offers six SATA III ports but includes two M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 slots.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity options. They feature Realtek ALC1200 audio codecs, Gigabit Ethernet ports, and multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports. The B550 Aorus Elite has an additional Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 module for wireless connectivity.
BIOS and Overclocking
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the B550 Aorus Elite both feature user-friendly BIOS interfaces that allow for extensive overclocking and customization. They offer a variety of voltage, frequency, and memory settings for fine-tuning system performance.
Other Features
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus includes a few additional features not found on the B550 Aorus Elite. These include a BIOS Flashback button for easy BIOS updates, a dedicated ARGB header for controlling RGB lighting, and a pre-installed I/O shield for hassle-free installation.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the B550 Aorus Elite are priced similarly, with the TUF Gaming B550-Plus typically being slightly more affordable. They are both widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Final Note: Choosing the Right Motherboard
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the B550 Aorus Elite are both excellent options for mid-range ATX builds. The TUF Gaming B550-Plus offers a rugged design, additional storage options, and a BIOS Flashback button for added convenience. The B550 Aorus Elite, on the other hand, boasts a more refined aesthetic, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and a slightly more powerful VRM. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer extensive overclocking options, but the B550 Aorus Elite may have a slight edge due to its more powerful VRM.
Q: Does the TUF Gaming B550-Plus support RGB lighting?
A: Yes, it includes a dedicated ARGB header for controlling RGB lighting.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The B550 Aorus Elite has two M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 slots, while the TUF Gaming B550-Plus has only one.
Q: Does the B550 Aorus Elite come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
A: Yes, it has a built-in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 module.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is typically slightly more affordable than the B550 Aorus Elite.
