What To Know
- The AORUS B550 Elite V2 features a sleek black PCB with RGB accents, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a more utilitarian design with military-grade components.
- The AORUS B550 Elite V2 and ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, M.
- Both motherboards offer excellent value for money, but the AORUS B550 Elite V2 has a slight edge in terms of features and performance.
Choosing the right motherboard for your PC build is crucial, as it forms the foundation for your system’s performance and stability. When it comes to the budget-friendly B550 chipset, two standout options emerge: the Gigabyte AORUS B550 Elite V2 and the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, specifications, and performance of these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Feature Comparison:
| Feature | Gigabyte AORUS B550 Elite V2 | ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus |
| — | — | — |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Chipset | AMD B550 | AMD B550 |
| Memory | 4 x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB | 4 x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB |
| Storage | 2 x M.2 slots, 6 x SATA ports | 2 x M.2 slots, 6 x SATA ports |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220-VB | Realtek S1200A |
| LAN | 1 x 2.5GbE | 1 x 1GbE |
| RGB Lighting | RGB Fusion 2.0 headers | Aura Sync headers |
| BIOS | UEFI BIOS with Q-Flash Plus | UEFI BIOS with EZ Mode |
Performance:
Both motherboards offer solid performance for their price range. The AORUS B550 Elite V2 has a slight edge in terms of VRM design and cooling, providing better power delivery for overclocking. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus offers better memory overclocking potential due to its optimized memory trace layout.
Aesthetics:
The AORUS B550 Elite V2 features a sleek black PCB with RGB accents, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a more utilitarian design with military-grade components. Both motherboards offer customizable RGB lighting through their respective RGB headers, allowing you to personalize your build.
Connectivity:
The AORUS B550 Elite V2 and ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, M.2 slots, and SATA ports. The AORUS B550 Elite V2 has the advantage of 2.5GbE LAN, providing faster network speeds.
Overclocking:
Both motherboards support CPU and memory overclocking, but the AORUS B550 Elite V2 has a more robust VRM design, allowing for higher overclocking potential. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus offers more granular memory overclocking options.
Price and Value:
The Gigabyte AORUS B550 Elite V2 typically retails for around $180, while the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is slightly cheaper at around $160. Both motherboards offer excellent value for money, but the AORUS B550 Elite V2 has a slight edge in terms of features and performance.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a feature-rich motherboard with excellent overclocking potential, the Gigabyte AORUS B550 Elite V2 is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize memory overclocking and value, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus is a more budget-friendly option. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and budget.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: Gigabyte AORUS B550 Elite V2
Q: Which motherboard supports faster memory overclocking?
A: ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: Gigabyte AORUS B550 Elite V2 (6 vs. 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports)
Q: Which motherboard has 2.5GbE LAN?
A: Gigabyte AORUS B550 Elite V2
Q: Which motherboard is more expensive?
A: Gigabyte AORUS B550 Elite V2 (typically around $180 vs.
