What To Know
- The world of PC building offers a plethora of choices when it comes to motherboards, and two of the most popular options for mid-range builds are the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 and the ASRock B450 Steel Legend.
- The Aorus Elite V2 has a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting, while the Steel Legend has a more traditional black and red color scheme with a brushed aluminum finish.
- The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with a maximum speed of 4400MHz, while the ASRock B450 Steel Legend supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory with a maximum speed of 3600MHz.
The world of PC building offers a plethora of choices when it comes to motherboards, and two of the most popular options for mid-range builds are the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 and the ASRock B450 Steel Legend. Both motherboards boast impressive features, but they also have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the details of each motherboard to help you make an informed decision for your next build.
Feature Comparison
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 and the ASRock B450 Steel Legend utilize the AMD B450 chipset, which supports AMD Ryzen processors of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations. They both feature the AM4 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of CPUs.
Memory Support
When it comes to memory support, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 has a slight edge over the ASRock B450 Steel Legend. It supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with a maximum speed of 4400MHz, while the Steel Legend supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory with a maximum speed of 3600MHz.
Storage Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a generous selection of storage connectivity options. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 features six SATA III ports and two M.2 slots (one PCIe 3.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x2), while the ASRock B450 Steel Legend has four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots (one PCIe 3.0 x4 and one PCIe 2.0 x4).
Expansion Slots
For expansion cards, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 offers two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, and one PCIe 2.0 x1 slot. The ASRock B450 Steel Legend, on the other hand, has two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot, and one PCIe 2.0 x1 slot.
I/O Ports
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 and the ASRock B450 Steel Legend provide a comprehensive range of I/O ports. However, the Aorus Elite V2 has a few additional features, including a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and a Clear CMOS button on the rear panel.
Performance and Overclocking
Both motherboards offer solid performance, but the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 has a slight advantage in terms of overclocking capabilities. It features a more robust VRM design and a dedicated overclocking utility, allowing users to push their CPUs to higher frequencies.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 and the ASRock B450 Steel Legend have distinct aesthetics. The Aorus Elite V2 has a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting, while the Steel Legend has a more traditional black and red color scheme with a brushed aluminum finish. Build quality is excellent on both motherboards, with sturdy construction and high-quality components.
Final Note: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 and the ASRock B450 Steel Legend are both excellent motherboards for mid-range builds. The Aorus Elite V2 offers slightly better performance, overclocking capabilities, and I/O ports, while the Steel Legend has a more affordable price and a more traditional design. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific requirements and budget.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory with a maximum speed of 4400MHz, while the ASRock B450 Steel Legend supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory with a maximum speed of 3600MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage connectivity options?
A: The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 has six SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, while the ASRock B450 Steel Legend has four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has more expansion slots?
A: The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite V2 has two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, and one PCIe 2.0 x1 slot, while the ASRock B450 Steel Legend has two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 2.0 x16 slot, and one PCIe 2.0 x1 slot.
