What To Know
- For audio enthusiasts, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite boasts a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is generally considered to be superior to the Realtek ALC897 codec found on the ASRock B550M Pro4.
- Whether you choose the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite or the ASRock B550M Pro4, you can be assured of a solid foundation for your AMD system.
- The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is generally considered to be superior to the Realtek ALC897 codec found on the ASRock B550M Pro4.
The battle for supremacy in the mid-range motherboard segment rages on, with Gigabyte and ASRock vying for the attention of AMD enthusiasts. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Pro4 stand as two contenders in this arena, each boasting unique features and advantages. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Feature Overview:
| Feature | Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite | ASRock B550M Pro4 |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | AMD AM4 | AMD AM4 |
| Chipset | AMD B550 | AMD B550 |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX |
| Memory Support | Dual-channel DDR4 up to 4400MHz | Dual-channel DDR4 up to 4733MHz |
| Storage | 2x M.2 slots, 6x SATA ports | 2x M.2 slots, 4x SATA ports |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| USB Ports | 6x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4x USB 2.0 | 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB 2.0 |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220 | Realtek ALC897 |
| Networking | 1x Gigabit Ethernet | 1x Gigabit Ethernet |
| BIOS | UEFI AMI BIOS | UEFI AMI BIOS |
Memory Performance:
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite supports DDR4 memory up to 4400MHz, while the ASRock B550M Pro4 goes a step further with support for up to 4733MHz. This difference may not be significant for most users, but it could provide a marginal advantage for those pushing the limits of their memory overclocking.
Storage Options:
Both motherboards offer ample storage options with two M.2 slots and multiple SATA ports. However, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has an additional two SATA ports, giving it a slight edge in this area.
PCIe Connectivity:
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Pro4 both feature a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for the primary graphics card. However, the Gigabyte motherboard includes an additional PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, which could be useful for expanding connectivity options.
USB Connectivity:
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite provides a more comprehensive USB offering with six USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and four USB 2.0 ports. In contrast, the ASRock B550M Pro4 has four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and two USB 2.0 ports.
Audio Quality:
For audio enthusiasts, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite boasts a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is generally considered to be superior to the Realtek ALC897 codec found on the ASRock B550M Pro4.
BIOS Features:
Both motherboards utilize UEFI AMI BIOS, offering a user-friendly interface for tweaking system settings. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite‘s BIOS includes advanced overclocking options, while the ASRock B550M Pro4 focuses on providing a more accessible BIOS experience for beginners.
Overclocking Potential:
Both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Pro4 offer decent overclocking capabilities. However, the Gigabyte motherboard may have a slight edge due to its more robust VRM design.
Price and Availability:
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite is typically priced slightly higher than the ASRock B550M Pro4. The price difference may vary depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Pro4 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
- If you prioritize memory overclocking and additional SATA ports, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite is a better option.
- If you prefer a more affordable motherboard with a simpler BIOS experience, the ASRock B550M Pro4 is a solid choice.
- If you require advanced PCIe connectivity options, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite’s additional PCIe 3.0 x16 slot may be valuable.
Final Note: Informed Decision-Making
Whether you choose the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite or the ASRock B550M Pro4, you can be assured of a solid foundation for your AMD system. By carefully considering the key differences and your own preferences, you can make an informed decision that will meet your specific requirements.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is generally considered to be superior to the Realtek ALC897 codec found on the ASRock B550M Pro4.
Q: Can I overclock my memory on both motherboards?
A: Yes, both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Pro4 support memory overclocking. However, the Gigabyte motherboard may have a slight edge due to its more robust VRM design.
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe slots?
A: The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has an additional PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, giving it more PCIe connectivity options.
