What To Know
- The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a slightly more advanced BIOS with more detailed settings, while the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming has a more simplified BIOS that is easier to navigate for beginners.
- The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a slight edge in overclocking capabilities, but the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming is more stable and reliable.
- Whether the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite or the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming is the better choice for your build depends on your specific requirements.
When building a gaming PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two popular options for B550-based systems are the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming. Both boards offer a range of features and capabilities, but which one is the better choice for your specific needs? This in-depth comparison will help you decide.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite | Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming |
| — | — | — |
| Chipset | AMD B550 | AMD B550 |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX |
| Memory Support | DDR4 up to 4600MHz | DDR4 up to 4400MHz |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4), 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4), 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 Slots | 2x M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 | 2x M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 |
| SATA Ports | 6 | 4 |
| LAN | Realtek RTL8125B 2.5GbE | Intel I219-V 1GbE |
| USB Ports | 8x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C | 6x USB 3.2 Gen1, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1200 | Realtek ALC S1200A |
Features Comparison
Memory Support
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite supports DDR4 memory up to 4600MHz, while the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming supports up to 4400MHz. Both boards feature two DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum of 64GB of RAM.
PCIe Slots
Both motherboards have one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for the graphics card and one PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4) slot for other PCIe devices. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has an additional PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, while the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming does not.
Storage Options
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has two M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, while the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming has two M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 slots. Both boards also have six SATA ports for connecting additional storage devices.
Networking
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite features a Realtek RTL8125B 2.5GbE LAN controller, while the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming has an Intel I219-V 1GbE LAN controller. The 2.5GbE LAN on the Gigabyte board provides faster network speeds for gaming and file transfers.
Audio
Both motherboards use Realtek audio codecs, with the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite featuring the ALC1200 and the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming using the ALC S1200A. These codecs offer high-quality audio output for gaming and entertainment.
Design and Aesthetics
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a sleek and modern design, with a black and silver color scheme and RGB lighting accents. The Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming has a more rugged and industrial look, with a black and gray color scheme and yellow accents.
BIOS and Overclocking
Both motherboards have user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide a range of overclocking options. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a slightly more advanced BIOS with more detailed settings, while the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming has a more simplified BIOS that is easier to navigate for beginners.
Performance
In terms of performance, both motherboards offer solid performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a slight edge in overclocking capabilities, but the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming is more stable and reliable.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite typically costs around $130, while the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming costs around $150. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers.
Final Thoughts: The Best Choice for Your Build
Whether the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite or the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming is the better choice for your build depends on your specific requirements. If you need a motherboard with faster memory support, overclocking capabilities, and a 2.5GbE LAN, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite is the better choice. If you prefer a more stable and reliable motherboard with a simplified BIOS, the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming is a great option.
Common Questions and Answers
1. Which motherboard has better audio quality?
Both motherboards use high-quality Realtek audio codecs, so the audio quality is comparable.
2. Can both motherboards support multiple graphics cards?
Yes, both motherboards support CrossFireX and SLI multi-GPU configurations.
3. Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has slightly better overclocking capabilities than the Asus B550M TUF Plus Gaming.
