What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and DS3H to help you make an informed decision.
- However, the Aorus Elite boasts a more premium design with a sleek black and silver color scheme and a metallic heatsink cover.
- The DS3H, on the other hand, has a more understated appearance with a black PCB and a plastic heatsink cover.
When building a budget-friendly PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Gigabyte offers two compelling options in the B550M form factor: the Aorus Elite and the DS3H. Both motherboards provide a solid foundation for AMD Ryzen processors, but they have distinct features and price points. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and DS3H to help you make an informed decision.
Form Factor and Design
Both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and DS3H adopt the micro-ATX form factor, making them suitable for compact builds. However, the Aorus Elite boasts a more premium design with a sleek black and silver color scheme and a metallic heatsink cover. The DS3H, on the other hand, has a more understated appearance with a black PCB and a plastic heatsink cover.
Socket and Chipset
Both motherboards feature the AMD AM4 socket, supporting Ryzen processors from the 5000, 4000, and 3000 series. They are based on the B550 chipset, which provides support for PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 interfaces. The Aorus Elite and DS3H offer comparable performance in terms of CPU and memory overclocking.
Memory Support
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and DS3H support dual-channel DDR4 memory with speeds up to 4400MHz (OC). They both have four DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum memory capacity of 128GB. The Aorus Elite features reinforced DIMM slots for improved durability, while the DS3H has standard DIMM slots.
Storage Options
Both motherboards offer a variety of storage options. The Aorus Elite has two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x4) and four SATA III ports. The DS3H has one M.2 slot (PCIe 3.0 x4) and four SATA III ports. Both motherboards support RAID 0, 1, and 10 configurations.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and DS3H have similar expansion slots. They both have one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for the graphics card and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4 mode). Additionally, they have two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for expansion cards. The Aorus Elite has a dedicated M.2 expansion slot for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, while the DS3H requires the use of one of the SATA ports for this purpose.
Rear Panel I/O
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and DS3H offer a comprehensive set of rear panel I/O ports. Both motherboards have:
- 1x HDMI port
- 1x DisplayPort
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
- 2x USB 2.0 ports
- 1x Gigabit Ethernet port
- 3x 3.5mm audio jacks
Additionally, the Aorus Elite has two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (one Type-A and one Type-C), while the DS3H has one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port. The Aorus Elite also features an optical S/PDIF output, which is absent on the DS3H.
BIOS and Overclocking
Both motherboards come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide advanced overclocking options. The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and DS3H support manual CPU and memory overclocking, as well as automatic overclocking presets. The Aorus Elite has a more extensive BIOS with additional features such as memory training and voltage monitoring.
Power Delivery
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and DS3H have comparable power delivery systems. They both use a 6+2 phase VRM design with high-quality components to ensure stable power delivery for demanding CPUs. However, the Aorus Elite has slightly larger heatsinks on the VRM and chipset, which may provide better cooling under heavy loads.
Price and Availability
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and DS3H are both budget-friendly motherboards, but they have different price points. The Aorus Elite is typically priced around $120-$150, while the DS3H can be found for around $90-$120. Availability may vary depending on region and retailer.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Motherboard
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and DS3H are both excellent choices for budget-conscious PC builders. The Aorus Elite offers a more premium design, reinforced memory slots, and a more extensive BIOS with additional features. However, the DS3H is a more affordable option that provides comparable performance and a solid set of features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking, the Aorus Elite or the DS3H?
A: Both motherboards support overclocking, but the Aorus Elite has a more extensive BIOS with additional overclocking features.
Q: Does either motherboard have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
A: No, neither the Aorus Elite nor the DS3H has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You will need to purchase a separate expansion card or use a USB dongle for wireless connectivity.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The Aorus Elite has more storage options, with two M.2 slots and four SATA III ports, compared to one M.2 slot and four SATA III ports on the DS3H.
