Gigabyte B550m Aorus Elite Vs Gigabyte B550m Ds3h

In the realm of PC building, the choice of motherboard plays a pivotal role in determining the capabilities and performance of your system. For those seeking a balance between affordability and features, micro-ATX motherboards offer a compelling option. Among the contenders in this segment, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and Gigabyte B550M DS3H stand out as two formidable choices. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these motherboards to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Features

Chipset and Socket: Both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and Gigabyte B550M DS3H utilize the AMD B550 chipset, providing support for AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors.

VRM and Power Delivery: The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite boasts a more robust 12+2 phase VRM design with 60A power stages, offering superior power delivery for demanding workloads. The Gigabyte B550M DS3H, on the other hand, features a 6+2+1 phase VRM design with 55A power stages.

Memory Support: Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory, with the Aorus Elite offering a slightly higher maximum speed of 5400MHz compared to the DS3H’s 5200MHz.

Storage Options: In terms of storage, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite provides two M.2 NVMe slots (one PCIe 4.0 and one PCIe 3.0) and four SATA ports. The Gigabyte B550M DS3H has one M.2 NVMe slot (PCIe 3.0) and four SATA ports.

Connectivity and Expansion

PCIe Slots: The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite features two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4 mode), and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Gigabyte B550M DS3H has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4 mode), and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.

USB Ports: The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a total of eight USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port. The Gigabyte B550M DS3H has six USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port.

Networking: Both motherboards feature a Realtek RTL8125B 2.5GbE LAN controller for high-speed network connectivity.

Aesthetics and Features

Design and Aesthetics: The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite sports a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting accents. The Gigabyte B550M DS3H has a more subdued black and gray design without any RGB lighting.

Additional Features: The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite offers additional features such as a Q-Flash Plus button for easy BIOS updates, a BIOS flashback feature, and a pre-installed I/O shield. The Gigabyte B550M DS3H lacks these features.

Pricing and Availability

The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite is priced slightly higher than the Gigabyte B550M DS3H. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.

Final Note: Finding the Right Choice

The choice between the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and Gigabyte B550M DS3H depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize performance, power delivery, and aesthetics, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite is the better option. For those seeking a more affordable and basic micro-ATX motherboard, the Gigabyte B550M DS3H is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a more robust VRM design and higher maximum memory speed, making it better suited for overclocking.

Q2: Can I use a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD on both motherboards?
A: Yes, both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and Gigabyte B550M DS3H support PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs on their primary M.2 slots.

Q3: Does the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite support Wi-Fi connectivity?
A: No, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite does not have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. You can add a Wi-Fi adapter to the available PCIe slot if needed.