Key points
- The ASRock B550M-ITX/ac opts for a more subtle and understated aesthetic, while the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX boasts a more aggressive and gamer-centric design.
- The ASRock B550M-ITX/ac is a solid choice for users looking for a more affordable and understated option, while the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX is ideal for those who prioritize performance, connectivity, and overclocking capabilities.
- The Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX offers a wider range of overclocking options and a more robust VRM design, making it the better choice for overclocking enthusiasts.
The world of mini-ITX motherboards is constantly evolving, with new models offering cutting-edge features and improved performance. Two of the latest contenders in this segment are the ASRock B550M-ITX/ac and the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX. Both motherboards pack a punch in their compact form factor, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will pit the ASRock B550M-ITX/ac against the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and which one is the ultimate choice for your next mini-ITX build.
Form Factor and Design
Both the ASRock B550M-ITX/ac and the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX adhere to the mini-ITX form factor, measuring 170mm x 170mm. However, their designs differ slightly. The ASRock B550M-ITX/ac opts for a more subtle and understated aesthetic, while the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX boasts a more aggressive and gamer-centric design.
Chipset and CPU Support
Both motherboards utilize the AMD B550 chipset, which supports the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors. The ASRock B550M-ITX/ac features a single PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, while the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX offers two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots. This difference may be significant for users planning to use multiple graphics cards or other PCIe devices.
Memory Support
In terms of memory support, both motherboards offer four DDR4 DIMM slots, supporting up to 128GB of memory. The ASRock B550M-ITX/ac supports memory speeds up to DDR4-4733, while the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX supports speeds up to DDR4-4600.
Storage Options
The ASRock B550M-ITX/ac provides six SATA 6Gb/s ports and two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x4). The Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX offers four SATA 6Gb/s ports and three M.2 slots (two PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x4). The additional M.2 slot on the Gigabyte motherboard provides more flexibility for storage expansion.
Connectivity
The ASRock B550M-ITX/ac comes equipped with a Realtek ALC897 audio codec, an Intel I219V Gigabit Ethernet port, and an M.2 slot for a Wi-Fi module. The Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX, on the other hand, features a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, an Intel I255-V 2.5GbE Ethernet port, and an onboard Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 module. The Gigabyte motherboard offers superior networking capabilities with its faster Ethernet port and built-in Wi-Fi.
Features and Overclocking
Both motherboards offer a range of features to enhance user experience. The ASRock B550M-ITX/ac includes a BIOS Flashback button, allowing users to update the BIOS without a CPU. The Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX features a Q-Flash Plus button, which serves a similar purpose. Additionally, the Gigabyte motherboard offers a wider range of overclocking options, including voltage adjustments for the CPU, memory, and other components.
VRM and Power Delivery
The ASRock B550M-ITX/ac utilizes an 8-phase VRM, while the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX employs a 12-phase VRM. The Gigabyte motherboard provides a more robust power delivery system, which can be beneficial for overclocking and demanding workloads.
Summary: The Ultimate Choice
The ASRock B550M-ITX/ac and the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX are both excellent mini-ITX motherboards that offer a wide range of features and performance. The ASRock B550M-ITX/ac is a solid choice for users looking for a more affordable and understated option, while the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX is ideal for those who prioritize performance, connectivity, and overclocking capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which motherboard has better audio quality?
The Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX features a superior Realtek ALC1220 audio codec compared to the Realtek ALC897 codec on the ASRock B550M-ITX/ac.
2. Does either motherboard support PCIe 5.0?
No, neither the ASRock B550M-ITX/ac nor the Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX supports PCIe 5.0.
3. Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
The Gigabyte B550I AORUS Pro AX offers a wider range of overclocking options and a more robust VRM design, making it the better choice for overclocking enthusiasts.