Asus Rog Strix B550-i Vs Gigabyte B550i Aorus Pro Ax

When it comes to building a compact and powerful Mini-ITX gaming PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two formidable contenders in this arena are the ASUS ROG Strix B550-I and the Gigabyte B550I AORUS PRO AX. Both motherboards offer a compelling combination of features and performance, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the specifications, features, and performance of these two mini-ITX powerhouses to help you make an informed decision.

Chipset and Socket

Both the ASUS ROG Strix B550-I and Gigabyte B550I AORUS PRO AX are based on the AMD B550 chipset, providing support for AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series processors. This chipset offers a wide range of connectivity options, including PCIe 4.0 support, and allows for overclocking of both the CPU and memory.

Form Factor and Design

As Mini-ITX motherboards, both the Strix B550-I and the AORUS PRO AX are designed to fit into compact cases. The Strix B550-I features a sleek black and gray color scheme with RGB lighting, while the AORUS PRO AX boasts a more subdued black and silver design with RGB accents. Both motherboards offer a well-laid-out design with ample space for components.

Connectivity and Expansion

The Strix B550-I offers a wide range of connectivity options, including two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, and two M.2 slots. It also features a 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.

The AORUS PRO AX offers similar connectivity options, including two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, and two M.2 slots. However, it boasts a faster 10GbE LAN port and supports Wi-Fi 6E for enhanced wireless connectivity.

VRM and Power Delivery

The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) plays a crucial role in delivering stable power to the CPU. The Strix B550-I features a 10+2 phase VRM with high-quality components, while the AORUS PRO AX boasts a 12+2 phase VRM with digital power control. Both motherboards offer excellent power delivery for overclocking and high-performance computing.

Audio and Network Performance

The Strix B550-I features a SupremeFX S1220A audio codec with DTS Sound Unbound support for immersive audio experiences. The AORUS PRO AX, on the other hand, comes with a Realtek ALC1220-VB codec with WAVES MAXXAUDIO 3D for enhanced audio quality.

In terms of network performance, the Strix B550-I offers a 2.5GbE LAN port with ASUS LANGuard protection, while the AORUS PRO AX boasts a faster 10GbE LAN port with Intel’s CFI-X550AT chip.

BIOS and Overclocking

Both the Strix B550-I and AORUS PRO AX offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with comprehensive overclocking options. The Strix B550-I features the ASUS UEFI BIOS with AI Overclocking, while the AORUS PRO AX comes with the Gigabyte UEFI BIOS with Smart Fan 5 control.

Price and Availability

The ASUS ROG Strix B550-I and Gigabyte B550I AORUS PRO AX are both priced similarly, around $200-$250. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

Choosing between the ASUS ROG Strix B550-I and Gigabyte B550I AORUS PRO AX depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize audio quality and overclocking potential, the Strix B550-I is an excellent choice. However, if you require faster network connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E support, the AORUS PRO AX is the better option. Ultimately, both motherboards offer exceptional performance and features for building a compact and powerful Mini-ITX gaming PC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A1: Both motherboards offer good VRM cooling, but the AORUS PRO AX has a slightly better heatsink design.

Q2: Does the Strix B550-I support PCIe 5.0?
A2: No, neither the Strix B550-I nor the AORUS PRO AX supports PCIe 5.0.

Q3: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
A3: The Strix B550-I features more RGB lighting zones and allows for more customization.