What to know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus utilizes the AMD B550 chipset, while the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite is equipped with the AMD X570 chipset.
- Both motherboards have robust VRM designs, with the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus featuring a 12+2 power phase design and the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite employing a 14+2 power phase design.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to 4600MHz, while the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to 4800MHz.
The world of PC building is vast and ever-evolving, with new components and technologies emerging constantly. Choosing the right motherboard is crucial for any PC build, as it serves as the foundation for connecting all the other components. In this blog post, we will compare two popular ATX motherboards: the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite. We will delve into their features, performance, and overall value to determine which one emerges as the superior choice for gamers and enthusiasts.
Feature Comparison
1. Chipset and Socket
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus utilizes the AMD B550 chipset, while the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite is equipped with the AMD X570 chipset. Both chipsets support AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors, but the X570 offers more PCIe lanes and connectivity options.
2. Form Factor and Design
Both motherboards feature the ATX form factor, which is the most common size for full-tower and mid-tower cases. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus sports a sleek and understated design with a black and gray color scheme. In contrast, the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite boasts a more aggressive aesthetic with RGB lighting and a prominent AORUS logo.
3. VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (voltage regulator module) is responsible for delivering power to the CPU. Both motherboards have robust VRM designs, with the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus featuring a 12+2 power phase design and the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite employing a 14+2 power phase design. These VRM designs ensure stable and efficient power delivery for high-end CPUs, even during overclocking.
4. Memory Support
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to 4600MHz, while the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to 4800MHz. Both motherboards also feature XMP profiles for easy overclocking of memory modules.
5. Storage Options
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus offers six SATA III ports and one M.2 slot that supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs. The GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite, on the other hand, provides six SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, both of which support PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs. Additionally, the X570 AORUS Elite has an onboard heatsink for the primary M.2 slot to prevent overheating.
6. Expansion Slots
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for graphics cards, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4 mode), and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite, on the other hand, offers two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for graphics cards, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4 mode), and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot on the X570 AORUS Elite can be useful for multi-GPU configurations or other PCIe 4.0 devices.
7. Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a variety of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus has a Realtek ALC S1200A audio codec, while the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite utilizes a Realtek ALC 1220-VB codec. Both codecs provide high-quality audio output, but the ALC 1220-VB has a slightly higher signal-to-noise ratio for improved audio clarity.
Performance and Overclocking
In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver solid results. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite can handle demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and content creation with ease. Overclocking capabilities are also similar, with both motherboards allowing for CPU and memory overclocking. However, the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite may have a slight edge in overclocking due to its more robust VRM design.
Value and Conclusion
The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus typically retails for a lower price than the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite. This makes the B550-Plus a more budget-friendly option for those who don’t need the extra features and connectivity options of the X570 AORUS Elite. However, the X570 AORUS Elite offers a more premium experience with its enhanced VRM design, additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and onboard heatsink for the primary M.2 slot.
Ultimately, the choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable motherboard for gaming and everyday use, the B550-Plus is a great option. However, if you need more advanced features, better overclocking capabilities, and additional expansion slots, the X570 AORUS Elite is the way to go.
Information You Need to Know
1. Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
The GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite has better VRM cooling thanks to its larger heatsink and dedicated fan.
2. Does the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus support PCIe 4.0?
Yes, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus supports PCIe 4.0 for both the graphics card slot and the primary M.2 slot.
3. Can I overclock my CPU and memory with either motherboard?
Yes, both the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus and the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite support CPU and memory overclocking.
4. Which motherboard has more USB ports?
The GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite has more USB ports, with a total of 10 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports compared to the 8 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports on the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-Plus.
5. Does the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite have Wi-Fi 6?
Yes, the GIGABYTE X570 AORUS Elite has built-in Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.