Quick summary
- The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite features a 4+3 phase VRM, while the Asus TUF B450M-Pro Gaming utilizes a 4+2 phase VRM.
- The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite comes equipped with a range of features, including RGB lighting, a pre-installed I/O shield, and support for AMD’s StoreMI technology for faster storage performance.
- The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite emerges as the clear winner due to its ATX form factor, slightly more robust VRM, higher RAM support, and additional features such as an M.
In the realm of PC gaming, the motherboard serves as the backbone of your system, connecting all your crucial components. When it comes to budget-friendly options, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the Asus TUF B450M-Pro Gaming stand out as formidable contenders. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into their features, performance, and value to determine which motherboard emerges victorious.
Form Factor: ATX vs Micro-ATX
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite boasts an ATX form factor, offering ample space for expansion and flexibility. It supports full-sized graphics cards, multiple storage devices, and plenty of RAM slots. In contrast, the Asus TUF B450M-Pro Gaming adopts a more compact Micro-ATX form factor, making it ideal for smaller builds or space-constrained setups.
Chipset: AMD B450
Both motherboards feature the AMD B450 chipset, which provides support for AMD’s Ryzen processors, including the latest 3rd generation models. The B450 chipset offers essential features such as PCIe 3.0, SATA 6Gb/s, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (voltage regulator module) plays a crucial role in delivering stable power to the CPU. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite features a 4+3 phase VRM, while the Asus TUF B450M-Pro Gaming utilizes a 4+2 phase VRM. While both motherboards provide sufficient power for most users, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers a slightly more robust VRM setup.
RAM Support
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory, with the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite supporting up to 64GB at speeds of up to 3600MHz. The Asus TUF B450M-Pro Gaming, on the other hand, supports up to 32GB at speeds of up to 3200MHz. For users planning on using high-speed memory or running memory-intensive applications, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite has a slight advantage.
Storage Connectivity
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite provides a total of six SATA 6Gb/s ports for storage devices, while the Asus TUF B450M-Pro Gaming offers four SATA 6Gb/s ports. Additionally, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite features an M.2 slot that supports both NVMe and SATA SSDs, while the Asus TUF B450M-Pro Gaming only offers an M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. The Asus TUF B450M-Pro Gaming provides one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and two PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. For users requiring multiple expansion cards, such as graphics cards or sound cards, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite has a slight advantage.
Features and Connectivity
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite comes equipped with a range of features, including RGB lighting, a pre-installed I/O shield, and support for AMD’s StoreMI technology for faster storage performance. The Asus TUF B450M-Pro Gaming also offers RGB lighting, but it lacks a pre-installed I/O shield and StoreMI support.
Wrap-Up: The Verdict
Both the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the Asus TUF B450M-Pro Gaming are excellent budget-friendly motherboards that offer a solid foundation for your PC build. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite emerges as the clear winner due to its ATX form factor, slightly more robust VRM, higher RAM support, and additional features such as an M.2 slot and StoreMI support. However, if you prioritize space efficiency and prefer a more compact build, the Asus TUF B450M-Pro Gaming remains a compelling option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers a slightly better VRM setup, making it more suitable for overclocking.
Q2: Does either motherboard support Wi-Fi?
A: No, neither motherboard includes built-in Wi-Fi. You would need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi adapter.
Q3: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers more USB ports, including both USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 ports.
Q4: Can I use both M.2 slots on the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite?
A: Yes, you can use both M.2 slots simultaneously, but only one can be used for NVMe SSDs.
Q5: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are suitable for gaming, but the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers slightly better performance and expansion options.