Key points
- The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and Elite motherboards are formidable contenders in the mid-range segment, catering to the needs of gamers and enthusiasts alike.
- The Pro features a more robust heatsink design compared to the Elite, ensuring better thermal performance.
- The Pro and Elite offer a similar PCIe slot configuration, with dual PCIe 3.
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and Elite motherboards are formidable contenders in the mid-range segment, catering to the needs of gamers and enthusiasts alike. Both boards offer an array of features and capabilities, but subtle differences set them apart. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro vs Elite, providing valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications Overview
| Feature | Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro | Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
| Chipset | AMD B550 | AMD B550 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| RAM Slots | 4 | 4 |
| Maximum RAM Capacity | 128GB | 128GB |
| PCIe Slots | 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 Slots | 2 x M.2 NVMe | 2 x M.2 NVMe |
| SATA Ports | 6 | 6 |
| USB Ports | 10 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 x USB 2.0 | 10 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 x USB 2.0 |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220 | Realtek ALC892 |
Performance and Features
CPU Support: Both motherboards support the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors and offer comparable performance.
Memory: The Pro and Elite models support up to 128GB of DDR4 memory, with speeds up to 5400MHz (OC). However, the Pro has a slight edge with its support for ECC memory.
Storage: The boards provide ample storage options, with two M.2 NVMe slots and six SATA ports. The Pro features PCIe 4.0 support for the primary M.2 slot, enabling faster data transfer speeds.
Networking: The Pro boasts a faster 2.5Gb Ethernet port compared to the Elite’s Gigabit Ethernet. Both boards offer built-in Wi-Fi 6 connectivity.
Audio: The Pro’s Realtek ALC1220 audio codec delivers superior sound quality with support for high-resolution audio. The Elite’s Realtek ALC892 codec provides a good audio experience but is less impressive.
Design and Aesthetics
Layout: The Pro and Elite have similar ATX layouts, with well-placed components for easy assembly.
Cooling: The Pro features a more robust heatsink design compared to the Elite, ensuring better thermal performance.
RGB Lighting: The Pro offers more RGB lighting zones and customizable options, allowing you to personalize your system’s aesthetics.
BIOS and Overclocking
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and Elite both feature user-friendly BIOS interfaces with advanced overclocking capabilities. However, the Pro provides more granular control over voltage and frequency settings.
Expansion Capabilities
PCIe Slots: The Pro and Elite offer a similar PCIe slot configuration, with dual PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
M.2 Slots: The Pro’s PCIe 4.0 support for the primary M.2 slot provides an advantage for high-performance NVMe SSDs.
Recommendations: Choosing the Right Motherboard
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro and Elite are both excellent choices for gamers and enthusiasts. The Pro offers superior performance, advanced features, and better cooling, making it the ideal choice for high-end builds. However, the Elite provides a solid value proposition with its balanced performance and cost-effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro has superior audio quality with its Realtek ALC1220 codec.
Q: Does the Pro support ECC memory?
A: Yes, the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro supports ECC memory, which is beneficial for critical applications.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting zones?
A: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro offers more RGB lighting zones and customizable options for enhanced aesthetics.