What to know
- The Aorus Elite supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 4400MHz, while the Steel Legend supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 4733MHz.
- 5GbE Ethernet port and built-in Wi-Fi 6, while the Steel Legend has a Gigabit Ethernet port and a PCIe slot for adding a Wi-Fi card.
- The Aorus Elite offers a slightly more robust power delivery system and a wider range of storage options, while the Steel Legend has faster memory support and a more compact design.
In the realm of PC building, motherboards play a crucial role in determining the overall performance and functionality of your system. Two prominent options for AMD Ryzen-based builds are the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and the ASRock B550M Steel Legend. Both motherboards offer a comprehensive set of features, but which one is the better choice for you? This blog post will delve into a detailed comparison of the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite vs ASRock B550M Steel Legend, highlighting their key differences and similarities to help you make an informed decision.
Form Factor and Design
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Steel Legend share the same micro-ATX form factor, making them suitable for compact PC builds. The Aorus Elite boasts an elegant black and silver color scheme, while the Steel Legend features a sleek black and red design. Both motherboards come with a reinforced PCIe slot for improved graphics card support and multiple M.2 slots for high-speed storage.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards are based on the AMD B550 chipset, which supports the latest AMD Ryzen 5000 and 3000 series processors. They feature the AM4 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of AMD CPUs.
Power Delivery
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite comes with a 12+2 phase digital power delivery system, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend has an 8+2 phase design. Both motherboards offer ample power for even the most demanding processors, ensuring stable and efficient operation.
Memory Support
The Aorus Elite supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 4400MHz, while the Steel Legend supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory at speeds of up to 4733MHz. Both motherboards offer dual-channel memory architecture for improved performance.
Storage Options
Both motherboards offer multiple storage options. The Aorus Elite has three M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0, while the Steel Legend has two M.2 slots, both of which support PCIe 4.0. Additionally, both motherboards have six SATA ports for connecting traditional hard drives and SSDs.
Connectivity
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Steel Legend provide a range of connectivity options. The Aorus Elite has a 2.5GbE Ethernet port and built-in Wi-Fi 6, while the Steel Legend has a Gigabit Ethernet port and a PCIe slot for adding a Wi-Fi card. Both motherboards have multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, for connecting peripherals and storage devices.
Features
The Aorus Elite and Steel Legend offer several additional features. The Aorus Elite has a pre-installed I/O shield for easy installation, while the Steel Legend has a debug LED for troubleshooting. Both motherboards support RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the look of your build.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Steel Legend are both excellent options for AMD Ryzen-based builds. The Aorus Elite offers a slightly more robust power delivery system and a wider range of storage options, while the Steel Legend has faster memory support and a more compact design.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you require maximum power delivery and storage flexibility, the Aorus Elite is a great option. If you prioritize memory speed and a compact form factor, the Steel Legend is a solid choice.
Verdict: Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite vs ASRock B550M Steel Legend
Both the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and ASRock B550M Steel Legend are highly capable motherboards that provide a solid foundation for your AMD Ryzen build. The Aorus Elite offers a slight edge in power delivery and storage options, while the Steel Legend excels in memory speed and form factor. Consider your specific requirements and budget when making your decision.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which motherboard has a better power delivery system?
A: The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has a 12+2 phase digital power delivery system, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend has an 8+2 phase design.
Q: Which motherboard supports faster memory speeds?
A: The ASRock B550M Steel Legend supports memory speeds of up to 4733MHz, while the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite supports speeds of up to 4400MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite has three M.2 slots, while the ASRock B550M Steel Legend has two M.2 slots.