At a Glance
- 2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port on the rear I/O panel, which provides faster data transfer speeds compared to the Gen 2 Type-A port on the original Elite.
- The B550M Aorus Elite V2, however, adds RGB lighting to the rear I/O panel, providing a more vibrant and customizable aesthetic.
- The choice between the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and B550M Aorus Elite V2 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
When it comes to micro-ATX motherboards, the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and B550M Aorus Elite V2 stand out as two compelling options. Both boards offer a wide range of features and capabilities, making them ideal for a variety of builds. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the details of each motherboard to help you make an informed decision.
Feature Comparison
Feature | Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite | Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite V2 |
— | — | — |
Socket | AM4 | AM4 |
Chipset | B550 | B550 |
Form Factor | Micro-ATX | Micro-ATX |
Memory Support | Up to 128GB DDR4 | Up to 128GB DDR4 |
Storage | 4x SATA III, 1x M.2 NVMe | 4x SATA III, 2x M.2 NVMe |
Expansion Slots | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
Rear I/O | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 5x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 5x Audio Jacks | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 5x Audio Jacks |
Power Delivery | 8+3 Phase Digital VRM | 10+3 Phase Digital VRM |
Cooling | Heatsinks on VRM and Chipset | Heatsinks on VRM, Chipset, and M.2 Slots |
VRM and Power Delivery
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite V2 boasts a more robust power delivery system compared to its predecessor. It features a 10+3 phase digital VRM, which provides improved stability and performance, especially under heavy loads. This makes the V2 a better choice for overclocking or running power-hungry components.
Storage and Connectivity
Both motherboards offer ample storage options with four SATA III ports and one M.2 NVMe slot. However, the B550M Aorus Elite V2 adds an additional M.2 NVMe slot, giving you more flexibility for storage expansion.
In terms of connectivity, the B550M Aorus Elite V2 also has an edge. It includes a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port on the rear I/O panel, which provides faster data transfer speeds compared to the Gen 2 Type-A port on the original Elite.
Cooling
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite V2 comes with enhanced cooling capabilities. It features additional heatsinks on the M.2 slots, ensuring that your NVMe drives stay cool under heavy usage. This improved thermal management helps maintain optimal performance and longevity.
Aesthetics
Both motherboards feature a sleek and modern design with a black and gray color scheme. The B550M Aorus Elite V2, however, adds RGB lighting to the rear I/O panel, providing a more vibrant and customizable aesthetic.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite is typically priced slightly lower than the B550M Aorus Elite V2. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte B550M Aorus Elite and B550M Aorus Elite V2 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
Choose the B550M Aorus Elite if:
- You’re on a tighter budget.
- You don’t plan on overclocking or running power-hungry components.
- You don’t need additional M.2 NVMe slots or USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C connectivity.
Choose the B550M Aorus Elite V2 if:
- You value improved power delivery and overclocking capabilities.
- You need additional M.2 NVMe slots for storage expansion.
- You want faster data transfer speeds with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C connectivity.
- You prefer a more vibrant aesthetic with RGB lighting.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which motherboard has better compatibility with Ryzen processors?
A: Both motherboards support all AM4 socket Ryzen processors, including the latest Ryzen 5000 series.
Q: Can I use DDR5 memory with these motherboards?
A: No, both motherboards only support DDR4 memory.
Q: Does the B550M Aorus Elite V2 include Wi-Fi connectivity?
A: No, neither motherboard has built-in Wi-Fi. You’ll need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi adapter if you need wireless connectivity.