What to know
- The Aorus Master features a large heatsink with heat pipes, while the Dark Hero has a more elaborate heatsink design with a dedicated fan.
- The Aorus Master has RGB LEDs on the heatsink, chipset cover, and I/O panel, while the Dark Hero has RGB LEDs on the heatsink, chipset cover, and memory slots.
- The Dark Hero, on the other hand, has a more robust power delivery system, better cooling, and more expansion options, making it the better choice for enthusiasts and overclockers.
The Gigabyte X570S Aorus Master and X570S Aorus Dark Hero are two of the most highly anticipated motherboards for AMD’s latest Ryzen 5000 series processors. Both boards offer a plethora of features and capabilities, but they also have some key differences that may sway your decision. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive into the details of these two flagship motherboards and help you determine which one is right for your next build.
Performance and Features
Power Delivery
Both the Aorus Master and Dark Hero feature robust power delivery systems designed to handle the power-hungry nature of Ryzen 5000 CPUs. The Aorus Master boasts a 16-phase VRM with 70A power stages, while the Dark Hero has a 14-phase VRM with 90A power stages. On paper, the Dark Hero has a slight edge in this area, providing more stable and efficient power delivery.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR4 memory speeds up to 5600MHz. The Aorus Master offers four DIMM slots, while the Dark Hero has two. The Aorus Master’s additional DIMM slots give you more flexibility for expanding your memory capacity.
Storage Connectivity
The Aorus Master and Dark Hero both provide ample storage options. The Aorus Master has six SATA ports and three M.2 slots, while the Dark Hero has four SATA ports and two M.2 slots. The Aorus Master’s additional M.2 slot allows you to connect more high-speed NVMe SSDs.
Design and Aesthetics
Form Factor and Layout
The Aorus Master is an ATX motherboard, while the Dark Hero is an E-ATX motherboard. The Dark Hero’s larger size gives it more space for features and expansion options. Both boards have a sleek and modern design with black and gray color schemes.
Cooling
Both motherboards have robust cooling solutions to dissipate heat from the CPU and VRMs. The Aorus Master features a large heatsink with heat pipes, while the Dark Hero has a more elaborate heatsink design with a dedicated fan. The Dark Hero’s cooling solution is more effective, providing lower temperatures under load.
RGB Lighting
The Aorus Master and Dark Hero both feature RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the aesthetics of your build. The Aorus Master has RGB LEDs on the heatsink, chipset cover, and I/O panel, while the Dark Hero has RGB LEDs on the heatsink, chipset cover, and memory slots.
Connectivity and Expansion
PCIe Slots
The Aorus Master has three PCIe x16 slots and two PCIe x1 slots, while the Dark Hero has four PCIe x16 slots and one PCIe x1 slot. The Dark Hero’s additional PCIe x16 slot provides more flexibility for multi-GPU configurations or other PCIe devices.
Rear I/O Panel
Both motherboards have a comprehensive set of rear I/O ports. The Aorus Master has 10 USB ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports, while the Dark Hero has 12 USB ports, including four USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports. The Dark Hero also includes a Thunderbolt 4 port, which provides high-speed data transfer and DisplayPort connectivity.
Software and BIOS
Gigabyte BIOS
Both motherboards use Gigabyte’s UEFI BIOS, which is known for its user-friendly interface and advanced overclocking options. The BIOS allows you to fine-tune every aspect of your system, including voltages, frequencies, and memory timings.
Software Utilities
Gigabyte provides a suite of software utilities for both motherboards, including RGB Fusion 2.0 for controlling RGB lighting, App Center for managing drivers and updates, and System Information Viewer for monitoring system parameters.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte X570S Aorus Master is priced at around $350, while the X570S Aorus Dark Hero is priced at around $450. Both motherboards are available from major retailers and online stores.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The Gigabyte X570S Aorus Master and Dark Hero are both excellent choices for high-performance Ryzen 5000 builds. The Aorus Master offers a solid balance of features and performance at a competitive price. The Dark Hero, on the other hand, has a more robust power delivery system, better cooling, and more expansion options, making it the better choice for enthusiasts and overclockers.
Key Points: The Ultimate Showdown
The Gigabyte X570S Aorus Master and X570S Aorus Dark Hero are two of the best motherboards for AM4 processors. Whether you’re looking for a feature-packed board with a reasonable price or a high-end enthusiast board with no compromises, either of these options will deliver an exceptional experience.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which motherboard has better power delivery?
A: The Dark Hero has a slightly better power delivery system with 90A power stages compared to the Aorus Master‘s 70A power stages.
Q: Which motherboard has more memory slots?
A: The Aorus Master has four DIMM slots, while the Dark Hero has two.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting options?
A: Both motherboards have RGB lighting, but the Dark Hero has more RGB LEDs and additional customization options.
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe slots?
A: The Dark Hero has more PCIe slots, including four PCIe x16 slots and one PCIe x1 slot.
Q: Which motherboard is more expensive?
A: The Dark Hero is more expensive than the Aorus Master, priced at around $450 compared to $350.