Exclusive Hands-On Review: Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite vs Asus TUF B450M-Pro Gaming – Discover Which Motherboard Dominates!

Choosing the right motherboard for your PC build can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. Two popular contenders in the AMD B450 chipset category are the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming. Both offer excellent features and performance, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key specifications, features, and performance to help you make an informed decision.
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming are both highly regarded budget-friendly motherboards designed for AMD Ryzen processors. They offer a balance of features and performance, making them suitable for various builds, from gaming PCs to content creation workstations. This comparison will examine their strengths and weaknesses to determine which motherboard best suits your needs.

Chipset and Socket Compatibility

Both motherboards utilize the AMD B450 chipset, supporting all AMD Ryzen 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation processors. They also feature the AM4 socket, ensuring compatibility with future Ryzen processors. This makes them a solid investment for long-term use.

Memory Support and Overclocking

The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM with speeds of up to 3600 MHz (OC). It features two DIMM slots, allowing for dual-channel memory configuration. The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming also supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM but with speeds up to 3466 MHz (OC) and features four DIMM slots. Both motherboards offer robust memory overclocking capabilities, allowing you to push your RAM to its limits.

Expansion Slots and Connectivity

The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers a comprehensive array of expansion slots, including three PCIe x16 slots (one running at x16, one at x4, and one at x2), one PCIe x1 slot, and two M.2 slots. It also boasts a plethora of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and multiple USB ports. The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming, on the other hand, features two PCIe x16 slots (one running at x16, one at x4), one PCIe x1 slot, and one M.2 slot. It also includes Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and a good selection of USB ports.

Audio and Cooling

Both motherboards feature dedicated audio codecs for immersive sound experiences. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite utilizes the Realtek ALC1220 codec, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming uses the Realtek ALC892 codec. Both offer decent audio quality, but the Aorus Elite’s ALC1220 codec provides slightly better audio fidelity. In terms of cooling, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite features a robust heatsink design for the chipset and VRM, while the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming offers a more basic heatsink solution. Both motherboards provide sufficient cooling for everyday use and moderate overclocking.

BIOS and Software Features

The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite boasts a user-friendly BIOS with extensive customization options, including detailed fan control and voltage settings. It also comes bundled with Gigabyte’s Q-Flash Plus technology, which allows for BIOS updates without installing a CPU or RAM. The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming also features a well-designed BIOS with a range of customization options, including fan control and voltage adjustments. It includes ASUS’s EZ Flash 3 utility for easy BIOS updates. Both motherboards provide comprehensive software suites for system monitoring, fan control, and other utilities.

Aesthetics and Design

The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite features a sleek black PCB with silver accents and a stylish heatsink design. It adopts a more traditional motherboard layout, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming boasts a more aggressive design with a black and gray color scheme and a distinctive TUF branding. It features a compact micro-ATX form factor, making it ideal for smaller builds.

Performance Comparison

Both motherboards deliver excellent performance, especially considering their price points. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite slightly edges out the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming in terms of overclocking potential and overall performance, thanks to its more robust VRM design. However, the difference in performance is minimal and may not be noticeable in everyday use.

The Verdict: Which Motherboard is Right for You?

Choosing between the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite:

• Strengths: Excellent overclocking potential, robust VRM design, comprehensive expansion slots and connectivity options, user-friendly BIOS.
• Weaknesses: Higher price point, larger form factor.

ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming:

• Strengths: Compact micro-ATX form factor, stylish design, good performance, affordable price.
• Weaknesses: Limited expansion slots, slightly less robust VRM design.

If you prioritize maximum overclocking potential, comprehensive connectivity, and a user-friendly BIOS, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite is the better choice. However, if you value a compact form factor, stylish design, and an affordable price, the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming is a solid option.

Final Thoughts: A Worthy Showdown

Ultimately, both the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming are excellent choices for budget-minded PC builders. They offer a balance of features, performance, and affordability, making them suitable for a wide range of builds. The decision comes down to your specific needs and preferences, whether you prioritize overclocking potential, connectivity, or a compact form factor.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are excellent for gaming. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite might offer slightly better performance due to its robust VRM design, but the difference is minimal and may not be noticeable in everyday use.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite is better for overclocking due to its more robust VRM design and higher memory overclocking potential.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming is generally more affordable than the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite.
Q: Which motherboard is better for a small form factor build?
A: The ASUS TUF B450M-Pro Gaming is a better choice for a small form factor build due to its compact micro-ATX form factor.
Q: Which motherboard offers more expansion slots?
A: The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers more expansion slots, including three PCIe x16 slots, one PCIe x1 slot, and two M.2 slots.