What To Know
- Two popular contenders in the AMD B550 chipset arena are the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC and its successor, the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2.
- The original model continues to be a solid choice, offering strong performance and a robust feature set at a more budget-friendly price.
- The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC, on the other hand, sports a more aggressive aesthetic with a black and gold color scheme and more prominent RGB lighting.
Choosing the right motherboard can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the AMD B550 chipset arena are the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC and its successor, the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2. Both boards offer impressive features and performance, but subtle differences set them apart. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which motherboard best suits your needs and budget.
The Core Differences: A Quick Glance
Before diving into the specifics, let’s summarize the key differences between the two boards:
- Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2: The newer version boasts a refreshed design, upgraded connectivity, and enhanced power delivery.
- Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC: The original model continues to be a solid choice, offering strong performance and a robust feature set at a more budget-friendly price.
Design and Aesthetics: A Visual Showdown
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2 features a sleek and modern design with a black and silver color scheme. The board utilizes a more minimalist approach compared to the original, with a clean layout and fewer RGB lighting zones. The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC, on the other hand, sports a more aggressive aesthetic with a black and gold color scheme and more prominent RGB lighting. Both boards feature a well-organized layout, making component installation and cable management a breeze.
Connectivity: The Battle for Ports
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, but the V2 model takes the lead in this department.
Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2:
- Rear I/O: The V2 board boasts a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port (20Gbps), two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (10Gbps), four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and a legacy USB 2.0 port. It also includes an Intel 2.5G Ethernet port, a Realtek 8125B 2.5G Ethernet port, and an Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX210 card for blazing-fast wireless connectivity.
- Internal Connectors: The V2 board offers a generous number of internal connectors, including an M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs, two SATA Express ports, six SATA ports, and a front panel audio header.
Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC:
- Rear I/O: The original board features a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and two legacy USB 2.0 ports. It includes a Realtek 2.5G Ethernet port and an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 card for wireless connectivity.
- Internal Connectors: The original board offers a similar set of internal connectors, including an M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs, two SATA Express ports, six SATA ports, and a front panel audio header.
Power Delivery: Fueling Your CPU
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2 features an upgraded power delivery system with a 12+2 phase design, ensuring stable and efficient power delivery to your CPU, even when overclocking. This translates to better performance and thermal stability for demanding workloads and gaming sessions. The original B550 Aorus Pro AC boasts a 12+1 phase design, which is still more than capable for most users.
Audio: Sound Quality Showdown
Both motherboards feature high-quality audio solutions, but the V2 model takes the edge with its Realtek ALC4080 codec and ESS Sabre HiFi ES9218P DAC. This combination delivers exceptional audio fidelity and immersive sound for your games, movies, and music. The original board features a Realtek ALC1220 codec, which still provides decent audio quality, but the V2 model offers a noticeable improvement.
BIOS and Software: User Experience
Both motherboards utilize Gigabyte’s intuitive and user-friendly BIOS interface. The UEFI BIOS offers a wealth of customization options, including overclocking settings, fan control, and system monitoring. Gigabyte’s Q-Flash Plus technology allows you to easily update the BIOS without needing a CPU or RAM installed. In terms of software, both boards support Gigabyte’s App Center, which provides access to a range of utilities and drivers for enhanced system management.
Price: The Value Proposition
The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2 is generally priced slightly higher than the original B550 Aorus Pro AC. This price difference reflects the upgraded features and improved performance of the V2 model. However, both motherboards offer excellent value for their respective price points.
Who Should Choose Which Motherboard?
Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2:
- Gamers: The upgraded connectivity and power delivery of the V2 model make it ideal for gamers who demand high performance and fast network speeds.
- Content Creators: Content creators who rely on high-bandwidth storage and fast networking will appreciate the V2’s enhanced features.
- Users seeking the latest technology: If you want the latest and greatest features, the V2 model is the clear choice.
Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC:
- Budget-conscious users: If you’re on a tighter budget, the original B550 Aorus Pro AC still offers excellent performance and features.
- Users who don’t need the latest connectivity features: If you don’t require the fastest network speeds or the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, the original board is a great value.
The Verdict: Choosing the Best Motherboard for You
Both the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC and the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2 are exceptional motherboards that offer excellent performance and features. The V2 model stands out with its upgraded connectivity, power delivery, and audio capabilities, making it a compelling choice for users who demand the latest technology and high performance. However, the original B550 Aorus Pro AC remains a solid option for budget-conscious users or those who don’t need the most cutting-edge features. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and priorities.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q1: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2 has a slight edge in overclocking due to its upgraded 12+2 phase power delivery system, which provides more stable and efficient power to the CPU.
Q2: Is the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2 compatible with Ryzen 5000 series CPUs?
A: Yes, both the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC and the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2 are compatible with AMD Ryzen 5000 series CPUs.
Q3: What is the difference between the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC and the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite?
A: The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC is a higher-end motherboard with more features and better performance compared to the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Elite. The Pro AC model features a more robust power delivery system, upgraded connectivity, and a higher-quality audio solution.
Q4: Can I upgrade the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC to the V2 version?
A: No, the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC and the Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2 are different models and not compatible for upgrades.
Q5: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are excellent for gaming. The Gigabyte B550 Aorus Pro AC V2 offers a slight advantage due to its faster network speeds and upgraded audio capabilities. However, the original B550 Aorus Pro AC is still more than capable of delivering a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
