ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS vs Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Motherboard - Supports Intel Core 14th CPUs

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, there is a significant difference between the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. The ASUS board is priced at £124.80, while the Gigabyte model comes in at £226.99. This means that the Gigabyte motherboard costs nearly double the ASUS option, which may be a crucial consideration for budget-conscious buyers. The price disparity reflects the different target markets and features offered by each motherboard.

Compatibility and Processor Support

The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS is designed to support AMD AM4 socket processors, making it compatible with Ryzen 5000, 4000 G-Series, and 3000 Series desktop processors. On the other hand, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX supports Intel Socket LGA 1700, catering to both 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core processors. This fundamental difference in compatibility means that the choice between these two motherboards largely depends on whether you prefer AMD or Intel processors, impacting the potential upgrade paths available for your build.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is a crucial factor for gamers and PC builders alike. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS provides excellent gaming connectivity with PCIe 4.0 readiness, dual M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, alongside HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.2 output support. In contrast, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX offers even more advanced connectivity, featuring four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 connectors and an array of USB ports, including front USB-C 10Gb/s and rear USB-C 20Gb/s. The ASUS model excels in basic gaming connectivity, while the Gigabyte board provides extended options that cater to more extensive and complex setups.

Networking Capabilities

For networking, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS includes Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet, enhanced by ASUS LANGuard technology for improved stability and performance. Meanwhile, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX takes networking a step further with 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax support, offering faster wireless networking options alongside wired connectivity. This difference makes Gigabyte’s motherboard a better choice for users who require high-speed internet access, especially in environments where multiple devices are connected.

Power Delivery and Management

Power delivery systems are essential for maintaining stable performance, especially under load. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS features teamed power stages with a ProCool power connector, high-quality alloy chokes, and durable capacitors, which support efficient power delivery to the CPU. Conversely, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX boasts a more advanced twin 16+1+2 phases digital VRM solution, designed for unparalleled performance in demanding scenarios. Users looking for robust power management may find that the Gigabyte board offers a superior solution for overclocking and high-performance builds.

Memory Support

In terms of memory, the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS is designed for traditional DDR4 memory modules, accommodating a range of AMD-compatible RAM. In contrast, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX stands out with its dual-channel DDR5 support, which is becoming increasingly standard for high-performance gaming and productivity tasks. The inclusion of XMP 3.0 memory module support in the Gigabyte board allows users to easily optimise their memory performance, making it a more future-proof option for those looking to push their systems to the limit.

User-Friendly Features

Both motherboards boast user-friendly features designed to simplify installation and configuration. The ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS includes a pre-mounted I/O shield, BIOS FlashBack, Q-LEDs, and SafeSlot to enhance the DIY experience. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX also includes innovative features such as EZ-Latch Plus for quick M.2 connector access and Q-Flash Plus, which allows BIOS updates without needing to install the CPU, memory, or graphics card. These thoughtful design choices make both motherboards appealing, but the Gigabyte model’s features may provide more convenience during upgrades.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the ASUS TUF Gaming B550-PLUS and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a cost-effective option that supports AMD processors, the ASUS model at £124.80 offers great value and essential features for gaming. However, if you require advanced connectivity, superior power delivery, and future-proof memory support, the Gigabyte motherboard at £226.99 may justify the higher price with its extensive capabilities. Consider your processor preference, budget, and desired features to make the best choice for your build.