GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC mATX DDR4
The GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC is a Micro ATX motherboard designed for AM4 sockets, supporting DDR4 RAM with up to four slots. It features dual M.2 slots, SATA 6Gb/s, and USB 3.2 Gen 1, making it a versatile choice for modern PC builds.
Popularity: Medium
Specifications:
Model: GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC mATX DDR4
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RAM Slots: 4.0
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Manufacturer Page: Link
Review
The GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC mATX DDR4 is positioned as an entry-level motherboard, catering to the budget-conscious segment of the market. Designed for the AM4 socket, it boasts an array of features that make it a versatile contender for modern PC builds. Priced under $100, this board offers a robust set of specifications, despite some compromises to keep the price accessible.
Design and Build
The motherboard's design is subtle yet functional, featuring a black and grey patterned PCB with compact heatsinks. This design suits the GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic without the embellishments of RGB lighting. As noted in a review from LDLC, the lack of RGB headers may inconvenience users looking to synchronize extensive RGB setups, but it can be easily circumvented with third-party adaptive software solutions.
Connectivity and Slots
From a practical perspective, the GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC comes equipped with a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and a PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, alongside a single PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. This offers ample flexibility for installing graphics cards and other expansion options (Versus). Dual M.2 slots, one supporting PCIe 4.0 and the other 3.0, provide additional functions for speedy SSD storage, a rare find at this price point.
The board supports up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM across four slots, with speeds reaching up to DDR4-4733 when overclocked with compatible Ryzen processors. Moreover, it features four SATA ports that support RAID 0, 1, and 10, as detailed by AnandTech. These capabilities mark it as suitable for both general use and moderate gaming setups.
Rear I/O and Additional Features
The rear I/O panel of the GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC offers essential connectivity options. However, it lacks USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, which some users may find restrictive. It has a selection of USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 ports to meet basic peripheral and accessory needs. For display options, it includes both HDMI and DVI-D ports to support display needs powered by compatible AMD Ryzen APUs (EasyPC).
This motherboard is equipped with a Realtek ALC887 audio codec, supporting up to 7.1-channel surround sound, which is a useful consideration for users who prioritize strong audio output. Additionally, native Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 offer flexible, wireless connectivity straight out of the box.
Performance and Conclusion
The GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC mATX DDR4 effectively serves as a solid foundation for cost-effective builds, particularly those focused on AMD Ryzen systems. While it lacks certain premium features like USB-C and advanced RGB options, it excels in delivering dependable performance with its PCIe 4.0 support, dual M.2 slots, and abundant RAM capacity.
For system builders and upgraders working within a tight budget, the GIGABYTE B550M DS3H AC represents an excellent entry-level choice. It shares few frills but delivers on essential capabilities, connectivity, and an optimal balance between price and performance. This motherboard is an optimal fit for users prioritizing functionality, ease of installation, and a streamlined user experience in compact cases (AnandTech).