Gigabyte B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2 WiFi ATX DDR4
The Gigabyte B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2 is a high-performance ATX motherboard designed for AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors, featuring a robust 12+2 phases digital VRM for stable power delivery. It supports up to 128 GB of DDR4 memory with speeds up to 4733 MHz and offers advanced connectivity options including Intel Wi-Fi 6 and a Realtek 2.5 GbE LAN.
Popularity: Medium
Specifications:
Model: Gigabyte B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2 WiFi ATX DDR4
Chipset: AMD B550
Form Factor: ATX Form Factor; 30.5cm x 24.4cm
CPU Compatibility: AMD Socket AM4, support for: AMD Ryzen™ 5000 Series/ Ryzen™ 5000 G-Series/ Ryzen™ 4000 G-Series, Ryzen™ 3000 Series and Ryzen™ 3000 G-Series Processors
Memory Support: 4 x DDR4 DIMM sockets supporting up to 128 GB (32 GB single DIMM capacity) of system memory
Maximum Memory Capacity: 128 GB
Memory Speed: DDR4 4733(O.C.) / 4600(O.C.) / 4400(O.C.) / 4266(O.C.) / 4133(O.C.) / 4000(O.C.) / 3866(O.C.) / 3733(O.C.) / 3600(O.C.) / 3466(O.C) / 3400(O.C.) / 3200 / 2933 / 2667 / 2400 / 2133 MHz
Memory Features: Dual channel memory architecture, Support for ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8 memory modules, Support for non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 memory modules, Support for Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) memory modules
RAM Slots: 4.0
Graphics Output: 1 x DisplayPort, supporting a maximum resolution of 5120x2880@60 Hz; 1 x HDMI port, supporting a maximum resolution of 4096x2160@60 Hz
Expansion Slots: 1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIEX16), integrated in the CPU; 1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIEX2), integrated in the Chipset; 1 x PCI Express x16 slot (PCIEX1_2), integrated in the Chipset; 1 x PCI Express x1 slot (PCIEX1_1), integrated in the Chipset
Storage Options: 1 x M.2 connector (M2A_CPU), integrated in the CPU; 1 x M.2 connector (M2B_SB), integrated in the Chipset; 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors, integrated in the Chipset
Ethernet: Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN chip (2.5 Gbit/1 Gbit/100 Mbit)
Wireless Bluetooth: Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX200; WIFI a, b, g, n, ac with wave 2 features, ax, supporting 2.4/5 GHz Dual-Band; BLUETOOTH 5
USB Ports (Rear): 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
USB Ports (Front): 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports available through the internal USB header, 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports available through the internal USB headers
Audio: Realtek® ALC1200 codec; High Definition Audio; 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel; Support for S/PDIF Out
Back Panel I/O Ports: 1 x DisplayPort; 1 x HDMI port; 2 x SMA antenna connectors; 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports; 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports; 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports; 1 x Q-Flash Plus button; 1 x RJ-45 port; 1 x optical S/PDIF Out connector; 5 x audio jacks
Internal I/O Connectors: 1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector; 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector; 2 x M.2 Socket 3 connectors; 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors; 1 x CPU fan header; 1 x water cooling CPU fan header; 3 x system fan headers; 1 x CPU cooler LED strip/RGB LED strip header; 2 x addressable LED strip headers; 2 x RGB LED strip headers; 1 x front panel header; 1 x front panel audio header; 1 x USB Type-C port; 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header; 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 headers; 1 x Trusted Platform Module (TPM) header; 1 x Clear CMOS jumper
Cooling Headers:
Power Connectors:
BIOS: 1 x 256 Mbit flash; Use of licensed AMI UEFI BIOS
Manufacturer Page: Link
Review
The Gigabyte B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2 offers a formidable blend of performance, build quality, and features, making it a compelling choice for users looking to build a high-performance AMD Ryzen system. Offering support for a wide range of Ryzen processors, this motherboard stands out in the crowded market of B550 chipset boards by combining cutting-edge features with reliable build quality.
Performance and Technical Specifications
The Gigabyte B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2 is powered by the AMD B550 chipset, supporting AMD Ryzen 5000 and 3000 series, as well as the Ryzen 4000 G-Series processors. It features a robust 12+2 phase digital VRM ensuring stable power delivery, crucial for overclocking enthusiasts [Tech Porn]. With support for up to 128 GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory clocked at speeds up to 4733 MHz, this motherboard is well-suited for demanding applications.
Design and Build Quality
The motherboard's striking design is characterized by a black and grey aesthetic, complemented by the Aorus falcon logo on the chipset heatsink. Its clean layout is well thought out, though some aspects like the omission of a USB Type-C header may be seen as drawbacks by some users.
Noteworthy is the inclusion of a single full-length PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for graphics cards, essential for maximizing the performance of high-end GPUs. Additionally, the board includes two M.2 slots, offering maximum storage bandwidth with PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 x4 support on each slot [AnandTech].
Connectivity and Networking
In terms of connectivity, the Gigabyte B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2 is equipped with modern connectivity options including Intel WiFi 6 and Realtek 2.5 GbE LAN, making it future-proof for high-speed networking needs. The back panel is comprehensive, featuring two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports and additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, although Type-C connectivity is absent, which might disappoint some [Tech Porn].
Audio and Multimedia
The audio output is powered by a Realtek ALC1200 codec, supporting up to 7.1 channels and S/PDIF out, catering adequately to users' multimedia needs. Although some users have noted that the audio performance could be improved, it remains a reliable choice for most regular use scenarios [Tech Porn].
Overclocking and BIOS Features
The motherboard's UEFI BIOS features a classic interface that supports easy access to overclocking settings, providing significant headroom for enthusiasts to tweak their system [Tech Porn]. The Q-Flash Plus feature is particularly user-friendly, allowing BIOS updates without having to install a CPU, memory, or graphics card—an excellent provision for users building their systems from scratch.
Final Thoughts
The Gigabyte B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2 offers remarkable value with its balance of features and performance. Its strong power delivery system, excellent networking options, and capable VRMs make it an attractive proposition for gamers and creators alike. While it might lack in some department, such as Bluetooth stability and the absence of a Type-C connector [LDLC], it compensates with excellent UEFI design and overall build quality [Gigabyte Official]. For those who prioritize a sturdy platform for Ryzen processors, the B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2 from Gigabyte is indeed a solid choice.