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When AMD launched its Ryzen 3000 Series processors at Computex 2019, they initially only released the high-end X570 chipset. This created a barrier for many users due to the high cost of X570 motherboards. The more recent introduction of the B550 chipset has been a breath of fresh air for the mid-range market, offering advanced technologies at a more accessible price point. However, manufacturers aren’t simply releasing “budget” versions; they’re equipping B550 boards with impressive features. Gigabyte’s AORUS B550 Master exemplifies this trend, bringing the prestige of its high-end Master series to the mid-range B550 chipset. Let’s explore what this motherboard offers.

AORUS B550 Master Packaging

Bringing “Master” Quality to the Mid-Range

The AORUS B550 Master is unique, pairing AMD’s mid-range B550 chipset with the design philosophy of Gigabyte’s high-end Master series. The packaging reflects this, featuring the signature AORUS eagle logo and the familiar purple and orange color scheme. The back of the box highlights key features like the 16-phase power design, 2.5G LAN, and Wi-Fi 6, similar to recent Master series motherboards.

AORUS B550 Master Rear Panel

Unboxing the AORUS B550 Master reveals a design closely resembling its X570 predecessor. The heatsinks for the M.2 slots are discrete rather than the monolithic design found on some higher-end boards. This separate heatsink design is arguably more practical, as many high-speed NVMe SSDs now come with integrated heatsinks, such as Gigabyte’s own AORUS NVMe Gen4 SSD or the popular WD Black SN750 Gaming with Heatsink.

Robust Design and Cooling

The back of the motherboard is reinforced with a sturdy metal backplate, providing added support and protection, particularly beneficial for users installing large CPU coolers.

AORUS B550 Master Rear

Looking closer, the RAM slots feature the familiar reinforced armor. However, unlike the AORUS X570 Master or Z490 AORUS Master, only the primary PCI Express 16x slot is armored. This is reasonable, as this slot provides the full 16x bandwidth, while the other two slots offer reduced bandwidth for accessories. This is understandable, as the B550 chipset is a mid-range offering with fewer PCIe lanes than high-end chipsets like the X570 or Z490.

AORUS B550 Master PCI-E Slots

AORUS B550 Master Closeup

The chipset heatsink on the AORUS B550 Master is smaller than the X570 version, as it doesn’t require an active fan. This results in quieter operation, eliminating the need for a premium solution like the AORUS X570 XTREME simply to avoid fan noise.

AORUS B550 Master Heatsinks

Power Delivery and Audio

To handle increasingly power-hungry CPUs, the AORUS B550 Master boasts a 16-phase power design (14+2) with 70A power stages, ensuring it can handle even demanding CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X. Despite this robust power delivery system, the heatsinks for the VRMs are surprisingly compact, utilizing a finned design for increased surface area and direct contact with the power stages for efficient heat dissipation.

AORUS B550 Master VRM

In terms of connectivity, the AORUS B550 Master offers cutting-edge options like 2.5G LAN and integrated Wi-Fi 6. The number of USB ports remains comparable to the X570 version, addressing the needs of even the most demanding users.

A notable feature is Amp-Up Audio, providing higher power output for high-impedance headphones, eliminating the need for external sound cards or DAC/Amps.

AORUS B550 Master Audio

The audio codec is the Realtek ALC1220-VB, not the higher-end ESS SABRE HiFi 9118 DAC found on the X570 version. However, Gigabyte seems to be shifting towards external audio solutions, offering the ESS SABRE USB DAC with some of its motherboards.

AORUS B550 Master Rear IO

Conclusion

The Gigabyte AORUS B550 Master successfully brings many high-end features to the B550 platform. While this impacts the price, it offers significant value for users seeking premium features on a mid-range chipset. It provides a compelling option for those who want high-end performance without the premium price of an X570 motherboard.