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Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC R2 specifications and in-depth review

Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC R2

Manufacturer: Gigabyte

The Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC R2 is a versatile Micro-ATX motherboard designed for performance-driven systems. It features an AM4 CPU socket and a B550 chipset, making it compatible with a wide range of processors. One of its key features is Wi-Fi 5 support, offering connectivity for smooth online gaming and streaming.

On the technical side, this motherboard supports up to 128GB of RAM with a maximum speed of 3200 MHz and overclocked speeds up to 4733 MHz. It includes multiple expansion options, with one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and two M.2 sockets, ensuring ample room for future upgrades. The B550M DS3H AC R2 also features RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 support, enhancing storage flexibility and redundancy.

Pros
  • Supports both Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for reliable wireless connectivity.
  • Offers up to 128GB of memory capacity with support for overclocked RAM speeds up to 4733 MHz.
  • Has a variety of storage options, including support for RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 0 configurations.
  • Includes RGB lighting for customizable aesthetic options.
  • Has a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for high-quality audio output with 7.1 audio channels.
Cons
  • Lacks support for PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and other advanced PCIe configurations like PCIe x8 or PCIe x4 slots.
  • Does not support USB Type-C, limiting certain modern peripheral connections.
  • Does not include S/PDIF Out port or dedicated audio connectors for external audio equipment.
  • Does not feature dual BIOS or an easy BIOS reset option, potentially limiting recovery options in case of failure.
Who is this for?

The Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC R2 motherboard is ideal for users who need a reliable, feature-rich solution for mainstream gaming or general-purpose computing. It is well-suited for users who require Wi-Fi support (Wi-Fi 4 and 5) and seek a motherboard with a solid memory capacity of up to 128GB. Its RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 0 support makes it a good option for those looking to set up redundancy or performance-boosting storage arrays. The motherboard also offers 7.1-channel audio with a high signal-to-noise ratio for those who value quality sound in their setup.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard is not ideal for users who demand the latest connectivity options or extremely high-performance expansion capabilities. It lacks PCIe 5.0 support, meaning users seeking cutting-edge graphics cards or high-speed storage devices may find it limiting. Additionally, the absence of USB Type-C support and audio connectors for external equipment may be restrictive for users with modern peripherals or those who require specialized audio setups. It is also less suitable for those needing robust BIOS recovery options, as it lacks dual BIOS and easy BIOS reset features.

General info:

CPU socket AM4
chipset B550
form factor Micro-ATX
release date June 2025
supports Wi-Fi ✓
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Has Bluetooth ✓
Bluetooth version 5
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock ✓
has RGB lighting ✓
Easy to reset BIOS ✕
Has dual BIOS ✕
has aptX ✕
CPU sockets 1
Has integrated graphics ✕
warranty period 3 years
height 244 mm
width 244 mm
Has integrated CPU ✕

The Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC R2 is a Micro-ATX motherboard featuring an AM4 CPU socket and B550 chipset, offering support for Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5, along with built-in Bluetooth 5. It includes RGB lighting for customizable aesthetics and provides HDMI 2.1 support for high-definition video output. Although it lacks dual BIOS and the ability to reset the BIOS easily, it does include easy overclocking features for better system performance.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 128GB
RAM speed (max) 3200 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 4733 MHz
memory slots 4
DDR memory version 4
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory ✕

The Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC R2 motherboard supports a maximum of 128GB of memory, distributed across four memory slots. It is compatible with DDR4 RAM, offering a maximum speed of 3200 MHz, which can be overclocked up to 4733 MHz. With two memory channels, this board is designed for efficient performance, though it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 4
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 2.0 ports 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 0
USB 4 40Gbps ports 0
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 0
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
has an HDMI output ✓
DisplayPort outputs 1
RJ45 ports 1
Has USB Type-C ✕
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector ✕
PS/2 ports 1

The Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC R2 motherboard is equipped with a range of connectivity options. It includes four USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB-A ports and two USB 2.0 ports for general peripheral connections. It also features an HDMI output for video display, along with one DisplayPort output. For networking, it has a single RJ45 port, but it does not support USB Type-C or Thunderbolt ports. Additionally, there is a PS/2 port available for legacy devices.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports (through expansion) 0
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion) 0
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 2
SATA 3 connectors 4
fan headers 3
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion) 2
M.2 sockets 2
Has TPM connector ✓
U.2 sockets 0
Has mSATA connector ✕
SATA 2 connectors 0

The Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC R2 motherboard offers a variety of connectors for expansion. It includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for added connectivity, as well as two additional USB 2.0 ports. For storage, it provides four SATA 3 connectors and two M.2 sockets, allowing for flexible storage options. Additionally, there are three fan headers for cooling, and the board includes a TPM connector for enhanced security features.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots 1
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots 1
PCIe x1 slots 1
PCI slots 0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x4 slots 0
PCIe x8 slots 0

The Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC R2 motherboard offers several expansion slots to accommodate various hardware configurations. It includes one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for high-speed graphics cards and other add-ons. Additionally, there is one PCIe x1 slot for expansion cards, but the motherboard lacks PCIe x8, x4, and PCI slots for further expansion.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC) 120 dB
audio channels 7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port ✕
audio connectors 0

The Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC R2 motherboard delivers high-quality audio with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring clear and immersive sound output. It supports 7.1 audio channels for surround sound, though it does not include an S/PDIF Out port or any dedicated audio connectors for additional external audio equipment.

Storage:

Supports RAID 1 ✓
Supports RAID 10 (1+0) ✓
Supports RAID 5 ✕
Supports RAID 0 ✓
Supports RAID 0+1 ✕

The Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC R2 motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations for flexible storage management. It includes support for RAID 1 and RAID 10 (1+0), providing options for data redundancy and performance. It also supports RAID 0 for increased speed, though it does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC R2 motherboard offers solid performance for users seeking a reliable and feature-packed solution for mainstream computing and gaming. With support for Wi-Fi 4 and 5, up to 128GB of memory, and multiple RAID configurations, it provides great versatility for users focused on connectivity and storage options. While it may not meet the needs of those requiring cutting-edge features like PCIe 5.0 or USB Type-C, it is a strong choice for users prioritizing stable performance, ease of use, and solid expansion options. Overall, it delivers excellent value for typical gaming and general-use builds.

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