What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the ASRock B650 PG Lightning against the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX to determine which one emerges as the superior choice for AMD’s latest CPUs.
- The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX matches the ASRock B650 PG Lightning in terms of memory and storage capabilities.
- The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX features a similar VRM heatsink design, but it also includes a heatpipe that connects the VRM heatsink to the chipset heatsink.
The advent of AMD’s AM5 platform has ignited a fierce battle among motherboard manufacturers. Two contenders that stand out are the ASRock B650 PG Lightning and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX. Both these motherboards promise cutting-edge features and exceptional performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the ASRock B650 PG Lightning against the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX to determine which one emerges as the superior choice for AMD’s latest CPUs.
Design and Aesthetics: A Clash of Styles
ASRock B650 PG Lightning: The ASRock B650 PG Lightning exudes a sleek and understated aesthetic. Its black and silver color scheme complements most PC builds, and its clean lines and minimal accents create a sophisticated look.
Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX: In contrast, the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX embraces a more aggressive and gamer-centric design. Its black and orange accents, coupled with its angular lines and RGB lighting, make it a striking choice for enthusiasts who prefer a bolder aesthetic.
Features: A Battle of Connectivity and Expandability
ASRock B650 PG Lightning: The ASRock B650 PG Lightning boasts a comprehensive array of features. It offers four DDR5 memory slots, supporting up to 128GB of memory at speeds of up to 6400MHz. In terms of storage, it features four M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots, providing ample space for high-speed SSDs.
Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX: The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX matches the ASRock B650 PG Lightning in terms of memory and storage capabilities. However, it goes a step further by offering built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. This eliminates the need for a separate wireless adapter, providing a convenient and lag-free wireless experience.
Power Delivery: The Heart of the System
ASRock B650 PG Lightning: The ASRock B650 PG Lightning features a robust 16-phase VRM design with 80A power stages. This ensures stable and efficient power delivery to the CPU, even under heavy loads.
Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX: The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX employs a slightly less powerful 14-phase VRM design with 70A power stages. While this may seem like a disadvantage, it still provides ample power for most mainstream CPUs.
Cooling: Keeping Your System Running Cool
ASRock B650 PG Lightning: The ASRock B650 PG Lightning is equipped with a solid VRM heatsink and a chipset heatsink to dissipate heat effectively. Additionally, it offers four hybrid fan headers that can be configured to control both PWM and DC fans, ensuring optimal cooling performance.
Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX: The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX features a similar VRM heatsink design, but it also includes a heatpipe that connects the VRM heatsink to the chipset heatsink. This enhances heat transfer and improves overall cooling efficiency.
BIOS and Software: User Interface and Customization
ASRock B650 PG Lightning: The ASRock B650 PG Lightning utilizes ASRock‘s UEFI BIOS, which is known for its intuitive interface and comprehensive customization options. It provides users with granular control over every aspect of the motherboard’s settings.
Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX: The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX features Gigabyte’s UEFI BIOS, which is equally user-friendly and offers a wide range of customization options. Additionally, it comes with the Gigabyte App Center, which provides a centralized platform for managing motherboard settings, monitoring hardware, and updating drivers.
Performance: Benchmarking and Real-World Tests
In terms of performance, both the ASRock B650 PG Lightning and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX deliver exceptional results. They offer comparable memory and storage performance, and they provide stable and reliable operation under various workloads.
Verdict: The Ultimate Choice
Choosing between the ASRock B650 PG Lightning and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize aesthetics and prefer a more understated design, the ASRock B650 PG Lightning is a solid choice. However, if you value wireless connectivity, prefer a more aggressive design, or require slightly enhanced cooling, the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX is the better option.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which motherboard has better memory overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent memory overclocking capabilities, with support for speeds up to 6400MHz.
Q: Does the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX come with any pre-installed software?
A: Yes, the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX comes with the Gigabyte App Center, which provides various hardware monitoring and management tools.
Q: Which motherboard is more compatible with different CPU coolers?
A: Both motherboards support a wide range of CPU coolers, including air coolers and liquid cooling solutions.
