What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus boasts a 16+2-phase VRM, while the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX employs a 12+2+1-phase VRM.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus sports a rugged and military-inspired design, while the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX exudes a more sleek and modern aesthetic.
- Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX are excellent motherboards that offer a range of features and capabilities for gamers.
In the realm of PC gaming, the motherboard serves as the foundation upon which a formidable gaming rig is built. Two contenders in this arena are the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX. Both boards offer a compelling blend of features, but which one emerges as the superior choice? This in-depth comparison will shed light on their capabilities and help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket
At the heart of these motherboards lies the AMD B650 chipset, designed to unleash the full potential of AMD’s latest-generation Ryzen 7000 series processors. Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX support AM5 sockets, ensuring compatibility with these cutting-edge CPUs.
Power Delivery and Cooling
To sustain the demanding power requirements of high-performance processors, both motherboards feature robust power delivery systems. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus boasts a 16+2-phase VRM, while the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX employs a 12+2+1-phase VRM. Both configurations provide ample power and stability for overclocking and demanding workloads.
In terms of cooling, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus features a large VRM heatsink with a dedicated fan, ensuring efficient heat dissipation. The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX also has a substantial heatsink, but it relies on passive cooling.
Memory and Storage
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, with the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus offering up to 128GB of capacity and the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX supporting up to 64GB. They also provide ample storage options, including multiple SATA ports and M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs.
Connectivity and Expansion
For connectivity, both motherboards offer a comprehensive set of ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C, as well as USB 2.0 ports. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus features an additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port.
In terms of expansion, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus provides two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX offers one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. Both boards also have multiple PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
Networking and Audio
For networking, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus features a 2.5GbE LAN port, while the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX boasts a faster 10GbE LAN port. Both motherboards also include Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for wireless networking.
For audio, both motherboards have high-quality audio codecs and support 7.1-channel surround sound. The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX features a dedicated audio DAC for enhanced sound quality.
Aesthetics and Customization
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus sports a rugged and military-inspired design, while the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX exudes a more sleek and modern aesthetic. Both motherboards have RGB lighting, allowing users to customize their systems to match their preferences.
Verdict: Choosing the Right Motherboard
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX are excellent motherboards that offer a range of features and capabilities for gamers. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and durable motherboard with strong power delivery and cooling. The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX, on the other hand, is ideal for enthusiasts who prioritize high-speed networking and advanced audio capabilities.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider your processor, memory requirements, connectivity needs, and budget when making your decision.
What People Want to Know
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
Both motherboards have robust power delivery systems, but the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus has a slightly higher phase count, which may provide a slight edge in overclocking.
2. Which motherboard has more USB ports?
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus has one more USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port than the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX.
3. Which motherboard supports faster networking?
The GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX has a 10GbE LAN port, which is significantly faster than the 2.5GbE LAN port on the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus.
