What To Know
- The Aorus Ultra provides four SATA III ports for traditional hard drives and SSDs, while the ROG Strix B650E-I offers two SATA III ports and an additional PCIe 4.
- The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra and ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I are both exceptional mini-ITX motherboards that offer a compelling blend of features and performance.
- The Aorus Ultra is a solid choice for users seeking a reliable and well-rounded motherboard, while the ROG Strix B650E-I caters to those who demand the ultimate in performance and customization.
The realm of mini-ITX motherboards has witnessed a surge in popularity among PC enthusiasts, particularly those seeking compact yet potent builds. Two formidable contenders in this arena are the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra and the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I. Both offerings boast impressive features and specifications, making them ideal candidates for building high-performance mini-ITX systems. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the intricacies of these motherboards, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Form Factor and Design
The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra and ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I adhere to the compact mini-ITX form factor, measuring 170mm x 170mm. Despite their diminutive size, both motherboards offer a comprehensive layout that accommodates essential components and provides ample expansion options.
The Aorus Ultra features a sleek and understated design with a black PCB and subtle silver accents. In contrast, the ROG Strix B650E-I exudes a more vibrant personality with its ROG-themed aesthetics, including a black and red color scheme and angular lines.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards are built around AMD’s B650 chipset, which supports the latest AM5 socket. This cutting-edge socket offers compatibility with AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system plays a crucial role in delivering stable and efficient power to the CPU. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra employs an 8+2+1 phase power delivery design, while the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I boasts a 10+2 phase design. Both motherboards utilize high-quality components, including durable chokes and capacitors, to ensure reliable and consistent power delivery even under demanding workloads.
Memory Support
For memory support, the Aorus Ultra and ROG Strix B650E-I offer dual-channel DDR5 slots. The Aorus Ultra supports speeds up to DDR5-6600, while the ROG Strix B650E-I goes a step further with support for DDR5-6800. Both motherboards feature XMP profiles for effortless overclocking, allowing users to push their memory to the limits.
Storage Options
Storage connectivity is another important aspect of a modern motherboard. The Aorus Ultra provides four SATA III ports for traditional hard drives and SSDs, while the ROG Strix B650E-I offers two SATA III ports and an additional PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot. Both motherboards feature PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots for ultra-fast NVMe SSDs, enabling lightning-fast data transfer speeds.
Expansion Slots
Despite their compact size, the Aorus Ultra and ROG Strix B650E-I offer a decent selection of expansion slots. The Aorus Ultra features a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, while the ROG Strix B650E-I provides two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for multi-GPU setups. Both motherboards also include PCIe 4.0 x1 slots for additional peripherals.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Aorus Ultra and ROG Strix B650E-I offer a comprehensive range of options. Both motherboards feature Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity. The Aorus Ultra provides six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, while the ROG Strix B650E-I offers four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports.
BIOS and Software
The BIOS plays a crucial role in configuring and fine-tuning your system. The Aorus Ultra and ROG Strix B650E-I both feature user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide comprehensive control over various system settings. Additionally, both motherboards come with proprietary software suites that offer advanced features for performance monitoring, overclocking, and system management.
The Bottom Line: The Ultimate Choice
The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra and ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I are both exceptional mini-ITX motherboards that offer a compelling blend of features and performance. The Aorus Ultra is a solid choice for users seeking a reliable and well-rounded motherboard, while the ROG Strix B650E-I caters to those who demand the ultimate in performance and customization. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better memory overclocking support?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I supports slightly higher memory speeds (DDR5-6800) compared to the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra (DDR5-6600).
Q: Does either motherboard support PCIe 5.0 storage devices?
A: Yes, both the Aorus Ultra and ROG Strix B650E-I feature PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots for ultra-fast NVMe SSDs.
Q: Which motherboard offers more expansion slots?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I provides two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots compared to the Aorus Ultra’s single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, offering greater flexibility for multi-GPU setups.
