What To Know
- The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra features a 12+2+1 phase VRM with 90A Smart Power Stages, while the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi utilizes a 10+2+1 phase VRM with 105A DrMOS power stages.
- The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi are both exceptional ITX motherboards that offer a compelling combination of features and performance.
- The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra features a slightly better audio codec, the Realtek ALC4080, compared to the Realtek ALC897 found on the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi.
The world of PC building has witnessed a fierce rivalry between two renowned motherboard manufacturers: Gigabyte and MSI. With the advent of AMD’s latest AM5 platform, these two tech giants have unleashed their latest creations—the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi. Both motherboards promise exceptional performance, packed with cutting-edge features and innovative designs. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the intricate details of these two ITX powerhouses, highlighting their similarities, differences, and ultimately determining which one reigns supreme.
Form Factor and Design
Both the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi adopt the compact Mini-ITX form factor, making them ideal for space-constrained builds. However, their designs exhibit distinct aesthetics. The Gigabyte motherboard boasts a sleek and modern look, adorned with a black PCB and subtle RGB lighting accents. In contrast, the MSI motherboard exudes a more aggressive and gamer-centric vibe, featuring a red and black color scheme and prominent Dragon Center branding.
Connectivity and Expansion
When it comes to connectivity, both motherboards offer a comprehensive array of options. They both include built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring seamless wireless connectivity. Additionally, they feature multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C and Type-A connectors, providing ample connectivity for various devices.
In terms of expansion, both motherboards provide two M.2 slots, supporting NVMe SSDs. However, the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi has a slight edge with its additional PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, allowing for future GPU upgrades.
Power Delivery and VRM
The power delivery system is a crucial aspect of any motherboard, especially for overclocking enthusiasts. The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra features a 12+2+1 phase VRM with 90A Smart Power Stages, while the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi utilizes a 10+2+1 phase VRM with 105A DrMOS power stages. Both motherboards offer robust power delivery capabilities, ensuring stable and efficient operation even under demanding workloads.
BIOS and Overclocking
The BIOS plays a vital role in controlling and tweaking motherboard settings. Both the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi come equipped with user-friendly BIOS interfaces, featuring intuitive layouts and advanced overclocking options. They both support AMD’s Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) and Curve Optimizer, providing granular control over CPU performance and voltage.
Audio and Networking
For audio enthusiasts, the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra boasts the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, delivering high-quality sound output. The MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi, on the other hand, features the Realtek ALC897 audio codec, which also provides excellent audio performance.
Regarding networking, both motherboards include a 2.5GbE LAN port, offering fast and reliable wired connectivity.
Features and Accessories
The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra comes bundled with a few additional accessories, including a Wi-Fi antenna and a thermal probe. The MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi, however, lacks these accessories.
Price and Availability
The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi are both priced competitively in the high-end ITX motherboard market. However, the Gigabyte motherboard may have a slight edge in terms of price-to-performance ratio.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize aesthetics, connectivity, and bundled accessories, the Gigabyte motherboard is an excellent choice. However, if you value additional PCIe 5.0 expansion options and a slightly more aggressive design, the MSI motherboard might be a better fit.
Wrap-Up
The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi are both exceptional ITX motherboards that offer a compelling combination of features and performance. While they share many similarities, their subtle differences in design, expansion capabilities, and bundled accessories may influence your decision. Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual requirements and preferences.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better audio performance?
A: The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra features a slightly better audio codec, the Realtek ALC4080, compared to the Realtek ALC897 found on the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi.
Q: Does either motherboard support PCIe 5.0 storage?
A: No, both motherboards support PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards only, but not for storage devices.
Q: Which motherboard has a more user-friendly BIOS interface?
A: Both motherboards offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces, but the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra may have a slight edge due to its more intuitive layout and organization.
