What To Know
- In contrast, the Aorus Elite AX boasts a striking black and silver color scheme, with intricate patterns and RGB lighting accents, giving it a more aggressive and gamer-centric aesthetic.
- The Gigabyte B650M DS3H supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6000MHz, while the Aorus Elite AX supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz.
In the realm of micro-ATX motherboards, the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Aorus Elite AX stand out as two formidable contenders. Both boards offer a robust feature set and support the latest AMD Ryzen processors. However, they also have distinct differences that cater to varying needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the intricacies of these two motherboards, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and the factors that may influence your choice.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Aorus Elite AX utilize the AMD B650 chipset, which supports the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors. This chipset provides advanced features such as PCIe 5.0 support, faster memory speeds, and enhanced connectivity options.
Form Factor and Aesthetics
As micro-ATX motherboards, the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Aorus Elite AX share a compact form factor, making them suitable for smaller builds. However, their aesthetics differ significantly. The Gigabyte B650M DS3H features a predominantly black PCB with subtle gray accents, exuding a minimalist and understated look. In contrast, the Aorus Elite AX boasts a striking black and silver color scheme, with intricate patterns and RGB lighting accents, giving it a more aggressive and gamer-centric aesthetic.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, which offers faster speeds and lower latency compared to DDR4. The Gigabyte B650M DS3H supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6000MHz, while the Aorus Elite AX supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz.
Storage Options
The Gigabyte B650M DS3H provides four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 x4 and the other PCIe 3.0 x4. The Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, offers six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, with two supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 and one supporting PCIe 3.0 x4.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Aorus Elite AX both feature a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for graphics cards and a PCIe 4.0 x1 slot for additional expansion cards. However, the Aorus Elite AX also includes a PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, providing more flexibility for expansion.
Connectivity
The Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Aorus Elite AX offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. Both motherboards include Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. Additionally, the Aorus Elite AX features a 2.5GbE LAN port for faster network connectivity.
Rear Panel Layout
The rear panel layout of the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Aorus Elite AX differs slightly. The Gigabyte B650M DS3H includes four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, a PS/2 port, and a single HDMI port. The Aorus Elite AX offers four USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, a PS/2 port, an HDMI port, and a DisplayPort.
Overclocking and Performance
Both the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Aorus Elite AX support overclocking, allowing users to push their systems to the limits. However, the Aorus Elite AX offers more advanced overclocking features, such as a dedicated overclocking chip and a comprehensive BIOS interface.
Final Note: Choosing the Right Motherboard
The choice between the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Aorus Elite AX ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability, a minimalist aesthetic, and basic overclocking capabilities, the Gigabyte B650M DS3H is an excellent choice. However, if you demand advanced overclocking features, a striking design, and more expansion options, the Aorus Elite AX is the superior choice.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard offers better memory support?
A: The Gigabyte B650M DS3H supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6000MHz, while the Aorus Elite AX supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6400MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The Aorus Elite AX offers more storage options with six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots compared to the Gigabyte B650M DS3H’s four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The Aorus Elite AX offers more advanced overclocking features, including a dedicated overclocking chip and a comprehensive BIOS interface, making it the better choice for enthusiasts.
