What To Know
- The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk and Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite are two of the most popular options in the market, offering a compelling blend of features and affordability.
- The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk uses a 16+2+1 phase VRM with a large heatsink, while the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite uses a 16+1+2 phase VRM with a smaller heatsink.
- The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk offers superior overclocking capabilities and storage options, while the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite has a more affordable price and a stylish design.
When building a high-performance AMD-based PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk and Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite are two of the most popular options in the market, offering a compelling blend of features and affordability. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between these motherboards to help you make an informed decision for your next build.
Features and Specifications
Chipset and Socket
Both the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk and Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite are based on AMD’s B650 chipset, designed for the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. This chipset supports PCIe Gen 5 connectivity, providing faster data transfer speeds for storage and graphics cards.
Memory Support
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, while the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite supports up to 64GB. Both motherboards feature dual-channel memory architecture, allowing for increased bandwidth and reduced latency.
Storage Options
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk offers four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots for storage devices. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite has four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots. Both motherboards support PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSDs for blazing-fast storage performance.
Expansion Slots
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk has four PCIe Gen 4 x16 slots, providing ample space for multiple graphics cards or other expansion cards. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite has three PCIe Gen 4 x16 slots and one PCIe Gen 3 x1 slot.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 6E. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk has a Realtek 2.5GbE LAN port, while the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite has an Intel 2.5GbE LAN port.
Design and Aesthetics
Form Factor and Dimensions
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk has an ATX form factor with dimensions of 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite has an ATX form factor with dimensions of 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm.
Aesthetics
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk features a stealthy black and silver design with sharp angles and a large VRM heatsink. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite has a more vibrant design with a black and gray color scheme, RGB lighting, and a prominent Aorus logo.
Performance and Stability
VRM and Power Delivery
Both motherboards have robust VRMs designed to provide stable power delivery to the CPU. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk uses a 16+2+1 phase VRM with a large heatsink, while the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite uses a 16+1+2 phase VRM with a smaller heatsink.
Overclocking
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk and Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite both support overclocking, allowing you to push your system to its limits. However, the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk may have a slight edge in overclocking stability due to its more robust VRM design.
Features Comparison
| Feature | MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk | Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite |
| — | — | — |
| Memory Support | Up to 128GB | Up to 64GB |
| Storage Options | 4 SATA III, 3 M.2 | 4 SATA III, 2 M.2 |
| Expansion Slots | 4 PCIe Gen 4 x16 | 3 PCIe Gen 4 x16, 1 PCIe Gen 3 x1 |
| Connectivity | Realtek 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E | Intel 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E |
| VRM | 16+2+1 phase | 16+1+2 phase |
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk is the better choice if you need a motherboard with excellent overclocking potential, ample storage options, and a wide range of expansion slots. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite is a solid option if you want a more affordable motherboard with a vibrant design and strong performance.
Summary
Both the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk and Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite are excellent motherboards for AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk offers superior overclocking capabilities and storage options, while the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite has a more affordable price and a stylish design. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk has a larger VRM heatsink, providing better cooling for stable power delivery.
Q: Can I use both M.2 slots on the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite simultaneously?
A: Yes, you can use both M.2 slots simultaneously, but it may disable some SATA ports.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk has more USB ports than the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite, including both USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2 ports.
