What To Know
- The MSI motherboard features a sleek black and silver design with a brushed aluminum finish, while the Gigabyte motherboard opts for a more aggressive aesthetic with a black and orange color scheme and angular accents.
- The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi features a Click BIOS 5 with a graphical interface, while the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra utilizes a UEFI BIOS with a more traditional text-based interface.
- If you’re looking for a motherboard with a sleek design, high memory speeds, and a strong audio solution, the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi is an excellent choice.
When it comes to building a compact and powerful Mini-ITX gaming PC, the choice of motherboard is crucial. Two standout options in this category are the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra. Both motherboards offer impressive features and capabilities, but which one is the better choice for your specific needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between these two exceptional motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Form Factor and Design
Both the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra are designed in the Mini-ITX form factor, making them ideal for compact builds. The MSI motherboard features a sleek black and silver design with a brushed aluminum finish, while the Gigabyte motherboard opts for a more aggressive aesthetic with a black and orange color scheme and angular accents. Both motherboards offer a range of mounting options and accessories to ensure compatibility with various Mini-ITX cases.
Chipset and Socket
The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra are both based on the latest AMD B650 chipset, which provides support for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors. The B650 chipset offers a wide range of features, including PCIe 5.0 support, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, and advanced overclocking capabilities.
Memory and Storage
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi supports memory speeds up to 6600MHz, while the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra supports speeds up to 6400MHz. In terms of storage, both motherboards offer four SATA 3.0 ports and two M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs.
Expansion Slots
The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi features a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for graphics cards. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra also offers a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, as well as an additional PCIe 4.0 x4 slot for expansion cards.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi includes a 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra provides a 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Audio and Lighting
The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi features a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec with support for 7.1-channel surround sound. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra utilizes a Realtek ALC897 audio codec with support for 8-channel surround sound. Both motherboards offer RGB lighting headers for customizable lighting effects.
Overclocking and BIOS
Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities and user-friendly BIOS interfaces. The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi features a Click BIOS 5 with a graphical interface, while the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra utilizes a UEFI BIOS with a more traditional text-based interface.
Pricing and Availability
The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra are both available at similar price points. The MSI motherboard typically retails for around $190, while the Gigabyte motherboard can be found for around $200.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a motherboard with a sleek design, high memory speeds, and a strong audio solution, the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize additional expansion options and a more aggressive aesthetic, the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra is a solid option.
Alternatives to Consider
If neither the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi nor the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra fully meets your requirements, here are a few alternatives to consider:
- ASUS ROG Strix B650I Gaming WiFi: A premium Mini-ITX motherboard with exceptional overclocking capabilities and a comprehensive feature set.
- ASRock B650E PG-ITX WiFi: A budget-friendly Mini-ITX motherboard with solid performance and a wide range of connectivity options.
- Biostar B650GTQ: A compact and affordable Mini-ITX motherboard with support for up to 64GB of memory and dual M.2 SSDs.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities, but the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi may have a slight edge due to its Click BIOS 5 interface.
Q: Which motherboard has more expansion options?
A: The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra offers an additional PCIe 4.0 x4 slot, making it a better choice for users who need more expansion capabilities.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra has a slightly better audio codec, supporting 8-channel surround sound compared to the 7.1-channel surround sound supported by the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi.
