Mini-ITX Motherboard Showdown: ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I vs. GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra
What To Know
- However, the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I boasts an additional “E” suffix, indicating the presence of a Realtek ALC4082 audio codec, which offers enhanced audio performance compared to the Realtek ALC897 codec found on the GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra.
- The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I has a dedicated RGB header for connecting additional RGB devices, while the GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra has a built-in LED strip along the bottom edge of the board.
- The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I has a slight edge in terms of power delivery, audio performance, and cooling, while the GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra is more affordable and has a more understated design.
In the realm of compact computing, Mini-ITX motherboards reign supreme. These diminutive boards offer a potent combination of performance, versatility, and space-saving efficiency. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I and GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra are two exceptional Mini-ITX motherboards that stand out in this competitive market. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of these two boards, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Features
Both the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I and GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra are built upon AMD’s B650 chipset, providing support for the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. However, the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I boasts an additional “E” suffix, indicating the presence of a Realtek ALC4082 audio codec, which offers enhanced audio performance compared to the Realtek ALC897 codec found on the GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra.
In terms of connectivity, both motherboards offer a comprehensive array of ports, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, as well as support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. However, the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I features an additional 2.5GbE LAN port, providing faster network connectivity options.
Power Delivery and Cooling
When it comes to power delivery, the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I outperforms the GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra. The ASUS board employs a 16+2 power stage design, while the GIGABYTE board features a 14+2+1 design. This difference in power delivery may become noticeable when overclocking high-end processors, as the ASUS board offers more headroom for power-hungry components.
Both motherboards utilize VRM heatsinks to dissipate heat from the power delivery components. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I has a larger heatsink with an integrated fan, while the GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra has a smaller heatsink with a passive design. The ASUS board’s more robust cooling solution may provide better thermal performance under sustained heavy loads.
Expansion and Storage
The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I and GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra offer similar expansion and storage options. Both boards have two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for graphics cards, as well as one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot for storage devices or other expansion cards.
In terms of storage, both motherboards support up to two M.2 NVMe SSDs, one of which supports PCIe 5.0 speeds. Additionally, both boards offer multiple SATA ports for connecting traditional hard drives or solid-state drives.
Aesthetics and Customization
The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I and GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra have distinct aesthetic designs. The ASUS board features a black and silver color scheme with angular lines and a ROG logo illuminated by RGB LEDs. The GIGABYTE board, on the other hand, has a black and gray color scheme with a more understated design and a subtle AORUS logo.
Both motherboards offer RGB lighting customization options. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I has a dedicated RGB header for connecting additional RGB devices, while the GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra has a built-in LED strip along the bottom edge of the board.
BIOS and Software
The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I and GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide comprehensive control over system settings. The ASUS board‘s BIOS is known for its intuitive layout and advanced overclocking options, while the GIGABYTE board’s BIOS is more streamlined and beginner-friendly.
Both motherboards also come with a suite of software utilities that allow users to monitor system performance, update drivers, and customize system settings. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I comes with the ROG Armoury Crate software, while the GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra comes with the GIGABYTE Control Center software.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I and GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra are priced similarly, with the ASUS board typically being slightly more expensive. Both motherboards are readily available from major retailers and online stores.
Final Verdict
The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I and GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra are both excellent Mini-ITX motherboards that offer a compelling combination of performance, features, and aesthetics. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I has a slight edge in terms of power delivery, audio performance, and cooling, while the GIGABYTE B650I AORUS Ultra is more affordable and has a more understated design. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q1: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A1: The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I has a more robust power delivery system and cooling solution, making it better suited for overclocking high-end processors.
Q2: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting customization options?
A2: The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I has a dedicated RGB header and a more extensive RGB lighting ecosystem, providing more customization possibilities.
Q3: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A3: Both motherboards offer excellent gaming performance, but the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I’s superior audio performance may provide a slight advantage in immersive gaming experiences.
