Showdown of the Titans: ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus vs. Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX
What To Know
- Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX support the full range of AM5 processors, from the entry-level Ryzen 5 to the flagship Ryzen 9.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus boasts a 12+2 power stage design, while the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX features a 16+2+1 power stage design.
- Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX are exceptional motherboards that offer a compelling blend of performance, features, and reliability.
The battle for motherboard supremacy in the realm of AMD’s latest AM5 platform is heating up, and two contenders emerge as formidable foes: the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX. Both motherboards promise exceptional performance, cutting-edge features, and unwavering reliability. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the depths of these two contenders to determine which reigns supreme.
Chipset and Socket
At the heart of these motherboards lies the AMD B650 chipset, providing a robust foundation for the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX support the full range of AM5 processors, from the entry-level Ryzen 5 to the flagship Ryzen 9.
Power Delivery
A critical aspect of any motherboard is its power delivery system. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus boasts a 12+2 power stage design, while the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX features a 16+2+1 power stage design. Both configurations provide ample power for even the most demanding CPUs, ensuring stable operation under heavy loads.
Memory Support
Memory bandwidth is crucial for maximizing system performance. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with speeds of up to 6000MHz. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX offers similar memory support, with up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6400MHz.
Storage Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a wide range of storage options. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus features four SATA ports and two M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 5.0 speeds. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX also provides four SATA ports but boasts three M.2 slots, with one supporting PCIe 5.0 and the other two supporting PCIe 4.0 speeds.
Expansion Slots
For graphics cards and other expansion cards, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus features two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX offers a similar configuration, with two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot.
Rear Panel Connectivity
The rear panels of both motherboards provide a comprehensive array of connectivity options. The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus includes eight USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, and a 2.5GbE LAN port. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX offers a comparable set of ports, including eight USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, and a 2.5GbE LAN port. Both motherboards also feature Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
Aesthetics and Features
The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus showcases a sleek and rugged design, with a black PCB and military-grade components. It also incorporates a pre-installed I/O shield and Aura Sync support for customizable RGB lighting. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX sports a more vibrant aesthetic, featuring a black and silver color scheme and customizable RGB lighting zones. It additionally includes a Q-Flash Plus button for BIOS updates without a CPU or memory installed.
Verdict: The Ultimate Choice
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX are exceptional motherboards that offer a compelling blend of performance, features, and reliability.
For those seeking a robust and reliable option with a focus on durability, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus is an excellent choice. Its military-grade components and pre-installed I/O shield ensure longevity and ease of use.
On the other hand, those prioritizing aesthetics and additional features may prefer the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX. Its vibrant design, customizable RGB lighting, and Q-Flash Plus button provide a more visually appealing and user-friendly experience.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX offer exceptional value and will power your AMD Ryzen 7000 system to its full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
Both motherboards have excellent overclocking capabilities, but the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX may have a slight edge due to its higher power stage count.
2. Does the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus support PCIe 5.0 storage?
Yes, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus features one M.2 slot that supports PCIe 5.0 speeds.
3. Which motherboard has more USB ports?
Both motherboards offer a comparable number of USB ports, with the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus having a slight advantage with an additional USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 port.
