Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite vs MSI B450M Mortar Max: A Comprehensive Comparison for AMD Ryzen Users
What To Know
- The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite features a black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting, while the MSI B450M Mortar Max has a black and gray color scheme with a more subtle lighting design.
- Both the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max are based on the AMD B450 chipset, which supports AMD Ryzen processors from the 1st to 3rd generations.
- Additionally, the Aorus Elite has an HDMI port and a DisplayPort, while the Mortar Max has a DVI port and an HDMI port.
When it comes to budget-friendly motherboards for AMD Ryzen processors, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max stand out as two popular options. Both motherboards offer a solid feature set and reliable performance, but they differ in certain aspects that may influence your choice. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key features, specifications, and performance of these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Form Factor and Design
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite is an ATX motherboard, while the MSI B450M Mortar Max is a micro-ATX motherboard. The ATX form factor provides more expansion slots and better cooling options, but it requires a larger case. The micro-ATX form factor is more compact and suitable for smaller cases, but it offers fewer expansion slots.
In terms of design, both motherboards have a sleek and modern look. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite features a black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting, while the MSI B450M Mortar Max has a black and gray color scheme with a more subtle lighting design.
Chipset and Socket
Both the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max are based on the AMD B450 chipset, which supports AMD Ryzen processors from the 1st to 3rd generations. The B450 chipset offers a good balance of features and affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-oriented builds.
The motherboards use the AM4 socket, which is compatible with all current AMD Ryzen processors. This socket ensures future compatibility with newer Ryzen processors, providing you with upgrade options down the road.
Memory Support
When it comes to memory support, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max both support DDR4 memory up to 3200MHz. The Aorus Elite supports up to 64GB of memory, while the Mortar Max supports up to 32GB.
Both motherboards feature four memory slots, allowing for easy expansion of your memory capacity. It’s worth noting that the maximum memory speed and capacity may vary depending on the processor you use.
Storage Connectivity
In terms of storage connectivity, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max offer a similar range of options. Both motherboards have six SATA ports for connecting traditional hard drives and solid-state drives.
Additionally, the Aorus Elite features an M.2 slot that supports PCIe NVMe and SATA SSDs, while the Mortar Max has two M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe NVMe and the other supports SATA SSDs.
Expansion Slots
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite has a total of seven expansion slots, including two PCIe x16 slots, two PCIe x1 slots, and three PCIe x4 slots. The MSI B450M Mortar Max has a total of four expansion slots, including one PCIe x16 slot, one PCIe x4 slot, and two PCIe x1 slots.
The Aorus Elite offers more expansion options, which can be useful for connecting multiple graphics cards or other peripherals. However, the Mortar Max‘s compact size makes it more suitable for smaller cases where space is limited.
Rear Panel I/O
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max have a similar selection of rear panel I/O ports. Both motherboards have two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port.
Additionally, the Aorus Elite has an HDMI port and a DisplayPort, while the Mortar Max has a DVI port and an HDMI port. Both motherboards also have audio jacks for connecting headphones and microphones.
BIOS and Overclocking
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max both use the UEFI BIOS, which provides a user-friendly interface for configuring your system settings. Both motherboards offer a range of overclocking options, allowing you to tweak your processor and memory settings for improved performance.
The Aorus Elite has a more comprehensive BIOS with more advanced overclocking features, while the Mortar Max has a simpler BIOS that is easier to navigate for beginners.
Performance and Features
In terms of performance, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max are very similar. Both motherboards provide stable and reliable performance for everyday tasks and gaming. However, the Aorus Elite has a slight edge in overclocking capabilities due to its more advanced BIOS settings.
Both motherboards also offer a range of additional features, such as support for RGB lighting, fan control, and software utilities. The Aorus Elite has a more extensive range of features, including a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, while the Mortar Max has a more affordable price point.
Summary: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max are both excellent motherboards for AMD Ryzen processors. The Aorus Elite offers more expansion slots, a more comprehensive BIOS, and a wider range of features, while the Mortar Max is more compact, more affordable, and has a simpler BIOS.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you need a motherboard with maximum expansion options and advanced overclocking features, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite is a great choice. If you prefer a more compact and affordable motherboard with a user-friendly BIOS, the MSI B450M Mortar Max is a solid option.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite has more advanced overclocking features and a more comprehensive BIOS, giving it an edge in overclocking performance.
Q: Which motherboard is more compact?
A: The MSI B450M Mortar Max is a micro-ATX motherboard, making it more compact than the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite, which is an ATX motherboard.
Q: Which motherboard has more expansion slots?
A: The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite has more expansion slots, including two PCIe x16 slots, two PCIe x1 slots, and three PCIe x4 slots.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The MSI B450M Mortar Max is generally more affordable than the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite.
Q: Which motherboard has built-in Wi-Fi?
A: The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite has a built-in Wi-Fi adapter, while the MSI B450M Mortar Max does not.
