Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra vs ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I: The Ultimate ITX Motherboard Showdown
What To Know
- In contrast, the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I boasts a more vibrant and gamer-centric design, with a striking red and black color combination.
- The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra employs a 10+2+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages, while the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I features a 16+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages.
- The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra is priced around $250, while the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I comes in at a slightly higher price point of around $280.
In the realm of compact ITX motherboards, two titans emerge: the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra and the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I. These formidable boards pack a punch in their diminutive form factors, catering to enthusiasts and builders alike. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricate details of each motherboard, unveiling their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately helping you make an informed decision for your next ITX build.
Design and Aesthetics
The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic, with a predominantly black and gray color scheme. Its angular lines and subtle RGB accents lend it a touch of sophistication. In contrast, the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I boasts a more vibrant and gamer-centric design, with a striking red and black color combination. Its aggressive angular accents and prominent ROG branding cater to those seeking a bold and distinctive look.
Chipset and Features
Both motherboards are built around the AMD B650 chipset, offering support for the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. However, the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I takes the edge in terms of features, boasting Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, while the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra settles for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
Expansion Options
When it comes to expansion options, the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra provides a single PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for graphics cards. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I, on the other hand, offers both a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and a PCIe 5.0 x4 slot for additional expansion cards.
Storage and Memory
Storage-wise, both motherboards offer two M.2 slots with support for PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I includes a third M.2 slot with PCIe 3.0 connectivity. In terms of memory, both boards support up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM at speeds of up to 6000MHz.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (voltage regulator module) is crucial for delivering stable power to the CPU. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra employs a 10+2+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages, while the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I features a 16+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages. Both motherboards provide ample power for even the most demanding CPUs.
Connectivity and I/O
In terms of connectivity, the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra offers a comprehensive array of ports, including 10GbE LAN, 2.5GbE LAN, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I provides similar connectivity options, with the addition of a Thunderbolt 4 port.
BIOS and Software
Both motherboards come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that allow for extensive customization and overclocking. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra utilizes the Gigabyte UEFI BIOS, while the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I employs the ASUS ROG UEFI BIOS. Both BIOSes offer a wide range of options for fine-tuning system performance.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra is priced around $250, while the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I comes in at a slightly higher price point of around $280. Both motherboards are readily available from major retailers.
The Verdict: Which Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice between the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra and the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a sleek and affordable ITX motherboard with solid performance and connectivity, the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra is an excellent option. However, if you prioritize features such as Wi-Fi 6E, additional PCIe expansion slots, and a more vibrant aesthetic, the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I is the superior choice.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities, but the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I has a slight edge due to its more powerful VRM.
Q: Which motherboard is more suitable for gaming?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I is better suited for gaming, as it offers additional features such as Thunderbolt 4 and support for faster memory speeds.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I features a dedicated SupremeFX audio codec, which provides superior audio quality compared to the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra.
