Gigabyte B650i vs MSI B650i: The Showdown for ITX Dominance
What To Know
- Among the many options available, the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi stand out as two of the most sought-after mini-ITX motherboards.
- The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi come with comprehensive software suites that provide a wide range of features and customization options.
- The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi are both exceptional mini-ITX motherboards that offer a compelling combination of performance, features, and aesthetics.
The world of PC hardware is constantly evolving, and with the release of AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 series processors, the demand for high-performance motherboards has skyrocketed. Among the many options available, the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi stand out as two of the most sought-after mini-ITX motherboards. In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the key features, specifications, and performance differences between these two exceptional motherboards to help you make an informed decision for your next compact PC build.
Performance: A Close Contest
Both the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi offer excellent performance capabilities. The Aorus Ultra boasts an 8+2+1 phase power delivery system, while the Edge WiFi features a 10+2+1 phase design. This difference in power delivery may result in slightly better overclocking headroom for the Edge WiFi, but the Aorus Ultra is no slouch in this department either.
In terms of connectivity, both motherboards support PCIe 5.0 for both the primary x16 slot and the M.2 storage slots. This ensures lightning-fast data transfer speeds for the latest NVMe SSDs and graphics cards.
Features: A Question of Style
When it comes to features, the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi each offer a unique set of advantages. The Aorus Ultra comes equipped with a premium Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, providing crystal-clear audio for your gaming, streaming, and multimedia needs. Additionally, it features a dedicated USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port on the rear I/O panel, offering up to 20 Gbps transfer speeds.
On the other hand, the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi boasts a built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 module, eliminating the need for separate adapters. It also includes a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, providing ultra-fast wired network connectivity.
Aesthetics: A Matter of Taste
The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi both sport striking designs that will complement any mini-ITX build. The Aorus Ultra features a sleek black and silver color scheme with RGB lighting accents, while the Edge WiFi adopts a more subdued black and gray design with subtle RGB elements.
Ultimately, the choice of aesthetics is a matter of personal preference. Both motherboards offer elegant and stylish designs that will enhance the overall look of your system.
Build Quality: Solid as a Rock
Both the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi are built to last. They utilize high-quality materials and components to ensure durability and reliability. The Aorus Ultra features a reinforced PCIe slot and additional heatsinks for enhanced cooling, while the Edge WiFi boasts a solid metal backplate for added rigidity.
Software: User-Friendly and Feature-Rich
The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi come with comprehensive software suites that provide a wide range of features and customization options. The Aorus Ultra’s BIOS is highly intuitive and user-friendly, while the Edge WiFi’s MSI Center software offers a wealth of tools for monitoring, overclocking, and system tuning.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi are both priced competitively in the mini-ITX motherboard market. The Aorus Ultra typically retails for around $250, while the Edge WiFi is priced slightly higher at around $270. Both motherboards are readily available from major retailers and online vendors.
The Final Verdict: Which One is Right for You?
The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi are both exceptional mini-ITX motherboards that offer a compelling combination of performance, features, and aesthetics. The Aorus Ultra excels in audio quality and connectivity, while the Edge WiFi shines in wireless connectivity and networking capabilities.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize audio fidelity and fast data transfer speeds, the Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra is a solid choice. However, if you value wireless connectivity and ultra-fast wired networking, the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi is the way to go.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi may have a slight edge due to its 10+2+1 phase power delivery system.
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 slots?
A: Both motherboards have one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot.
Q: Which motherboard has a better audio codec?
A: The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra features a premium Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, providing superior audio quality.
Q: Which motherboard has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
A: The MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi has a built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 module.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra is typically priced slightly lower than the MSI MPG B650i Edge WiFi.
