Unveiling the Ultimate B650M Duel: Gigabyte DS3H vs. Aorus Elite AX
What To Know
- It includes a clear CMOS button for easy BIOS recovery, a Q-Flash Plus button for BIOS updates without a CPU or RAM installed, and a dedicated USB Type-C port on the rear I/O panel.
- The Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, comes at a premium price of around $250 but brings with it a host of additional features, enhanced power delivery, and superior networking capabilities.
- After meticulously comparing the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and the Aorus Elite AX, the Aorus Elite AX emerges as the superior choice for those seeking the ultimate micro-ATX experience.
The release of AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors has sparked a surge of excitement among PC enthusiasts, and with it comes the need for compatible motherboards. In the realm of micro-ATX form factor, two formidable contenders emerge: the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and the Aorus Elite AX. Both offer compelling features, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specifications, performance, and value proposition to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Powerhouse vs Efficiency
The Gigabyte B650M DS3H boasts a 12+2+1 phase power delivery system, ensuring ample power for high-end Ryzen CPUs. Its VRM heatsinks feature a generous surface area to effectively dissipate heat during demanding workloads. On the other hand, the Aorus Elite AX employs a 16+1+2 phase power delivery system with direct-touch heat pipes, providing even more robust power handling capabilities.
In terms of cooling, the Aorus Elite AX has a clear advantage with its active chipset heatsink. This fan-cooled heatsink actively draws heat away from the chipset, keeping temperatures in check even under sustained loads. The Gigabyte B650M DS3H relies on a passive chipset heatsink, which may struggle with heat dissipation under heavy use.
Expansion Options: Connectivity and Storage
The Gigabyte B650M DS3H offers a solid range of expansion options with two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. It also includes four SATA III ports for storage expansion. The Aorus Elite AX expands on this with an additional PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, providing future-proof connectivity for next-generation graphics cards. It also boasts six SATA III ports, giving you more storage flexibility.
Both motherboards feature an M.2 slot supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSDs. However, the Aorus Elite AX has an additional M.2 slot supporting PCIe 5.0 x4, enabling blazing-fast storage speeds.
Networking: Wired and Wireless
The Aorus Elite AX takes the lead in networking with its built-in Intel Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN. This combination provides ultra-fast wireless and wired connectivity, ensuring seamless online gaming and media streaming. The Gigabyte B650M DS3H offers a more basic networking solution with Realtek GbE LAN.
Features: Beyond the Basics
The Aorus Elite AX boasts several premium features that enhance its overall functionality. It includes a clear CMOS button for easy BIOS recovery, a Q-Flash Plus button for BIOS updates without a CPU or RAM installed, and a dedicated USB Type-C port on the rear I/O panel. The Gigabyte B650M DS3H lacks these additional features, offering a more bare-bones experience.
Aesthetics and Design
The Aorus Elite AX impresses with its sleek and modern design. Its black and silver color scheme exudes a professional and understated look. The Gigabyte B650M DS3H, on the other hand, has a more utilitarian design with a dark brown PCB and minimal aesthetics.
Value Proposition: Bang for Your Buck
The Gigabyte B650M DS3H offers a budget-friendly option with a solid set of features for a price point around $150. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable motherboard. The Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, comes at a premium price of around $250 but brings with it a host of additional features, enhanced power delivery, and superior networking capabilities.
Final Verdict: The Champion Emerges
After meticulously comparing the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and the Aorus Elite AX, the Aorus Elite AX emerges as the superior choice for those seeking the ultimate micro-ATX experience. Its exceptional power delivery, active chipset cooling, future-proof expansion options, and comprehensive networking features make it a formidable contender for high-performance Ryzen 7000 series builds.
However, if budget is a primary concern, the Gigabyte B650M DS3H remains a solid option for those seeking a reliable and affordable motherboard. It delivers essential features and performance without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: The Aorus Elite AX has superior VRM cooling with its direct-touch heat pipes.
Q: Does the Gigabyte B650M DS3H have Wi-Fi?
A: No, the Gigabyte B650M DS3H does not have built-in Wi-Fi.
Q: Which motherboard supports faster storage speeds?
A: The Aorus Elite AX supports PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe SSDs, offering the fastest storage speeds available.
Q: Does the Aorus Elite AX have a clear CMOS button?
A: Yes, the Aorus Elite AX has a clear CMOS button for easy BIOS recovery.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The Aorus Elite AX has a more robust power delivery system and active chipset cooling, making it better suited for overclocking.
