Gigabyte B650M DS3H vs Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite AX: Unveiling the Clash of Mid-Range Motherboards
What To Know
- The B650M Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, boasts a more advanced BIOS with a graphical interface, EZ Mode for beginners, and a host of overclocking features, making it a better choice for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance.
- The B650M Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, exudes a more premium look with a black and silver color scheme, RGB lighting, and a protective I/O shield.
- The B650M Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, is a more premium offering that boasts a more robust power delivery system, expanded connectivity, better audio, and a more advanced BIOS, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts and power users seeking maximum performance and customization options.
The world of PC hardware is constantly evolving, with new motherboards emerging to cater to the ever-growing demands of gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts. In the realm of mid-range motherboards, two titans stand tall: the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and the Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite AX. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of these two motherboards, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various use cases.
Form Factor and Connectivity
Both motherboards feature the compact Micro ATX form factor, making them ideal for smaller builds or systems with limited space. In terms of connectivity, the B650M DS3H offers a solid foundation with six SATA III ports for storage, a single M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The B650M Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, boasts a more comprehensive set of features, including eight SATA III ports, two M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0 and one PCIe 4.0), and an Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet port for faster network speeds.
Expansion Options
When it comes to expansion options, the B650M DS3H offers two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The B650M Aorus Elite AX, however, takes the lead with three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots (one full-length and two half-length), one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. This gives users greater flexibility in configuring their systems with multiple graphics cards, expansion cards, or other peripherals.
Power Delivery and Cooling
The power delivery system is crucial for stable and reliable performance, especially when overclocking. The B650M DS3H employs a 6+2+1 phase power design with 50A power stages, while the B650M Aorus Elite AX boasts a more robust 12+2+1 phase power design with 80A power stages. Both motherboards feature VRM heatsinks to dissipate heat and ensure optimal performance under heavy loads.
Audio and Networking
The B650M DS3H comes equipped with a Realtek ALC897 audio codec, providing decent sound quality for casual listening and gaming. The B650M Aorus Elite AX, however, takes the audio experience to a higher level with the Realtek ALC1220 codec, which offers better sound clarity and support for 7.1-channel surround sound. In terms of networking, the B650M DS3H relies on a Gigabit Ethernet port, while the B650M Aorus Elite AX steps it up with an Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet port for significantly faster network speeds.
BIOS and Overclocking
The BIOS plays a vital role in system configuration and overclocking. The B650M DS3H features a user-friendly BIOS with a wide range of options, including support for XMP profiles for overclocking memory. The B650M Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, boasts a more advanced BIOS with a graphical interface, EZ Mode for beginners, and a host of overclocking features, making it a better choice for enthusiasts seeking maximum performance.
Aesthetics and Features
In terms of aesthetics, the B650M DS3H presents a clean and minimalist design with a black PCB and subtle accents. The B650M Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, exudes a more premium look with a black and silver color scheme, RGB lighting, and a protective I/O shield. Both motherboards offer a range of additional features, such as headers for USB 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, as well as support for TPM 2.0 modules for enhanced security.
Final Verdict: Gigabyte B650M DS3H vs Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite AX
The Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite AX are both excellent mid-range motherboards that offer a solid foundation for building a powerful and reliable PC. The B650M DS3H is a budget-friendly option that provides essential features and decent performance, making it suitable for casual users and value-conscious buyers. The B650M Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, is a more premium offering that boasts a more robust power delivery system, expanded connectivity, better audio, and a more advanced BIOS, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts and power users seeking maximum performance and customization options.
FAQ
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite AX features the Realtek ALC1220 codec, which offers better sound clarity and surround sound support than the Realtek ALC897 codec found on the B650M DS3H.
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe slots?
A: The Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite AX has more PCIe slots, including three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, compared to the B650M DS3H, which has two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has a more user-friendly BIOS?
A: The Gigabyte B650M Aorus Elite AX has a more advanced and user-friendly BIOS with a graphical interface, EZ Mode for beginners, and a host of overclocking features, making it easier to configure and optimize system performance.
