B450 Motherboard Showdown: MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II vs Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite
What To Know
- The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II features an 8+2+1 phase power design, while the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite boasts a 12+2 phase power design.
- The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to 4400MHz (OC), while the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite supports up to 64GB of memory at speeds up to 3600MHz (OC).
- On the other hand, if you value storage versatility, rear panel I/O connectivity, and a slightly lower price point, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite may be a better fit.
When building a budget-friendly PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial. Two standout options in the B450 chipset category are the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II and the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two motherboards, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Chipset and Socket
Both the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II and the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite utilize the AMD B450 chipset. This chipset supports AMD Ryzen processors of the first, second, and third generations. It offers a balance of features and affordability, making it suitable for budget-conscious builders.
Form Factor and Dimensions
The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II and the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite both feature the ATX form factor. This form factor provides ample space for expansion and customization, making it a good choice for mid-tower or full-tower cases.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system is critical for ensuring stable and reliable operation of the CPU. The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II features an 8+2+1 phase power design, while the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite boasts a 12+2 phase power design. A higher number of phases generally translates to better power efficiency and overclocking capabilities.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory. The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II supports up to 128GB of memory at speeds up to 4400MHz (OC), while the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite supports up to 64GB of memory at speeds up to 3600MHz (OC).
Storage Options
The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II offers six SATA III ports and two M.2 slots (one PCIe 4.0 x4, one PCIe 3.0 x4). The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite provides six SATA III ports and two M.2 slots (both PCIe 3.0 x4).
Expansion Slots
In terms of expansion slots, the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II features one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (x4 mode), and four PCIe 2.0 x1 slots. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (x4 mode), and three PCIe 2.0 x1 slots.
Rear Panel I/O
The rear panel I/O configuration varies slightly between the two motherboards. The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II provides:
- 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
- 1 x HDMI port
- 1 x DisplayPort
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
- 1 x USB Type-C port
- 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port
- 5 x audio jacks
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers:
- 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
- 1 x HDMI port
- 1 x DisplayPort
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port
- 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port
- 5 x audio jacks
BIOS and Overclocking
Both motherboards offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with overclocking capabilities. The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II features the Click BIOS 5, while the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite utilizes the UEFI BIOS. Both BIOSes provide a range of settings and options to tweak system performance.
Price and Availability
The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II is generally priced between $120-$150, while the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite is typically priced between $130-$160. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
Final Thoughts: Selecting the Best Motherboard for Your Needs
Choosing between the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II and the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite depends on your specific requirements and preferences. If you prioritize power delivery, memory support, and expansion options, the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you value storage versatility, rear panel I/O connectivity, and a slightly lower price point, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite may be a better fit.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking support?
A: Both motherboards offer overclocking capabilities, but the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II generally has a slight edge due to its higher phase power design.
Q: Does either motherboard support Wi-Fi connectivity?
A: No, neither the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II nor the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
Q: Can I use an RGB lighting strip with these motherboards?
A: Yes, both motherboards feature RGB headers that allow you to connect and control RGB lighting devices.
