MSI Pro B650-P WiFi vs. Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX: A Comprehensive Comparison
What To Know
- In the rapidly evolving world of PC hardware, motherboards play a pivotal role in determining the overall performance and capabilities of a system.
- Two of the most prominent options in the B650 chipset market are the MSI Pro B650-P WiFi and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX.
- The choice between the MSI Pro B650-P WiFi and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
In the rapidly evolving world of PC hardware, motherboards play a pivotal role in determining the overall performance and capabilities of a system. Two of the most prominent options in the B650 chipset market are the MSI Pro B650-P WiFi and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX. Both motherboards offer a compelling blend of features, but understanding their key differences is crucial for making an informed decision.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | MSI Pro B650-P WiFi | Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX |
| — | — | — |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Socket | AM5 | AM5 |
| Chipset | B650 | B650 |
| DDR5 Memory Support | Up to 6400MHz | Up to 6600MHz |
| PCIe 5.0 Slots | 1x | 2x |
| M.2 Slots | 2x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 3.0 | 4x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 3.0 |
| Onboard WiFi | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) |
| LAN | 2.5GbE | 2.5GbE |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC897 | Realtek ALC1220-VB |
| RGB Lighting | Mystic Light Sync | RGB Fusion 2.0 |
Detailed Comparison
Form Factor and Design
Both the MSI Pro B650-P WiFi and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX sport the ATX form factor, making them suitable for full-sized PC builds. The MSI motherboard features a sleek black PCB with silver accents, while the Gigabyte motherboard boasts a more elaborate black and gray design.
Chipset and Memory Support
Both motherboards utilize the AMD B650 chipset, providing support for the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. They also offer ample DDR5 memory support, with the MSI Pro B650-P WiFi supporting up to 6400MHz and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX supporting up to 6600MHz.
PCIe 5.0 and Storage Options
The MSI Pro B650-P WiFi features a single PCIe 5.0 slot, while the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX offers two. This difference may be significant for users planning to utilize the latest high-speed storage devices. Both motherboards provide multiple M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, with the Gigabyte motherboard offering a slight edge with four PCIe 4.0 slots compared to the MSI motherboard’s two.
Connectivity and Networking
Both motherboards come equipped with 802.11ax (WiFi 6) for wireless connectivity and 2.5GbE LAN for wired networking. This ensures fast and reliable network access for gaming, streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Audio and Lighting
The MSI Pro B650-P WiFi utilizes the Realtek ALC897 audio codec, while the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX employs the Realtek ALC1220-VB. Both codecs provide high-quality audio performance, ensuring immersive gaming and media experiences. In terms of lighting, the MSI motherboard supports Mystic Light Sync, while the Gigabyte motherboard supports RGB Fusion 2.0, allowing users to customize their system’s lighting effects.
BIOS and Overclocking
The MSI Pro B650-P WiFi and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX both offer robust BIOS interfaces with extensive overclocking options. Users can fine-tune their system’s performance to achieve optimal results.
Choosing the Right Motherboard
The choice between the MSI Pro B650-P WiFi and the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Here’s a summary of when to choose each motherboard:
- MSI Pro B650-P WiFi: Ideal for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable and feature-rich motherboard with a single PCIe 5.0 slot.
- Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX: Suitable for users requiring more PCIe 5.0 slots, ample storage options, and a premium design.
Alternatives to Consider
- ASUS Prime B650-Plus: Another solid option with a competitive feature set.
- ASRock B650 Steel Legend: A budget-friendly motherboard with a durable design.
- MSI B650-A Pro Max WiFi: A mid-range motherboard with a balanced feature set and a reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which motherboard has better audio quality?
Both motherboards offer high-quality audio performance, but the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX has a slight edge with the Realtek ALC1220-VB codec.
2. Can I overclock my CPU on either motherboard?
Yes, both motherboards provide extensive overclocking options in their BIOS interfaces.
3. Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX has four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, while the MSI Pro B650-P WiFi has only two.
4. Is the MSI Pro B650-P WiFi compatible with DDR4 memory?
No, both motherboards only support DDR5 memory.
5. Which motherboard has better RGB lighting customization options?
The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX has more extensive RGB lighting customization options with RGB Fusion 2.0.
