Main points
- The Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite has a 6+2 phase VRM with a rated power of 100W, while the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max has an 8+2 phase VRM with a rated power of 120W.
- The Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite has a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting, while the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max has a more traditional black and red design with white accents.
- The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max is a more versatile option that offers a few additional features, such as support for Wi-Fi 6 and a more powerful VRM.
In the realm of budget-friendly motherboards, the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite and MSI B450 Tomahawk Max have emerged as formidable contenders. Both boards offer a solid foundation for building a reliable and capable PC system, but each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Compatibility
The Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite is based on AMD’s A520 chipset, while the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max utilizes the B450 chipset. The A520 chipset is a budget-oriented option that supports AMD’s Ryzen 3000 and 4000 series processors, while the B450 chipset is a more versatile choice that supports all Ryzen processors from the first to fourth generations.
Features and Functionality
Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite:
- Supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 4400MHz
- Features two M.2 slots, one PCIe 4.0 and one PCIe 3.0
- Includes four SATA III ports for additional storage
- Has a built-in Realtek ALC1200 audio codec
- Offers a range of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gigabit LAN
MSI B450 Tomahawk Max:
- Supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 4600MHz
- Features two M.2 slots, both PCIe 4.0
- Includes six SATA III ports for ample storage
- Has a Realtek ALC892 audio codec
- Provides a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen 2, Gigabit LAN, and Wi-Fi 6
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (voltage regulator module) is responsible for providing stable power to the CPU. The Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite has a 6+2 phase VRM with a rated power of 100W, while the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max has an 8+2 phase VRM with a rated power of 120W. Both boards provide adequate power for most users, but the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max offers a slight advantage in this area.
Expansion Slots
Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite:
- One PCIe 4.0 x16 slot
- One PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (electrically x4)
- Two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
MSI B450 Tomahawk Max:
- One PCIe 4.0 x16 slot
- One PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (electrically x4)
- Three PCIe 2.0 x1 slots
The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max has a slight edge in terms of expansion slots, offering an additional PCIe 2.0 x1 slot.
Form Factor and Aesthetics
Both the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite and MSI B450 Tomahawk Max are ATX form factor motherboards, measuring 12 inches by 9.6 inches. The Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite has a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting, while the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max has a more traditional black and red design with white accents.
Price and Availability
The Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite is typically priced around $120, while the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max is slightly more expensive, usually retailing for around $130. Both boards are widely available from major online retailers.
Recommendation
The Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite is an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders looking for a solid foundation for their PC system. It offers a feature-rich design with support for the latest AMD processors and all the essential connectivity options.
The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max is a more versatile option that offers a few additional features, such as support for Wi-Fi 6 and a more powerful VRM. It is a good choice for builders who want a board with more upgrade potential or who plan on overclocking their CPU.
Ultimately, the best choice between the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite and MSI B450 Tomahawk Max depends on your specific needs and budget. Both boards offer a great value for their respective price points, and you can’t go wrong with either one.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Which motherboard is better for gaming?
Both the Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite and MSI B450 Tomahawk Max are capable of handling gaming workloads. However, the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max has a slightly more powerful VRM, which may provide a slight advantage in high-end gaming scenarios.
2. Which motherboard has better audio quality?
The Gigabyte A520 Aorus Elite has a Realtek ALC1200 audio codec, while the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max has a Realtek ALC892 codec. The ALC1200 codec is generally considered to be a slightly better performer, offering higher signal-to-noise ratio and distortion-free playback.
3. Which motherboard is more future-proof?
The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max is more future-proof due to its support for all Ryzen processors from the first to fourth generations. This means that you will have the option to upgrade your CPU in the future without having to replace your motherboard.