Essential Information
- The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi are two excellent options in the mid-range segment, both offering a solid feature set and strong performance.
- The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX has a predominantly black PCB with silver and orange accents, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi opts for a more subdued black and gray color scheme.
- The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX has a slight edge in terms of features, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has a slight edge in terms of gaming performance.
Choosing the right motherboard is crucial for any PC build, especially if you’re on a budget. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi are two excellent options in the mid-range segment, both offering a solid feature set and strong performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Features and Specifications
| Feature | Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX | MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi |
| — | — | — |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Socket | AM5 | AM5 |
| Chipset | AMD B650 | AMD B650 |
| Memory Support | Up to 128GB DDR5 (5600MHz) | Up to 128GB DDR5 (5600MHz) |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4), 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4), 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 Slots | 3x PCIe 4.0 x4 | 4x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| Storage | 6x SATA III | 6x SATA III |
| Networking | 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6E | 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6 |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 | Realtek ALC897 |
Design and Aesthetics
Both motherboards feature a sleek and modern design. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX has a predominantly black PCB with silver and orange accents, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi opts for a more subdued black and gray color scheme. Both motherboards have RGB lighting zones that can be customized to match your build.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is responsible for delivering power to the CPU. Both motherboards have a solid VRM with 14+2+1 phases on the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX and 16+2+1 phases on the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi. This provides ample power for even the most demanding CPUs.
Expansion Options
In terms of expansion options, both motherboards have similar capabilities. They both offer two full-length PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, which are ideal for high-end graphics cards. Additionally, they both have multiple M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, providing ample storage capacity.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. They both have 2.5GbE LAN for high-speed wired networking, as well as built-in WiFi. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX has WiFi 6E, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has WiFi 6. Both motherboards also have multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1.
BIOS and Software
The BIOS is an important aspect of any motherboard, as it allows you to configure your system settings. Both motherboards have a user-friendly BIOS with a variety of options. They also come with bundled software that provides additional features and functionality.
Performance and Benchmarks
In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver solid results. They both support the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs and offer good memory and storage performance. However, the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has a slight edge in some benchmarks, particularly in gaming and overclocking.
Pricing and Availability
The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX is priced slightly higher than the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi, with an MSRP of around $200 compared to $180. Both motherboards are readily available from most major retailers.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a feature-packed motherboard with strong performance, the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX is a great choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and prioritize gaming performance, the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is an excellent option.
The Bottom Line: A Close Contest with Distinct Strengths
The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX and MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi are both excellent budget-friendly motherboards that offer a solid feature set and strong performance. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX has a slight edge in terms of features, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has a slight edge in terms of gaming performance. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and budget.
FAQ
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM performance?
A: Both motherboards have solid VRM performance, but the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has a slight edge with 16+2+1 phases compared to 14+2+1 phases on the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi has more M.2 slots, with 4x PCIe 4.0 x4 slots compared to 3x PCIe 4.0 x4 slots on the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi generally has a slight edge in overclocking performance due to its stronger VRM and better BIOS support.