Summary
- For those seeking a micro-ATX motherboard that strikes a balance between performance and affordability, the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Aorus Elite AX emerge as formidable contenders.
- The DS3H sports a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with a black PCB, while the Elite AX boasts a more aggressive design with a black and gray color scheme and angular accents.
- The DS3H employs a 6+2+1 phase VRM, while the Elite AX has a more robust 12+2+1 phase VRM.
In the realm of PC building, choosing the right motherboard is paramount to unlocking the full potential of your system. For those seeking a micro-ATX motherboard that strikes a balance between performance and affordability, the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Aorus Elite AX emerge as formidable contenders. Let’s delve into their intricacies and uncover the key differences that will guide your motherboard selection.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards feature the latest AMD B650 chipset, providing support for AMD’s Ryzen 5000 and 7000 series processors. This chipset offers enhanced connectivity options, including PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 support.
Form Factor and Design
As micro-ATX motherboards, the Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Aorus Elite AX share a compact form factor, ideal for smaller builds. However, their designs differ slightly. The DS3H sports a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with a black PCB, while the Elite AX boasts a more aggressive design with a black and gray color scheme and angular accents.
Memory and Storage
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 5600MHz. For storage, the DS3H offers four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, while the Elite AX has two SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, providing more flexibility for NVMe SSDs.
Connectivity
The DS3H features a wide range of connectivity options, including six USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB-C port, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The Elite AX expands on this with additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, and integrated Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
Expansion Slots
When it comes to expansion slots, the DS3H has one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (electrical x4), and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Elite AX offers a more generous configuration with two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots (one electrical x16, one electrical x4), one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (electrical x4), and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
Audio and Lighting
For audio, the DS3H utilizes the Realtek ALC897 codec, while the Elite AX features the Realtek ALC1220 codec, offering superior audio quality. Both motherboards support RGB lighting, but the Elite AX provides more customization options with its RGB Fusion 2.0 software.
VRM and Thermals
The VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) is crucial for delivering stable power to the CPU. The DS3H employs a 6+2+1 phase VRM, while the Elite AX has a more robust 12+2+1 phase VRM. Both motherboards feature heatsinks to dissipate heat effectively.
Verdict: Which Motherboard Reigns Supreme?
The Gigabyte B650M DS3H and Aorus Elite AX are both excellent micro-ATX motherboards that cater to different needs. The DS3H offers a budget-friendly option with solid performance, while the Elite AX provides more advanced features, enhanced connectivity, and superior audio capabilities.
For users seeking a value-oriented motherboard with the essentials, the DS3H is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize connectivity, audio quality, and expansion options, the Elite AX is the superior choice. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific requirements and budget.
FAQ
1. Which motherboard has better memory support?
Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory.
2. Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
The Elite AX has three M.2 slots, while the DS3H has two.
3. Which motherboard has integrated Wi-Fi?
Only the Elite AX features integrated Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
4. Which motherboard has a more robust VRM?
The Elite AX has a 12+2+1 phase VRM, while the DS3H has a 6+2+1 phase VRM.
5. Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
The Elite AX has a more robust VRM and heatsink, making it better suited for overclocking.