Msi B450 Tomahawk Max Ii Vs Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite

In the realm of PC hardware, motherboards play a crucial role as the foundation upon which your entire system is built. When it comes to AMD’s AM4 platform, two of the most popular options are the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II and the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite. Both boards offer a compelling set of features, but which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.

Chipset and Socket

Both the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II and the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite are based on AMD’s B450 chipset, which supports all AM4-based processors, including the latest Ryzen 5000 series. However, the Tomahawk Max II has a slight advantage in terms of chipset cooling, as it features a larger heatsink that helps dissipate heat more efficiently.

Power Delivery

The power delivery system is crucial for ensuring that your motherboard can handle the power demands of your CPU. The Tomahawk Max II boasts a robust 8+2-phase power delivery system, while the Aorus Elite has a 4+3-phase design. In general, more phases indicate better power delivery and stability, so the Tomahawk Max II has an edge in this regard.

Expansion Slots

When it comes to expansion slots, both motherboards offer a generous selection. The Tomahawk Max II has two full-length PCIe x16 slots, one PCIe x4 slot, and two PCIe x1 slots. The Aorus Elite, on the other hand, has three full-length PCIe x16 slots, one PCIe x4 slot, and two PCIe x1 slots. The additional PCIe x16 slot on the Aorus Elite gives you more flexibility for multi-GPU configurations or other expansion cards.

Storage Options

Both motherboards provide ample storage options. The Tomahawk Max II has six SATA III ports and one M.2 slot that supports both NVMe and SATA SSDs. The Aorus Elite has four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs. The additional M.2 slot and support for PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs on the Aorus Elite give it a slight edge in terms of storage connectivity.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity, both motherboards offer a wide range of options. The Tomahawk Max II features a Realtek ALC892 audio codec, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a variety of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C. The Aorus Elite has a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a similar selection of USB ports. However, the Aorus Elite has the added benefit of built-in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which the Tomahawk Max II lacks.

Aesthetics and Features

The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II has a sleek and minimalist design with a black and gray color scheme. It features a large heatsink on the chipset and VRM, as well as RGB lighting that can be customized using the MSI Mystic Light software. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite has a more aggressive design with a black and orange color scheme. It also features a large heatsink on the chipset and VRM, but its RGB lighting is more prominent and can be controlled using the Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0 software.

Price and Availability

The MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II and the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite are both available at major retailers. The Tomahawk Max II typically retails for around $160, while the Aorus Elite is slightly more expensive at around $180.

The Verdict

Both the MSI B450 Tomahawk Max II and the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite are excellent motherboards that offer a great foundation for your AMD-based PC build. The Tomahawk Max II has a stronger power delivery system and chipset cooling, while the Aorus Elite has more expansion slots and built-in Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: Both motherboards have good overclocking potential, but the Tomahawk Max II has a slight edge due to its stronger power delivery system.

Q: Does either motherboard support DDR5 memory?
A: No, neither motherboard supports DDR5 memory.

Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Aorus Elite has a slightly better audio codec (ALC1220) compared to the Tomahawk Max II (ALC892), so it may offer marginally better audio quality.

Q: Is the Tomahawk Max II compatible with AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800X3D processor?
A: Yes, the Tomahawk Max II is compatible with the Ryzen 7 5800X3D processor out of the box.

Q: Does the Aorus Elite have a BIOS flashback feature?
A: Yes, the Aorus Elite has a BIOS flashback feature that allows you to update the BIOS without a CPU installed.