Quick notes
- The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi boasts a sleek and modern design with a black PCB and silver accents, while the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra exudes a more aggressive aesthetic with its black and gray color scheme and angular lines.
- The MSI motherboard offers a user-friendly BIOS with advanced overclocking options, while the Gigabyte motherboard features a more comprehensive BIOS with a wider range of settings.
- On the other hand, if you value advanced BIOS settings, a more comprehensive audio codec, and a slightly lower price, the Gigabyte motherboard could be a more suitable choice.
In the realm of PC building, the motherboard serves as the backbone of your system, connecting all the crucial components and enabling their seamless operation. When it comes to the latest B650I boards designed for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors, two standouts emerge: the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key features, specifications, and performance aspects of these two formidable contenders, helping you make an informed decision for your next motherboard upgrade.
Form Factor and Design
Both motherboards adopt the compact mini-ITX form factor, ideal for space-constrained builds or small form factor (SFF) systems. The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi boasts a sleek and modern design with a black PCB and silver accents, while the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra exudes a more aggressive aesthetic with its black and gray color scheme and angular lines.
Chipset and Socket
At the heart of both motherboards lies the AMD B650 chipset, providing support for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series processors. The B650 chipset offers a range of features, including PCIe 5.0 support, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports, and advanced overclocking capabilities.
Memory and Storage
The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi features four DDR5 memory slots, supporting up to 128GB of memory with speeds of up to DDR5-6600. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra also offers four DDR5 slots, supporting up to 64GB of memory with speeds of up to DDR5-6400. Both motherboards provide ample storage options, with multiple M.2 NVMe slots and SATA ports for connecting fast storage devices.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra offer a comprehensive array of ports and interfaces. Both motherboards feature built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity, as well as 2.5GbE LAN ports for wired networking. Additionally, they provide multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports, as well as HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for connecting displays.
Audio and Networking
The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi boasts a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, delivering high-quality audio output. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra, on the other hand, features a Realtek ALC1220-VB codec, which provides a more basic audio experience. Both motherboards offer dedicated headers for connecting external audio devices, such as headphones and speakers.
Overclocking and BIOS
Overclocking enthusiasts will find both the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra to be capable platforms. The MSI motherboard offers a user-friendly BIOS with advanced overclocking options, while the Gigabyte motherboard features a more comprehensive BIOS with a wider range of settings. Both motherboards provide ample power delivery for overclocking, ensuring stable performance even at higher clock speeds.
Pricing and Availability
The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra are both available at competitive price points. The MSI motherboard typically retails for around $200-$250, while the Gigabyte motherboard is slightly more expensive at around $250-$300. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers and online stores.
In a nutshell: Choosing the Right Motherboard
The choice between the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize aesthetics, memory support, and user-friendly overclocking, the MSI motherboard may be a better option. On the other hand, if you value advanced BIOS settings, a more comprehensive audio codec, and a slightly lower price, the Gigabyte motherboard could be a more suitable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better memory overclocking potential?
A: The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi supports higher memory speeds and has a more robust BIOS for memory overclocking.
Q: Does the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra have a better audio codec?
A: Yes, the Gigabyte motherboard features a more advanced Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec compared to the ALC4080 on the MSI motherboard.
Q: Which motherboard is better for small form factor builds?
A: Both motherboards are designed for mini-ITX form factor builds, making them suitable for space-constrained systems.
Q: Does the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi have Wi-Fi 6E support?
A: Yes, both the MSI and Gigabyte motherboards feature built-in Wi-Fi 6E for wireless connectivity.
Q: Which motherboard has a more user-friendly BIOS?
A: The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi has a more user-friendly BIOS with a simplified layout and intuitive settings.