ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F Gaming WiFi AMD Ryzen AM5 ATX motherboard vs Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX Motherboard - Supports Intel Core 14th CPUs

Overview of the Motherboards

In this comparison, we will take a close look at the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F Gaming WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX motherboards. The ASUS motherboard is priced at £170.16, while the Gigabyte alternative is significantly higher at £226.99. Both motherboards cater to different CPU architectures, with the ASUS supporting AMD Ryzen AM5 processors and the Gigabyte designed for Intel Core 12th and 13th Gen CPUs. This foundational difference highlights their target audiences and intended use cases.

Power Solutions

The power solutions of these motherboards indicate their capacity to handle demanding tasks. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F features a robust 12 + 2 + 1 power solution rated for up to 80A per stage, which is quite impressive for stability during high-performance scenarios. In contrast, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX employs a twin 16 + 1 + 2 phases digital VRM solution, promising unparalleled performance and efficiency. Both boards are designed to support high-performance CPUs, but the advanced VRM of the Gigabyte motherboard suggests a potentially better thermal management and power delivery.

Memory Support

Memory capabilities are crucial for overall system performance. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F Gaming WiFi supports AMD EXPO and DRAM IC profiles, along with speeds of up to 6400 MT/s+. On the other hand, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX motherboard utilises a dual-channel DDR5 architecture, accommodating 4 SMD DIMMs with XMP 3.0 memory module support. This means that while the ASUS board offers high-speed support, the Gigabyte motherboard allows for more modern DDR5 memory, which can enhance performance in memory-intensive applications.

Expansion Slots

When it comes to expansion capabilities, both motherboards are well-equipped but cater to different standards. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F features an x16 slot and an on-board M.2 slot that is PCIe Gen 5-ready, making it future-proof for upcoming graphics cards and SSDs. Conversely, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX provides four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 connectors, which support significant storage expansion. This makes the Gigabyte motherboard more advantageous for users looking to integrate multiple high-speed storage devices, albeit at the PCIe 4.0 standard.

Thermal Management

Thermal management is essential for maintaining optimal performance. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F offers easy installation for GPUs and SSDs, with straightforward BIOS updates to ensure the system runs smoothly. Meanwhile, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX incorporates advanced thermal design features, including M.2 Thermal Guard III, which ensures VRM power stability and M.2 SSD performance under load. The additional thermal management features of the Gigabyte motherboard suggest it may handle prolonged high-performance tasks more effectively.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity options vary significantly between these two motherboards. The ASUS motherboard focuses on essential connectivity, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX excels in this category with its 2.5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ax capabilities, ensuring fast network connections. Additionally, the Gigabyte board boasts multiple video outputs, including DisplayPort and HDMI, alongside front USB-C 10Gb/s and rear USB-C 20Gb/s connectivity. This extensive range of connectivity options makes the Gigabyte a standout choice for users who require versatile and speedy connections.

User Experience

User experience is another important aspect to consider. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F is designed for ease of installation, allowing users to set up their systems with minimal hassle. In contrast, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX features the EZ-Latch Plus for M.2 connectors, which allows for quick release and a screwless design. Additionally, its Smart Fan 6 technology includes multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers with FAN STOP functionality, providing users with better control over their system's cooling performance.

Price Comparison

Price is a critical factor when choosing between these two motherboards. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F is priced at £170.16, making it a more budget-friendly option for gamers and PC builders seeking high performance without breaking the bank. In comparison, the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is priced at £226.99, reflecting its advanced features and support for the latest Intel processors. While the Gigabyte offers enhanced specifications, the higher price point may deter budget-conscious consumers.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-F Gaming WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a cost-effective motherboard that supports AMD Ryzen processors and offers solid performance for gaming, the ASUS board is an excellent choice at £170.16. However, if you require advanced features, superior thermal management, and extensive connectivity options, the Gigabyte motherboard, priced at £226.99, may be worth the investment. Consider your intended use case and whether the additional features justify the price difference before making your decision.