Gigabyte A520M S2H Motherboard - Supports AMD Ryzen 5000 Series AM4 CPUs vs ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI AMD ATX motherboard

Overview of the Gigabyte A520M S2H

The Gigabyte A520M S2H is a solid choice for users looking for a budget-friendly motherboard that supports AMD Ryzen 5000 Series processors, priced at £59.10. It features a 4+3 phases pure digital VRM solution, which is designed to deliver stable power to the CPU, enhancing performance during demanding tasks. This motherboard supports dual-channel ECC and non-ECC unbuffered DDR4 memory across two DIMMs, providing flexibility for memory upgrades.

Additionally, the board is equipped with an ultra-fast NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 connector, ensuring quick data transfer speeds for compatible SSDs. Gigabyte's exclusive 8118 Gaming LAN technology allows for bandwidth management, which can improve online gaming experiences. With HDMI, DVI-D, and D-sub ports, users have the option to connect multiple displays. The board also features RGB FUSION 2.0, enabling users to customise their lighting setups.

Overview of the ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI

The ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI is a high-performance motherboard aimed at users seeking advanced features for modern gaming and AI applications, with a price of £199.99. This motherboard is ready for AMD Socket AM5, supporting the latest AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series processors, which provides a significant performance edge for power users.

One of the standout features is its enhanced power solution, which consists of 14+2+1 DrMOS power stages and an 8-layer PCB, designed to deliver stable power even under heavy loads. The B850-PLUS comes with advanced connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 7 and PCIe 5.0, making it suitable for high-speed data transfer and gaming. Its comprehensive cooling system includes enlarged VRM heatsinks and multiple M.2 heatsinks, ensuring optimal thermal performance during intense usage.

Performance Comparison

In terms of performance, the ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI outshines the Gigabyte A520M S2H significantly due to its support for the latest technologies. With its advanced power delivery system and compatibility with the latest AMD processors, the B850-PLUS is designed for high-performance gaming and demanding applications. The 14+2+1 power stages provide superior stability compared to the Gigabyte's simpler 4+3 phase configuration.

The B850-PLUS also supports PCIe 5.0, which offers higher data transfer rates than the Gigabyte's PCIe 3.0 interface. This means that users looking to utilise cutting-edge GPUs or high-speed storage solutions will find the ASUS motherboard far more capable. In contrast, the Gigabyte board is more suited for users with basic performance needs and is a more affordable option for casual users.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is another area where the ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI excels, featuring Wi-Fi 7 and a Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet port, which provide superior network speeds compared to the Gigabyte A520M S2H. The B850-PLUS boasts a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and extensive USB options, including a rear USB 20Gbps Type-C port and a front USB 10Gbps Type-C connector, catering to modern peripherals and storage devices.

In contrast, the Gigabyte A520M S2H offers more basic connectivity options, including HDMI, DVI-D, and D-sub ports for multiple displays, but lacks the high-speed network capabilities and cutting-edge USB support found in the ASUS motherboard. For users who prioritise connectivity and future-proofing their builds, the ASUS motherboard is the clear winner.

Cooling Solutions

Cooling is critical for maintaining performance, especially during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads. The ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI features an extensive cooling design, including an enlarged VRM heatsink and three M.2 heatsinks. This comprehensive approach ensures that the motherboard remains cool under pressure, which is essential for long gaming sessions or demanding applications.

On the other hand, the Gigabyte A520M S2H includes Smart Fan 5 technology with multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers. However, it does not provide the same level of cooling options as the ASUS model. Users with high-performance requirements will find the cooling capabilities of the B850-PLUS to be far superior, making it a better choice for overclocking and high-load situations.

Gaming Features

For gamers, the ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI is tailored to meet high-performance demands with its advanced gaming features. The inclusion of GIGABYTE Exclusive 8118 Gaming LAN on the A520M S2H is beneficial, but the ASUS model takes it a step further with enhanced power delivery and connectivity options that cater to modern gaming setups.

The ASUS motherboard also supports ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting, providing gamers with extensive personalisation options. While the Gigabyte A520M S2H includes RGB FUSION 2.0, it does not match the comprehensive offerings of the B850-PLUS. For users looking to build a gaming rig, the ASUS motherboard offers more robust capabilities.

Price Consideration

The Gigabyte A520M S2H is priced at £59.10, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users or those with simpler needs. Its affordability allows users to invest in other components like RAM or GPUs without overspending on the motherboard.

Conversely, the ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI comes at a significantly higher price of £199.99. This premium pricing reflects its advanced features and capabilities, making it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers and professionals seeking high-performance computing. While the Gigabyte board offers great value for its price, it lacks the cutting-edge technology that the ASUS motherboard provides.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Gigabyte A520M S2H and the ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are a casual user or a budget-conscious gamer looking for a reliable motherboard that supports AMD Ryzen 5000 Series processors, the Gigabyte A520M S2H offers exceptional value at £59.10.

However, for users seeking advanced performance, cutting-edge connectivity, and extensive cooling features, the ASUS TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI is the superior choice, albeit at a premium price of £199.99. It is designed to meet the demands of modern gaming and high-performance computing, making it the better option for serious enthusiasts and professionals.