Gigabyte A520M S2H vs Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI

Pricing Overview

The Gigabyte A520M S2H is significantly more affordable than the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI, priced at £48.97 compared to £121.99. This nearly two-and-a-half times price difference reflects the differing target markets and capabilities of these motherboards. The A520M S2H is designed for budget-conscious users looking for basic features, while the B650-PLUS WIFI is aimed at enthusiasts and gamers who desire advanced functionality and future-proofing.

Processor Compatibility

The Gigabyte A520M S2H supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors with its AMD AM4 socket, which limits its compatibility to older generations. In contrast, the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI is ready for AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series desktop processors due to its AMD AM5 socket. This means the B650-PLUS WIFI offers a significant advantage for users looking to utilise the latest technologies and higher performance CPUs in their builds.

Connectivity Features

Connectivity options differ remarkably between the two motherboards. The Gigabyte A520M S2H offers standard connectivity with PCIe 3.0 slots, including one x16 slot and one NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot. On the other hand, the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI provides ultrafast connectivity with M.2 PCIe 5.0, Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet, and USB 10Gbps Type-C support. The inclusion of WIFI 6E further enhances the B650-PLUS WIFI’s appeal, making it much better suited for high-speed internet and modern peripherals.

Memory Support

In terms of memory support, the Gigabyte A520M S2H features dual-channel DDR4 with 2 DIMMs, which is adequate for many users but lacks the advanced capabilities for overclocking. The Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI, equipped with ASUS OptiMem II technology, provides careful routing of traces and vias aimed at preserving signal integrity, thus enabling improved memory overclocking. This makes the B650-PLUS WIFI a more attractive option for users seeking to maximize their system's performance.

Cooling Solutions

Cooling capabilities are another area where the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI excels. It includes comprehensive cooling solutions such as a VRM heatsink, M.2 heatsink, and hybrid fan headers with Fan Xpert 2+, ensuring that high-performance components remain stable under load. In contrast, the Gigabyte A520M S2H does not mention any advanced cooling features, which may limit its effectiveness in more demanding environments or higher-performance builds.

Aesthetics and RGB Features

When it comes to aesthetics, the Gigabyte A520M S2H incorporates RGB Fusion 2.0, allowing for some customisation and visual flair. However, the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI steps this up with onboard addressable Gen 2 headers and an Aura RGB header, enabling a more extensive range of RGB lighting options that can easily sync with other Aura Sync-capable hardware. This makes the B650-PLUS WIFI more appealing for users looking to create a visually cohesive build.

Form Factor

Both motherboards are designed in the mATX form factor, making them suitable for compact builds. However, the choice between them should depend on the specific needs and goals of the user. The Gigabyte A520M S2H, while adequate for budget builds, may not satisfy users looking for expansion capabilities and advanced features. In contrast, the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI is designed with enthusiasts in mind, providing more flexibility for upgrades and expansions.

Which should you buy?

The choice between the Gigabyte A520M S2H and the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI ultimately hinges on your budget and intended use case. If you are building a budget-friendly system primarily for basic tasks, the A520M S2H at £48.97 is a solid option. However, for those seeking higher performance, advanced features, and future-proofing, the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI at £121.99 is clearly the superior choice. With support for the latest processors, enhanced connectivity, and comprehensive cooling solutions, the B650-PLUS WIFI caters to a more demanding audience, making it worth the investment for serious users.