Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 Motherboard - AMD Ryzen 9000 Series CPUs vs Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI

Overview of the Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7

The Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 is priced at £182.99 and is designed to support the latest AMD Ryzen 9000 Series CPUs. This motherboard features a robust Twin 14+2+2 Phases Digital VRM with DrMOS, offering solid power delivery for high-performance processors. Additionally, it supports Dual Channel DDR5 memory with four DIMM slots, making it suitable for users seeking advanced memory configurations. The inclusion of PCIe Gen5 x16 slots with an EZ-Latch Plus feature enhances its expandability for high-speed graphics cards and other peripherals.

Overview of the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI

The Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI is more budget-friendly at £121.99 and is compatible with AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series Desktop Processors. This board is built for ultrafast connectivity, featuring Wi-Fi 6E and M.2 PCIe 5.0 capabilities, making it ideal for users who prioritise speed and performance in their setups. It is equipped with a Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet port and offers USB 10Gbps Type-C connectivity, which is significant for modern data transfer needs. The overall design also focuses on comprehensive cooling solutions to ensure stable operation.

Power Delivery and VRM Design

In terms of power delivery, the Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 excels with its Twin 14+2+2 Phases Digital VRM. This advanced design ensures efficient power management and stability, especially under heavy loads, making it suitable for overclocking enthusiasts. In contrast, the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI does not specify its VRM phase design, which may be a consideration for users looking to push their CPUs to the limit. While both motherboards cater to Ryzen processors, the Gigabyte's superior VRM may appeal to those requiring optimal power for high-performance tasks.

Memory and Expansion Slots

When it comes to memory support, the Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 offers a Dual Channel DDR5 configuration with four DIMM slots, which allows for substantial memory upgrades. This feature is ideal for gamers and content creators who often utilise high-capacity RAM. On the other hand, the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI also supports DDR5, but specific details about its memory configuration are less highlighted. However, it does boast M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots, which can accommodate the latest storage solutions, ensuring both motherboards provide excellent options for expansion.

Connectivity Options

The Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 includes Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, enhancing wireless connectivity for users who rely on high-speed internet connections. It also features a 2.5GbE LAN for wired connections. Conversely, the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI supports Wi-Fi 6E, which, while impressive, is a step behind the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard. The Asus motherboard also offers a range of USB connectivity options, including USB 10Gbps Type-C and Thunderbolt 4 header support, catering to users with multiple high-speed devices. The inclusion of advanced connectivity features in both products highlights their suitability for modern computing needs.

Cooling Solutions

The Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 employs fully covered MOSFET heatsinks, designed to dissipate heat effectively under load, thus promoting longevity and stability. It also features Q-Flash Plus for easy BIOS updates. Meanwhile, the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI prioritises cooling with its VRM heatsink, M.2 heatsink, and PCH heatsink, along with hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 2+ technology for tailored cooling solutions. Both motherboards take cooling seriously, but the Asus model provides more integrated cooling solutions for users who may push their systems harder.

Aesthetics and RGB Lighting

In terms of aesthetics, the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI stands out with its Aura Sync RGB Lighting, featuring onboard addressable Gen 2 headers. This allows for customisable RGB LED strips, which can be synchronised with other Aura Sync-capable hardware, appealing to gamers and PC builders who value visual flair. The Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7, while it does not highlight RGB features, is designed with a sleek professional look that fits various build styles. The aesthetic differences may cater to different user preferences, with the Asus model favouring a more gamer-centric approach.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 and the Asus PRIME B650-PLUS WIFI ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re seeking a motherboard with robust power delivery, superior connectivity with Wi-Fi 7, and advanced cooling features, the Gigabyte model at £182.99 is the better option. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly choice that still offers excellent performance with Wi-Fi 6E and strong expansion capabilities, the Asus model at £121.99 presents a compelling alternative. Each motherboard brings unique strengths to the table, making your choice a reflection of your computing priorities.