Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 Motherboard - AMD Ryzen 9000 Series CPUs vs MSI X870E Gaming Plus WiFi ATX Motherboard - Supports AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 P

Price Comparison

The Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 is priced at £182.99, while the MSI X870E Gaming Plus WiFi is available for £199.99. The price difference of £17 indicates that while both motherboards cater to high-performance needs, the Gigabyte option is more budget-friendly. This price point may appeal to gamers and builders who are looking for robust features without overspending.

Performance Features

Both motherboards are designed to support AMD Ryzen 9000 Series CPUs, but their performance features differ. The Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 boasts a Twin 14+2+2 Phases Digital VRM, which ensures stable power delivery, while the MSI X870E Gaming Plus WiFi employs a 14 Duet Rail Power System, emphasising high performance with a 60A capability. This suggests that while both offer excellent power management, the MSI might be more suited for extreme performance scenarios.

Cooling Solutions

Cooling is crucial for maintaining system performance, and both motherboards offer advanced solutions. The MSI X870E features FROZR GUARD technology, which includes 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads and an Extended Heatsink. This is designed to keep temperatures low during intense gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gigabyte motherboard includes Fully Covered MOSFET Heatsinks but lacks the level of thermal management found in the MSI model. Consequently, the MSI may have an edge for users pushing their systems to the limit.

Memory Support

Memory capabilities are crucial for high-performance computing, and both motherboards support DDR5 technology. The Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 allows for dual-channel DDR5 with four DIMMs, while the MSI X870E supports extreme memory overclocking speeds of up to 8200+ MT/s with its four DDR5 DIMM slots. This performance advantage in memory speed may attract users who require rapid data processing for gaming or content creation.

Expansion Slots

When it comes to expansion capabilities, both motherboards excel. The Gigabyte B850 AORUS features a PCIe Gen5 x16 slot and an additional PCIe UD Slot, allowing for versatile GPU configurations. On the other hand, the MSI X870E boasts a PCIe 5.0 x16 SMT slot capable of 128GB/s, which is essential for future-proofing against upcoming high-bandwidth graphics cards. This makes the MSI a more compelling choice for gamers wanting to maximise their graphics performance.

Networking Options

Networking capabilities are a significant consideration for modern motherboards, and both options include Wi-Fi 7 technology. The Gigabyte B850 features Wi-Fi EZ-Plug and a directional antenna for improved connectivity. In contrast, the MSI X870E offers a full-speed Wi-Fi 7 module with Bluetooth 5.4 and 5Gbps LAN, providing enhanced flexibility and speed. The superior networking features of the MSI motherboard may benefit users who rely on high-speed internet for online gaming or streaming.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

Aesthetics and build quality are subjective but important for many users. The Gigabyte B850 AORUS has a sleek design that is appealing for a gaming rig, while the MSI X870E features a robust build with an extended heatsink and a visually striking layout aimed at gamers. Those who prioritise a visually impressive build may lean towards the MSI model, while cost-conscious users may find the Gigabyte's aesthetics sufficiently appealing.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 and the MSI X870E Gaming Plus WiFi boils down to your specific needs and budget. The Gigabyte board offers excellent value at £182.99 with solid performance features. However, if you are looking for superior cooling, memory speed, and networking capabilities, the MSI's price of £199.99 may justify the investment for high-performance users. Consider what aspects are most important to your build before making a decision.