MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E Motherboard vs Gigabyte A520M S2H Motherboard - Supports AMD Ryzen 5000 Series AM4 CPUs

Overview of the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E

The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E is a high-performance motherboard designed for gamers and professionals alike, featuring cutting-edge technology. Priced at £119.99, it supports the latest Ryzen 9000 series processors, utilising a robust 12 Duet Rail Power System (P-PAK) VRM which enhances performance significantly. The motherboard is equipped with advanced cooling features, including a chipset heatsink and M.2 Shield Frozr, ensuring optimal thermal management during intense gaming sessions.

The B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E also boasts impressive connectivity options, with a premium Wi-Fi 6E module supporting Bluetooth 5.3 and a 2.5Gbps LAN. Storage options are expansive, featuring two M.2 connectors (one Gen5 and one Gen4), allowing for rapid data transfer speeds. Furthermore, the inclusion of a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot supports high-end graphics cards, making this board an excellent choice for gamers looking to future-proof their systems.

Overview of the Gigabyte A520M S2H

The Gigabyte A520M S2H is a budget-friendly motherboard priced at £59.10, designed for AMD Ryzen 5000 series AM4 CPUs. This board supports a wide range of processors, including Ryzen 3000 and 4000 series, making it a versatile choice for users seeking compatibility with existing hardware. With a 4+3 phases pure digital VRM solution, the A520M S2H ensures stability and efficiency during operation.

This motherboard features an ultra-fast NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 connector, enabling quick data access and storage capabilities. Additionally, it includes multiple display ports (HDMI, DVI-D, D-sub), catering to users who require versatile screen outputs. The Gigabyte A520M S2H is equipped with Smart Fan 5 technology, allowing for effective cooling management through multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers, which is essential for maintaining system performance.

Performance Capabilities

In terms of performance, the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E stands out with its support for the latest Ryzen 9000 processors and a powerful VRM design. This motherboard's architecture allows for enhanced overclocking capabilities, which is a significant advantage for gamers and power users. The ability to utilise DDR5 memory with speeds of over 8200 MT/s further elevates its performance potential, catering to those who demand the highest levels of speed and efficiency.

Conversely, the Gigabyte A520M S2H, while competent, is limited to supporting DDR4 memory with dual channel ECC/non-ECC configurations. Although it provides decent performance for casual gaming and general computing tasks, it lacks the high-speed capabilities that the MSI motherboard offers. The A520M S2H’s performance is adequate for entry-level setups but may not satisfy the demands of high-performance gaming or intensive applications.

Cooling Solutions

The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E incorporates advanced cooling solutions, which are crucial for maintaining optimal performance during extended gaming sessions. Its extensive cooling features include a combination of 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads and an extended heatsink. This design helps dissipate heat effectively, preventing thermal throttling when the system is under load.

In comparison, the Gigabyte A520M S2H employs Smart Fan 5 technology, which contributes to its cooling capabilities through multiple temperature sensors and hybrid fan headers. While it offers adequate cooling for standard usage, it does not match the advanced thermal management of the MSI B850. For users planning to push their systems to the limit, the cooling solutions of the B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E provide a more reliable and efficient option.

Connectivity and Expansion Options

The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E excels in connectivity, featuring a premium Wi-Fi 6E module and Bluetooth 5.3, alongside a 2.5Gbps LAN connection. These options ensure that users have access to fast internet speeds and seamless connectivity with other devices. Additionally, the motherboard includes multiple USB ports, including a 10Gbps Type-C port, enhancing the overall user experience with faster data transfer rates.

On the other hand, the Gigabyte A520M S2H focuses on essential connectivity features, including HDMI, DVI-D, and D-sub ports for video output. However, it lacks the advanced networking capabilities found in the MSI board. The A520M S2H does include GIGABYTE's exclusive 8118 Gaming LAN for bandwidth management, but it still falls short of the versatility offered by the B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E, particularly for users seeking modern connectivity standards.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E showcases a sleek design with a focus on aesthetics, featuring a modern colour scheme and RGB lighting capability. This visual appeal is complemented by its robust build quality, which is essential for durability and longevity in gaming environments. The inclusion of steel armour on the PCIe slot also adds to its structural integrity, ensuring that heavy graphics cards can be installed without concern.

In contrast, the Gigabyte A520M S2H adopts a more utilitarian design approach, which may appeal to users who prefer simplicity over flair. While it lacks the aesthetic enhancements of the MSI board, it still provides a solid build quality suitable for budget builds. However, for users prioritising visual elements alongside performance, the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E is undoubtedly the more attractive choice.

Price Comparison

The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E is priced at £119.99, reflecting its high-performance capabilities and advanced features tailored for gamers and power users. This investment is justified by its support for cutting-edge technology and superior build quality.

In contrast, the Gigabyte A520M S2H offers a more affordable option at £59.10, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers. While it provides essential features and decent performance, it cannot match the capabilities and future-proofing potential of the MSI motherboard. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the user's specific needs and budget constraints.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E and the Gigabyte A520M S2H fundamentally depends on your performance requirements and budget. The MSI B850 offers superior technology, advanced cooling, and a wealth of features aimed at gamers and power users, making it a worthwhile investment at £119.99. In contrast, the Gigabyte A520M S2H serves as a solid, budget-friendly option at £59.10, suitable for casual users or those with lower performance needs. If you’re looking for high performance and cutting-edge features, the MSI B850 is the clear winner; however, for basic tasks and cost-effectiveness, the Gigabyte A520M is a commendable choice.