MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E Motherboard vs GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE X3D Motherboard - Supports AMD Ryzen 9000 CPUs

Price Comparison

The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E is priced at £119.99, significantly more affordable than the GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE X3D, which retails at £259.99. This £140 price difference represents a substantial investment for users considering budget constraints. The lower price of the MSI motherboard may appeal to gamers or builders seeking value without sacrificing essential features, while the GIGABYTE board's higher price reflects its advanced capabilities and premium features intended for high-performance systems.

Performance Capabilities

In terms of performance, the GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE X3D boasts an advanced digital twin 16+2+2 phases VRM solution, designed to deliver incredibly stable power for demanding tasks. It also supports AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series Processors, enabling users to harness the latest technology for optimal performance. Conversely, the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E supports Ryzen 9000 and 8000 series processors, but its 12 Duet Rail Power System may not match the high-end VRM found in the GIGABYTE model, making it potentially less suitable for extreme overclocking or intensive applications.

Memory Support

The GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE X3D features dual-channel DDR5 support with up to 9000 MT/s overclocking capability across four DIMM slots. This allows for superior memory performance, particularly beneficial for tasks requiring high bandwidth. Meanwhile, the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E also supports DDR5 memory but is rated for speeds of 8200+ MT/s with its four DIMM slots. While both motherboards support high-speed memory, the GIGABYTE offers a slight edge in terms of maximum overclocking potential.

Cooling Solutions

Cooling solutions are critical for maintaining system performance and longevity. The GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE X3D incorporates high-efficiency heat dissipation mechanisms through its M.2 EZ-Flex baseplate. This design helps manage temperatures effectively during intense workloads. The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E features several cooling enhancements, including an Extended Heatsink and M.2 Shield Frozr, which also aims to prevent thermal throttling. Both motherboards implement effective cooling solutions, but the GIGABYTE's design may provide a slight advantage for users pushing their systems to the limit.

Storage Options

When it comes to storage capabilities, the GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE X3D offers four M.2 slots, including support for PCIe 5.0 x4, ensuring incredibly fast data transfer speeds and ample storage expansion options. In comparison, the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E provides two M.2 slots with one supporting PCIe 4.0 x4. While the MSI offers solid storage options, the GIGABYTE's support for PCIe 5.0 could be a decisive factor for users looking for the latest in storage technology.

Connectivity Features

Connectivity is another area where the GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE X3D excels, featuring 5GbE LAN and Wi-Fi 7 capabilities, which are designed to deliver faster network speeds and improved performance for online gaming and streaming. The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E, while equipped with a premium Wi-Fi 6E module and Bluetooth 5.3, has a lower LAN speed at 2.5Gbps. For users prioritising the latest networking technology, the GIGABYTE board presents a more future-proof choice.

Build Quality and Design

Both motherboards exhibit high build quality, but the GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE X3D stands out with its innovative features like the M.2 EZ-Latch Click & Plus, which enables quick and screwless assembly of M.2 slots and heatsinks. The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E, while well-engineered, lacks some of the user-friendly design features found in the GIGABYTE model. This ergonomic focus on ease of use may appeal to novice builders or those who frequently upgrade their systems.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E and the GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE X3D ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you are seeking a cost-effective option that still supports high-performance components, the MSI board offers solid features at a much lower price. However, if you are willing to invest more for cutting-edge technology, superior cooling, and extensive connectivity options, the GIGABYTE X870E AORUS ELITE X3D is the clear winner.