ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W – AMD B650 AM5 ATX vs Gigabyte A520I AC
Updated August 2026 — ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W – AMD B650 AM5 ATX leads on connectivity and performance.
The ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W offers superior features and performance compared to the Gigabyte A520I AC, making it the better choice for enthusiasts. However, the Gigabyte is a solid budget option.
Why ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W – AMD B650 AM5 ATX is better
Price
ASUS offers advanced features justifying its higher price.
Performance
ASUS supports AMD Ryzen 9000 series, while Gigabyte supports only 3rd Gen.
Connectivity
ASUS features PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6E, superior to Gigabyte's PCIe 3.0.
Why Gigabyte A520I AC is better
Price
Gigabyte is significantly cheaper at $99.99.
Size
Gigabyte's Mini-ITX form factor is better for compact builds.
Basic Use
Gigabyte provides solid performance for mid-range builds.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W – AMD B650 AM5 ATX | Gigabyte A520I AC |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | AM4 |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR4 |
| PCIe Version | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Wi-Fi | 6E | Dual Band AC |
| Ethernet | 2.5Gb | 1Gb |
Dimension comparison
Price Comparison
The ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W is priced at $149.99, while the Gigabyte A520I AC is significantly cheaper at $99.99, making it about 33% less expensive. This price difference may make the Gigabyte appealing to budget-conscious buyers. However, the ASUS offers advanced features that justify its higher price for gamers and tech enthusiasts looking for future-proofing capabilities. Overall, if cost is your primary concern, the Gigabyte is the better option, but if you seek cutting-edge technology, the ASUS is worth the investment.
Performance Capabilities
When it comes to performance, the ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W is designed for demanding tasks, supporting AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series processors with its AM5 socket. In contrast, the Gigabyte A520I AC supports AMD's 3rd Gen Ryzen processors with an AM4 socket. The advanced power solution of the ASUS motherboard features an 8+2+1 phase design, ensuring stable power delivery, crucial for high-performance gaming. Meanwhile, the Gigabyte utilizes a Direct 6 Phases Digital PWM with 55A DrMOS, which is efficient but less robust than the ASUS. Thus, for high-end performance, the ASUS is the clear winner.
Connectivity Options
The ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W offers superior connectivity options, including PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6E, compared to the Gigabyte A520I AC, which is limited to PCIe 3.0 and Intel Dual Band AC WiFi. The ASUS features multiple USB ports, including 10Gbps Type-C, and a 2.5Gb Ethernet connection, while the Gigabyte provides a 1Gb LAN connection. This makes the ASUS more suitable for users who require high-speed data transfer and advanced networking capabilities. Therefore, in terms of connectivity, the ASUS stands out as the better choice.
Memory Support
The ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W supports DDR5 memory, which is faster and more efficient than the DDR4 supported by the Gigabyte A520I AC. This allows for improved performance in memory-intensive applications, making the ASUS more future-proof as DDR5 becomes the standard. The ASUS motherboard can also handle more RAM, which is essential for gamers and professionals alike. For those who prioritize memory performance and longevity, the ASUS offers a significant advantage.
Cooling Solutions
Effective cooling is critical for maintaining performance, especially in high-demand scenarios. The ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W features comprehensive cooling solutions, including VRM and M.2 heatsinks, hybrid fan headers, and Fan Xpert 2+ for customizable fan control. In contrast, the Gigabyte A520I AC includes an optimized VRM heatsink but lacks the extensive cooling features found in the ASUS. This makes the ASUS a better option for users who plan to overclock or run demanding applications, as it is designed to manage heat more effectively.
Design and Aesthetics
In terms of design, the ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W comes with a sleek white PCB and customizable RGB lighting through Aura Sync, allowing for a visually appealing build. The motherboard is also DIY-friendly, featuring a pre-mounted I/O shield and BIOS FlashBack for easy setup. The Gigabyte A520I AC has a compact Mini-ITX form factor, which is suitable for smaller builds, but it lacks the same level of aesthetic customization. If you value aesthetics and a polished look for your gaming rig, the ASUS is the more visually appealing choice.
Brand Reputation and Support
ASUS and Gigabyte are both reputable brands in the motherboard market, known for their quality and customer support. However, ASUS often garners a more substantial fanbase due to its innovative features and comprehensive warranties. While both brands offer reliable products, the ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W has advanced support for the latest technology, appealing to enthusiasts looking for long-term reliability and performance. Thus, the brand reputation may sway tech-savvy users towards ASUS.
Which should you buy?
Ultimately, the choice between the ASUS B650E MAX Gaming WiFi W and the Gigabyte A520I AC comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you are seeking a future-proof motherboard with cutting-edge features, advanced performance, and superior connectivity, the ASUS is worth the extra cost at $149.99. However, if you are on a budget and only need basic capabilities for a mid-range build, the Gigabyte at $99.99 offers solid performance for its price. Each has its strengths, making it essential to consider what features matter most to you.