ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I Gaming WiFi AMD B650 AM5 vs GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard,

Overview of ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I Gaming WiFi

The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I Gaming WiFi is designed for AMD enthusiasts, particularly those looking to build a compact system. Priced at $209.99, this mini-ITX motherboard boasts a robust power solution with 10+2 power stages, making it ideal for high-performance Ryzen processors from the 9000, 8000, and 7000 series. It offers cutting-edge features like PCIe 5.0 support and WiFi 6E, ensuring future-proof connectivity options.

The motherboard emphasizes compact design without compromising on capability, demonstrating that it can deliver powerful performance in small form factor builds. Its design and features cater specifically to gamers who want to maximize their gaming experience while keeping their setup sleek and stylish.

Overview of GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC

In contrast, the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC is geared towards Intel users, supporting the 14th, 13th, and 12th generation Intel Core processors at a lower price point of $149.99. With a sturdy 16+1+1 power phase design, this ATX motherboard is built for stability during intense gaming sessions. Its comprehensive thermal design includes fully covered MOSFET heatsinks and an M.2 thermal guard, ensuring optimal performance even under load.

The GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC is a great choice for gamers wanting a powerful and reliable motherboard at an attractive price. It delivers impressive features that cater to high-performance gaming while providing excellent connectivity options.

Performance and Power Design

The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I excels in power delivery with its 10+2 power stages, enabling it to handle demanding Ryzen processors effectively. This motherboard is particularly suited for users looking to push their CPUs to the limit, thanks to its optimized VRM thermals and robust cooling solutions. The inclusion of high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors further enhances its capability for overclocking.

On the other hand, the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC also has a formidable power design with its 16+1+1 phases, which provides a solid foundation for stable performance. The 60A DrMOS enhances its power delivery, allowing it to manage high loads efficiently. While both motherboards are designed for performance, the ASUS slightly edges out with its more intricate thermal management systems, making it a better choice for extreme use cases.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is a strong suit for both motherboards. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I features abundant ports, including a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C and HDMI 2.1, alongside multiple USB ports for peripherals. The onboard WiFi 6E and 2.5G Ethernet provide advanced networking capabilities, ensuring low-latency online gaming experiences.

Conversely, the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC also offers impressive connectivity, including a USB-C 3.2 port and triple NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots. Its dual-band WiFi further enhances its networking capabilities. While both motherboards deliver excellent connectivity, the ASUS offers slightly more cutting-edge options like HDMI 2.1 and WiFi 6E, which can benefit gamers seeking high-resolution displays and faster networking.

Size and Form Factor

The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I is a mini-ITX motherboard, making it an ideal choice for compact builds, especially for users who value space efficiency. Its small footprint allows for creative case designs while still supporting high-performance components. This can be particularly advantageous for gamers who want a portable yet powerful setup.

In contrast, the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC is an ATX motherboard, providing more room for additional components and better airflow. While it may occupy more space in a case, it allows for greater expandability with multiple PCIe slots and DIMM slots for RAM. The choice between these two largely depends on the user's preference for form factor and build style.

Audio Capabilities

The audio capabilities of the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I are impressive, featuring an ALC4080 with a dedicated Savitech SV3H712 amplifier. This setup not only delivers immersive audio but also supports advanced features like DTS Sound Unbound and Sonic Studio III, enhancing the gaming experience with rich sound quality.

In comparison, the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC does not specify its audio chipset in detail, focusing more on its robust power and thermal designs. While it likely supports decent audio performance, it may not match the dedicated audio features found in the ASUS motherboard. For gamers who prioritize sound quality, the ASUS offers a distinct advantage.

Pricing Comparison

In terms of pricing, the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I is more expensive at $209.99, whereas the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC is priced at $149.99. This makes the GIGABYTE motherboard about 29% cheaper than its ASUS counterpart. The price difference may be a significant factor for budget-conscious gamers or those who are looking to build a system without breaking the bank.

While the ASUS motherboard offers advanced features suitable for high-end builds, the GIGABYTE provides solid performance at a more accessible price point. Depending on the user's budget, this difference could heavily influence the purchase decision.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I Gaming WiFi and the GIGABYTE Z790 UD AC depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a high-performance motherboard with advanced features and robust power delivery for AMD processors, the ASUS is a clear choice. However, if you're building a system around Intel processors and want a reliable, budget-friendly option, the GIGABYTE offers excellent value. Ultimately, consider your processor choice, desired features, and budget to make the best decision for your gaming setup.