Essential Information
- When it comes to AMD’s AM4 platform, two standout motherboards that frequently grace the top of the list are the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max.
- Both the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max utilize the AM4 socket, providing compatibility with a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors, from the budget-friendly Ryzen 3 series to the high-performance Ryzen 9 series.
- The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite boasts a comprehensive rear panel I/O layout, featuring a variety of ports and connectors to accommodate a wide range of peripherals and devices.
In the realm of PC building, selecting the right motherboard is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your system’s performance and capabilities. When it comes to AMD’s AM4 platform, two standout motherboards that frequently grace the top of the list are the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max. Both motherboards offer compelling features and impressive performance, making the choice between them a challenging one. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the intricacies of these two motherboards, meticulously examining their features, specifications, and overall performance to determine which one emerges as the ultimate victor.
Form Factor and Design: Compact vs. ATX
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite boasts a standard ATX form factor, providing ample space for expansion and accommodating a wide range of components. Its sleek black and silver design exudes a touch of elegance, featuring a prominent Aorus logo that illuminates with RGB lighting, adding a vibrant touch to your build.
In contrast, the MSI B450M Mortar Max adopts a more compact micro-ATX form factor, making it an ideal choice for smaller builds or systems with limited space. Despite its diminutive size, the Mortar Max packs a punch with its aggressive black and red design, accentuated by sharp angles and a prominent MSI logo that also features RGB lighting.
Socket and Chipset: AM4 and B450 Dominance
Both the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max utilize the AM4 socket, providing compatibility with a wide range of AMD Ryzen processors, from the budget-friendly Ryzen 3 series to the high-performance Ryzen 9 series. This versatility makes these motherboards an excellent option for building systems across various price points and performance requirements.
At the heart of these motherboards lies the AMD B450 chipset, a reliable and feature-rich platform that supports the latest technologies, including DDR4 memory, NVMe storage, and USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivity. This chipset provides a solid foundation for building a capable and future-proof system.
VRM and Power Delivery: Ensuring Stable Power
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite employs a robust 12+2 phase VRM design, utilizing high-quality components to deliver clean and stable power to the CPU, even during demanding workloads. This robust power delivery system ensures reliable operation and helps maximize the performance of your Ryzen processor.
The MSI B450M Mortar Max, on the other hand, features a slightly less powerful 8+2 phase VRM design. While it may not be as robust as the Aorus Elite’s VRM, it still provides ample power for most users, including moderate overclocking.
Memory and Storage: Blazing-Fast Transfers
Both motherboards support dual-channel DDR4 memory, with the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offering support for up to 128GB of memory and the MSI B450M Mortar Max supporting up to 64GB. Both motherboards also feature four DIMM slots, allowing for flexible memory configurations and the potential for future upgrades.
In terms of storage, both motherboards provide ample options. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite features six SATA III ports and two M.2 slots, one of which supports NVMe SSDs for lightning-fast storage speeds. The MSI B450M Mortar Max offers four SATA III ports and one M.2 slot, also supporting NVMe SSDs.
Expansion Slots: Connectivity and Flexibility
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite provides a generous array of expansion slots, including two PCIe x16 slots, two PCIe x1 slots, and a single PCI slot. This configuration allows for flexible expansion options, such as adding a dedicated graphics card, additional storage controllers, or other peripherals.
The MSI B450M Mortar Max, due to its compact form factor, offers a more limited selection of expansion slots. It features one PCIe x16 slot, two PCIe x1 slots, and a single M.2 slot. This layout may be sufficient for basic builds, but it may pose limitations for users who require more expansion capabilities.
Rear Panel I/O: Connectivity at Your Fingertips
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite boasts a comprehensive rear panel I/O layout, featuring a variety of ports and connectors to accommodate a wide range of peripherals and devices. It includes USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports, USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, legacy USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, audio jacks, and a PS/2 port for legacy keyboards and mice.
The MSI B450M Mortar Max also offers a solid selection of rear panel I/O ports, including USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports, USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, legacy USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, audio jacks, and a PS/2 port. However, it lacks the DisplayPort and HDMI outputs that the Aorus Elite provides, which may be a consideration for users who rely on integrated graphics.
BIOS and Software: User-Friendly Customization
Both motherboards come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide comprehensive control over system settings and overclocking options. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite’s BIOS is particularly well-regarded for its intuitive design and extensive features, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users.
Gigabyte also provides a suite of software tools, including App Center and EasyTune, that allow users to monitor system performance, adjust fan speeds, and fine-tune overclocking settings. MSI offers similar software tools, such as Command Center and Afterburner, which provide a range of customization options and system monitoring capabilities.
Overclocking Potential: Unleashing Performance
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max both offer overclocking capabilities, allowing users to push their Ryzen processors beyond their stock settings to achieve higher performance. However, the extent of overclocking potential may vary depending on the specific CPU and cooling solution used.
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite generally provides slightly better overclocking headroom due to its more robust VRM design. However, the MSI B450M Mortar Max is still capable of delivering solid overclocking results, especially for users who are new to overclocking or who have a more modest cooling setup.
Gaming Performance: Immersive Experiences
When it comes to gaming performance, both the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max deliver excellent results. They provide stable and reliable performance, ensuring smooth gameplay and immersive experiences. The choice between these motherboards for gaming will largely depend on personal preferences and specific system configurations.
Key Points: The Ultimate Choice
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max are both exceptional motherboards that offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and value. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite stands out with its ATX form factor, robust VRM design, comprehensive rear panel I/O, and well-regarded BIOS. The MSI B450M Mortar Max, on the other hand, excels in its compact micro-ATX form factor, solid VRM design, and user-friendly BIOS.
Ultimately, the choice between these two motherboards depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a full-featured ATX motherboard with excellent overclocking potential and a wide range of expansion options, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite is a superb choice. If you prefer a compact micro-ATX form factor and value user-friendly features, the MSI B450M Mortar Max is an outstanding option. Regardless of your choice, you’re sure to enjoy a high-quality and reliable motherboard that will elevate your PC building experience.
Information You Need to Know
1. Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite generally has better VRM cooling due to its larger heatsink and more aggressive fan profile.
2. Does the MSI B450M Mortar Max support CrossFire or SLI?
No, the MSI B450M Mortar Max does not support CrossFire or SLI due to its limited number of PCIe x16 slots.
3. Can I use a Ryzen 9 5950X with either motherboard?
Yes, both the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max support the Ryzen 9 5950X with a BIOS update.
4. Which motherboard has better audio quality?
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite generally has better audio quality due to its higher-quality audio codec and dedicated audio components.
5. Does either motherboard have built-in Wi-Fi?
No, neither the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite nor the MSI B450M Mortar Max has built-in Wi-Fi. You will need to purchase a separate Wi-Fi adapter if you require wireless connectivity.