Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite Vs Msi B450m Mortar Max

In the realm of PC building, motherboards serve as the foundation upon which the entire system is assembled. For budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking a solid platform for their AMD Ryzen CPUs, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and MSI B450M Mortar Max emerge as two compelling options. This in-depth comparison will delve into their key features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite sports an ATX form factor, providing ample space for expansion cards and other components. Its sleek black PCB exudes a premium aesthetic, complemented by a stylish RGB LED strip along the bottom edge. The MSI B450M Mortar Max, on the other hand, adopts a more compact mATX form factor, making it ideal for smaller builds. Its rugged design, featuring a dark gray PCB and heavy-duty heatsinks, conveys a sense of durability.

Connectivity and Expansion

Both motherboards offer a comprehensive suite of connectivity options. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite boasts four DDR4 memory slots supporting up to 128GB of RAM at speeds of up to 4400MHz. It also features two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. For storage, it provides six SATA ports and two M.2 NVMe slots, ensuring ample space for both HDDs and SSDs.

The MSI B450M Mortar Max, while being more compact, offers similar connectivity capabilities. It supports up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM at speeds of up to 4400MHz. It includes two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Storage options include four SATA ports and one M.2 NVMe slot.

Audio and Networking

In terms of audio, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite features the Realtek ALC1220 codec, delivering crisp and immersive sound quality. The MSI B450M Mortar Max utilizes the Realtek ALC892 codec, which provides decent audio performance but may not meet the demands of discerning audiophiles.

For networking, both motherboards come equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet port. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite additionally supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, while the MSI B450M Mortar Max only offers Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2.

BIOS and Overclocking

BIOS plays a crucial role in system stability and overclocking potential. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite’s UEFI BIOS is user-friendly and offers a wide range of customization options, including extensive memory tuning and fan control. The MSI B450M Mortar Max’s BIOS is equally well-designed, providing a clear and organized layout. Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities, allowing users to push their Ryzen CPUs to their limits.

Performance and Stability

In terms of performance, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and MSI B450M Mortar Max deliver comparable results. Both motherboards provide stable and reliable operation, with minimal performance differences observed in most scenarios. However, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite may have a slight edge in memory overclocking, while the MSI B450M Mortar Max may offer better stability under heavy loads.

Value and Conclusion

The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and MSI B450M Mortar Max are both excellent choices for mid-range AMD Ryzen builds. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers a slightly more premium feature set, including support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, while the MSI B450M Mortar Max is more compact and affordable. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: Both motherboards have robust VRM cooling solutions, but the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite’s larger heatsinks may provide slightly better thermal performance.

Q: Can I use a high-end graphics card with either motherboard?
A: Yes, both motherboards support high-end graphics cards, including those with triple-slot coolers.

Q: Does either motherboard support PCIe 4.0?
A: No, neither motherboard supports PCIe 4.0. PCIe 4.0 support is only available on newer B550 and X570 motherboards.