Gigabyte B650i Aorus Ultra Vs Msi Mpg B650i Edge Wifi

The world of PC building has seen a surge in the popularity of mini-ITX motherboards, offering compact and powerful solutions for enthusiasts seeking small form factor builds. Two prominent contenders in this arena are the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi. Both motherboards boast impressive features and capabilities, catering to the needs of demanding users. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of these motherboards, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various applications.

Performance and Features:

At the heart of both motherboards lies the powerful AMD B650 chipset, unlocking the full potential of AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 series processors. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra distinguishes itself with its robust VRM design, featuring 10+2+1 power phases and a heatsink with Direct Touch Heatpipe technology for exceptional cooling. On the other hand, the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi employs a 12+2+1 phase VRM with a dedicated heatsink, ensuring stable power delivery even under demanding workloads.

In terms of memory support, both motherboards offer dual-channel DDR5 slots, allowing users to equip their systems with high-speed and high-capacity memory modules. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6600MHz, while the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi accommodates up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6400MHz.

Connectivity and Expansion:

When it comes to connectivity, both motherboards provide a comprehensive array of options. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra features a 2.5GbE LAN port, an Intel Wi-Fi 6E module, and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable wired and wireless networking. Additionally, it offers a plethora of USB ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports, four USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, and two USB 2.0 ports.

The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi matches its competitor in terms of networking capabilities, sporting a 2.5GbE LAN port and an Intel Wi-Fi 6E module with Bluetooth 5.2 support. It also provides a comparable selection of USB ports, including two USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, and four USB 2.0 ports.

Storage and Audio:

Both motherboards offer ample storage options, with four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra features a PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot and a PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot, while the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi provides two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots. Additionally, the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra boasts an M.2 heatsink to prevent thermal throttling of NVMe SSDs.

In terms of audio, both motherboards utilize Realtek ALC4080 codecs, delivering high-quality audio output. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra comes equipped with an ESS SABRE DAC for enhanced audio performance, while the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi features a dedicated audio PCB for improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced distortion.

Aesthetics and Form Factor:

The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi exude distinct visual appeal. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra showcases a sleek and modern design with a black and silver color scheme, complemented by RGB lighting accents. On the other hand, the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi adopts a more aggressive aesthetic, featuring a black and red color scheme with angular lines and prominent RGB lighting elements.

Both motherboards adhere to the mini-ITX form factor, measuring 170mm x 170mm, making them ideal for compact builds. Their compact size allows for efficient use of space in small form factor cases, enabling users to create powerful yet aesthetically pleasing systems.

Price and Availability:

The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi are priced similarly, with a retail price of around $200. Both motherboards are widely available from various online and retail stores, making them accessible to users worldwide.

Which Motherboard is Right for You?

The choice between the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi ultimately depends on individual preferences and requirements. For users seeking a motherboard with robust power delivery, comprehensive connectivity options, and high-quality audio, the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra is an excellent choice. On the other hand, users prioritizing aesthetics, ample storage options, and an aggressive design may find the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi more appealing.

Wrapping Up:

The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra and the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi stand as compelling options for enthusiasts seeking powerful and compact mini-ITX motherboards. Each motherboard offers unique strengths and features, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize performance, connectivity, aesthetics, or a combination thereof, both motherboards deliver exceptional value and capabilities for mini-ITX builds.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra features a more robust VRM heatsink with Direct Touch Heatpipe technology, providing superior cooling performance.

2. Q: Which motherboard supports faster memory speeds?
A: The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra supports memory speeds of up to 6600MHz, while the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi supports speeds of up to 6400MHz.

3. Q: Which motherboard offers more USB ports?
A: Both motherboards provide a comparable selection of USB ports, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, and USB 2.0 ports.

4. Q: Which motherboard has better audio performance?
A: The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra features an ESS SABRE DAC, while the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi utilizes a dedicated audio PCB. Both motherboards offer high-quality audio output, with the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra having a slight edge in audio performance.

5. Q: Which motherboard is more aesthetically pleasing?
A: The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra showcases a sleek and modern design, while the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi adopts a more aggressive aesthetic. The choice of aesthetics is subjective and depends on personal preference.