What To Know
- The MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II utilizes the AMD B450 chipset, while the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite features the slightly more advanced AMD B450 AORUS chipset.
- The MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 4400MHz, while the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite offers similar support for up to 128GB of DDR4 memory but with slightly higher overclocking potential, reaching speeds of up to 4733MHz.
- The MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II features a 12+2+1 phase VRM with extended heatsinks, while the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite employs a 12+2 phase VRM with a more elaborate heatsink design.
In the realm of PC building, choosing the right motherboard is crucial for unlocking the full potential of your system. When it comes to AMD’s AM4 platform, two formidable contenders stand out: the MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II and the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite. Both motherboards offer a compelling combination of features, performance, and reliability, but which one is the better choice for your next build? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between these two ATX motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Features Comparison
Form Factor: Both motherboards adhere to the ATX form factor, providing ample space for expansion and customization.
Socket: Both the MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II and Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite support AMD‘s AM4 socket, compatible with all Ryzen processors from the 1st to 5th generation.
Chipset: The MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II utilizes the AMD B450 chipset, while the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite features the slightly more advanced AMD B450 AORUS chipset. Both chipsets provide essential features such as PCIe 3.0 support, SATA III ports, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectivity.
Memory: The MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II supports up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 4400MHz, while the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite offers similar support for up to 128GB of DDR4 memory but with slightly higher overclocking potential, reaching speeds of up to 4733MHz.
Storage: Both motherboards provide ample storage options with six SATA III ports and two M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs.
Performance Comparison
CPU Performance: Both the MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II and Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite deliver excellent CPU performance. The enhanced power delivery systems on both motherboards ensure stable operation even with high-end Ryzen processors.
Memory Performance: The MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II and Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite boast robust memory support. Both motherboards allow for overclocking and tweaking of memory settings, enabling you to optimize performance for demanding applications.
Connectivity: The MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II provides a well-rounded connectivity suite with Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1. The Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite goes a step further with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, offering faster and more stable network speeds.
Features and Functionality
VRM and Cooling: The MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II features a 12+2+1 phase VRM with extended heatsinks, while the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite employs a 12+2 phase VRM with a more elaborate heatsink design. Both motherboards provide excellent power delivery and thermal dissipation capabilities.
Audio: The MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II utilizes the Realtek ALC892 audio codec, while the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite features the slightly more advanced Realtek ALC1220 audio codec. Both motherboards offer immersive audio experiences with support for 7.1-channel surround sound.
RGB Support: Both the MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II and Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite support RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the aesthetics of your build. The MSI motherboard features Mystic Light Sync, while the Gigabyte motherboard utilizes RGB Fusion 2.0 for controlling lighting effects.
Price and Value
The MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II typically retails for around $140-$160, while the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite is priced slightly higher at $160-$180. Both motherboards offer excellent value for money, providing a balanced combination of features, performance, and reliability.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II and Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize affordability, stability, and a solid feature set, the MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II is an excellent option. However, if you demand the best possible performance, connectivity, and aesthetics, the Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite is the superior choice.
Conclusion: The Ultimate ATX Motherboard Showdown
Both the MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II and Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite are exceptional ATX motherboards that cater to different segments of the market. The MSI motherboard offers a compelling blend of value, reliability, and features, while the Gigabyte motherboard excels in performance, connectivity, and aesthetics. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual preferences and the specific requirements of your build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: The Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite features a more elaborate heatsink design, providing slightly better VRM cooling than the MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II.
Q: Does the MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II support PCIe 4.0?
A: No, both the MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II and Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite support PCIe 3.0 only.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The Gigabyte B450 AORUS Elite offers a slightly larger number of USB ports, including two additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports compared to the MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX II.
