Quick notes
- Among the top contenders in the Mini-ITX arena are the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra.
- Both the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra offer the same B650 chipset, ensuring a solid foundation for your system.
- The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra come with a range of additional features that enhance the overall user experience.
In the realm of compact and powerful PC builds, Mini-ITX motherboards hold a special place. These diminutive boards pack a surprising amount of performance and features into a tiny form factor, making them ideal for small form factor (SFF) builds. Among the top contenders in the Mini-ITX arena are the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra. Both boards boast impressive specs and features, but which one comes out on top? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the details of each motherboard, examining their key features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision for your next SFF build.
Chipset and Socket: The Foundation of Performance
At the heart of these motherboards lies the AMD B650 chipset, the cornerstone of AMD’s latest AM5 platform. This chipset provides support for the latest generation of AMD Ryzen processors, unlocking the potential for blazing-fast performance and cutting-edge features. Both the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra offer the same B650 chipset, ensuring a solid foundation for your system.
Form Factor and Design: Compact and Stylish
As Mini-ITX motherboards, both the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra share the same compact form factor, measuring just 170mm x 170mm. This diminutive size makes them ideal for SFF builds, where space is at a premium. Despite their compact size, both boards boast a sleek and stylish design, with black and silver color schemes that will complement any build aesthetic.
VRM and Power Delivery: Ensuring Stable Performance
The voltage regulation module (VRM) plays a crucial role in delivering stable power to the CPU, especially during demanding tasks. Both the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra feature robust VRM designs, with high-quality components and efficient cooling solutions. The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi utilizes a 10+2+1 phase VRM, while the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra employs an 8+2+1 phase VRM. Both boards offer excellent power delivery, ensuring stable operation even under heavy loads.
Memory Support: Unleashing the Power of DDR5
With the advent of the AM5 platform, DDR5 memory has become the standard for high-performance builds. Both the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra support DDR5 memory, with speeds up to 6600MHz and capacities up to 128GB. This ensures that you can take full advantage of the latest memory technology, enabling faster data transfer speeds and improved performance.
Storage Connectivity: Blazing-Fast NVMe Drives
In terms of storage connectivity, both motherboards offer a similar array of options. They both feature two M.2 slots, supporting NVMe SSDs for lightning-fast storage speeds. Additionally, they provide multiple SATA ports for connecting traditional 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch storage devices. With these options, you can create a storage configuration that meets your specific needs and performance requirements.
Networking and Connectivity: Staying Connected
For networking, the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra both come equipped with high-speed 2.5GbE LAN ports, providing reliable and blazing-fast wired connectivity. Additionally, the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi boasts built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, allowing for wireless connectivity and seamless pairing with compatible devices.
Audio Performance: Immersive Sound Experience
Both motherboards feature Realtek ALC4080 audio codecs, delivering high-quality audio performance. They offer a variety of audio enhancements, such as DTS:X Ultra and Nahimic Audio, to provide an immersive and captivating audio experience for gaming, music, and multimedia.
Additional Features: Enhancing Your Build
The MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra come with a range of additional features that enhance the overall user experience. These include support for USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and RGB lighting control. With these features, you can customize your build and take advantage of the latest technologies for a truly modern and connected system.
Pricing and Availability: Finding the Best Value
When it comes to pricing, the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra fall within a similar range. Both boards offer excellent value for money, considering their features and performance. Availability may vary depending on your region and retailer, so it’s worth checking multiple sources to find the best deal.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
In the battle of the Mini-ITX titans, both the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra deliver impressive performance and features. Ultimately, the choice between these two motherboards depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize wireless connectivity and a comprehensive feature set, the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi is a solid choice. However, if you’re looking for a motherboard with a slightly more affordable price tag and a focus on robust power delivery, the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra is a compelling option.
Popular Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: Both motherboards offer efficient VRM cooling solutions, but the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi has a slight edge with its larger heatsink and dedicated fan.
Q: Does either motherboard support overclocking?
A: Yes, both the MSI MPG B650I Edge WiFi and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra support overclocking, allowing you to push your CPU and memory to their limits.
Q: Can I use DDR4 memory with these motherboards?
A: No, both motherboards exclusively support DDR5 memory.