Don’t Miss Out: The Battle of the Boards – Asus ROG Strix B650E-I vs Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra Explained!

Choosing the right motherboard for your next build can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. For those seeking a compact and powerful build, the mini-ITX form factor is a popular choice. But when it comes to top-tier mini-ITX motherboards on the AMD B650E chipset, two heavyweights stand out: the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I and the **Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra**. Both offer an impressive feature set, but which one emerges as the champion? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Features: A Close Contender

Both the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra are built for high-performance builds, boasting impressive feature sets. Both support the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, including the high-end Ryzen 9 7950X and 7900X. They also offer support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and the latest Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.
ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I

• Power Delivery: 14+2 power stages with 70A DrMOS, ensuring stable and efficient power delivery to your CPU.
• Cooling: A robust heatsink design covers the VRM and chipset, along with a heatsink for the M.2 slot.
• Connectivity: Includes two M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support, two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports, and a full-size HDMI port.

Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra

• Power Delivery: 14+2 power stages with 105A DrMOS, offering even more robust power delivery.
• Cooling: Similar heatsink design to the ASUS board, with a dedicated heatsink for the M.2 slot.
• Connectivity: Features two M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support, three USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports, and a full-size HDMI port.

Verdict: Both boards offer excellent performance and feature sets. The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra edges out slightly with its higher-capacity power delivery and additional USB Type-C port.

Design and Aesthetics: A Matter of Preference

Both motherboards boast a sleek and modern design, with a focus on aesthetics and functionality. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I features a black and silver color scheme with subtle ROG branding, while the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra opts for a more understated black and grey design with subtle Aorus branding.
ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I

• Design: Features a minimalist design with a black PCB and silver heatsinks.
• RGB: Includes two addressable RGB headers and a built-in RGB lighting strip for customization.
• Aesthetics: Offers a subtle and sleek design, suitable for a wide range of builds.

Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra

• Design: Features a black PCB with grey heatsinks and a black shield over the chipset.
• RGB: Includes two addressable RGB headers and a built-in RGB lighting strip for customization.
• Aesthetics: Offers a more understated and professional design.

Verdict: The choice here comes down to personal preference. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I offers a slightly more aggressive look with its silver accents, while the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra provides a more understated and clean design.

BIOS and Software: A User-Friendly Experience

Both motherboards offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces and comprehensive software suites.
ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I

• BIOS: Offers a well-organized and intuitive BIOS with a wealth of configuration options.
• Software: Includes the ROG Armoury Crate software for system monitoring, fan control, and RGB customization.

Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra

• BIOS: Offers a similarly intuitive BIOS with a wide range of customization options.
• Software: Includes the Gigabyte Control Center software for system monitoring, fan control, and RGB customization.

Verdict: Both motherboards offer excellent BIOS and software experiences. The choice here largely depends on personal preference and familiarity with the respective software suites.

Connectivity: Well-Equipped for Modern Builds

Both motherboards offer a comprehensive set of connectivity options, ensuring you can connect all your peripherals and devices.
ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I

• Networking: Features Intel Wi-Fi 6E and a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port.
• Audio: Includes a Realtek ALC4080 codec with a dedicated audio amplifier for high-quality audio output.
• Other: Features two M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support, two USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports, and a full-size HDMI port.

Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra

• Networking: Features Intel Wi-Fi 6E and a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port.
• Audio: Includes a Realtek ALC1220 codec with a dedicated audio amplifier for high-quality audio output.
• Other: Features two M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support, three USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports, and a full-size HDMI port.

Verdict: Both motherboards provide excellent connectivity options, with the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra offering one extra USB Type-C port.

Pricing and Availability: A Competitive Landscape

Both the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra are priced at a premium, reflecting their high-end features and performance. The price difference between the two is relatively small, making the choice largely dependent on personal preference and priorities.
Verdict: The pricing of both motherboards is competitive, with the final decision ultimately coming down to your budget and specific feature requirements.

The Verdict: A Close Race with Different Strengths

Choosing between the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra is not easy. Both motherboards offer exceptional performance, features, and connectivity.
ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a sleek and minimalist design, with a focus on ROG aesthetics. It offers robust power delivery, excellent cooling, and a wealth of connectivity options.
Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra is a compelling option for those who desire a more understated design with a focus on performance and connectivity. Its higher-capacity power delivery, additional USB Type-C port, and slightly better audio codec make it a strong contender.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, desired aesthetics, and specific features you prioritize when making your decision.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Motherboard

Choosing the right motherboard is a crucial step in building a high-performance PC. The ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I and the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra are both exceptional mini-ITX choices, offering excellent performance and features. They represent the pinnacle of what is possible in the mini-ITX form factor, providing a powerful platform for gamers, creators, and enthusiasts alike.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which motherboard offers better power delivery?
A: The Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra offers slightly better power delivery with its 105A DrMOS compared to the ASUS ROG Strix B650E-I’s 70A DrMOS.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, with robust power delivery and comprehensive BIOS settings. The choice here comes down to personal preference and familiarity with the respective BIOS interfaces.
Q: Which motherboard is better for RGB customization?
A: Both motherboards offer similar RGB customization options, with two addressable RGB headers and a built-in RGB lighting strip. The choice here comes down to personal preference for the overall design and aesthetics.
Q: What is the difference in price between the two motherboards?
A: The price difference between the two motherboards is relatively small, with the Gigabyte B650I Aorus Ultra typically being slightly more expensive. However, the price can fluctuate depending on the retailer and current market conditions.