The Ultimate Showdown: Asus TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi vs Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX – Which Will Come Out on Top?

Choosing the right motherboard for your AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPU is crucial for unlocking its full potential. Two popular contenders in the B650 segment are the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX. Both boast impressive features and performance, making the decision a tough one. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two motherboards, helping you decide which one best aligns with your needs and budget.

Feature Comparison: A Detailed Breakdown

ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi

• Chipset: AMD B650
• Socket: AM5
• Memory Support: DDR5 up to 6000MHz (OC)
• Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1
• Storage: 2 x M.2 slots (1 x PCIe 5.0, 1 x PCIe 4.0), 6 x SATA III
• Networking: Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Realtek 2.5GbE LAN
• Audio: Realtek ALC4080 codec, SupremeFX audio
• Other Features: TUF Gaming Armor, M.2 heatsinks, BIOS FlashBack, Q-LED diagnostic LEDs

Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX

• Chipset: AMD B650
• Socket: AM5
• Memory Support: DDR5 up to 6000MHz (OC)
• Expansion Slots: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 3 x PCIe 3.0 x1
• Storage: 2 x M.2 slots (1 x PCIe 5.0, 1 x PCIe 4.0), 6 x SATA III
• Networking: Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Realtek 2.5GbE LAN
• Audio: Realtek ALC1220 codec, ALC1220-VB audio
• Other Features: RGB Fusion 2.0, Q-Flash Plus, Smart Fan 6, M.2 heatsinks

Performance: A Head-to-Head Showdown

Both motherboards offer exceptional performance, leveraging the AMD B650 chipset and AM5 socket to deliver high-end gaming and content creation capabilities. When it comes to pure performance, there’s minimal difference between the two. They both support DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 storage, and offer robust power delivery systems to handle high-end Ryzen 7000 CPUs.

Design and Aesthetics: A Matter of Preference

The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi sports a military-inspired design with a black and gray color scheme. It features a robust build quality with TUF Gaming Armor for added durability. The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX boasts a more modern aesthetic with a sleek black design and RGB Fusion 2.0 lighting. Both motherboards have a clean layout with easy-to-access components and clear markings for a user-friendly experience.

Features and Functionality: Unveiling the Differences

While both motherboards share a core set of features, there are some notable differences that might sway your decision:
ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi:

• TUF Gaming Armor: Enhanced durability and protection for critical components.
• SupremeFX Audio: High-quality audio with dedicated audio circuitry for immersive gaming and content creation.
• BIOS FlashBack: Conveniently update the BIOS without a CPU or memory installed.

Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX:

• RGB Fusion 2.0: Customizable RGB lighting control for a personalized aesthetic.
• Q-Flash Plus: Update the BIOS via USB flash drive without entering the operating system.
• Smart Fan 6: Advanced fan control for optimal cooling and noise reduction.

Connectivity: Staying Connected

Both motherboards offer excellent connectivity options. They both feature Intel Wi-Fi 6E for fast and reliable wireless connectivity, Realtek 2.5GbE LAN for high-speed wired networking, and multiple USB ports, including USB-C. The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX has an additional PCIe 3.0 x1 slot compared to the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi, offering greater flexibility for expansion cards.

Pricing: Finding the Right Balance

The ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is typically priced slightly lower than the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX. This makes it a more budget-friendly option while still providing excellent features and performance. The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX, on the other hand, offers a premium experience with its advanced features and aesthetics, justifying its slightly higher price tag.

The Verdict: Choosing the Best Motherboard for You

Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi if:

• You prioritize durability and a robust build quality.
• You value high-quality audio and seek a more budget-friendly option.
• You appreciate the convenience of BIOS FlashBack.

Choose the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX if:

• You desire customizable RGB lighting and a modern aesthetic.
• You prioritize advanced fan control and noise reduction.
• You need more expansion slots and are willing to pay a premium price.

Beyond the Comparison: A Deeper Look

Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX are excellent choices for building a powerful AMD Ryzen 7000 series PC. They offer exceptional performance, a wide range of features, and robust connectivity. Ultimately, the best option for you depends on your individual preferences and budget.

Popular Questions

Q1: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
Both motherboards offer decent overclocking capabilities, allowing you to push the limits of your Ryzen 7000 CPU and DDR5 memory. However, the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX might have a slight edge due to its more advanced fan control features, which can help maintain optimal cooling during intensive overclocking sessions.
Q2: Are both motherboards compatible with AMD Ryzen 7000 X3D CPUs?
Yes, both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX are compatible with AMD Ryzen 7000 X3D CPUs. These CPUs feature 3D V-Cache technology for enhanced gaming performance, and both motherboards provide the necessary support to unlock their full potential.
Q3: Which motherboard offers better software support and BIOS updates?
Both ASUS and Gigabyte are known for their comprehensive software and BIOS update support. ASUS offers its Armoury Crate software for system monitoring and customization, while Gigabyte provides its RGB Fusion 2.0 software for lighting control and other features. Both companies regularly release BIOS updates to enhance compatibility and performance.
Q4: Can I use both motherboards for content creation and professional workloads?
Absolutely! Both the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi and the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX are capable of handling demanding content creation and professional workloads. They offer robust power delivery systems, PCIe 5.0 storage support, and other features essential for high-performance computing.
Q5: Is the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX worth the extra cost?
The Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX offers a premium experience with its advanced features, aesthetics, and software. If you value RGB lighting, advanced fan control, and a modern design, it might be worth the extra cost. However, if you’re on a budget and prioritize a robust build quality and high-quality audio, the ASUS TUF Gaming B650-Plus WiFi is a great alternative.