What To Know
- On the other hand, the MSI B450M Mortar Max adopts a micro-ATX form factor, making it ideal for smaller cases or builds where space is limited.
- The MSI B450M Mortar Max employs a 6+2 phase digital VRM with a heatsink and offers a dedicated heatsink for the chipset.
- The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max are both solid choices for building a powerful and reliable PC.
Choosing the right motherboard is a crucial step in building a powerful and reliable PC. Two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max. Both boards offer excellent features and performance for their price point, but they have their own strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Chipset and Socket Compatibility
Both the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max are based on the AMD B450 chipset. This chipset supports the second and third generation Ryzen processors, offering a wide range of options for your CPU choice. Both motherboards utilize the AM4 socket, ensuring compatibility with a broad spectrum of AMD CPUs.
Form Factor and Size
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite boasts an ATX form factor, making it suitable for larger cases with ample room for expansion. It measures 12 inches by 9.6 inches, providing ample space for multiple expansion cards and other components. On the other hand, the MSI B450M Mortar Max adopts a micro-ATX form factor, making it ideal for smaller cases or builds where space is limited. It measures 9.6 inches by 9.6 inches, offering a compact footprint.
Memory Support and Overclocking
Both motherboards support DDR4 memory, but the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers a higher maximum memory capacity of 64GB, compared to the MSI B450M Mortar Max‘s 32GB. Both boards support a maximum memory speed of 3466MHz (OC) and feature dual-channel memory architecture for optimal performance. Overclocking capabilities are similar, with both boards offering robust BIOS settings for fine-tuning memory timings and speeds.
Expansion Slots and Connectivity
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers a more expansive set of expansion slots, including three PCIe x16 slots (one x16 and two x4), one PCIe x1 slot, and three M.2 slots for high-speed storage. It also features more rear panel I/O ports, including six USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one PS/2 port, one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, and a Realtek ALC892 audio codec with 7.1 channel support.
The MSI B450M Mortar Max, despite its smaller form factor, still provides impressive connectivity. It features two PCIe x16 slots (one x16 and one x4), one PCIe x1 slot, and two M.2 slots. The rear panel I/O includes four USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one PS/2 port, one HDMI port, and a Realtek ALC892 audio codec with 7.1 channel support.
Power Delivery and Cooling
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite features a robust 8+2 phase digital VRM with a heatsink to ensure stable power delivery and prevent thermal throttling. It also has a dedicated heatsink for the chipset, further enhancing cooling efficiency. The MSI B450M Mortar Max employs a 6+2 phase digital VRM with a heatsink and offers a dedicated heatsink for the chipset. While the cooling solution on the Mortar Max is slightly less robust, it still provides adequate thermal management for most users.
Audio and Networking
Both motherboards feature Realtek ALC892 audio codecs, delivering high-quality audio output with 7.1 channel support. They also include Realtek LAN controllers for reliable network connectivity. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers Intel Gigabit LAN, while the MSI B450M Mortar Max utilizes a Realtek Gigabit LAN chip.
BIOS and Software Features
Both motherboards offer intuitive BIOS interfaces with comprehensive settings for configuring system parameters, including overclocking options. The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite includes the Q-Flash Plus feature, allowing BIOS updates without a CPU or RAM installed. The MSI B450M Mortar Max features the Click BIOS 5 interface, known for its user-friendliness and extensive customization options.
Price and Value
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite typically costs slightly more than the MSI B450M Mortar Max. However, the additional features and expansion capabilities of the Aorus Elite justify the price difference for users who need the extra space and connectivity. The MSI B450M Mortar Max offers an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious builders who prioritize a compact form factor and essential features.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Motherboard
The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite and the MSI B450M Mortar Max are both solid choices for building a powerful and reliable PC. The Aorus Elite offers more expansion slots, higher memory capacity, and a more robust cooling solution, making it ideal for users who need the extra features and power. The Mortar Max, with its compact size and competitive price, is an excellent option for budget-conscious builders or those who prefer a smaller form factor.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, case size, expansion requirements, and desired features to make the right choice.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards offer decent overclocking capabilities, but the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite‘s more robust VRM and cooling solution give it a slight edge for pushing your CPU to its limits.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are suitable for gaming, but the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite‘s additional PCIe slots and higher memory capacity provide a slight performance boost for demanding games.
Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity?
A: The Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite offers more rear panel I/O ports, including six USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, compared to the MSI B450M Mortar Max‘s four.
Q: Which motherboard is better for a budget build?
A: The MSI B450M Mortar Max offers better value for budget-conscious builders due to its lower price point and essential features.
Q: Which motherboard is better overall?
A: The best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize expansion, connectivity, and robust cooling, the Gigabyte B450 Aorus Elite is a great choice. If you need a compact motherboard with essential features at a lower price, the MSI B450M Mortar Max is a solid option.
