Gigabyte B650 Aorus Pro AX motherboard review exploring performance and features

Description

Impressive Build and Design

The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Pro AX motherboard certainly caught my attention with its sleek ATX form factor and sturdy build. At 9.61 x 12.01 x 1.38 inches, it fits comfortably into most mid-tower cases, and the black PCB with silver accents gives it a professional and premium touch. I noticed the heatsinks are not just for show; they’re substantial and well-placed, ensuring efficient heat dissipation during high-performance tasks. The layout is intuitive, with clearly labeled headers and ports, making installation straightforward even for someone like me who isn’t an expert at building PCs. The RGB lighting, while not over the top, adds an aesthetically pleasing accent for those who like a bit of flair in their build.

Performance and Features

This motherboard supports AMD’s AM5 socket, making it compatible with the latest Ryzen processors. During my testing, I paired it with a Ryzen 7 7700X, and the performance was nothing short of phenomenal. The inclusion of DDR5 support felt like a game-changer; I noticed faster load times and smoother multitasking compared to my previous DDR4 setup. It also supports PCIe 5.0, which is perfect for future-proofing, especially if you’re planning on upgrading to the next generation of GPUs or NVMe SSDs.

The connectivity options are another strong point. The Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN work seamlessly, providing high-speed internet without any noticeable lag. I tested both wireless and wired connections, and I was impressed by the consistently strong and stable network performance. On the audio front, the Realtek ALC1220-VB codec delivers crisp and immersive sound quality, which I appreciated while gaming and streaming movies.

Key Benefits

• DDR5 support ensures faster memory speeds and future-proofing for upcoming technologies.
• Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN provide excellent connectivity for gaming and work-from-home setups.
• PCIe 5.0 compatibility enables the use of next-generation components.
• The intuitive layout and robust build quality make installation easy and secure.

Less Favorable Aspects

• The price might be a bit steep for those on a tight budget.
• Some users might find the RGB lighting options somewhat limited compared to other brands.
• It could have used additional USB-C ports for improved connectivity with modern devices.

Good Points for Gaming and Content Creation

As someone who uses their PC for both gaming and video editing, I found this motherboard to be a strong performer. The multiple M.2 slots allowed me to install high-speed SSDs, significantly reducing file transfer and boot times. I also appreciated the robust VRM cooling, which kept temperatures manageable even during intense gaming sessions. If you’re a content creator, the high RAM capacity and fast data transfer rates make it an excellent choice for rendering and multitasking. Gamers will enjoy the low latency network options and audio enhancements, which add a competitive edge.

Competing Products

When comparing this motherboard to others in its class, such as the ASUS ROG Strix B650-E or MSI MPG B650 Carbon WiFi, several differences stood out. The ASUS model offers slightly better RGB customization, which might appeal to users focused on aesthetics. On the other hand, the MSI motherboard provides more USB-C ports, which is a win for those with multiple modern peripherals. However, the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Pro AX excels in its thermal performance and connectivity options, making it my go-to choice for heavy workloads and gaming. While the ASUS and MSI options are solid picks, they don’t quite match up in terms of Wi-Fi 6E stability and overall build quality.

Cost Efficiency

Considering the features packed into this motherboard, I believe it offers excellent value for money. The inclusion of next-gen technologies like DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 means you’re investing in a product that won’t become obsolete anytime soon. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the performance improvements and premium build quality justify the price tag. If you’re building a PC that you plan to use for years to come, this motherboard is worth the investment. It strikes a good balance between cutting-edge features and practicality.

Additional information