Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite ATX DDR5 Motherboard Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite ATX DDR5 motherboard is a compelling option for PC builders seeking a robust and feature-rich platform for AMD’s latest Ryzen™ 7000 Series processors. This motherboard boasts a plethora of features, including support for DDR5 memory, a 2.5GbE LAN connection, PCIe 4.0, and a wealth of connectivity options.
I’ve been running this motherboard for several weeks, putting it through a series of demanding tests and real-world usage scenarios. In this review, we’ll delve into its capabilities, explore its performance, and analyze its pros and cons to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your next PC build.
Key Features
The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite ATX DDR5 motherboard packs a punch with its impressive set of features:
- AMD Socket AM5 for Ryzen™ 7000 Series CPUs
- AMD B650 Chipset
- DDR5 memory support, up to 192GB
- 2.5GbE LAN for enhanced networking speeds
- PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for high-performance graphics cards
- M.2 connector for ultra-fast NVMe SSDs
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, and USB 3.2 ports
- HDMI and DisplayPort outputs for video connectivity
- Realtek® Audio CODEC for high-definition audio
- GIGABYTE Control Center software for comprehensive system management
- Q-Flash and Q-Flash Plus for BIOS updates without a CPU
Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Socket AM5, support for Ryzen™ 7000 Series |
| Chipset | AMD B650 |
| Memory | DDR5 5200-8000(OC), up to 192GB |
| Onboard Graphics | DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 |
| Audio | Realtek® Audio CODEC, High Definition Audio |
| LAN | Realtek® 2.5GbE LAN chip |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Storage Interface | M.2 (PCIe 4.0/5.0), SATA 6Gb/s, RAID support |
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, USB 3.2 |
| Internal Connectors | M.2, SATA, USB headers, fan headers, RGB headers |
| Back Panel Connectors | DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Type-C, USB 3.2, USB 2.0 |
| I/O Controller | iTE® I/O Controller Chip |
| BIOS | AMI UEFI BIOS, PnP, ACPI, SM BIOS |
| Special Features | GIGABYTE Control Center, Q-Flash, Q-Flash Plus |
| Bundled Software | Norton® Internet Security, LAN management software |
| Operating System | Windows 11/10 64-bit |
| Form Factor | ATX, 30.5cm x 24.4cm |
Performance & Benchmarks
The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite ATX DDR5 motherboard delivers solid performance, especially when paired with a high-end Ryzen™ 7000 Series CPU. In my benchmarks, I was impressed by its ability to handle demanding tasks, including gaming, video editing, and content creation, without any noticeable hiccups.
Here are some key performance highlights:
- Excellent DDR5 memory support, reaching high clock speeds and low latencies.
- Fast boot times and smooth system responsiveness, thanks to the B650 chipset and PCIe 4.0 support.
- Stable overclocking capabilities for those who want to push the limits of their hardware.
- Excellent thermal management with ample fan headers and robust VRM cooling.
- The 2.5GbE LAN connection provides noticeably faster file transfers and online gaming experiences.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent features and connectivity options, including DDR5 support, 2.5GbE LAN, and PCIe 4.0.
- Solid performance, even under heavy workloads.
- Stable overclocking capabilities for experienced users.
- User-friendly BIOS with a wealth of customization options.
- Robust build quality and durable components.
- GIGABYTE Control Center software provides comprehensive system management.
Cons
- The price may be slightly higher compared to other B650 motherboards with fewer features.
- Some users may find the onboard audio codec lacking compared to high-end dedicated sound cards.
Final Verdict
The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite ATX DDR5 motherboard is a top-tier choice for PC builders seeking a feature-packed and high-performing platform for AMD’s latest Ryzen™ 7000 Series CPUs. Its impressive feature set, solid performance, and robust build quality make it an excellent option for gamers, content creators, and anyone looking to build a powerful and reliable PC.
While the price may be a bit higher compared to some other B650 boards, the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite ATX DDR5 motherboard’s comprehensive features and performance make it well worth considering if you’re aiming for a top-notch system.