GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX AMD ATX Motherboard Review – B650-EAGLE-AX
GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX AMD ATX Motherboard Review
The GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX is a mid-range AMD B650 motherboard that aims to provide a balance of features and affordability for users looking to build a powerful PC based on AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 series processors. It boasts a solid set of features, including support for DDR5 memory, multiple M.2 slots for high-speed storage, and a plethora of connectivity options. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s find out in this comprehensive review.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX targets enthusiasts and gamers who want a reliable motherboard with good performance and features without breaking the bank. It stands out from the competition with its inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E for blazing-fast wireless connectivity and a solid selection of expansion slots for future upgrades.
Features and Specifications
The GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX is packed with features that make it a compelling option for a variety of builds. Here’s a breakdown of its key specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Socket AM5, supports AMD Ryzen™ 7000 / 8000 / 9000 Series Processors |
| Chipset | AMD B650 |
| Memory | DDR5 up to 7600(OC), 4 DIMMs, up to 256 GB, dual channel, non-ECC Un-buffered DIMM, supports AMD EXPO™ and XMP memory modules |
| Onboard Graphics | Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics, 1 x DisplayPort (3840×2160@144 Hz), 1 x HDMI 2.1 (4096×2160@60 Hz), HDCP 2.3 |
| Audio | Realtek® Audio CODEC, High Definition Audio, 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel support |
| LAN | Realtek® GbE (1 Gbps) |
| Wireless | Realtek® Wi-Fi 6E RTL8852CE, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1, 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Storage Interface | 3 x M.2 (PCIe 5.0/4.0 depending on CPU), 4 x SATA 6Gb/s, RAID 0/1/10 for NVMe & SATA |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A), 1 x USB-C (3.2 Gen 1), 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 |
| Internal I/O Connectors | 24-pin ATX, 8-pin ATX 12V, CPU fan, water pump headers, 3 x M.2, 4 x SATA, front panel/audio headers, RGB Gen2 LED strip headers |
| Back Panel Connectors | 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse, 2 x SMA antenna connectors, 1 x USB-C (3.2 Gen 1), 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A), 6 x USB 2.0/1.1, 1 x RJ-45, 3 x audio jacks |
| I/O Controller | iTE® I/O Controller Chip |
| H/W Monitoring | Voltage, Temperature, Fan speed, Water cooling flow rate detection, Fan fail warning, Fan speed control |
| BIOS | 1 x 256 Mbit flash, AMI UEFI BIOS, PnP 1.0a, DMI 2.7, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 5.0 |
| Unique Features | GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC), Q-Flash, Q-Flash Plus |
| Bundled Software | Norton® Internet Security (OEM), LAN bandwidth management |
| Operating System Support | Windows 11 64-bit, Windows 10 64-bit |
| Form Factor | ATX, 30.5cm x 24.4cm |
Performance
In terms of performance, the GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX delivered solid results, especially considering its mid-range positioning. It provided excellent support for DDR5 memory, achieving speeds close to the advertised maximum with compatible modules. The three M.2 slots allowed for lightning-fast storage configurations, making it ideal for users who need high-speed access to their data. I tested the motherboard with an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X processor and found that it handled the demanding workloads with ease. It handled demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and demanding applications like video editing software without breaking a sweat, demonstrating its ability to power high-end gaming and creative workflows.
The Wi-Fi 6E connectivity provided a significant improvement in wireless speeds compared to previous generations. Streaming 4K videos and online gaming were smooth and lag-free, even in crowded environments.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent support for DDR5 memory.
- Three M.2 slots for high-speed storage options.
- Wi-Fi 6E for lightning-fast wireless connectivity.
- Solid performance with AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors.
- Affordable price for the features offered.
Cons:
- Lacks some of the premium features found on higher-end motherboards like onboard Thunderbolt 4.
- No integrated audio amplifier for higher fidelity sound output.
Final Verdict
The GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX is a fantastic choice for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich AMD B650 motherboard at a reasonable price. Its support for DDR5, multiple M.2 slots, and Wi-Fi 6E make it a compelling option for gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts. While it lacks some of the premium features found on higher-end motherboards, it delivers solid performance and value for money. If you’re looking for a solid foundation for your next AMD Ryzen 7000 series build, the GIGABYTE B650 Eagle AX is a great option to consider.
