Gigabyte B450 AORUS M Motherboard Review Powerful Features for Budget-Friendly Builds
Gigabyte B450 AORUS M Motherboard Review Powerful Features for Budget-Friendly Builds
- Reliable performance with seamless compatibility for various AMD processors, including Ryzen and Athlon series.
- Excellent cooling provided by the M.2 NVMe thermal protection, ensuring components remain at optimal temperatures.
- Impressive audio quality thanks to high-grade capacitors and integrated noise protection, delivering a crisp and immersive sound experience.
- Customizable RGB lighting with RGB Fusion 2.0, allowing for a vibrant and personalized aesthetic.
- Versatile display options supported by HDMI and DVI-D ports for multi-monitor setups.
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Description
Design and Build Quality
The Gigabyte B450 AORUS M motherboard strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. It’s compact with its Micro ATX form factor, which is a huge win for those who prefer smaller builds without sacrificing features. The black PCB with RGB accents adds just the right amount of flair. I personally found the RGB Fusion 2.0 lighting system super easy to tweak, and it genuinely elevates the visual appeal of the motherboard. But it’s not all about the looks—this board feels solid. The high-quality audio capacitors and the durable PCIe slots gave me confidence that it’s built to last.
That said, the layout could be a mixed bag depending on your build. The placement of the M.2 slot is convenient for cooling, but I noticed it gets a bit tight if you’re working with a bulky GPU. Still, the compact size is an ideal match for space-conscious builds.
Performance and Compatibility
What stood out immediately is the motherboard’s impressive compatibility. It supports AMD Ryzen processors, including the 5000 series, making it future-proof for most users. I tested it with a Ryzen 7 processor, and the performance was smooth. The 64 GB DDR4 RAM capacity is more than enough for gaming, multitasking, and even light workstation tasks.
The dual-channel DDR4 memory slots work seamlessly, and I managed to achieve 3200 MHz speeds without any hiccups. For gaming, the AMD Quad-GPU CrossFire and 2-Way AMD CrossFire technology ensures you’ll have no issues running multi-GPU setups. However, I didn’t test it with more than one GPU, so I can’t vouch for how well it handles extreme configurations.
Key Benefits
- Wide compatibility with multiple generations of AMD Ryzen processors.
- RGB Fusion 2.0 adds customizable lighting for a sleek look.
- M.2 support with thermal protection ensures fast storage performance without overheating.
- High-quality audio capacitors provide clear and immersive sound.
- Compact Micro ATX design fits smaller cases while still packing features.
Areas for Improvement
- The M.2 slot placement can feel cramped with larger GPUs.
- Only two USB 2.0 ports, which might limit connectivity for some users.
- The BIOS interface, while functional, feels slightly outdated compared to competitors.
Features Worth Highlighting
One of my favorite aspects is the ultrafast PCIe Gen3 x4 M.2 NVMe slot. I paired it with an NVMe SSD, and the boot times were ridiculously fast. Additionally, the thermal protection on the M.2 slot gives some peace of mind for those who push their systems hard.
Another standout feature is the Realtek GbE LAN chip, which delivered stable and lag-free connections during online gaming sessions. Though I didn’t test the HDMI and DVI-D ports extensively, having multiple display options is a nice touch for dual-monitor setups.
Market Rivals
When comparing this motherboard to others like the MSI B450 Gaming Plus or the ASUS TUF B450M-PLUS Gaming, a few differences become apparent. The Gigabyte B450 AORUS M excels in design, thanks to its RGB Fusion 2.0 lighting. However, the MSI board has a more user-friendly BIOS, which might appeal to beginners.
The ASUS TUF B450M-PLUS is slightly better in terms of durability, especially the reinforced PCIe slots. But, the Gigabyte’s audio capacitors and RGB customization pull it ahead in terms of gaming and aesthetic appeal. Each board has its strengths, but the Gigabyte B450 AORUS M delivers a well-rounded experience for gamers and casual builders alike.
Price Performance
For the features offered, this motherboard delivers excellent value for money. Its compatibility with AMD’s latest processors, combined with advanced features like M.2 thermal protection and RGB Fusion 2.0, makes it a smart choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts. While it doesn’t come with premium bells and whistles, you’re not overpaying for unnecessary extras. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly board that doesn’t compromise on essentials, this one is worth considering.
Additional information
Processor | amd_ryzen_7 |
---|---|
RAM | 64 GB DDR4 |
Memory Speed | 3200 MHz |
Wireless Type | 802.11a |
Number of USB 20 Ports | 2 |
Brand | GIGABYTE |
Series | B450 AORUS M |
Item model number | B450 AORUS M |
Item Weight | 2.2 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 9.61 x 9.61 x 1.18 inches |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.61 x 9.61 x 1.18 inches |
Color | Black |
Number of Processors | 1 |
Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
Voltage | 12 Volts |
Manufacturer | Gigabyte |
Language | English, English, English, English, English |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |