GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX V2 motherboard review with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 insights

Description

The GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX V2: A Reliable Motherboard for Gamers and Creators

Design and Build Quality
The GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX V2 immediately impressed me with its sturdy construction and sleek black design. Its ATX form factor fits snugly into most mid-tower cases, and the layout is thoughtfully designed. I had no trouble accessing the 4 SMD DIMM slots, which are DDR5 compatible and support AMD EXPO and Intel XMP memory modules. The M.2 slots are strategically placed to ensure optimal airflow, and the M.2 Thermal Guards are a lifesaver for keeping SSD temperatures in check during intensive workloads.

This board also boasts Direct 8+2+2 Phases Digital VRM Solution, providing stable power delivery even when overclocking. The build quality speaks volumes about durability, and I could tell that GIGABYTE has put significant effort into making this motherboard not just functional but also long-lasting.

Performance
One of the standout features of this motherboard is its support for AMD Ryzen 7000 Series Processors. Pairing it with a Ryzen 7 CPU, I noticed a boost in multitasking and gaming performance. The 5200 MHz memory speed is a game-changer, making everything from rendering to gaming buttery smooth.

The PCIe 5.0 x4 slot is another highlight, ensuring future-proofing for high-speed devices. I tested this with a high-performance GPU, and the data transfer speeds were phenomenal. Additionally, the 2 PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots provided ample space for my SSDs, and the boot times were almost instantaneous.

Advanced Connectivity
The USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port is a blessing, particularly when transferring large files or connecting modern peripherals. With AMD Wi-Fi 6E and Realtek 2.5GbE LAN, I experienced seamless connectivity during online gaming sessions and video conferencing. The Wi-Fi 6E support ensures low latency and excellent range, which is invaluable for those who work or play in larger spaces.

Key Benefits

• Impressive power delivery with the 8+2+2 phases VRM solution.
• Advanced thermal design for better temperature control during high-performance tasks.
• DDR5 compatibility ensures faster data rates and smoother multitasking.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C offers blazing-fast data transfer speeds.
• Future-proof PCIe 5.0 slot for modern and upcoming GPUs.

Caveats
There were a few shortcomings that I noticed while using the motherboard:

• The BIOS interface could be more intuitive for beginners. While it offers many advanced features, the design feels slightly outdated.
• Limited USB 2.0 ports (only 3) might be restrictive for users with multiple older peripherals.
• Some users might find the price a little high, especially if they don’t plan to fully utilize the high-end features like PCIe 5.0 or DDR5 RAM.

Competing Products
Comparing the GIGABYTE B650 Gaming X AX V2 to similar products like the MSI MPG B650 Edge WiFi and ASUS TUF Gaming B650-PLUS, I found a few differences worth noting. The MSI board offers a slightly more polished BIOS interface, while the ASUS model provides additional USB ports. However, the thermal management and future-proof support for PCIe 5.0 make the GIGABYTE model stand out.

In terms of Wi-Fi 6E capabilities, the GIGABYTE board holds its ground, delivering reliable and fast wireless connectivity, something that MSI struggles with slightly. The ASUS board is more budget-friendly but lacks the M.2 Thermal Guards, making it less appealing for users looking to maximize performance.

Value for Money
With all its features, the price to quality ratio of this motherboard is compelling. While it might not be the most affordable option, the investment feels justified if you’re a gamer, content creator, or someone who values high-speed performance and future-proofing. The DDR5 support, combined with the PCIe 5.0 slot and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, ensures that your rig won’t need an upgrade anytime soon.

Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a motherboard that offers exceptional performance, advanced connectivity, and robust build quality, this one is a solid choice. While it has a few areas for improvement, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making it a strong contender for anyone building a modern PC.

Additional information