The AM5 platform is here, and Gigabyte offers a compelling option for those looking to build their new AMD system on a budget with the B650 Aorus Elite AX Ice Motherboard. Boasting an icy white aesthetic and robust feature set, let’s look at what this board offers.
The B650 Aorus Elite AX Ice aims to deliver everything mainstream PC builders seek in an affordable package. While it misses out on some premium niceties typically reserved for higher-end boards, it has solid performance for the money. Its attractive design will also stand out from the sea of standard black PCBs.
Striking White Design
Right out of the box, the B650 Aorus Elite AX Ice’s white PCB and heatsinks demand attention. Gigabyte opted for an icy, angular brushed aluminum finish that gives it a premium look and feel. Aorus branding and the iconic falcon logo adorn the MOSFET heatsink, while most other components retain a darker tone for visual contrast. Underneath lies a 6-layer PCB for signal integrity.
Gigabyte’s software manages a single addressable RGB LED zone below the chipset heatsink. While minimalist, it adds just the right amount of lighting splash without going overboard. The white scheme pairs excellently with light-themed builds. Overall, Gigabyte nailed the aesthetic with this board.
Image Source: Gigabyte
Robust Feature Set
Looking beyond good looks, there’s plenty on tap for builders. The AM5 socket supports current AMD Ryzen processors and future upgrades. Dual-channel DDR5 memory with speeds up to 8000MT/s is available across four reinforced slots. While overclocking headroom may be limited, standard XMP profiles are easily within reach.
Storage aficionados get three M.2 slots – one PCIe 5.0 x4 and two PCIe 4.0 x4. Together with four SATA ports, extensive quick storage is feasible. Gigabyte’s EZ-Latch mechanism makes installing and uninstalling drives a breeze. Graphics cards also benefit from ultra-durable PCIe 4.0 x16 reinforcement on the primary slot.
Additional perks include onboard Wi-Fi 6E, a 2.5GbE LAN port, multiple fan headers, and an astounding 12 USB port out back. Power delivery relies on a capable 8+2 phase VRM to handle even high-end Ryzen CPUs at stock and modestly overclocked settings. Overall, it provides an excellent baseline of connectivity and performance.
Competitive Gaming Performance
Testing the B650 Aorus Elite AX Ice with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X revealed powerful performance across various workloads. In gaming and synthetic benchmarks, speeds kept pace with pricier boards. VRM temperatures also stayed in check under load, demonstrating cooling adequacy.
While overclocking headroom is limited due to the 8+2 design, squeezing more juice is possible. Most users will be better served by leaving the processor in stock,k, where it handles even demanding triple-A titles effortlessly. For any non-enthusiast builder, it delivers everything needed for enjoyable 1440p or 4K gaming.
Specification
| Feature | Specification |
| CPU Support | AMD Socket AM5 supports AMD Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series processors |
| Chipset | AMD B650 chipset |
| Form Factor | ATX form factor |
| Memory Slots | 4 x DDR5 DIMM slots |
| Memory Speed | Up to DDR5-8000 |
| Maximum Memory Capacity | 128GB |
| Expansion Slots | 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 Slots | 1 x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2 x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| SATA Ports | 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports |
| USB Ports (Rear I/O) | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 5 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 x USB 2.0 |
| Networking | Intel 2.5GbE LAN, Intel WiFi 6E |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 8-channel HD audio |
| Fan/RGB Headers | 6 x 4-pin fan headers, 3 x RGB headers, 1 x aRGB header |
| Other Ports | DisplayPort, HDMI, CLR_CMOS button, TPM header |
| Power Delivery | 14+2 phase power design |
| BIOS | 128Mb Flash BIOS |
| Dimensions | 30.5 x 24.4 cm |
| Pricing | $229.99 |
Minimal Downsides
A few caveats regarding the board exist. There’s no PCIe 5.0 support on the primary x16 slot, eliminating potential future-proofing. However, existing high-end cards still fully leverage PCIe 4.0 bandwidth. Troubleshooting can also prove tricky sans an onboard debug display, so overclockers may want to look elsewhere.
Beyond that, the stripped-down Realtek ALC897 audio codec is acceptable for most but won’t satisfy serious audiophiles. As with any B650 option, the heavy Ryzen 9 overclocking headroom will top out sooner than the premium boards. However, these are small concessions at this price point.
Is the B650 Aorus Elite AX Ice Worth It?
For $229.99, the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX Ice proves quite compelling for AMD builders on a budget. Its robust feature set paired with white style delivers excellent value. Paired with a strong Ryzen 5 or 7 chip, flawless gaming at 1440p or higher is viable. Build quality and thermal performance are also respectable, given the cost.
While not without its caveats, mainstream users wanting to access AMD’s latest without breaking the bank will feel at home here. Only hardcore overclockers or those needing bleeding-edge connectivity may desire to upgrade to a higher-tier model.
Otherwise, the B650 Aorus Elite AX Ice is an excellent centerpiece for attractive, robust mid-range AMD Ryzen systems. Its unique look alone may be reason enough to consider for those wanting something different.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Gigabyte has delivered a well-rounded AM5 board at an affordable price through the B650 Aorus Elite AX Ice. Its icy white style and hearty feature pack make it a compelling option for mainstream PC builders who prioritize performance and value together.
With rock-solid construction, cooling, and power delivery to boot, this board deserves strong consideration.
