Question Is the B650 AORUS Elite AX worth it over the Gaming X AX V2 for the Microcenter 9700X Bundle?

[liquidchaos]

Working out putting together a new build to get back into gaming and looking for some feedback.
I have a GTX1080 and 750W PSU lying around planned to be used to lower cost initially. Also planning to use the following for cooler/RAM/storage/case:

• Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120SE
• G.Skill Flare X5 Series 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 Kit
• TEAMGROUP MP44L 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD
• Phanteks XT Pro Mid-Tower

I would like the build to be as future proof as much as reasonable to allow upgrade of GPU if desired for better then 1080p graphics. Taking advantage of current MicroCenter bundles in my area, out of the following configurations which would be the best value to performance for a computer build that will be used primarily for gaming?(initial games include starcraft 2, modern warfare 3, overwatch 2 and marvel rivals)

1. AMD Ryzen 7 9700X, Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX V2 AMD. TOTAL: $548
2. AMD Ryzen 7 9700X, Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ICE. TOTAL: $598

I am not really hard budget constrained but want to avoid wasting money if something doesn't make sense or matter. I do want the ability to tune processor and ram operating parameters which both seem able to do equally from what i can tell. My initial thoughts are that option 1 would be sufficient but was having doubts on if the VRM config would come back to bite me for a difference of $50 (Direct 8+2+2 60A vs Twin 12+2+2 60A for option 2)
Any reason that the Gigabyte B650 Gaming X AX V2 AMD would be a short sighted choice here to save $50?

 

[Lutfij]

I would get the higher priced package, since the power delivery is of a better design, more USB ports and a white aesthetic. Besides that, they are practically the same board. Just an FYI, you should flash the BIOS to a latter version before dropping in that processor onto the socket.

 

[liquidchaos]

I would get the higher priced package, since the power delivery is of a better design, more USB ports and a white aesthetic. Besides that, they are practically the same board. Just an FYI, you should flash the BIOS to a latter version before dropping in that processor onto the socket.

I know i may be splitting hairs here but for my education, with the VRM designs is there any real world practical difference advantage of one over the other?

- Direct 8+2+2 60A drmos seems it would have an edge for gaming since it better power controls(transient response, stability, efficiency of more direct phases) vs 12+2+2(parallel 6+6, not true 12) 60A drmos having better peak power capability(720W vs 480W)
- In the end both seem to perform good enough for the foreseeable future even with a CPU update or overclocking based on Hardware Unboxed VRM temp testing: both stayed below 70C with a 7950X running Cinebench R23 for 1hr (Gaming @ 67C and Aorus @ 52C)