What To Know
- Both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and MSI MPG Z790 Carbon are based on the Intel Z790 chipset, providing support for the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors.
- The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and MSI MPG Z790 Carbon are both excellent motherboards for high-end gaming and content creation PCs.
- The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a slight edge in memory overclocking potential.
In the realm of high-end motherboards for the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors, two titans emerge: the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon. Both boards boast cutting-edge features, superior performance, and premium aesthetics. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s embark on a detailed comparison to determine the ultimate winner.
Chipset and Features
Both the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and MSI MPG Z790 Carbon are based on the Intel Z790 chipset, providing support for the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors. However, they differ in their feature sets:
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E:
- 18+1 power stages
- PCIe 5.0 x16 slot
- Four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots
- 10Gb Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Realtek ALC4080 audio codec
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon:
- 18+1+1 power stages
- PCIe 5.0 x16 slot
- Four PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots
- 2.5Gb Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6
- Realtek ALC4080 audio codec
Power Delivery and Cooling
Power delivery is crucial for sustained performance and overclocking. Both motherboards feature robust power delivery systems with high-quality components:
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E:
- 18+1 power stages with 90A power stages
- Integrated VRM heatsink with extended surface area
- ProCool II power connectors
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon:
- 18+1+1 power stages with 90A power stages
- Extended heatsink design with two M.2 heatsinks
- 8-layer PCB with 2oz copper
Expansion and Connectivity
Both motherboards offer ample expansion and connectivity options:
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E:
- Six SATA ports
- Four USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports
- Four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
- Two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
- Two USB 2.0 ports
- HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon:
- Six SATA ports
- Four USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports
- Three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
- Four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
- Two USB 2.0 ports
- HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs
Aesthetics and Customization
Both motherboards feature striking aesthetics and customizable RGB lighting:
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E:
- Black and silver color scheme with ROG branding
- Addressable RGB headers
- Aura Sync software for lighting control
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon:
- Black and carbon fiber design
- Mystic Light RGB headers
- Mystic Light software for lighting control
BIOS and Overclocking
The BIOS is essential for system customization and overclocking. Both motherboards offer user-friendly interfaces and advanced overclocking features:
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E:
- UEFI BIOS with EZ Mode and Advanced Mode
- AI Overclocking and AI Cooling
- EZ Flash 3 for BIOS updates
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon:
- Click BIOS 5 interface
- EZ Mode and Advanced Mode
- M-Flash for BIOS updates
Performance and Benchmarks
In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver exceptional results. However, there are slight differences:
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E:
- Higher memory overclocking potential
- Better thermal performance due to extended heatsink
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon:
- Slightly better gaming performance
- Faster storage performance with PCIe 5.0 support
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and MSI MPG Z790 Carbon are both excellent motherboards for high-end gaming and content creation PCs. However, each board has its strengths and weaknesses:
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E:
- Superior power delivery and cooling
- Extensive connectivity options
- Better memory overclocking potential
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon:
- Faster gaming performance
- Improved storage performance
- Sleeker aesthetics
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize overclocking, power delivery, and connectivity, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E is the superior option. However, if you value aesthetics, gaming performance, and PCIe 5.0 support, the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon may be a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a slight edge in memory overclocking potential.
Q: Is the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon faster for gaming?
A: Yes, the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon offers slightly better gaming performance.
Q: Which motherboard has more connectivity options?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E has a wider range of connectivity options, including 10Gb Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E.
