Motherboard showdown: msi meg z790 godlike vs. asus rog maximus z790 extreme – the final verdict
What To Know
- The Godlike features a black and gold color scheme with a sleek and modern design, while the Maximus Z790 Extreme sports a more aggressive aesthetic with angular lines and RGB lighting.
- The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike has a dedicated overclocking panel on the motherboard, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme features a wide range of overclocking profiles and AI-assisted overclocking.
- However, if you are looking for a slightly more affordable option with excellent performance and a wide range of features, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme is a great choice.
The latest generation of Intel motherboards, the Z790 chipset, has brought forth two behemoths from the world’s leading motherboard manufacturers: the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme. These boards are the pinnacle of Z790 offerings, boasting an array of features and capabilities that cater to the most demanding users. In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme, examining their key specifications, features, and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Feature Comparison
Form Factor and Aesthetics
Both the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme are ATX-sized motherboards, offering ample space for components and expansion cards. The Godlike features a black and gold color scheme with a sleek and modern design, while the Maximus Z790 Extreme sports a more aggressive aesthetic with angular lines and RGB lighting.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards are based on the Intel Z790 chipset, which supports 13th and 12th generation Intel Core processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, enabling compatibility with a wide range of Intel CPUs.
Memory Support
The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme supports up to 64GB. Both boards offer quad-channel memory support, allowing for high-performance memory configurations.
Storage Options
The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike offers eight SATA III ports and five M.2 slots, providing ample storage options. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme has six SATA III ports and four M.2 slots, which may be sufficient for most users.
Connectivity
Both motherboards feature a wide range of connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gb Ethernet. The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike has a slight edge with its 10Gb Ethernet port, which provides faster network speeds.
Expansion Slots
The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and two PCIe 4.0 x1 slots, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme has four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x1 slot. Both boards offer ample expansion options for graphics cards and other add-on cards.
Audio
The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike features a Realtek ALC4082 audio codec, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme has a SupremeFX ALC4080 codec. Both codecs provide high-quality audio performance, but the SupremeFX ALC4080 offers a slight edge with its higher signal-to-noise ratio.
Overclocking
Both motherboards offer extensive overclocking capabilities, with tools and BIOS settings designed for enthusiasts. The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike has a dedicated overclocking panel on the motherboard, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme features a wide range of overclocking profiles and AI-assisted overclocking.
Performance Comparison
In terms of performance, both the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme offer excellent performance in all aspects. They provide stable and reliable operation, with ample headroom for overclocking and customization.
Benchmark Tests
In benchmark tests, both motherboards performed similarly in terms of CPU and memory performance. However, the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike showed a slight advantage in storage performance due to its additional M.2 slots.
Overclocking Results
In overclocking tests, both motherboards were able to push their respective CPUs to their limits. The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike had a slight edge in overclocking stability, but the difference was negligible for most users.
Value for Money
The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme are both high-end motherboards with a premium price tag. The Godlike is slightly more expensive than the Maximus Z790 Extreme, but it offers a few additional features that may be worth the extra cost for some users.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Motherboard
The choice between the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want the absolute best motherboard with the most features and overclocking capabilities, the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a slightly more affordable option with excellent performance and a wide range of features, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme is a great choice.
Information You Need to Know
1. Which motherboard has better audio performance?
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme has a slight edge in audio performance with its SupremeFX ALC4080 codec.
2. Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike has five M.2 slots, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme has four.
3. Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike has a slight edge in overclocking stability.
