Key points
- The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F and MSI MPG Z690 Carbon are two of the top contenders in the ATX motherboard market for Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors.
- The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F boasts a powerful 16+1+1 phase VRM, while the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon features a 16+1+2 phase design.
- Both the ROG Strix Z690-F and MPG Z690 Carbon support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory in a quad-channel configuration.
The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F and MSI MPG Z690 Carbon are two of the top contenders in the ATX motherboard market for Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors. Both boards offer a comprehensive feature set, but they differ in certain aspects that may influence your choice. In this detailed comparison, we will delve into the key features, specifications, and performance of these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
VRM and Power Delivery:
The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F boasts a powerful 16+1+1 phase VRM, while the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon features a 16+1+2 phase design. Both motherboards utilize high-quality components to ensure stable power delivery to the CPU, even under heavy overclocking conditions. However, the ROG Strix Z690-F has a slight edge in terms of VRM cooling with its larger heatsink, which may provide better thermal performance during extended workloads.
Memory Support:
Both the ROG Strix Z690-F and MPG Z690 Carbon support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory in a quad-channel configuration. They offer similar memory overclocking capabilities, with support for speeds up to 6000MHz or higher with XMP profiles. However, the ROG Strix Z690-F provides additional memory tuning options through its exclusive ASUS OptiMem III technology, which helps improve signal integrity and memory stability.
Storage Connectivity:
In terms of storage connectivity, the ROG Strix Z690-F and MPG Z690 Carbon offer ample options. They both feature four M.2 slots, with the ROG Strix Z690-F supporting up to three PCIe 4.0 x4 drives and one PCIe 3.0 x4 drive, while the MPG Z690 Carbon supports two PCIe 4.0 x4 drives and two PCIe 3.0 x4 drives. Additionally, both motherboards include six SATA III ports for traditional hard drives or SSDs.
Expansion Slots:
For expansion cards, the ROG Strix Z690-F offers three full-length PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, while the MPG Z690 Carbon provides two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot. The ROG Strix Z690-F’s additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot can be beneficial for multi-GPU setups or high-bandwidth devices. Both motherboards also include PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for additional expansion options.
Connectivity and Features:
In terms of connectivity, both motherboards offer a wide range of options. They both feature Intel Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast and reliable network connectivity. Additionally, they include multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and USB 2.0 ports. The ROG Strix Z690-F has a slight edge in audio features with its SupremeFX 7.1 S1220A audio codec, while the MPG Z690 Carbon includes a Realtek ALC4080 codec.
BIOS and Software:
Both the ROG Strix Z690-F and MPG Z690 Carbon offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with intuitive navigation and comprehensive overclocking options. They also come with dedicated software suites that provide additional control and monitoring capabilities. The ROG Strix Z690-F’s Armoury Crate software provides a centralized hub for controlling various system settings, including lighting, overclocking, and fan profiles. The MPG Z690 Carbon’s MSI Center software offers similar functionality, but it also includes additional features such as AI-powered performance optimization and system diagnostics.
Final Verdict:
The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F and MSI MPG Z690 Carbon are both excellent ATX motherboards for Intel’s 12th-generation processors. The ROG Strix Z690-F offers superior VRM cooling, enhanced memory tuning options, and a more comprehensive audio solution. However, the MPG Z690 Carbon provides a more affordable option with similar performance and a slightly more compact form factor. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: Both motherboards have excellent overclocking capabilities, but the ROG Strix Z690-F may have a slight edge due to its more robust VRM and cooling system.
Q: Which motherboard supports faster memory speeds?
A: Both motherboards support up to DDR5-6000MHz or higher with XMP profiles, but the ROG Strix Z690-F’s OptiMem III technology may provide better memory stability at higher speeds.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: Both motherboards offer four M.2 slots and six SATA III ports, providing ample storage connectivity.