Highlights
- The ROG Strix Z790-E utilizes a 16+1 power stage design, while the MPG Z790 Carbon employs a 14+1+1 power stage design.
- The ROG Strix Z790-E comes equipped with a large VRM heatsink and a dedicated M.
- The MPG Z790 Carbon also features a robust heatsink design, including a large VRM heatsink and integrated M.
The motherboard is the backbone of your gaming PC, providing the foundation for your components and enabling them to communicate seamlessly. When it comes to high-performance motherboards for Intel’s latest 13th-generation processors, two top contenders emerge: the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon. In this in-depth comparison, we will delve into the key features, specifications, and performance of these two exceptional motherboards to help you make an informed decision for your next build.
Design and Aesthetics
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E: The ROG Strix Z790-E sports a sleek and aggressive design with a predominantly black and silver color scheme. Its angular lines and intricate detailing give it a futuristic and intimidating appearance. The board features RGB lighting zones that can be customized using ASUS’s Aura Sync software, allowing you to create a vibrant and personalized gaming rig.
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon: The MPG Z790 Carbon, on the other hand, exudes a more understated elegance with its matte black finish and carbon fiber accents. Its clean lines and subtle RGB lighting give it a sophisticated and professional look. The board’s heatsinks are adorned with the MSI dragon logo, adding a touch of character and flair.
Connectivity and Expansion
Both the ROG Strix Z790-E and MPG Z790 Carbon offer robust connectivity options, including:
- PCIe 5.0: Both motherboards support the latest PCIe 5.0 interface, providing lightning-fast data transfer speeds for compatible graphics cards and storage devices.
- M.2 Slots: The ROG Strix Z790-E features five M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot, while the MPG Z790 Carbon offers four M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot.
- USB Ports: Both motherboards provide ample USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), and USB 2.0 ports.
- Networking: The ROG Strix Z790-E boasts Intel’s 2.5 GbE LAN, while the MPG Z790 Carbon offers Realtek’s 2.5 GbE LAN and Intel’s Wi-Fi 6E AX211 wireless connectivity.
Power Delivery and Cooling
Power Delivery: Both motherboards feature robust power delivery systems to handle the power demands of high-performance processors. The ROG Strix Z790-E utilizes a 16+1 power stage design, while the MPG Z790 Carbon employs a 14+1+1 power stage design.
Cooling: The ROG Strix Z790-E comes equipped with a large VRM heatsink and a dedicated M.2 heatsink to ensure efficient cooling. The MPG Z790 Carbon also features a robust heatsink design, including a large VRM heatsink and integrated M.2 heatsinks.
Features and Software
BIOS and Overclocking: Both motherboards offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with comprehensive overclocking options. The ROG Strix Z790-E features ASUS’s exclusive AI Overclocking technology, which automatically optimizes your system’s performance based on your hardware configuration.
Software: ASUS provides a suite of software tools, including Armoury Crate, Aura Sync, and Fan Xpert, to enhance your gaming experience. MSI offers MSI Center, a unified software platform that provides access to system monitoring, overclocking, and RGB lighting control.
Performance
Both the ROG Strix Z790-E and MPG Z790 Carbon deliver exceptional performance in various benchmarks and gaming scenarios.
- Gaming Performance: In real-world gaming tests, both motherboards show minimal performance differences, providing smooth and responsive gameplay.
- Overclocking Potential: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking headroom, allowing you to push your processor and memory to their limits.
- Stability and Reliability: Both ASUS and MSI have a reputation for producing high-quality and reliable motherboards, ensuring stability and durability for your system.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and MSI MPG Z790 Carbon are both premium motherboards with comparable pricing. Their availability may vary depending on your region and retailer.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and MSI MPG Z790 Carbon ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- For gamers and enthusiasts: The ROG Strix Z790-E offers a more aggressive design, robust power delivery, and comprehensive software suite for overclocking and customization.
- For content creators and professionals: The MPG Z790 Carbon provides a more understated aesthetic, ample connectivity options, and integrated Wi-Fi 6E for seamless wireless connectivity.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking potential, but the ROG Strix Z790-E has a slight edge due to its AI Overclocking technology.
Q: Which motherboard has more RGB lighting zones?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-E features more RGB lighting zones than the MPG Z790 Carbon, allowing for more extensive customization options.
Q: Which motherboard is better suited for multi-GPU configurations?
A: The ROG Strix Z790-E offers more PCIe x16 slots than the MPG Z790 Carbon, making it a better choice for multi-GPU setups.