Quick summary
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro has a Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, while the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi features a Realtek ALC4082 codec.
- However, if you prefer more DIMM slots, a better audio codec, and a more affordable price, the MSI board is a solid option.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi are both exceptional motherboards that offer a wide range of features and capabilities.
The realm of PC hardware is constantly evolving, and motherboards are no exception. With the advent of Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors, two formidable contenders have emerged in the Z690 chipset category: the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi. Both motherboards boast an array of features and capabilities, but which one comes out on top? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to find out.
Feature Comparison
Form Factor and Design
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi share the standard ATX form factor, offering ample space for component installation. Aesthetically, the Gigabyte board features a sleek black PCB with gold accents, while the MSI board sports a more understated gray and black color scheme. Both motherboards feature RGB lighting, allowing for customizable aesthetics.
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards are based on Intel’s Z690 chipset, which supports 12th-generation Intel Core processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, providing compatibility with the latest Intel CPUs.
Memory Support
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory across four DIMM slots, with speeds of up to 6400MHz. The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi also supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, but it has two more DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum of 64GB per slot.
Storage Options
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro offers an extensive range of storage options. It has eight SATA III ports and four M.2 slots, two of which support PCIe 5.0. The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi also features eight SATA III ports but has only three M.2 slots, with one supporting PCIe 5.0.
Expansion Slots
Both motherboards provide ample expansion options. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi has two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
Connectivity
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi offer comprehensive connectivity options. Both motherboards feature Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet, ensuring fast and reliable networking. The Gigabyte board has an additional 10Gb Ethernet port, providing even higher bandwidth.
Performance Comparison
In terms of performance, both motherboards offer excellent stability and overclocking capabilities. However, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro has a slight edge in memory overclocking, thanks to its enhanced power delivery system.
Features Comparison
BIOS and Software
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide extensive customization options. Both motherboards also have bundled software suites that offer additional features, such as monitoring, overclocking, and RGB lighting control.
Audio and Networking
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro has a Realtek ALC1220-VB audio codec, while the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi features a Realtek ALC4082 codec. Both codecs deliver high-quality audio, but the ALC4082 is slightly better in terms of signal-to-noise ratio.
Overclocking Support
Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities, with the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro having a slight advantage due to its more robust power delivery system.
Pros and Cons
Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro
Pros:
- Excellent memory overclocking capabilities
- Extensive storage options
- Advanced power delivery system
- Additional 10Gb Ethernet port
Cons:
- Fewer DIMM slots than MSI board
- Slightly more expensive
MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi
Pros:
- More DIMM slots than Gigabyte board
- Better audio codec
- More affordable
Cons:
- Fewer storage options
- Slightly weaker power delivery system
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize memory overclocking, storage capacity, and additional Ethernet connectivity, the Gigabyte board is the better choice. However, if you prefer more DIMM slots, a better audio codec, and a more affordable price, the MSI board is a solid option.
The Bottom Line: The Ultimate Choice
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi are both exceptional motherboards that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. The Gigabyte board excels in memory overclocking and storage options, while the MSI board provides a better audio codec and more DIMM slots. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual requirements and budget.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro has a slight edge in memory overclocking due to its enhanced power delivery system.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro offers a wider range of storage options, including four M.2 slots with two supporting PCIe 5.0.
Q: Which motherboard has more DIMM slots?
A: The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi has two more DIMM slots than the Gigabyte board, allowing for a maximum of 64GB per slot.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi features a slightly better audio codec, the Realtek ALC4082, which provides a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi is generally more affordable than the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro.