Quick Overview
- The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi features a sleek and stylish design with a carbon fiber-inspired pattern on the heatsink and I/O shroud.
- Both the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are based on Intel’s Z790 chipset and support LGA 1700 socket processors, including the latest 13th-generation Raptor Lake CPUs.
- The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are both exceptional motherboards that offer a wide range of features and excellent performance.
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are two of the most anticipated motherboards for Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake processors. Both motherboards offer a plethora of features, including support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and the latest connectivity options. But which one is the better choice for your next high-end gaming or content creation build? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi against the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Aesthetics:
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi features a sleek and stylish design with a carbon fiber-inspired pattern on the heatsink and I/O shroud. The board’s black and silver color scheme gives it a premium look and feel. On the other hand, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero sports a more aggressive design with sharp angles and RGB lighting accents. The board’s predominantly black color scheme is complemented by red and silver accents, giving it a distinctive ROG aesthetic.
Feature Comparison:
1. Chipset and Socket:
Both the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are based on Intel’s Z790 chipset and support LGA 1700 socket processors, including the latest 13th-generation Raptor Lake CPUs.
2. Memory Support:
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, with the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi offering support for up to 128GB of RAM at speeds of up to 7200MHz. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero also supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, but it can handle speeds of up to 7800MHz, giving it a slight edge in terms of memory overclocking potential.
3. Storage Options:
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi provides six SATA III ports and four M.2 slots, including three PCIe 4.0 x4 slots and one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero also offers six SATA III ports, but it has five M.2 slots, including four PCIe 4.0 x4 slots and one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot. Both motherboards offer ample storage options for NVMe SSDs and other high-speed storage devices.
4. Connectivity:
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero come equipped with a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and a 2.5GbE LAN port. Both motherboards also feature multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports for high-speed data transfer.
5. Expansion Slots:
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi offers three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a similar expansion slot layout, with three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Both motherboards provide ample expansion options for graphics cards, storage devices, and other add-on cards.
6. Audio:
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi features Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero comes equipped with the SupremeFX ALC4082 audio codec. Both motherboards offer high-quality audio performance, with support for immersive surround sound and advanced audio features.
7. RGB Lighting:
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero both feature RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the look of your build. The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi has Mystic Light RGB, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has Aura Sync RGB. Both lighting systems offer a wide range of customization options, allowing you to create stunning lighting effects.
Performance and Overclocking:
Both the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero deliver excellent performance and overclocking capabilities. The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi’s robust VRM design and cooling solution ensure stable operation even under heavy loads. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero also features a powerful VRM and a comprehensive BIOS that provides extensive overclocking options.
Takeaways:
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero are both exceptional motherboards that offer a wide range of features and excellent performance. The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi is a solid choice for those looking for a stylish and feature-rich motherboard with strong overclocking capabilities. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero is an excellent option for enthusiasts who demand the best in terms of performance, features, and aesthetics. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What People Want to Know
1. Which motherboard has better memory overclocking potential?
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a slight edge in terms of memory overclocking potential, with support for DDR5 speeds of up to 7800MHz compared to the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi‘s 7200MHz.
2. Which motherboard has more storage options?
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero offers more storage options, with five M.2 slots compared to the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi‘s four M.2 slots.
3. Which motherboard has better audio performance?
Both motherboards offer high-quality audio performance, but the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero has a slight edge with its SupremeFX ALC4082 audio codec compared to the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi’s Realtek ALC4080 codec.