Quick notes
- The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi has a more minimalist look, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F has a more aggressive aesthetic with angular lines and a large ROG logo.
- The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi has a slight edge in terms of overclocking potential and connectivity, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F has a more aggressive aesthetic and a slightly more affordable price.
- If you’re looking for a more affordable motherboard with a great balance of features and performance, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F is a solid choice.
Are you in the market for a high-end motherboard to power your next gaming or workstation build? Look no further than the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F. These two motherboards are packed with features and offer exceptional performance, but which one is right for you?
Feature Comparison
| Feature | MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi | ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z790 | Intel Z790 |
| Memory | 4x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 128GB | 4x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 128GB |
| Storage | 4x M.2 slots, 6x SATA ports | 4x M.2 slots, 8x SATA ports |
| Expansion | 3x PCIe x16 slots, 1x PCIe x1 slot | 3x PCIe x16 slots, 1x PCIe x1 slot |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 2.5GbE LAN | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, 2.5GbE LAN |
| Power Delivery | 18+1+1 phase VRM | 16+1 phase VRM |
| RGB | Mystic Light RGB | Aura Sync RGB |
Design and Aesthetics
Both motherboards feature a sleek and modern design, with a mix of black and metallic accents. The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi has a more minimalist look, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F has a more aggressive aesthetic with angular lines and a large ROG logo.
Performance
Both motherboards offer excellent performance, thanks to their high-end components and robust power delivery systems. The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi has a slight edge in terms of overclocking potential, due to its slightly more powerful VRM. However, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F is still capable of handling even the most demanding overclocks.
Features and Connectivity
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F both offer a wide range of features and connectivity options. Both motherboards have four M.2 slots, allowing you to connect multiple high-speed SSDs. They also have multiple SATA ports for additional storage options.
In terms of connectivity, the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi has a slight advantage with its Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support. However, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F still offers excellent connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.
BIOS and Software
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F both have user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide a wide range of customization options. Both motherboards also come with a suite of software tools that allow you to monitor your system, update drivers, and control RGB lighting.
Price and Availability
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F are both priced around $350-$400. Both motherboards are available from most major retailers.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F are both excellent motherboards that offer a wide range of features and performance. The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi has a slight edge in terms of overclocking potential and connectivity, while the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F has a more aggressive aesthetic and a slightly more affordable price.
Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the absolute best overclocking performance and connectivity, the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi is the way to go. If you’re looking for a more affordable motherboard with a great balance of features and performance, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F is a solid choice.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
A: The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F has a more robust VRM cooling system, with a larger heatsink and more thermal pads.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi has more USB ports, with a total of 10 USB ports compared to the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F’s 8 USB ports.
Q: Which motherboard has better RGB lighting?
A: Both motherboards have excellent RGB lighting, but the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-F has a more extensive RGB ecosystem with Aura Sync support.