Battle Of The Titans: Asus Rog Strix Z790-e Vs Msi Mpg Z790 Carbon – Which Motherboard Reigns Supreme?

In the realm of high-end motherboards, the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and MSI MPG Z790 Carbon stand as formidable contenders. These Z790 chipset-based motherboards offer a plethora of features and capabilities, catering to the most demanding users. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of both motherboards, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and which one emerges as the ultimate victor.

Feature Showdown

1. Power Delivery:

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E boasts a robust 18+2 power phase design, delivering ample power to the latest Intel 13th-generation processors. On the other hand, the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon features a slightly less powerful 16+1+1 power phase configuration.

2. Connectivity:

Both motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity options. The ROG Strix Z790-E includes four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, while the MPG Z790 Carbon has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. Additionally, the ROG Strix Z790-E features a Thunderbolt 4 header, providing fast data transfer speeds and external device connectivity.

3. Storage:

The ROG Strix Z790-E supports up to four M.2 NVMe SSDs, while the MPG Z790 Carbon supports up to five M.2 NVMe SSDs. Both motherboards offer PCIe 5.0 connectivity for lightning-fast storage performance.

4. Audio:

The ROG Strix Z790-E features the SupremeFX ALC4082 audio codec, delivering high-quality audio output. The MPG Z790 Carbon, on the other hand, utilizes the Realtek ALC4080 codec, which provides solid but not quite as impressive audio performance.

5. Aesthetics:

The ROG Strix Z790-E sports a sleek and aggressive design with RGB lighting, while the MPG Z790 Carbon has a more understated and elegant aesthetic. Both motherboards offer customizable RGB lighting to match your personal preferences.

Performance Analysis

In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver exceptional results. They provide excellent overclocking capabilities, allowing you to squeeze every ounce of performance from your system. However, the ROG Strix Z790-E has a slight edge in stability and overall performance due to its more robust power delivery system.

Value for Money

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E retails for around $450, while the MSI MPG Z790 Carbon is priced at approximately $400. Considering the feature set and performance offered by both motherboards, the ROG Strix Z790-E provides better value for money due to its superior power delivery, connectivity options, and audio codec.

Which One to Choose?

The choice between the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and MSI MPG Z790 Carbon ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize power delivery, connectivity, and audio performance, the ROG Strix Z790-E is the clear winner. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t require the most extreme features, the MPG Z790 Carbon offers a compelling alternative.

The Verdict: The Reigning Champion

After carefully comparing the ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E and MSI MPG Z790 Carbon, we crown the ROG Strix Z790-E as the overall victor. Its exceptional power delivery, comprehensive connectivity options, superior audio codec, and slightly better performance make it the ultimate choice for enthusiasts and power users.

Popular Questions

1. Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?

The ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E features a more robust VRM cooling solution, ensuring stable operation even under heavy loads.

2. Can both motherboards support DDR5 memory?

Yes, both the ROG Strix Z790-E and MPG Z790 Carbon support DDR5 memory, offering high-speed and low-latency performance.

3. Which motherboard has more USB ports?

The MPG Z790 Carbon offers more USB ports than the ROG Strix Z790-E, providing greater flexibility for connecting peripherals and external devices.