Epic z690 motherboard showdown: gigabyte aorus master vs msi carbon wifi – the ultimate comparison
What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master features a robust 19-phase digital power delivery system, while the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi has a 18-phase design.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master comes with a large VRM heatsink and a dedicated M.
- However, the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi is a more affordable option with a more subdued design and a user-friendly BIOS.
As Intel’s 12th generation processors hit the market, motherboard manufacturers have been vying to create the most powerful and feature-rich platforms to support these CPUs. Among the top contenders are the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi. Both motherboards offer an impressive array of features, but which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the specifications, performance, and features of these two motherboards to help you make an informed decision.
Specifications
| Feature | Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master | MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z690 | Intel Z690 |
| Memory | 4x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 128GB @ 6666MHz | 4x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 128GB @ 6666MHz |
| Storage | 5x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 5.0, 4x PCIe 4.0) | 4x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 5.0, 3x PCIe 4.0) |
| Expansion Slots | 3x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1 slot | 3x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1 slot |
| Networking | 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6E | 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6E |
| Audio | Realtek ALC4080 codec | Realtek ALC4080 codec |
| RGB Lighting | Addressable RGB headers, RGB Fusion 2.0 software | Addressable RGB headers, Mystic Light software |
Performance
Both the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi are capable of delivering exceptional performance with Intel’s 12th generation processors. In synthetic benchmarks, both motherboards perform similarly, with only minor differences in overall scores. However, in real-world applications, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master may have a slight edge in gaming and content creation tasks due to its higher memory overclocking capabilities.
Features
Power Delivery: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master features a robust 19-phase digital power delivery system, while the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi has a 18-phase design. Both motherboards provide ample power for even the most demanding CPUs, ensuring stable operation under heavy loads.
Cooling: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master comes with a large VRM heatsink and a dedicated M.2 heatsink to keep components cool under sustained use. The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi also features a VRM heatsink and an M.2 heatsink, but they are slightly smaller.
Connectivity: Both motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity options, including 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6E, and multiple USB ports. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has an additional USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port, providing faster data transfer speeds.
Audio: Both motherboards utilize the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which delivers high-quality audio output. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a slightly more robust audio section with additional capacitors and shielding, resulting in cleaner sound reproduction.
RGB Lighting: Both motherboards support addressable RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the aesthetics of your system. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a wider array of RGB headers, providing more flexibility for lighting setups.
Design and Aesthetics
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a striking black and gold design with sharp angles and aggressive styling. It features a large I/O shroud with a built-in LCD screen that displays system information and diagnostic codes. The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi has a more subdued black and gray design with carbon fiber accents. It has a smaller I/O shroud and a more traditional layout.
BIOS and Software
Both motherboards come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide comprehensive control over system settings. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a slightly more intuitive BIOS layout with more detailed options. Both motherboards also offer a variety of software utilities for monitoring, overclocking, and customization.
Final Note: The Best Motherboard for Your Needs
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master and the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi are both excellent motherboards for Intel’s 12th generation processors. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master offers slightly better performance, a more robust power delivery system, and a more comprehensive feature set. However, the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi is a more affordable option with a more subdued design and a user-friendly BIOS. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and budget.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which motherboard has better memory overclocking capabilities?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has slightly better memory overclocking capabilities due to its more robust power delivery system.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has 5 M.2 slots, while the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi has 4 M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Master has a slightly more robust audio section, resulting in cleaner sound reproduction.