What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G features a 16+1+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages, while the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi has a 14+1+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration.
- The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi offer a wide range of connectivity and expansion options.
The world of PC gaming is constantly evolving, and with the release of Intel’s latest 13th-gen Raptor Lake processors, the competition among motherboard manufacturers has reached new heights. Two contenders that stand out from the crowd are the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi. This comprehensive blog post will delve into a head-to-head comparison of these two exceptional motherboards, examining their features, performance, and value proposition to help you make an informed decision for your next gaming rig.
Design and Aesthetics
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi boast striking designs that cater to the tastes of discerning gamers. The Aero G features a sleek matte black finish with angular accents and a prominent RGB lighting zone on the I/O shroud. The Edge WiFi, on the other hand, sports a more traditional black and silver color scheme with a brushed aluminum finish and customizable RGB lighting elements. Ultimately, the choice between these two aesthetics is a matter of personal preference.
Socket and Chipset
Both motherboards support Intel’s latest LGA 1700 socket, which is compatible with the entire range of 13th-gen Raptor Lake processors. The Z790 chipset provides a comprehensive suite of features, including support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 storage, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
VRM and Power Delivery
The VRM (voltage regulator module) is a crucial component that supplies power to the CPU. The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G features a 16+1+2 phase VRM with 90A power stages, while the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi has a 14+1+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages. Both motherboards offer excellent power delivery capabilities, ensuring stable operation even under heavy loads.
Memory Support
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. Both motherboards offer advanced memory overclocking features, allowing users to push their memory modules to the limits.
Storage Options
Both motherboards provide ample storage options. The Aero G has six SATA III ports and four M.2 slots, while the Edge WiFi has four SATA III ports and three M.2 slots. All M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 speeds, providing lightning-fast storage performance.
Connectivity and Expansion
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi offer a wide range of connectivity and expansion options. Both motherboards have built-in WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, ensuring seamless wireless performance. The Aero G features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the Edge WiFi has one Thunderbolt 4 port. Both motherboards also have multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports, as well as a variety of headers for additional expansion cards.
Audio and Networking
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G features the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which provides high-quality audio output. The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi, on the other hand, uses the Realtek ALC4082 codec, which offers slightly better audio performance. Both motherboards have a dedicated Ethernet port for wired networking, providing stable and low-latency connections.
BIOS and Overclocking
Both the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi have user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide extensive overclocking options. The Aero G’s BIOS has a dedicated overclocking section with a wide range of settings, while the Edge WiFi’s BIOS offers a more streamlined overclocking experience.
Gaming Performance
In terms of gaming performance, both the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi deliver excellent results. The high-quality components and robust power delivery systems ensure smooth and responsive gameplay, even in demanding AAA titles. The choice between these two motherboards for gaming is ultimately a matter of personal preference and specific needs.
Value Proposition
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G has a slightly higher price point compared to the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi. However, it offers a few additional features such as dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and a more comprehensive BIOS overclocking section. The Edge WiFi, on the other hand, provides a strong value proposition with its competitive price point and solid overall performance.
Key Points: The Ultimate Choice
Choosing between the Gigabyte Z790 Aero G and the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi depends on your individual requirements and budget. If you prioritize aesthetics, advanced overclocking features, and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, the Aero G is the ideal choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option with excellent performance and a solid feature set, the Edge WiFi is a compelling option. Ultimately, both motherboards offer exceptional gaming experiences and will elevate your PC gaming setup to new heights.
Information You Need to Know
1. Which motherboard has better audio performance?
The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi has slightly better audio performance due to its use of the Realtek ALC4082 codec.
2. Does either motherboard support PCIe 5.0 graphics cards?
No, neither motherboard supports PCIe 5.0 graphics cards.
3. Which motherboard has more USB ports?
The Gigabyte Z790 Aero G has more USB ports, with a total of 10 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports compared to the Edge WiFi‘s 8.
4. Can both motherboards support 32GB DDR5 memory modules?
Yes, both motherboards can support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, including 32GB modules.
5. Which motherboard has a more user-friendly BIOS interface?
Both motherboards have user-friendly BIOS interfaces, with the Edge WiFi offering a more streamlined overclocking experience.
