What To Know
- Two of the most anticipated contenders are the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme, both representing the pinnacle of motherboard engineering.
- The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme are packed with a wide range of features to enhance performance and user experience.
- The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike features a more robust 24+2-phase power design with 105A power stages compared to the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme’s 18+2-phase power design with 90A power stages.
The release of Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake processors has ignited an intense rivalry among motherboard manufacturers. Two of the most anticipated contenders are the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme, both representing the pinnacle of motherboard engineering. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key features, performance, and value proposition of these two flagship motherboards.
Design and Aesthetics
The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike exudes an aura of grandeur with its imposing black and gold design. Its massive heatsinks and intricate RGB lighting create a visually stunning masterpiece. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme, on the other hand, boasts a more subtle yet equally impressive aesthetic. Its sleek black and silver chassis features a futuristic ROG eye logo, along with customizable RGB lighting zones.
Socket and Chipset
Both the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme are built on the Intel Z790 chipset, which supports Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with both current and future Intel CPUs.
Memory and Storage
The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike offers four DDR5 memory slots, supporting up to 128GB of RAM. It boasts support for DDR5-7600 (OC) speeds, enabling exceptional memory performance. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme also features four DDR5 memory slots, but it supports up to 64GB of RAM and slightly lower DDR5-6800 (OC) speeds.
In terms of storage, both motherboards provide ample M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs. The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike has five M.2 slots, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme has four. Both support PCIe 5.0 storage, ensuring lightning-fast data transfer speeds.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system is crucial for ensuring stable and efficient operation of high-performance CPUs. The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike features a monstrous 24+2-phase digital power design, utilizing 105A power stages. This robust power delivery system ensures ample power for even the most demanding overclocking scenarios. The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme also boasts an impressive 18+2-phase digital power design with 90A power stages, providing ample headroom for overclocking.
Connectivity
Both the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme offer comprehensive connectivity options. They feature multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports, as well as USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports. Additionally, they both include 2.5GbE and 10GbE Ethernet ports for high-speed network connectivity.
Features and Overclocking
The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme are packed with a wide range of features to enhance performance and user experience. Both support AI-powered overclocking and system monitoring, providing users with advanced control over their hardware. They also feature built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity for wireless flexibility.
Value Proposition
The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme are both premium motherboards with a hefty price tag. The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike is slightly more expensive, offering a more comprehensive feature set and a slightly more robust power delivery system. However, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme is a more affordable option while still providing excellent performance and features.
Verdict: The Ultimate Choice
Choosing between the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike and the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you demand the absolute best in performance, features, and aesthetics, the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike is the clear choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing too much performance, the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme is an excellent value proposition.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike supports slightly faster DDR5-7600 (OC) speeds compared to the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme’s DDR5-6800 (OC) speeds.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike has five M.2 slots, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme has four.
Q: Which motherboard has a better power delivery system?
A: The MSI MEG Z790 Godlike features a more robust 24+2-phase power design with 105A power stages compared to the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme’s 18+2-phase power design with 90A power stages.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the MSI MEG Z790 Godlike has a slight edge due to its more robust power delivery system.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are well-suited for gaming, but the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Extreme may have a slight advantage due to its dedicated gaming features and optimizations.
