ASUS vs MSI: Who Will Dominate the Z690 Motherboard Market?

The battle for supremacy in the high-end motherboard market intensifies with the arrival of two formidable contenders: the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F and the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon. Both boards boast impressive specifications, cutting-edge features, and a promise of unparalleled performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the depths of these motherboards to determine which emerges as the ultimate winner.

Design and Aesthetics

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F exudes a sleek and aggressive aura with its predominantly black color scheme and bold ROG branding. The brushed metal accents and angular lines give it a modern and sophisticated look. In contrast, the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon strikes a more understated approach with its matte black finish and carbon fiber accents. The subtle MSI dragon logo adds a touch of elegance.

Chipset and Socket

Both motherboards are built around Intel’s Z690 chipset, which supports the latest 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of CPUs.

VRM and Power Delivery

The VRM (voltage regulator module) plays a crucial role in delivering stable and efficient power to the CPU. The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F boasts a 16+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages, while the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon features a 16+1+1 phase VRM with 80A power stages. Both boards offer excellent overclocking potential and can handle even the most demanding CPUs.

Memory Support

Both motherboards support up to 128GB of DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F supports speeds up to 6600MHz, while the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon supports speeds up to 6400MHz. They also feature advanced memory overclocking options for enthusiasts looking to push the limits.

Connectivity

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F and MSI MPG Z690 Carbon offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options. Both boards have multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports, as well as USB 2.0 ports for legacy devices. They also support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity.

Storage Options

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F provides four M.2 slots, all of which support PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds. The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon also offers four M.2 slots, but only two support PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds, while the other two are limited to PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds.

BIOS and Software

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F comes with the ROG UEFI BIOS, which is renowned for its user-friendly interface and advanced overclocking options. The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon features the MSI Click BIOS 5, which is also highly customizable and offers a wide range of settings for tweaking the motherboard’s performance.

Features and Extras

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F boasts a number of exclusive features, including a dedicated SupremeFX ALC4080 audio codec, an Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet port, and a Thunderbolt 4 header. The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon, on the other hand, offers a built-in Wi-Fi 6E module, a 2.5Gb Ethernet port, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port.

Price and Availability

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F has a suggested retail price of around $350, while the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon is slightly more expensive at around $380. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers.

The Verdict: Which One to Choose?

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F and MSI MPG Z690 Carbon are both exceptional motherboards that offer a compelling combination of performance, features, and aesthetics. However, each board has its own strengths and weaknesses.

If you’re looking for a motherboard with a robust VRM, extensive storage options, and exclusive ROG features, the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F is the clear choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more understated design, built-in Wi-Fi 6E, and a slightly lower price, the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon is the better option.

Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Both the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F and MSI MPG Z690 Carbon are excellent choices that will provide a solid foundation for your high-end gaming or content creation system.

The Ultimate Showdown: ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F vs MSI MPG Z690 Carbon

Round 1: Design and Aesthetics

• ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F: Sleek and aggressive with bold ROG branding
• MSI MPG Z690 Carbon: Understated with matte black finish and carbon fiber accents

Round 2: Chipset and Socket

• Both: Intel Z690 chipset and LGA 1700 socket

Round 3: VRM and Power Delivery

• ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F: 16+1 phase VRM with 90A power stages
• MSI MPG Z690 Carbon: 16+1+1 phase VRM with 80A power stages

Round 4: Memory Support

• ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F: Up to 128GB DDR5 at 6600MHz
• MSI MPG Z690 Carbon: Up to 128GB DDR5 at 6400MHz

Round 5: Connectivity

• Both: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2

Round 6: Storage Options

• ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F: Four M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 x4 support
• MSI MPG Z690 Carbon: Four M.2 slots, two with PCIe 4.0 x4 support and two with PCIe 3.0 x4 support

Round 7: BIOS and Software

• ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F: ROG UEFI BIOS with user-friendly interface and advanced overclocking options
• MSI MPG Z690 Carbon: MSI Click BIOS 5 with customizable settings and wide range of overclocking options

Round 8: Features and Extras

• ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F: SupremeFX ALC4080 audio codec, Intel 2.5Gb Ethernet port, Thunderbolt 4 header
• MSI MPG Z690 Carbon: Built-in Wi-Fi 6E module, 2.5Gb Ethernet port, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?

Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking potential, but the ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F has a slight edge due to its higher-rated power stages.

2. Which motherboard has more storage options?

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F has four M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 x4 support, while the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon has two M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 x4 support and two with PCIe 3.0 x4 support.

3. Which motherboard has better audio quality?

The ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F has a dedicated SupremeFX ALC4080 audio codec, which provides superior audio quality compared to the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon’s onboard audio.