Head-to-Head · Motherboards
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5) vs MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi Motherboard Family (AM5)
Scored Dimensions
9.2
Value for Money
8.1
8.8
Build & Ergonomics
9.5
7.8
Connectivity & Ports
6.5
6.0
Compatibility Experience
6.5
8.5
Stability
7.5
8.8
Upgrade Potential
8.5
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5)
The Good
- Robust build quality and durable components, contributing to cool and stable operation.
- Excellent power delivery (16+1 DrMOS) reliably supports high-end Intel processors without thermal throttling.
- Extensive connectivity, including four M.2 slots, WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN, and a Thunderbolt 4/USB4 header.
- Intuitive and feature-rich BIOS that facilitates XMP profile activation and overclocking.
- Offers strong value for money, providing a comprehensive feature set at its price point.
The Bad
- Frequent reports of initial driver issues for LAN and WiFi, often requiring manual installation during OS setup.
- Many users needed BIOS updates for 14th Gen Intel CPUs, sometimes necessitating an older CPU for the flashing process.
- Some experienced difficulties with memory installation due to one-sided DIMM clasps or instability when all four RAM slots were populated.
- Occasional reports of defective units, including bent CPU pins or non-functional ports, requiring returns.
MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi Motherboard Family (AM5)
The Good
- Exceptional build quality with robust heatsinks and PCB design
- Stable performance and excellent overclocking capabilities, especially after BIOS updates
- Extensive connectivity including PCIe 5.0, multiple M.2 slots, and numerous USB ports
- User-friendly BIOS interface and convenient installation features like toolless M.2 and EZ PCIe Release
The Bad
- Frequent BIOS updates and initial setup can be tedious or problematic for some users
- Limitations in PCIe bifurcation and M.2 lane sharing can restrict multi-GPU or storage configurations
- Some owners reported issues with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Realtek audio controller functionality
- MSI's bundled software for RGB control and system tuning is often described as buggy or lacking
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5) Verdict
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi motherboard offers a powerful and feature-rich foundation for high-performance Intel builds, delivering strong stability and upgrade potential once initial setup hurdles, particularly with drivers and BIOS, are addressed.
Read the full ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5) consensus →The MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi Motherboard Family (AM5) Verdict
For enthusiasts and high-end builders seeking a durable, feature-rich AM5 platform with strong stability and overclocking potential, the MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi family is a compelling choice, provided users are prepared to manage initial BIOS updates and potential software or connectivity nuances.
Read the full MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi Motherboard Family (AM5) consensus →
The Bottom Line
Our pick: ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5) · 7.9/10
Dead even on the headline score, but the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5) takes more of the scored dimensions — including Connectivity & Ports and Value for Money.
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5)
$225.00
Best price the consensus found
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MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi Motherboard Family (AM5)
$359.99
Best price the consensus found
Check Price →
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How ORA built this: We read recent reviews, remove suspected bot or incentivized entries, off-topic complaints, and reviews describing the buyer's own setup problems rather than the product, then synthesize the remainder into a single unbiased verdict. Read our full methodology →