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ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero — LGA1700 · Z790
ASUS

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

LGA1700 · Z790

90
/ 100
From $629
VS
MSI MPG X870E Carbon — AM5 · X870E
MSI

MSI MPG X870E Carbon

AM5 · X870E

90
/ 100
From $499
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero lands at 90 and MSI MPG X870E Carbon at 90. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero if…

  • ✓PCIe 5.0 support
  • ✓Current-gen networking
  • ✓Modern I/O

Pick MSI MPG X870E Carbon if…

  • ✓PCIe 5.0 support
  • ✓Current-gen networking
  • ✓Modern I/O
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

VRM quality

Tie

Compared on the VRM quality sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Features

Tie

Compared on the features sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

BIOS

Tie

Compared on the BIOS quality sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

MSI MPG X870E Carbon

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

MSI MPG X870E Carbon more score per dollar ($499 vs $629).

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero 90
vs
90 MSI MPG X870E Carbon

Score breakdown

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
90
vrm 90
features 88
bios 86
value 84
MSI MPG X870E Carbon
90
vrm 90
features 88
bios 86
value 84

Specs side-by-side

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero versus MSI MPG X870E Carbon — full spec comparison
Spec ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero MSI MPG X870E Carbon
Socket
LGA1700
AM5
Chipset
Z790
X870E

ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero

Pros
  • +PCIe 5.0 support
  • +Current-gen networking
  • +Modern I/O
Cons
  • −Firmware updates on launch
  • −DDR5 required
  • −Pricing varies week to week

MSI MPG X870E Carbon

Pros
  • +PCIe 5.0 support
  • +Current-gen networking
  • +Modern I/O
Cons
  • −Firmware updates on launch
  • −DDR5 required
  • −Pricing varies week to week

FAQ: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero vs MSI MPG X870E Carbon

Which is better, ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero or MSI MPG X870E Carbon? +

Both score 90 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero worth the price? +

At $629, ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in vrm.

Is MSI MPG X870E Carbon worth the price? +

At $499, MSI MPG X870E Carbon delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in vrm.

Does ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero or MSI MPG X870E Carbon last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero or MSI MPG X870E Carbon? +

MSI MPG X870E Carbon — more score per dollar ($499 vs $629). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.