MSI
MSI MPG X870E Carbon
AM5 · X870E
90
/ 100
From $499
VS
ASUS
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
LGA1700 · Z790
90
/ 100
From $629
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, MSI MPG X870E Carbon lands at 90 and ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero at 90. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick MSI MPG X870E Carbon if…
- ✓PCIe 5.0 support
- ✓Current-gen networking
- ✓Modern I/O
Pick ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero if…
- ✓PCIe 5.0 support
- ✓Current-gen networking
- ✓Modern I/O
MSI MPG X870E Carbon 90
vs 90 ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
Score breakdown
MSI MPG X870E Carbon
90 vrm 90
features 88
bios 86
value 84
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
90 vrm 90
features 88
bios 86
value 84
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MSI MPG X870E Carbon | ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM5 | LGA1700 |
| Chipset | X870E | Z790 |
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
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
FAQ: MSI MPG X870E Carbon vs ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero
Which is better, MSI MPG X870E Carbon or ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero? +
Both score 90 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MSI MPG X870E Carbon worth the price? +
At $499, MSI MPG X870E Carbon delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in vrm.
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.
Does MSI MPG X870E Carbon or ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero 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.