ASUS Prime B650-PLUS WiFi AMD B650 AM5 Ryzen Desktop 9000 8000 & 7000 ATX Mother vs MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi-AMZ Gaming Motherboard

Pricing Overview

When it comes to pricing, the ASUS Prime B650-PLUS WiFi is more budget-friendly at C$194.03, while the MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi-AMZ comes at a higher price of C$229.99. This difference of C$35.96 may influence buyers who are looking for cost-effective solutions without sacrificing performance.

The ASUS motherboard offers a strong entry point for users who want to build a Ryzen-based system, especially for those who are not looking to spend excessively. On the other hand, the MSI board, while more expensive, caters to users seeking the latest technology and higher performance capabilities.

Compatibility

The ASUS Prime B650-PLUS WiFi is designed for AMD Ryzen processors, specifically supporting AMD's 7000, 8000, and 9000 series, albeit with a potential BIOS update for the latter two. In contrast, the MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi-AMZ is tailored for Intel's ecosystem, supporting 12th, 13th, and 14th generation processors with the LGA 1700 socket.

This distinction in compatibility means that potential buyers must consider their preferred CPU brand before making a choice. If you're invested in AMD's Ryzen lineup, the ASUS motherboard is the clear choice, whereas Intel users would benefit more from the MSI model.

Memory Support

The ASUS Prime B650-PLUS WiFi supports DDR5 memory, but specific speeds are not mentioned. It’s optimised for memory overclocking through ASUS OptiMem II technology, enhancing signal integrity. Meanwhile, the MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi-AMZ explicitly supports DDR5 memory speeds up to 7200 MHz (overclocked).

For users who prioritise memory performance, the MSI board offers a significant advantage with its higher overclocking potential. This factor may be crucial for gamers or content creators who need maximum memory speeds for optimal performance.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is another area where these motherboards differ significantly. The ASUS Prime B650-PLUS WiFi features Wi-Fi 6E, M.2 PCIe 5.0, and USB 10Gbps Type-C ports, providing users with fast and versatile connectivity options. It also includes a Thunderbolt 4 header, allowing for future-proofing with high-speed peripherals.

Conversely, the MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi-AMZ also supports Wi-Fi 6E and includes PCIe 5.0 slots and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports. The presence of dual 8-pin CPU power connectors indicates a robust power design aimed at enhancing performance.

Both motherboards are well-equipped in terms of connectivity, but the ASUS model's additional Thunderbolt 4 support may offer more flexibility for users with a variety of peripherals.

Thermal Management

The ASUS Prime B650-PLUS WiFi features a comprehensive cooling solution, including VRM heatsinks and M.2 heatsinks, making it suitable for sustained performance under load. Its hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 2+ technology allow for advanced cooling management, ensuring optimal temperatures during intensive tasks.

On the other hand, the MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi-AMZ boasts an extended heatsink and high-performance thermal pads rated for 7W/mK, designed for efficient heat dissipation in high-demand scenarios. This motherboard is also fortified with a premium thermal solution, ensuring that it can handle demanding gaming sessions effectively.

While both motherboards prioritize thermal management, the MSI board appears to offer an enhanced design for high-performance gaming, whereas the ASUS model focuses on balanced thermal efficiency.

Aesthetic Features

Aesthetics play a role in many PC builds, and here, the ASUS Prime B650-PLUS WiFi shines with its Aura Sync RGB lighting capabilities. The motherboard includes onboard addressable Gen 2 headers and an Aura RGB header, allowing for custom lighting setups that can sync with other compatible hardware.

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi-AMZ, while not explicitly mentioning RGB features, is still designed with a sleek look that appeals to gamers. However, it lacks the integrated RGB lighting customisation that the ASUS model offers.

For those who value visual appeal and customisation in their builds, the ASUS motherboard provides a more attractive option.

User-Friendly Features

User-friendliness is a critical aspect of motherboard design, and the ASUS Prime B650-PLUS WiFi includes a BIOS FlashBack feature. This allows users to update the BIOS easily using a FAT32 formatted USB stick, even without a CPU or memory installed.

In contrast, the MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi-AMZ focuses on enhancing power design and memory boosting features. While it may not have a direct equivalent to ASUS's BIOS FlashBack, its user-friendly power system is designed to simplify the building process.

Buyers who value straightforward BIOS management may find the ASUS model more appealing, while those focused on power management might lean toward the MSI option.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the ASUS Prime B650-PLUS WiFi and the MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi-AMZ ultimately depends on your specific needs and system preferences. If you are looking for a cost-effective motherboard that supports AMD Ryzen processors, offers solid connectivity, and features RGB lighting, the ASUS option at C$194.03 is an excellent choice.

Conversely, if you prefer Intel processors and require superior memory support, enhanced thermal management, and are willing to invest a bit more at C$229.99, the MSI motherboard stands out with its advanced features. Both motherboards offer unique strengths tailored to different user preferences, making the decision largely dependent on processor choice and desired capabilities.