ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi vs MSI B860 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard

Price Comparison

The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi is significantly more expensive than the MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi, retailing at £424.94 compared to £169.99. This price difference of £254.95 reflects the advanced features and capabilities found in the ASUS motherboard, which is designed for high-end gaming and AI computing. While the MSI model provides solid performance for mid-range builds, the ASUS board is targeted towards enthusiasts seeking the latest technology and superior performance.

Performance and Power Supply

The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi is built with a robust 18+2+2 power solution rated for 110A per stage, which supports multi-core processors and advanced overclocking. In contrast, the MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi employs a 12 Duet Rail Power System (P-PAK) VRM. While both motherboards support high-performance processors, the ASUS model is designed to handle more demanding environments, making it ideal for users who intend to push their systems to the limit.

Cooling Features

Cooling solutions are a critical aspect of motherboard performance, and both models offer advanced features. The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi boasts a sophisticated thermal design with massive heatsinks, high-conductivity thermal pads, and a connected L-shaped heatpipe. This ensures optimal cooling even under heavy loads. The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi, meanwhile, includes a combination of thermal pads and an Extended Heatsink, as well as the EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II to prevent thermal throttling. While both offer efficient cooling, the ASUS design is more comprehensive, catering to extreme performance scenarios.

Memory Support

When it comes to memory, the ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi supports the latest AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors, providing a future-proof solution for users looking to upgrade. It also offers three onboard PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots along with two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, making it highly versatile for storage options. The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi, on the other hand, supports DDR5 memory with 4 DIMM slots that can reach overclocking speeds of 8800+ MT/s. Although both motherboards support high-speed memory, the ASUS board’s PCIe 5.0 support may offer greater performance potential for next-gen applications.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity is another area where the ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi excels. It features dual USB4 Type-C ports and a substantial number of USB ports, including a USB 20Gbps Type-C rear I/O port with Power Delivery up to 30W. In comparison, the MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi includes a full-speed Wi-Fi 7 module with Bluetooth 5.4 and provides Thunderbolt 4 Type-C connectivity. While both motherboards offer advanced connectivity options, the ASUS model provides an edge with its wider array of ports and higher-speed connections.

Networking Capabilities

The networking capabilities of the ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi are enhanced by its onboard WiFi 7 (802.11be) with Realtek 5 Gb Ethernet, designed to deliver high-speed wireless connectivity. The MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi also features a Wi-Fi 7 module but includes Intel Killer 5G LAN for optimised online gaming experiences. While both motherboards offer cutting-edge networking capabilities, the ASUS model stands out with its additional Ethernet support, catering to users who require robust, high-speed internet connections.

Target Audience

The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi is clearly aimed at gamers and content creators who demand the highest performance from their systems. Its extensive feature set, including advanced AI computing capabilities and superior thermal management, makes it a strong choice for high-end builds. In contrast, the MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi is designed for more casual users or gamers who need a reliable motherboard without the premium features that come at a higher price. The £254.95 price gap underscores the difference in target audience and intended use.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, your choice between the ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi and the MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi depends on your specific needs and budget. If you are building a high-performance gaming rig with cutting-edge features and are willing to invest in the best technology available, the ASUS motherboard is the clear winner. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers solid performance for gaming and everyday tasks, the MSI B860 Gaming Plus WiFi is an excellent choice.