ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi Intel® Z890 LGA vs MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Processor
Updated August 2026 — ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi Intel® Z890 LGA wins on price and features, MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Processor wins on performance.
The ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E offers advanced features at a lower price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious gamers. The MICRO CENTER bundle excels in CPU performance but comes at a higher cost.
Why ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi Intel® Z890 LGA is better
Price
ASUS is about 50% cheaper than MICRO CENTER
AI Features
ASUS includes advanced AI technologies for better performance
Connectivity
ASUS has Thunderbolt™ 4 for additional versatility
Why MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Processor is better
CPU Performance
Ryzen 7 9800X3D is touted as the world's fastest gaming processor
Overclocking
Ryzen CPU is unlocked for overclocking flexibility
Memory Support
Supports up to 256GB of dual-channel DDR5 memory
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi Intel® Z890 LGA | MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Processor |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA 1851 | AM5 |
| Max Boost | N/A | 5.2 GHz |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| M.2 Slots | 7 | 3 |
| WiFi | WiFi 7 | WiFi 7 |
| Overclocking | AI Overclocking | Unlocked |
Dimension comparison
Pricing Comparison
The ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi motherboard is priced at $344.60, while the MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Processor with MSI B850 Gaming Plus motherboard comes in at $699.99. This makes the ASUS option about 50% cheaper than the MICRO CENTER bundle. For users looking to build a high-performance PC on a budget, the ASUS motherboard offers a compelling choice without sacrificing essential features.
Performance Features
The ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi motherboard is designed to support advanced AI computing with its robust power solution featuring 18+2+1+2 stages, making it a solid option for power users and gamers. Its support for DDR5 memory and various connectivity options, including WiFi 7 and seven M.2 slots, positions it as a high-performance motherboard for demanding applications. In contrast, the MICRO CENTER offering features the Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, which boasts an impressive 5.2 GHz max boost and is touted as the world's fastest gaming processor. While both products excel in performance, the Ryzen CPU may provide an edge in specific gaming scenarios due to its advanced architecture.
Connectivity Options
When it comes to connectivity, both options are well-equipped. The ASUS motherboard includes advanced features like Thunderbolt™ 4, USB Type-C®, and WiFi 7, catering to modern peripherals and high-speed data transfer. In comparison, the MICRO CENTER bundle also supports WiFi 7 and offers 5G LAN for superior online connectivity. However, the inclusion of Thunderbolt™ 4 on the ASUS motherboard offers additional versatility for those needing high-speed connections to external devices.
AI and Overclocking Features
The ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi motherboard includes exclusive AI technologies such as AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and AI Networking II. These features are particularly beneficial for gamers and content creators who demand optimal performance without the hassle of manual tuning. The MICRO CENTER's Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU is also unlocked for overclocking, providing users the flexibility to enhance performance further. While both products cater to enthusiasts, ASUS's comprehensive AI integration may offer a more user-friendly experience.
Build Quality and Design
The ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi motherboard is built with premium materials, featuring a robust power solution and advanced cooling technologies. Its aesthetic design, with RGB lighting options, appeals to gamers looking to showcase their builds. On the other hand, the MSI B850 Gaming Plus motherboard included in the MICRO CENTER bundle is also designed with performance in mind, featuring a 12+2+1 Duet Rail Power System. While both motherboards are built to high standards, the ASUS model may attract users with its additional aesthetic and cooling features.
Memory Support
The ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E motherboard supports DDR5 memory, with advanced technologies like DIMM Fit and AEMP III to optimize performance. This makes it an excellent choice for users looking to utilize the latest memory standards for maximum speed and efficiency. The MICRO CENTER bundle also supports DDR5 and can handle up to 256GB of dual-channel memory, making both options suitable for memory-intensive applications. However, the ASUS motherboard’s performance-enhancing features may provide a slight advantage for overclocking enthusiasts.
Compatibility
The ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E is compatible with Intel’s LGA 1851 socket, making it suitable for the latest Intel Core Ultra processors. Conversely, the MICRO CENTER bundle offers compatibility with the AMD AM5 socket, specifically designed for Ryzen processors. The choice between these two products will largely depend on the user’s preferred CPU brand. Gamers and builders should consider their existing hardware or future upgrade paths when deciding between these platforms.
Which should you buy?
Ultimately, the choice between the ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E Gaming WiFi motherboard and the MICRO CENTER AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU Processor with MSI B850 Gaming Plus motherboard depends on your specific needs and budget. The ASUS option is about 50% cheaper and offers advanced AI features, making it ideal for users focused on cutting-edge technology and aesthetics. On the other hand, the MICRO CENTER bundle provides exceptional CPU performance for dedicated gamers but at a significantly higher price. If you're looking for balance and value, the ASUS ROG Strix Z890-E may be the better option. However, if top-tier gaming performance is your priority, the MICRO CENTER's Ryzen bundle could be worth the investment.