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GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX vs MSI MPG X870E CARBON MAX WIFI

A

Product A: GIGABYTE

Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

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B

Product B: MSI

MPG X870E CARBON MAX WIFI

71 of 78 known

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Only differences

AGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

BMSI MPG X870E CARBON MAX WIFI

General

3 of 9 differ

Series

AORUS7Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00520901.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC: AORUS motherboard. AORUS is the GIGABYTE line name in the product name.

MPG1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Cover: MPG Series Motherboard, MPG X870E CARBON MAX WIFI.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

Z790 AORUS ELITE AX1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Manual cover: Z790 AORUS ELITE AX.

MPG X870E CARBON MAX WIFI, 911-7E49-15S3Maker product pagetw-store.msi.com/products/mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifiRead 15 October 2026MSI Taiwan store (EZDIY trade-in offer page) lists SKU 911-7E49-15S for MPG X870E CARBON MAX WIFI in its product feed.

GTIN / EAN

4719331849467, 8895230340025Spec databasebuildcores.com/products/Motherboard/v9byrya49/Gigabyte-Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-DDR5-ATX-LGA1700Read 15 October 2026BuildCores: UPC 889523034002 and EAN 4719331849467 for the Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. Retailers in Cyprus and Spain list the same EAN.

8241424512679Spec databasebuildcores.com/products/Motherboard/ddghjdggg/MSI-MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFIRead 15 October 2026UPC 824142451267, shown as EAN 0824142451267. The same page also lists a UPC of the older Carbon WiFi, which is not used. SHI (shi.com) lists the same code for the MAX but could not be opened.

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

Not available

2 February 20267Press articleguru3d.com/story/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-adds-64mb-bios-clock-genRead 15 October 2026Date of the Guru3D story, which reports MSI adding the board to its portfolio. MSI's own announcement date was not found.

Status

Available2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026On 2026-10-15 Geizhals shows 33 offers.6Spec databasemaxmybuild.com/motherboards/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-axRead 15 October 2026MaxMyBuild shows the board in stock at Newegg for 189.99 USD on 2026-10-15.

Available3Maker product pagetw-store.msi.com/products/mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifiRead 15 October 2026The store lists the board for sale at 16,090 TWD on 2026-10-15.9Spec databasebuildcores.com/products/Motherboard/ddghjdggg/MSI-MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFIRead 15 October 2026Shows retailers in stock, the best price 374.99 USD at Walmart on 2026-10-15.10Retailer pagejib.co.th/web/product/readProduct/87570/MAINBOARD--%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%94--MSI-MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI---AMD-SOCKET-AM5-DDR5-ATXRead 15 October 2026Listed for sale at 14,800 THB on 2026-10-15.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

MSI MPG X870E CARBON WIFI4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1: the Carbon Max Wifi is a refresh of the original X870E Carbon Wifi, with the OC Engine chip, a 64MB BIOS and a slightly different look. The FPS Review says the same.

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS ELITE WIFI710Reviewhwcooling.net/en/gigabyte-z890-aorus-elite-wifi7-in-test-with-core-ultra-9-285k-reviewRead 23 October 2026HWCooling's review of the Z890 Aorus Elite WiFi7 names the Z790 Aorus Elite AX as the previous generation and as its predecessor.

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

$4994Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1: At $499, the Carbon Max Wifi is not cheap. The FPS Review (2026-04-06) also says currently offered at $499. A US price, tax not included. No maker price page could be read.6Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/04/06/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review/2Read 15 October 2026Introduction page: currently offered at $499, with a three-year warranty.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

Not available

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Not available

Not available

SegmentiThe maker's own product category, e.g. ASUS ProArt is Creator. It is not assigned from price or features. Maker lines that are not gaming, creator or workstation lines, such as ASUS PRIME, MSI PRO and ASRock Pro, are mainstream.

Gaming7Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00520901.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC calls it a Gigabyte AORUS gaming motherboard.

Gaming2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 15 October 2026The board sits in MSI's MPG (MSI Performance Gaming) line, and the FPS Review calls MPG the Performance Gaming tier.

Board revisioniThe maker's revision name, e.g. rev. 1.1, for variant rows of revisions that keep the board's name and model number. Leave it out when the maker names no revision.

Not available

Not available

Platform

3 of 4 differ

CPU socketiSocket name without spaces, e.g. AM5 or LGA1851.

LGA17001Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

AM51Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, CPU: processor socket AM5.

ChipsetiChipset with its brand and without the word chipset, e.g. AMD B850, AMD X870E or Intel Z890. Same form as desktop PCs and as compatible chipsets on CPUs.

Intel Z7901Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

AMD X870E1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications: AMD X870E.

Supported processorsiProcessor series the maker lists for the board, one item per series in the chip maker's name. BIOS updates can add series later.

Intel Core (14th Gen), Intel Core (13th Gen), Intel Core (12th Gen), Intel Pentium Gold, Intel Celeron1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 13th and 12th Generation Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron on LGA1700. The 14th Gen is from Geizhals and Tech4Gamers, which list it for the current BIOS. The manual refers to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU list. Read on 2026-10-15.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals CPU compatibility: Celeron G6000, Pentium Gold G7000, Core i-12000, i-13000 and i-14000.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Key specifications table: Intel 14th, 13th and 12th Gen.

AMD Ryzen 9000 Series, AMD Ryzen 8000 Series, AMD Ryzen 7000 Series1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, CPU: AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000 and 7000 Series desktop processors. The manual points to msi.com for the newest support. Read on 2026-10-15. BIOS updates can add series later.

CPU overclockingiThe board allows multiplier overclocking of an unlocked CPU. Memory overclocking alone does not count.

Yes4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review (2022-12-17): the board overclocked an i9-13900K from the BIOS to 5.6 GHz on the P-cores and 4.3 GHz on the E-cores at 1.38 V.

Yes11Maker product pageamd.com/en/products/processors/chipsets/am5.htmlRead 15 October 2026Specifications table, AMD X870E column: Ryzen processor overclocking enabled: Yes. This is the chipset maker's feature. The board's manual says it is designed for overclocking.

Board

1 of 5 differ

Form factoriThe maker's stated board standard. Other covers sizes such as XL-ATX or Mini-DTX.

ATX1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: ATX form factor, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm.

ATX1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, Form Factor: ATX, 9.6 in. x 12 in. (244 mm x 305 mm).

Board dimensionsiSize of the board itself. Height runs along the rear I/O edge, as the board stands in a tower case. ATX is 244 mm wide and 305 mm high. Micro ATX is 244 mm high and up to 244 mm wide. A size with a cover that reaches past the board, as NZXT prints, is not used when the maker also states the board size.

Width244Height305mm(9.6 × 12 in)1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm, stored as 244 mm wide and 305 mm high.

Width244Height305mm(9.6 × 12 in)1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications: 9.6 in. x 12 in. (244 mm x 305 mm). The 244 mm side is the width and the 305 mm side the height, as for any ATX board.

PCB layersiCopper layers in the circuit board as published.

63Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: the 6-layered and 2x copper PCB.

84Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1: server-grade 8-layer PCB. The FPS Review says 8 layer too.6Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/04/06/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review/2Read 15 October 2026Features page: the PCB is 8 layer copper in-laid.7Press articleguru3d.com/story/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-adds-64mb-bios-clock-genRead 15 October 2026From MSI: an 8-layer PCB.10Retailer pagejib.co.th/web/product/readProduct/87570/MAINBOARD--%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%94--MSI-MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI---AMD-SOCKET-AM5-DDR5-ATXRead 15 October 2026Copy of MSI's key features: 8-layer PCB with 2oz copper and server-grade materials.

Back-connect designiPower, fan and front-panel connectors sit on the back of the board to hide the cables, e.g. ASUS BTF, MSI Project Zero or GIGABYTE Stealth. It needs a case made for it.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026The section 2-8 connector layout shows the usual front-side connectors. The board is not a back-connect design.

No1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026The component overview on page 30 shows the usual front-side power, fan and USB connectors. The back-connect boards are separate PZ models.

RGB lighting on the boardiLEDs on the board itself. Headers for external lighting are counted under Internal connectors. True only when the maker's spec or feature list names lighting on the board. A single small LED that a reviewer sees does not count.

Yes2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals lighting: RGB, 1 zone (chipset heatsink). Tech4Gamers and Profesional Review see the same RGB Fusion 2.0 zone under the chipset cover. GIGABYTE's manual names no lighting.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: subtle RGB lighting under the chipset cover.

Yes4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1: a reflective Mystic Light RGB lighting accent (the MSI dragon) atop the VRM heatsink, and the M.2 Shield Frozr II heatsink for the top M.2 socket also features RGB.6Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/04/06/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review/2Read 15 October 2026Features page: the primary M.2 heatsink includes RGB lighting and a large RGB dragon icon sits on the I/O cover.

Power delivery

5 of 6 differ

Power stage layoutiAs the maker publishes it, e.g. 18+2+2. The first number is the CPU core (Vcore) rail. Makers group the other rails differently, so compare the first number. Doubled or teamed stages are written as the maker prints them, such as MSI's 12+2+1 Duet Rail. A review's count of real phases goes in the source note.

16+1+22Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals reads 16+1+1 from the board (17 virtual CPU phases, 9 real phases). GIGABYTE's text, which LDLC and Tech4Gamers copy, is Twin 16+1+2 (8+8 parallel).7Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00520901.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC text: VRM 16+1+2 phases (8+8 parallel).

18+2+14Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1 spec table: 21 phase, 18x 110A MOSFETs for Vcore. The text says 21 total phases with 18 dedicated to Vcore. The FPS Review and Guru3D (from MSI) write 18+2+1.6Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/04/06/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review/2Read 15 October 2026Features page: 18+2+1 Smart Power Stage 110Amp power delivery.7Press articleguru3d.com/story/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-adds-64mb-bios-clock-genRead 15 October 2026From MSI: an 18 (110A SPS) + 2 + 1 phase power configuration.10Retailer pagejib.co.th/web/product/readProduct/87570/MAINBOARD--%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%94--MSI-MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI---AMD-SOCKET-AM5-DDR5-ATXRead 15 October 2026Copy of MSI's key features: 18+2+1 Duet Rail Power System with dual 8-pin CPU power connectors.

CPU core (Vcore) power stagesiPower stages on the Vcore rail. Makers call them phases or power stages. A doubled design has more stages than controller phases. Use the first number of the maker's layout, such as 14 for MSI's 14+2+1 Duet Rail. A review's different count goes in the source note.

162Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 16 x 70 A FDMF5062 smart power stages for Vcore, 1 x 60 A NCP303160 for GT.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: 16 phases in parallel for Vcore using Infineon TDA21472 70 A power stages. Profesional Review and Geizhals read onsemi 5062 stages, so the stage maker is not stored.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review: 16 phases for Vcore, 1 for VccGT and 2 for VccAUX, with 18 onsemi 5062 MOSFETs rated 70 A and 1 NCP302155 rated 60 A.

184Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1: 18 Renesas R2209004 110A SPS MOSFETs for Vcore. The FPS Review and Guru3D (MSI source) also say 18 stages.6Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/04/06/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review/2Read 15 October 2026Features page: the 18+2+1 layout with 110A smart power stages.7Press articleguru3d.com/story/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-adds-64mb-bios-clock-genRead 15 October 2026From MSI: 18 (110A SPS) + 2 + 1 phases.

Vcore power stage ratingiCurrent rating of each Vcore power stage. Only a figure the maker or a copy of the maker's text states. A review's reading of the chip markings is not enough.

Not available

110A4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1: 18x 110A MOSFETs for Vcore, Renesas R2209004 110A SPS. Guru3D's MSI-based text says 110A SPS too.6Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/04/06/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review/2Read 15 October 2026Features page: 18+2+1 Smart Power Stage 110Amp power delivery.7Press articleguru3d.com/story/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-adds-64mb-bios-clock-genRead 15 October 2026From MSI: 18 (110A SPS) + 2 + 1 phases.

VRM controlleriPWM controller chip with maker, e.g. MPS MP2857. One name: the maker's when published, otherwise the one name a review uses. No parentheses. Other names go in the source note. Use the part number without the date code in the chip marking.

onsemi NCP81530R2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: PWM controller NCP81530R (max 10 phases). Profesional Review names the same chip.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review: the controller is an onsemi NCP81530R.

Renesas RAA2296204Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1: power goes from the 8-pin EPS connectors to a Renesas RAA229620 controller, then to the 18 R2209004 stages. MSI does not name the controller.

CPU power connectorsiEPS 12 V connectors for the CPU as pin counts, e.g. 8+8 pin, 8+4 pin or 8 pin.

8+8 pin1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors.

8+8 pin1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, Power Connectors: 1x 24-pin ATX, 2x 8-pin +12V and 1x 8-pin PCIe power connector. Pages 12 and 48 show CPU_PWR1~2 as 8-pin.

Extra slot power connectoriA PCIe or other power connector on the board that feeds the expansion slots. The 24-pin and CPU connectors do not count. A connector the maker ties only to a front USB-C header does not count.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026The section 2-2 internal connector list has no extra slot power connector.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications and page 48: PCIE_PWR1, an 8-pin PCIe power connector. The Special Features list names it Supplemental PCIe Power Connector.

Memory

2 of 6 differ

Memory type

DDR51Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

DDR51Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, memory: 4x DDR5 memory slots.

Memory slotsiDIMM slots on the board.

41Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

41Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, memory: 4x DDR5 memory slots. The slots have a latch on one side only.

Max memoryiMaximum total capacity the maker states for the board. The maker's product page wins over an older manual, since a BIOS update can raise the value.

256GB2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 4 DDR5 DIMM slots, max. 256 GB UDIMM non-ECC. BuildCores and MaxMyBuild also say 256 GB. The launch manual says 128 GB (32 GB per DIMM), LDLC says 192 GB (48 GB per DIMM) and a later manual for the white ICE model says 256 GB. BIOS updates raised the limit.5Spec databasebuildcores.com/products/Motherboard/v9byrya49/Gigabyte-Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-DDR5-ATX-LGA1700Read 15 October 2026BuildCores: max memory 256 GB.6Spec databasemaxmybuild.com/motherboards/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-axRead 15 October 2026MaxMyBuild: max capacity 256 GB.

256GB1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, memory: supporting up to 256GB. Compatible modules and speeds depend on the CPU and the memory setup.

Max memory speed (overclocked)iHighest overclocked speed the maker lists for one module per channel, with the newest CPU family the board is sold for, e.g. Ryzen 9000 or Core Ultra 200S. Ryzen 8000 values are never used. The source note names the family and the other module setups. It is not the CPU's official speed. A JEDEC-only list such as 5600/4800 is not this value. When the maker lists a manual overclock and a memory profile speed, the higher one is stored. The maker's product page wins over an older manual, since a BIOS update can raise the value. A table that names the CPU family wins over a headline speed that names none.

7,600MT/s2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: max. DDR5-7600 OC. LDLC (GIGABYTE text) and Tech4Gamers say DDR5 7600 MHz (OC) too, with a BIOS update. CPU defaults are 5600 MT/s for 13th and 14th Gen i9 and i7. The speed is not tied to a CPU family in these sources.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Key specifications table: DDR5 up to 7600 MHz+ (OC). The review says it works with a BIOS update.7Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00520901.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC text: support for DDR5 7600 MHz memory (OC).8Reviewtheoverclocker.comRead 15 October 2026The Overclocker says the board officially supports DDR5 7600 at its price.

8,400MT/s2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 15 October 2026Newer datasheets (US 2026-07-21, global 2026-10-15) say 4 DIMMs, Dual Channel DDR5 9000+ MT/s (OC) and name no CPU family. Older ones (UK 2026-03-09, India 2026-04-16, Mexico 2026-10-05) say 8400+ MT/s (OC). Tom's Hardware copies MSI's spec page: DDR5-9000 (OC) in the headline and 1DPC 1R up to 8400+ MT/s, 1DPC 2R and 2DPC up to 6400+ MT/s for desktop processors. Tom's says the 9000 is with an APU. The FPS Review and Wccftech give 8400. The 8400 value for Ryzen 9000 is stored.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1 spec table: DDR5-9000 (OC) headline, and 1DPC 1R up to 8400+ MT/s, 1DPC 2R up to 6400+, 2DPC 1R up to 6400+, 2DPC 2R up to 6400+. The text says 9000 is with an APU and 8400 MT/s with a desktop-class processor.6Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/04/06/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review/2Read 15 October 2026Features page: frequencies are advertised up to 8400MT/s (OC).8Reviewwccftech.com/review/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review-maxing-out-carbon/2Read 15 October 2026Page 2: slots rated for XMP profiles up to 8400 MT/s (OC Plus). Page 4 chart: official rating 8400 MT/s.10Retailer pagejib.co.th/web/product/readProduct/87570/MAINBOARD--%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%94--MSI-MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI---AMD-SOCKET-AM5-DDR5-ATXRead 15 October 2026Copy of MSI's key features: Dual Channel DDR5 8400+ MT/s (OC).

ECC memoryiThe board runs unbuffered ECC modules with ECC active. A board that runs ECC modules in non-ECC mode does not count. DDR5 on-die ECC does not count. A maker list of ECC and non-ECC unbuffered memory with no non-ECC mode qualifier counts as true, as on ASUS and ASRock AM5 boards. A note that ECC mode depends on the CPU, as ASUS writes for AM4 boards, still counts as true.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: support for ECC unbuffered DIMM (operate in non-ECC mode) and for non-ECC unbuffered DIMM.

No1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, memory: supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory.

CUDIMM supportiThe board runs clocked unbuffered DIMMs (CUDIMM) with the clock driver active. Clock driver bypass mode only does not count. A plain "Supports CUDIMM" with no bypass limit, as ASRock and ASUS write it, counts as true.

Not available

No1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, memory: supports CUDIMM in Clock Driver bypass mode only.

Expansion slots

1 of 3 differ

Expansion slotsiPhysical card slots. Storage M.2 slots are listed under Storage. The M.2 slot of a pre-installed Wi-Fi module is not listed. A full-length slot wired for x4 is PCIe x16 with 4 lanes.

AGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Physical slot	Electrical lanes	PCIe generation	Connected to	Count
PCIe x16	16	5	CPU	1
PCIe x16	4	4	Chipset	1
PCIe x16	4	3	Chipset	1

Source1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: CPU PCIEX16 supports PCIe 5.0 and runs at x16. Chipset PCIEX4_1 is an x16 slot supporting PCIe 4.0 at x4, and PCIEX4_2 is an x16 slot supporting PCIe 3.0 at x4.

BMSI MPG X870E CARBON MAX WIFI

Physical slot	Electrical lanes	PCIe generation	Connected to	Count
PCIe x16	16	5	CPU	1
PCIe x16	8	5	CPU	1
PCIe x16	4	4	Chipset	1

Source1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications and page 35: 3x PCIe x16 slots, all full length. PCI_E1 and PCI_E2 come from the CPU and run PCIe 5.0 x16/x0 or x8/x8 with Ryzen 9000 and 7000 (PCIe 4.0 x8/x0 with Ryzen 8700, 8600 and 8400, and PCIe 4.0 x4/x0 with Ryzen 8500 and 8300). PCI_E1 is PCIe 5.0 x16, PCI_E2 is PCIe 5.0 x8 and PCI_E3 is PCIe 4.0 x4 from the X870E chipset. The pre-installed Wi-Fi module sits in an M.2 Key-E slot, which is not listed.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 15 October 2026Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 5.0 x8 and 1x PCIe 4.0 x4 slot.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1: three full-length PCIe slots. The top two are from the CPU, PCIe 5.0 x16 and PCIe 5.0 x8 (the top slot drops to x8 when the second is used), the bottom x4 slot is from the chipset at PCIe 4.0 x4.

Full-length PCIe slotsiCounts full-length slots, whatever their lane count.

3=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

3=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

Fastest PCIe x16 slot generationiHighest PCIe generation of a full-length slot. This is normally the graphics card slot.

5=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

5=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

Storage

3 of 4 differ

M.2 storage slotsiOne row per M key storage slot on the board, front or back. Slots on an included add-in card are not listed. Values are with the CPU family that gives the board its full connectivity. A slot listed for 25110 counts as M.2 22110. A slot listed for 2260 counts as M.2 2280.

AGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Slot	PCIe generation	PCIe lanes	Connected to	Longest drive	Takes SATA drives	Heatsink	Shares lanes with
M2A_CPU	4	4	CPU	M.2 22110	No	Yes	Not available
M2P_SB	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	No	Yes	Not available
M2Q_SB	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	No	Yes	Not available
M2M_SB	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	Yes	Yes	SATA3 2 and SATA3 3 are unavailable when a PCIe SSD is in M2M_SB

Source1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2 and 2-8: M2A_CPU on the CPU, M2P_SB and M2Q_SB on the chipset, each PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 for 22110/2280 SSDs. M2M_SB on the chipset takes PCIe 4.0 x4 or SATA SSDs. The 2-8 table: a PCIe SSD in M2M_SB turns off SATA3 2 and SATA3 3. Only M2M_SB takes M.2 SATA SSDs. The heatsinks are from Tech4Gamers and Geizhals.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 3 M.2 M-key PCIe 4.0 x4 (22110/2280) and 1 M.2 M-key PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA (22110/2280). 4 passive M.2 heatsinks.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: a thicker silver M.2 thermal guard on the top slot, which is the only slot wired to the CPU, and a single low-profile cover over the other three.

BMSI MPG X870E CARBON MAX WIFI

Slot	PCIe generation	PCIe lanes	Connected to	Longest drive	Takes SATA drives	Heatsink	Shares lanes with
M2_1	5	4	CPU	M.2 2280	No	Yes	Not available
M2_2	5	4	CPU	M.2 2280	No	Yes	Rear USB 40Gbps Type-C ports. Both run at PCIe 5.0 x2 when a device is installed in M2_2. Setting M2_2 to x4 in the BIOS turns off the USB 40Gbps Type-C ports
M2_3	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	No	Yes	Not available
M2_4	4	4	Chipset	M.2 2280	No	Yes	Not available

Source1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications and block diagram (page 75), Ryzen 9000 values. M2_1 and M2_2 come from the CPU, PCIe 5.0 x4 (PCIe 4.0 x4 on Ryzen 8000). M2_3 and M2_4 come from the X870E chipset, PCIe 4.0 x4. M2_1, M2_2 and M2_4 take 2260 and 2280 drives. M2_3 takes 2280 and 22110. M2_2 is unavailable on Ryzen 8500 and 8300. The USB 40Gbps Type-C ports and M2_2 share PCIe 5.0 x4 (footnote). The block diagram labels every M.2 slot PCIe only and no slot lists a SATA mode. The install steps on pages 38 to 45 show a Screwless M.2 Shield Frozr heatsink on all four slots.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 15 October 2026Storage: 2x M.2 Gen5 x4 128Gbps slots and 2x M.2 Gen4 x4 64Gbps slots.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1: four M.2 sockets, and the text also mentions a fifth on the back of the board (not described, and not in MSI's slot list, which has four M-key slots and the Key-E Wi-Fi slot). M.2_1 and M.2_2 are from the CPU, up to PCIe 5.0 x4, 80 mm devices. M.2_3 and M.2_4 are from the chipset, PCIe 4.0 x4, M.2_3 up to 110 mm. M.2_2 shares with the USB4 Type-C ports and drops both to x2 when used.7Press articleguru3d.com/story/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-adds-64mb-bios-clock-genRead 15 October 2026From MSI: two CPU PCIe 5.0 x4 sockets and two chipset PCIe 4.0 x4 sockets, all 2280/2260 in the story. The manual says M2_3 also takes 22110 and Tom's Hardware agrees, so the manual is used.

M.2 slots

4=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

4=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots

0=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

2=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

SATA portsiSATA 6Gb/s connectors on the board. SlimSAS connectors and M.2 slots that take SATA drives do not count.

61Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (the DDR4 AX model has 4).

41Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications: 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports from the X870E chipset.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 15 October 2026Storage: 4x SATA 6Gbps ports.

Rear ports

5 of 5 differ

Rear portsiPhysical connectors on the rear I/O panel. Wi-Fi antenna connectors and buttons are not ports. 3.5 mm audio counts analog jacks of any role. A video input, such as the DisplayPort In of a Thunderbolt board, is Other.

AGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Type	Version	Count	Max link rate (Gbps)
USB-C	USB 3.2 Gen 2x2	1	20
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	2	10
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 1	3	5
USB-A	USB 2.0	4	0.48
HDMI	HDMI 2.1	1	Not available
DisplayPort	DisplayPort 1.2	1	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	2.5
3.5 mm audio	Not available	2	Not available
Optical S/PDIF	Not available	1	Not available

Source1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2 back panel: 1 USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2), 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (red), 3 USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 USB 2.0/1.1, 2 SMA antenna connectors, 1 HDMI 2.0, 1 DisplayPort, 1 RJ-45, 1 optical S/PDIF out, 2 audio jacks. The 3 Gen 1 ports are Type-A per Profesional Review. HDMI is stored as 2.1 from Geizhals, see that source. DisplayPort 1.2 is from the onboard graphics text. USB 2.0 is stored as 0.48 Gbps.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals external ports: 1 DisplayPort 1.2, 1 HDMI 2.1 TMDS, 1 USB-C 20 Gb/s, 2 USB-A 10 Gb/s, 3 USB-A 5 Gb/s, 4 USB-A 2.0, 1 S/PDIF out, 2 audio jacks, 1 RJ-45 2.5G. The launch manual says HDMI 2.0 and the manual of the white ICE model says HDMI 2.1.

BMSI MPG X870E CARBON MAX WIFI

Type	Version	Count	Max link rate (Gbps)	Thunderbolt or USB4	DP Alt Mode
USB-C	USB4	2	40	USB4	Yes
USB-C	USB 3.2 Gen 2	2	10	Not available	Not available
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	9	10	Not available	Not available
HDMI	HDMI 2.1	1	Not available	Not available	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	5	Not available	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	2.5	Not available	Not available
3.5 mm audio	Not available	2	Not available	Not available	Not available
Optical S/PDIF	Not available	1	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, Back Panel Connectors and pages 24 to 25: 2x USB 10Gbps Type-A (X870E) and 4x USB 10Gbps Type-A (RTS5420), 1x HDMI, 2x USB 40Gbps Type-C (ASM4242, DisplayPort over USB Type-C), 1x USB 10Gbps Type-C (CPU), 1x USB 10Gbps Type-C (X870E), 1x USB 10Gbps Type-A (CPU), 2x USB 10Gbps Type-A (X870E). That makes 9 Type-A, 2 USB4 Type-C and 2 USB 10Gbps Type-C. Also 1x 5G LAN, 1x 2.5G LAN, 2x audio jacks (line-out and mic-in), 1x optical S/PDIF out, 2x Wi-Fi antenna connectors and the Clear CMOS, Flash BIOS and Smart buttons. Onboard graphics: HDMI 2.1 FRL up to 8K 60Hz, and the USB4 ports with DisplayPort 1.4 HBR3 up to 4K 60Hz, only with a processor that has integrated graphics. MSI calls the 40Gbps ports USB4 and does not say Thunderbolt. MSI's speed names are stored as USB-IF names: 10Gbps as Gen 2.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 15 October 2026USB ports: 2x USB 40Gbps (2 Type-C) and 11x USB 10Gbps (2 Type-C + 9 Type-A). Display interface: HDMI 2.1 FRL 8K 60Hz, and 2 USB4 ports with Type-C display output, which needs processor graphics. The connections diagram shows 2.5G and 5G LAN, HD audio connectors and an optical S/PDIF OUT.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1 spec table: 2 USB4 40 Gbps Type-C, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 9 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, 5 GbE and 2.5 GbE, 2 analog jacks and S/PDIF.

Rear USB ports

10=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

13=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Rear USB-C portsiIncludes Thunderbolt and USB4 ports.

1=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

4=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Fastest rear USB port

20Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

40Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

ThunderboltiThunderbolt on the rear panel. A header for an add-in card does not count.

Not available

No=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Internal connectors

5 of 5 differ

Internal USB headersiHeaders for front-panel USB ports. The header count may be left out when the maker states only the front ports served.

AGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Header	Max data rate (Gbps)	Headers	Front ports served
USB-C header	10	1	1
USB 3 header (19-pin)	5	1	2
USB 2.0 header (9-pin)	0.48	2	4

Source1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 1 USB Type-C header with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 header (2 ports) and 2 USB 2.0/1.1 headers (4 ports).2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 1 USB 3.1 Key-A header (10 Gb/s, 1 USB-C), 1 USB 3.0 20-pin header (5 Gb/s, 2 USB-A) and 2 USB 2.0 9-pin headers (4 USB-A).

BMSI MPG X870E CARBON MAX WIFI

Header	Max data rate (Gbps)	Headers	Front ports served	Power out (W)
USB-C header	20	1	1	27
USB 3 header (19-pin)	5	2	4	Not available
USB 2.0 header (9-pin)	0.48	2	4	Not available

Source1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, internal USB: 1x USB 20Gbps Type-C front port (X870E, USB PD 27W), 2x USB 5Gbps connectors (four more ports) and 2x USB 2.0 connectors (four more ports).2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 15 October 2026USB ports: 1x USB 20Gbps (1 Type-C), 4x USB 5Gbps (4 Type-A) and 4x USB 2.0 Type-A. The Type-A counts are front-panel ports from the headers.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1: front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps with 27W charging) header, two 19-pin USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) headers and two USB 2.0 headers.

Front USB-C header speed

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Internal USB headers

20Gbps=CalculatedFrom Internal USB headers

Fan headersiAll fan and pump headers on the board, including CPU, CPU optional, AIO pump and chassis fan headers. Combination connectors that carry fan power together with other lines, such as MSI EZ Conn, do not count. A header that drives several fans, such as GIGABYTE 3_FANS, counts once. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

61Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 1 CPU fan header, 1 CPU fan/water cooling pump header, 3 system fan headers and 1 system fan/water cooling pump header.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 1 CPU fan, 1 CPU fan/pump, 3 fans and 1 fan/pump header.

71Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, fan connectors: 1 CPU fan, 1 pump/system fan and 5 system fan connectors make 7. The JAF_2 EZ Conn V2 connector carries fan, ARGB and USB lines together and is not counted.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1: seven 4-pin fan headers plus the JAF_2 combo header.6Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/04/06/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review/2Read 15 October 2026Features page: a total of seven 4-pin fan headers plus an EZ-Conn header.

ARGB headersi3-pin 5 V addressable RGB headers. Combination connectors do not count. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

21Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 2 x addressable LED strip headers (D_LED1, D_LED2, 5 V).

31Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, LED: 3x 3-pin A-RAINBOW V2 (ARGB Gen2) LED connectors.

RGB headersi4-pin 12 V RGB headers. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

21Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 2 x RGB LED strip headers (LED_C1, LED_C2, 12 V).

11Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, LED: 1x 4-pin RGB LED connector.

Networking

7 of 9 differ

Ethernet controllersiOne item per Ethernet chip, as maker plus chip family without suffix letters, e.g. Realtek RTL8126 or Realtek RTL8125. Suffixes and revisions go in the source note. Leave it empty when no maker document or review names the chip. A Killer chip is written with Intel as its maker, such as Intel Killer E3100G.

Realtek RTL81251Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: Realtek 2.5GbE LAN chip. The chip family is from Tech4Gamers and Profesional Review (RTL8125B or RTL8125BG).3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5GbE chip.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review: 2.5 Gbps LAN with a Realtek RTL8125B.

Realtek RTL8126, Realtek RTL81251Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, LAN: 1x Realtek 8126 5Gbps and 1x Realtek 8125 2.5Gbps LAN controller.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 15 October 2026LAN: Realtek 5Gbps LAN and Realtek 2.5Gbps LAN, chip names not given.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1 spec table: Realtek 8126 (5 GbE) and Realtek 8125 (2.5 GbE).7Press articleguru3d.com/story/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-adds-64mb-bios-clock-genRead 15 October 2026From MSI: Realtek RTL8126 for 5GbE and RTL8125 for 2.5GbE.

Ethernet ports

1=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

2=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Ethernet speediFastest Ethernet port.

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Wi-Fi includediA Wi-Fi module comes installed. A board sold with and without Wi-Fi is two products.

Yes1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, WIFI a/b/g/n/ac/ax on 2.4/5/6 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, 11ax 160 MHz and up to 2.4 Gbps.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications: the wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E) slot.

Wi-Fi standard

Wi-Fi 6E1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Wi-Fi 71Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications: Wi-Fi 7, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 15 October 2026Wireless/Bluetooth: Wi-Fi 7 solution, Bluetooth 5.4.

Wi-Fi bandsiBands the installed module supports.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications: 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz (320MHz). 6GHz support may depend on each country's rules.

Max Wi-Fi channel widthiWidest channel the installed module supports, e.g. 320 or 160. It follows the Wi-Fi module, so a board revision can change it.

160MHz1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: support for the 11ax 160 MHz wireless standard.

320MHz1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications: 320MHz up to 5.8Gbps, MU-MIMO TX/RX.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1 spec table: 320 MHz.

Wi-Fi moduleiChip as published. A board revision can change the chip. One name: the maker's when published, otherwise the one name a review uses. No parentheses. Other names go in the source note. Use the chip's part number with its maker when any source gives it, such as Qualcomm QCNCM865 for a module also written NCM865. A platform name such as FastConnect 7800 is used only when no part number is published.

Not available

MediaTek MT79274Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1 spec table: Mediatek MT7927 Wi-Fi 7, 320 MHz, 6 GHz, 5.8 Gbps, BT 5.4. The FPS Review also says the Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 chips are MediaTek. MSI names no chip. The predecessor MPG X870E CARBON WIFI uses a Qualcomm module.6Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/04/06/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review/2Read 15 October 2026Features page: Wireless 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 are MediaTek chipsets. LAN and audio are Realtek (8126 and 4080). It names no part number.

BluetoothiVersion of the Bluetooth radio on the Wi-Fi module.

5.31Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: Bluetooth 5.3. GIGABYTE's later manuals for sibling white models list the same for both PCB revisions.

5.41Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications: Bluetooth 5.4, MLO, 4KQAM. MSI says the version may be updated by the Wi-Fi chip vendor.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 15 October 2026Wireless/Bluetooth: Wi-Fi 7 solution, Bluetooth 5.4.

Audio

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Audio codeciMaker and model, e.g. Realtek ALC4080. A board revision can change the codec.

Not available

Realtek ALC40801Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications: Realtek ALC4080 codec, 7.1-channel USB high performance audio.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1: Realtek ALC4080 codec.

DAC chipiA separate DAC chip next to the codec, e.g. ESS ES9219. Maker plus part number as the maker writes it, with suffix letters, e.g. ESS ES9219Q. A marketing name that stands for a part number is written as the part number, so ESS SABRE9219 is ESS ES9219 and the maker wording goes in the source note. Leave it empty on boards with only a codec.

Not available

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Features

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BIOS flashbackiA button that updates the BIOS from a USB drive without a CPU or memory installed. Maker names include BIOS FlashBack, Flash BIOS Button and Q-Flash Plus.

Yes1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Q-Flash Plus button on the board (section 2-7) with a dedicated USB port on the rear panel.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Rear panel list and page 24: Flash BIOS button, with a Flash BIOS port.

Clear CMOS button (rear)iA button on the rear panel that resets the BIOS settings. A jumper or header does not count. A board whose only clear CMOS button sits on the board itself is false.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-7: CLR_SW is a Clear CMOS button on the board. The rear panel list has no button.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Rear panel list and page 24: Clear CMOS button. JBAT1 is a separate jumper.

POST code displayiA two-digit display that shows boot codes, e.g. ASUS Q-Code or ASRock Dr. Debug. Single status LEDs do not count. Taken from the maker's spec or manual only. A review spec table is not enough.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-7: four status LEDs (CPU, DRAM, VGA, BOOT). No two-digit display. Tech4Gamers also says there is no debug LED.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, LED Features: 1x EZ Digi-Debug LED, with a debug code table in the Onboard LEDs chapter. Tom's Hardware calls it the two-character debug display. The 4 EZ Debug LEDs are single status LEDs.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1 spec table: EZ Digi-Debug LED, and the text mentions the two-character debug display.6Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/04/06/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review/2Read 15 October 2026Features page: a digital LED debug readout as well as a smaller LED debug panel.

Power button on the boardiA power or start button on the board itself, for use outside a case. A button with another label counts when the maker says it can turn the PC on, such as GIGABYTE's quick button labelled RESET. A button on the rear I/O panel counts. A button on a module that ships fitted to the board, such as MSI's EZ BRIDGE, counts.

Yes1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-7: the RST_SW reset button lets users quickly turn on or off the computer in an open-case environment.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals buttons: internal Clear CMOS, power, reset and Q-Flash Plus buttons.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, Internal Buttons: 1x Power button and 1x Reset button (POWER1, RESET1, page 49). The FPS Review sees power and reset buttons at the bottom right of the board.6Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/04/06/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review/2Read 15 October 2026Features page: power and reset buttons onboard at the bottom right.

Dual BIOSiTwo BIOS chips, so the board can start from the second chip after a failed update. Two flash chips alone do not count.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: BIOS is 1 x 256 Mbit flash. Dual BIOS is not stated.

No1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Specifications, BIOS Features: 1x 256 Mb flash (an older figure, since the datasheet says 64MB BIOS). No second BIOS is listed.

Pre-installed I/O shieldiThe rear I/O shield is fixed to the board.

Yes2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals features: I/O shield integrated.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Special Features, EZ DIY: Pre-installed I/O Shield.

Tool-free featuresiM.2 latch holds a drive without a screw. M.2 heatsink comes off without a tool. PCIe slot release is a button or lever that frees the graphics card. Push-on antenna connector fits the Wi-Fi antenna without screwing.

Tool-free M.2 latch, PCIe slot release1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026M.2 EZ-Latch Plus clip, section 2-8. The PCIe release lever is from Tech4Gamers (EZ-Latch on the PCIe slot) and Profesional Review (extended release tabs). The manual says the M.2 heatsink is held by screws, and the Wi-Fi antenna uses SMA screw connectors.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: EZ-Latch on the PCIe slot (extended locker) and EZ-Latch on the M.2 ports.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review: the PCIe 5.0 slot has extended release tabs. The M.2 SSD anchor is the EZ-Latch type.

Tool-free M.2 latch, Tool-free M.2 heatsink, PCIe slot release1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Special Features, EZ DIY: Screwless M.2 Shield Frozr, EZ M.2 Clip II and EZ PCIe Release. The Wi-Fi antenna is the EZ Antenna, which MSI's UK store describes as magnetic, so the push-on antenna option is not set.

Measured

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VRM temperature under CPU loadiHighest VRM temperature a reviewer measured during a sustained all-core CPU stress test at stock settings. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. The reviewer's probe reading when given, otherwise the board sensor. The sensor and the CPU package power during the test go in the source note.

66°C4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Profesional Review test of the VRM at stock under a CPU stress test: Core i9-13900K, Corsair H150i ELITE LCD, open bench, BIOS F3g, PL2 unlimited so the CPU drew up to 300 W. The HWiNFO VRM sensor read 66 C. A FLIR One camera read 59 C on the outside of the VRM and 28 C at idle. The ambient temperature and test duration are not stated. The review lists the Z790 AORUS MASTER in its test bench table, which looks like a copy error. Tech4Gamers measured about 48 C with a thermal camera on an i7-12700K at about 170 W (Cinebench R23, 30 minutes, ambient 30 C). That figure is not stored.

51°C5Measurementtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-review/3Read 15 October 2026Page 3: AIDA64 System Stability Test (all threads), 30 minutes, CPU at stock, about 25 C ambient. The Ryzen 9 9900X drew about 152 W in the chart. The text says VRM temperatures peaked at almost 51 C on the hottest sensor (thermocouples) and about the same on the internal sensor. 51 C is stored. Test system: Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420, Crucial T705 2TB, Kingston and TeamGroup DDR5 kits (DDR5-7200 used for this test), Asus TUF RTX 4080, EVGA 850 W PSU, Windows 11 24H2, MSI BIOS current in March 2026.

Power draw idleiWhole test system at the wall at idle, measured by a reviewer. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. A chart of CPU and board power without a wall meter does not count.

Not available

91W5Measurementtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-review/3Read 15 October 2026Page 3 Power Consumption chart, MSI X870E Carbon MAX: idle 91 W, whole PC at the wall with a Kill-A-Watt meter, monitor excluded, Windows Balanced power plan, DDR5-7200 kit.

Power draw CPU stressiWhole test system at the wall at the peak of a CPU stress test, measured by a reviewer. The graphics card is not loaded. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. A chart of CPU and board power without a wall meter does not count.

Not available

263W5Measurementtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-review/3Read 15 October 2026Page 3 Power Consumption chart: load 263 W (peak, average 177 W) in the AIDA64 System Stability Test with CPU, FPU, cache and memory stressed, Ryzen 9 9900X at stock, graphics card not loaded, whole PC at the wall with a Kill-A-Watt meter.

In the box

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In the boxiItems as the maker lists them.

1 x Wi-Fi antenna, 2 x SATA cables, 1 x G Connector, M.2 SSD screws, Paper leaflet3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Accessories: 1 motherboard, 1 Wi-Fi antenna, 2 SATA cables, 1 front panel G Connector, 1 paper leaflet. No user manual. Profesional Review adds SSD installation screws.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Package: board, external Wi-Fi antenna, 2 SATA 6 Gbps cables, SSD installation screws and F-panel adapter.

Quick installation guide, European Union Regulatory Notices, 2 x SATA cables, ARGB extension cable, 1 to 3 EZ Conn-Cable (V2), EZ Front panel cable, EZ Wi-Fi Antenna, Cable sticker, EZ M.2 Clip II, EZ M.2 Clip II Remover1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026Package Contents, page 23: motherboard, quick installation guide, EU regulatory notices, 2 SATA cables, ARGB extension cable, 1 to 3 EZ Conn-Cable (V2), EZ Front panel cable, EZ Wi-Fi antenna, cable sticker, EZ M.2 Clip II and EZ M.2 Clip II Remover. Tom's Hardware calls the ARGB cable 1 to 3 and lists the same other items.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1, Inside the Box: EZ Wi-Fi antenna, cable stickers and installation guide, 1 to 3 EZ Conn-cable (v2), 1 to 3 ARGB Gen 2 extension cable, 2 SATA cables, EZ Front Panel cable, EZ M.2 Clip II remover and EZ M.2 Clip II.

Links

Not compared

Product page

www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-rev-1x9Maker product pagegigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-rev-1xRead 15 October 2026The GIGABYTE page for rev. 1.x. gigabyte.com blocks agents, so the page was not read and no value comes from it.

www.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI13Maker product pagemsi.com/Motherboard/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFIRead 15 October 2026The URL comes from the job evidence and web search results. msi.com blocks agents, so the page was not opened and no value comes from it.

Spec sheet

Not available

storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/us/MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI.pdfRead 15 October 2026One-page MSI datasheet for MPG X870E CARBON MAX WIFI, US version, generated 2026-07-21, on MSI's datasheet server.

Manual

www.trovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdf1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026GIGABYTE User's Manual Rev. 1001 (2022) for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX, Z790 AORUS ELITE and the two DDR4 models, hosted by trovaprezzi.it. gigabyte.com blocks agents. Features marked for the DDR5 models with an AX are the ones used. Newer manual revisions were not readable for the black board.

download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdf1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdfRead 15 October 2026MSI User Guide for MPG X870E CARBON MAX WIFI (82 pages), English, on MSI's download server. The Russian copy hosted by regard.ru has the same content and is not used. Revision history: Version 2.0, 2026/02, First release.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

0 of 1 differ

Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

3years2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals warranty field: 3 years, German and Austrian listing.

3years4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Page 1 spec table: Warranty 3 Years.6Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/04/06/msi-mpg-x870e-carbon-max-wifi-motherboard-review/2Read 15 October 2026Introduction page: the board comes with a three-year warranty.10Retailer pagejib.co.th/web/product/readProduct/87570/MAINBOARD--%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%94--MSI-MPG-X870E-CARBON-MAX-WIFI---AMD-SOCKET-AM5-DDR5-ATXRead 15 October 2026Warranty 3 years (Thailand).

Both are also in the API. Back to all motherboards.