Asus TUF Gaming X570-Plus vs MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon: Which is the Ultimate Gaming Motherboard?

Choosing the right motherboard for your next PC build can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the X570 chipset market are the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon. Both boards offer a compelling blend of features, performance, and aesthetics, making it difficult to choose between them. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of both motherboards to help you determine which one best suits your needs and budget.

Performance and Chipset

Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon are built on the AMD X570 chipset, which provides support for the latest AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors. The X570 chipset offers several advantages over its predecessor, the X470, including PCIe 4.0 support, higher bandwidth, and improved power delivery.
In terms of performance, both motherboards deliver excellent results. They both boast robust VRM designs with sufficient power phases to handle high-end Ryzen CPUs without any thermal throttling. The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon, however, edges out the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus in benchmark tests, particularly in memory performance due to its higher-quality memory slots.

Features and Connectivity

Both motherboards are packed with features and connectivity options. They both offer a wide range of ports, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a USB-C port, and a front panel header for an additional USB-C port. Both also support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity.
The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus stands out with its integrated I/O shield, which simplifies the installation process and reduces the chances of damage during the build. It also features two M.2 slots with heatsinks, allowing for faster storage speeds and lower temperatures. The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon, on the other hand, comes with a dedicated audio amplifier that delivers high-quality sound. It also has a built-in RGB lighting system that can be customized to your liking.

Design and Aesthetics

The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus has a more understated design with a black and gray color scheme. It features a military-inspired aesthetic with subtle TUF branding and a matte finish. The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon, on the other hand, boasts a more aggressive design with a black and silver color scheme. It features a carbon fiber pattern and RGB lighting accents that give it a premium look.
Both motherboards have a clean layout with well-spaced components, making them easy to build on. The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon, however, offers slightly better cable management options with more routing points and a dedicated cable cover.

BIOS and Software

Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon have user-friendly BIOS interfaces that are easy to navigate. The ASUS BIOS is known for its comprehensive features and detailed options, while the MSI BIOS is more streamlined and intuitive.
Both motherboards come bundled with software utilities that allow you to control various aspects of your system, such as fan speeds, RGB lighting, and overclocking. The ASUS Armoury Crate software offers a more comprehensive suite of tools, while the MSI Dragon Center is more focused on system monitoring and performance optimization.

Price and Value

The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon are both priced competitively in the mid-range motherboard segment. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus generally comes at a slightly lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon, however, offers better performance and premium features, justifying its slightly higher price tag.

The Verdict: Which Motherboard Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus if:

• You’re on a tighter budget.
• You prefer a more understated design.
• You need a motherboard with a robust VRM design for high-end CPU performance.
• You value an integrated I/O shield for ease of installation.

Choose the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon if:

• You’re willing to spend a bit more for premium features and performance.
• You prefer an aggressive design with RGB lighting accents.
• You want a motherboard with dedicated audio amplification for high-quality sound.
• You prioritize excellent cable management options.

Beyond the Comparison: Key Considerations

While the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon are both great motherboards, it’s important to consider your specific needs and priorities beyond the features we’ve discussed.

• Future-proofing: Both motherboards support PCIe 4.0, which is a significant advantage for future-proofing your system. However, it’s worth considering whether you’ll need this feature in the near future.
• Overclocking: Both motherboards offer good overclocking potential, but the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon might be slightly better suited for extreme overclocking due to its higher-quality components.
• Warranty: Both motherboards come with a standard warranty, but it’s always a good idea to check the specific terms and conditions before making a purchase.

The Final Word: A Tale of Two Champions

Both the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus and the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon are excellent motherboards that offer a compelling blend of features, performance, and aesthetics. The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus is a solid choice for budget-conscious builders who prioritize value, while the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon is a better option for those who want a premium experience with enhanced performance and features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

What You Need to Know

Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
Both motherboards have robust VRM designs with sufficient cooling solutions to handle high-end Ryzen CPUs. However, the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon might have a slight edge in VRM cooling due to its larger heatsinks and more efficient heat dissipation.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
Both motherboards offer good overclocking potential. However, the MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon might be slightly better suited for extreme overclocking due to its higher-quality components and more robust power delivery.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Pro Carbon has a dedicated audio amplifier that delivers high-quality sound, making it a better choice for audiophiles.
Q: Which motherboard is better for first-time builders?
Both motherboards are relatively easy to build on, thanks to their clean layouts and well-spaced components. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus might be slightly easier for first-time builders due to its integrated I/O shield, which simplifies the installation process.
Q: Which motherboard is better for a gaming PC?
Both motherboards are excellent choices for a gaming PC, offering high performance and robust features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.