The MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi is a standout AMD Ryzen motherboard that sets the bar high for enthusiast-grade boards. With its robust feature set and exceptional performance capabilities, this board is an absolute must-have for anyone looking to build a top-tier gaming or content creation PC. What truly sets the MPG X870E apart from the competition is its unwavering commitment to quality and reliability. MSI’s renowned build quality is on full display here, with premium components and attention to detail that instill confidence in even the most demanding users.

Priced at $500/£430, this device is expected to deliver a premium experience, offering a plethora of high-end features that will leave you wanting more. The corporation’s flagship MPG Carbon WiFi motherboard boasts an impressive array of premium features, including Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, USB 4 ports, PCIe 5.0 support for high-speed storage devices, and enhanced graphics capabilities, all packaged in a sleek and visually appealing design.

A multitude of features is packed onto this PCB, with the added benefits of the MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi leveraging AMD’s premier gaming motherboard chipset, the X870E, rather than settling for the standard X870 configuration. The motherboard’s array of high-speed USB ports and PCIe lanes provides a significant advantage, mitigating concerns about solid-state drives (SSDs) competing with graphics cards for access to these crucial resources.

To complement the modernized motherboard design, MSI has revamped its UEFI firmware, introducing a cutting-edge HD interface and reorganized layout that still retains an array of features. Loaded with a plethora of overclocking and testing tools, you also gain access to thermal probe inputs that can seamlessly integrate with your fan controls, optimizing cooling performance by focusing on specific regions within your PC – an asset when paired with customizable liquid cooling solutions.

Specs

Options

Let’s start with the tool-free options on this board, which serve as a clarion call to all motherboard manufacturers at present. MSI follows suit with Gigabyte by incorporating a push-button launch mechanism for graphics cards, as seen in the Aorus Elite X870 WiFi7 Ice.

Unlike some 800-series motherboards with limited expansion options, this model’s abundance of M.2 ports makes it essential to access the PCIe graphics slot release mechanism without obstruction. To secure your graphics card, MSI’s device necessitates a two-step process: initially, press the instrument to initiate, followed by another press to engage the latch once the card is inserted, thereby locking it firmly in place. The added assurance comes at a cost, though: this method may feel like overkill for some users, as it requires multiple steps to verify the integrity of your graphics driver.

M.2 SSD heatsinks feature a tool-free design, boasting latches at one end that effortlessly release or secure the entire heatsink without requiring any additional tools; similarly, the SSDs themselves are secured in place via more tool-free latches.

Notwithstanding the diverse finish of the heatsinks, tiny pins secure them in place, posing a challenge to aligning them, especially on larger heat sinks. While Gigabyte omits covers from its information pins, allowing for precise alignment with heatsinks, this approach presents uncertainty when applying the heatsinks, potentially leading to challenges in the process.

The rear I/O panel of the MSI board is undeniably attention-grabbing compared to its predecessors, boasting a impressive four USB-C ports. Two USB-C ports support USB 4.0 speeds while also functioning as DisplayPorts, with the other two offering USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity capped at a maximum throughput of 10 gigabits per second. Despite its compact design, MSI still finds room for nine additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, making it unlikely that anyone will find themselves lacking in terms of connectivity options at any point.

The panel also features two 2.5Gbps and five 5Gbps Ethernet ports, accompanied by controls for USB BIOS Flashback, CMOS clear, and a Goodman button that can be reconfigured to perform tasks like restarting the system or modifying RGB illumination.

In the interim, the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec essentially duplicates the functionality of its predecessor, the ALC1200 series, but operates on the USB bus instead. It does not have any other specifications and is not considered an upgrade regardless of the higher model quantity. The audio system features dual 3.5mm audio outputs and a single optical output for connectivity options.

When counting on a motherboard at this value, you also gain energy and reset buttons on the PCB, accompanied by an LED POST code display, which is advantageous for AMD boards as they often require additional time to post due to memory training and other features. This provides valuable insight into whether your board remains in a booting state or has frozen, particularly when overclocking your system.

Seven 4-pin fan headers, accompanied by three thermal probe inputs, offer enhanced control, with improved placements compared to the GIGABYTE AORUS ELITE X870 Wi-Fi 7 ICE’s design. The board’s four M.2 slots boast enhanced cooling, employing both top-and-bottom-mounted thermal pads and heatsinks to keep components at optimal temperatures; two of these slots specifically cater to the latest PCIe 5.0 M.2 solid-state drives.

Design

If you’re seeking a black motherboard featuring understated RGB illumination, you’ll be pleased to know that options abound, and I commend MSI’s thoughtful design of their top-notch M.2 heatsink. The case features a snap-lock mechanism for its RGB illumination, which is complemented by ambient lighting on the I/O panel and three 3-pin RGB headers for customization.

The design’s versatility ensures a tidy format, even with feature-rich PCBs, streamlining cable organization, especially when dealing with fan cables, as all headers are strategically positioned along the board’s edges. While my primary concern lies with the marginally challenging heatsinks I previously discussed, it’s also possible that MSI has cleverly concealed the unsightly CMOS battery from view, potentially situated beneath one of these heatsinks.

The newly designed EFI is intriguing, showcasing MSI’s expertise in overclocking and fan management, although the Windows-based software still leaves room for improvement. While the latter is less user-friendly compared to the EFI, its utility lies in refining follower accuracy during stress testing scenarios.

Benchmarks

The MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi delivered Cinebench scores comparable to those of the Gigabyte Aorus Elite X870 WiFi7 Ice, albeit with a slightly slower single-core rating of 138, but outperforming in the multi-core rating at 2,389.

In Complete Warfare: Warhammer 3 at 1080p, the Gigabyte Aorus Elite X870 WiFi7 Ice’s performance was consistent, achieving minimal frame rates of approximately 99th percentile and common body charges ranging from 159fps to 220fps. The audio efficiency was directly correlated to its effectiveness, boasting a remarkable noise level of -99 dBA and a dynamic range of 104 dBA.

During our stress test, our PCIe 5.0 SSD experienced elevated temperatures, reaching 78°C on the highest SSD slot; this decreased to 70°C when using the lower heat sink on the PCIe 5.0 slot, suggesting it is optimal for a PCIe 5.0 drive.

While operating at maximum capacity, the 18+2+1 VRM section recorded a peak temperature of 63°C, providing ample headroom for overclocking considerations. Meanwhile, the system as a whole consumed approximately 12W more than the Gigabyte Aorus Elite X870 WiFi7 Ice, with the two systems drawing 373W and 361W, respectively.

Worth

At a value of $500 (£430), the MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi motherboard falls within a range of more affordable options for this model, although it still requires a substantial investment. With cheaper alternatives offering similar speed, many will find the premium value lies not only in a more powerful graphics card or CPU, but also in top-tier gaming SSDs, making it a worthwhile investment for serious gamers.

These more affordable options support older B650 and X670 motherboards, accommodating the latest Ryzen 9000 CPUs as well as the 9800X3D, with B850 motherboards also potentially available soon.

The board boasts an impressive array of features typical of high-end motherboards, offering a significant degree of future-proofing alongside ample capacity for handling cutting-edge flagship hardware. If you possess a substantial budget and yearn for a motherboard with features reminiscent of those from the end of the previous decade, the MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi deserves serious consideration within your price range.

Alternate options

Gigabyte Aorus Elite X870 WiFi7 Ice

You shouldn’t expect a top-notch Ryzen 9000 system without investing in a high-end motherboard, as evidenced by this excellent Gigabyte board that leverages the X670 chipset’s affordability to deliver impressive performance. While it may not offer extensive PCIe 5.0 or high-speed USB support, this device still provides the majority of users with what they need while also performing exceptionally well.

When building a white PC, this excellent white motherboard provides a stylish match for your case without breaking the bank.

Discover a comprehensive review of the Gigabyte Aorus Elite X870 WiFi7 Ice.

Verdict

Ultimately, a previously affordable mid-range motherboard is now marketed at nearly double the price of its original counterpart, solely due to its upgrade to the X570 chipset. The MSI MPG Carbon series has evolved into a premium offering over time, boasting an impressive array of forward-thinking features alongside sleek aesthetics. Among the most impressive gaming PCs, this behemoth wouldn’t look out of place with a Ryzen 9 4950X and RTX 4090 attached, considering it’s slated for an upgrade to an RTX 5090 and Ryzen 9 9950X3D in January.

Fortunately, this system boasts the credentials to excel in handling these aspects, complemented by high-end choices like custom water cooling, and crucially, features cutting-edge innovations that may soon become mainstream. While investing in a high-performance gaming PC with advanced features requires a significant budget, opting for a cutting-edge motherboard that won’t become obsolete within three years is an investment worth considering if your financial situation allows for it.

When planning to build an AMD Socket AM5 system, consider also reviewing our in-depth evaluation of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which provides comprehensive benchmarks and insights into the current best gaming CPU for your new system. Take a closer look at our comprehensive guide on how to effectively overclock the 9800X3D, as we’ve demonstrated it using this specific motherboard, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of various EFI settings and their applications.