ASRock Asro Z790 Taichi Carrara Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How these alternatives compare

MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge ATX Motherboard

The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge uses the older AM4 socket and DDR4 memory, making it incompatible with the Z790’s 13th and 12th Gen Intel CPUs. It drops the massive EATX form factor for a standard ATX size, which fits in mid-tower cases rather than large desktop enclosures. You lose PCIe 5.0 support, settling for PCIe 4.0 lanes. The power delivery is simpler, lacking the 24+1+2 phase design of the Taichi. This board suits Ryzen gamers who do not need the latest memory speeds or Wi-Fi standards. It is a practical choice for existing AM4 builds or budget-conscious builders who prioritize value over cutting-edge expansion.

Supermicro Mini-ITX Celeron Motherboard

This Supermicro board targets a completely different use case with its Mini-ITX form factor and Celeron processor. It uses DDR3 memory, which is far older than the DDR5 support found in the Z790 Taichi. The size is significantly smaller, measuring 10 by 13 inches, designed for compact systems rather than high-performance desktops. You give up raw processing power and extensive expansion slots for a dual-Ethernet setup in a small footprint. This motherboard is ideal for users building low-power, space-constrained systems or network appliances. It does not support gaming or heavy multitasking. Choose this if you need a specialized, small form factor solution with reliable connectivity instead of high-end desktop performance.

Supermicro Mini-ITX Pentium N3700 Server Motherboard

The Supermicro Mini-ITX Pentium N3700 Server Motherboard is built for embedded and server applications, not desktop gaming. It features a Mini-ITX form factor and DDR3 memory, which contrasts sharply with the Z790’s EATX size and DDR5 support. The board includes 4Gb Ethernet ports, catering to server environments. It lacks the high-speed PCIe lanes and extensive connectivity options of the Taichi. The physical dimensions are larger in some measurements, but the form factor is much smaller. This option is suitable for users needing a compact, low-power server solution. It is not appropriate for modern desktop computing or gaming. Select this if you require specialized server hardware with 4Gb Ethernet capabilities in a small package.

MSI LGA 1151 ATX Motherboard with Wi-Fi

The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming PRO Carbon AC supports 8th and 9th Gen Intel processors via the LGA 1151 socket, making it incompatible with the newer 12th and 13th Gen CPUs supported by the Z790. It uses DDR4 memory instead of DDR5 and offers PCIe 3.0 speeds rather than PCIe 5.0. The ATX form factor is smaller than the EATX Taichi, fitting in standard mid-tower cases. It includes built-in Wi-Fi and dual M.2 slots, which are useful for gaming builds. This board is a solid choice for users with existing older Intel CPUs who want to upgrade their platform without changing cases. It sacrifices the latest memory and expansion standards for compatibility with older hardware.

GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 ATX Motherboard

The GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi ATX is designed for 8th and 9th Gen Intel processors on the LGA 1151 socket. It uses DDR4 memory and PCIe 3.0 lanes, which are older than the DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 found in the Z790 Taichi. The ATX form factor is smaller than the EATX size of the Taichi, making it suitable for mid-tower cases. It provides stable power delivery and built-in wireless connectivity for gaming builds. This motherboard is a good option for users who already own older Intel CPUs and want a reliable gaming platform. It does not support the latest memory standards or expansion technologies. Choose this if you need a proven platform for 8th or 9th Gen Intel processors.

MSI MPG Gaming Edge Wi-Fi ATX Motherboard

The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi is an ATX motherboard for AMD Ryzen processors on the AM4 socket. It uses DDR4 memory and PCIe 4.0 lanes, which differ from the Z790’s DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support. The board includes Wi-Fi 5, which is older than the latest standards. It offers a stable platform for existing AM4 users who want gaming features without the cost of newer, incompatible standards. The ATX size is smaller than the EATX Taichi, fitting in standard cases. This motherboard is suitable for gamers who do not need the latest memory speeds or Wi-Fi versions. It is a practical choice for upgrading or building with Ryzen processors on a budget.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

ASRock Z790 Taichi Carrara EATX

Best for: high-end desktop builds with large cases

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

EATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Power Phases

24+1+2

Dimensions

1.1 × 9.7 × 6.5 inches

View on Amazon: ASRock Z790 Taichi Carrara EATX Affiliate link

This EATX motherboard supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors. It features a 24+1+2 phase power design and four DDR5 DIMMs for high-speed memory up to 7400+(OC). You get two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and two USB4 Type-C ports. It suits builders needing robust power delivery and modern expansion options for high-end desktops.

Pros

• 24+1+2 phase power design with SPS for VCore+GT
• Four DDR5 DIMMs supporting up to 7400+(OC)
• Two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for graphics
• Two USB4 Type-C graphics output options

Cons

• EATX form factor requires a large case
• Heavy build at 4.4 pounds
• Limited to one HDMI port for display

Good fit if

• You need maximum PCIe 5.0 bandwidth for multiple GPUs
• You want high-capacity DDR5 memory support
• You have a large EATX-compatible chassis

Skip if

• You are building in a standard ATX case
• You prefer smaller form factors like Micro-ATX
• You need multiple HDMI outputs for displays

Verdict: ASRock Z790 Taichi Carrara EATX offers heavy-duty power and top-tier expansion for enthusiasts. It fits users who prioritize raw connectivity and memory speed over compact size.

2 Also great

MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge ATX Motherboard

Best for: Ryzen gaming builds needing PCIe 4.0

CPU Socket

AM4

Chipset

X570

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR4

PCIe Version

PCIe 4.0

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 5

View on Amazon: MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard uses the AMD X570 chipset and AM4 socket for 2nd and 3rd Gen Ryzen processors. It supports DDR4 memory and PCIe 4.0 for fast data transfer. On-board Wi-Fi 5 helps with wireless connectivity. The design includes Audio Boost 4 for better sound. It is a solid option for gamers building with AMD hardware.

Pros

• Supports 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors
• Includes on-board Wi-Fi 5 with MU-MIMO
• Features PCIe 4.0 support for high-speed devices
• Uses Audio Boost 4 technology for clearer sound

Cons

• Only supports Wi-Fi 5, not the newer Wi-Fi 6
• Limited to DDR4 memory instead of DDR5
• Uses AM4 socket which is older than AM5

Good fit if

• You are building a PC with a Ryzen processor
• You need reliable Wi-Fi 5 connectivity
• You want PCIe 4.0 speeds for your storage

Skip if

• You require the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard
• You plan to use DDR5 memory modules
• You are building with an Intel CPU

Verdict: MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi is a capable choice for Ryzen builders who value PCIe 4.0 and solid audio features. It fits users who do not need the newest Wi-Fi or memory standards.

3 Best premium

Supermicro Mini-ITX Celeron Motherboard

Best for: Compact dual-Ethernet low-power systems

Form Factor

Mini-ITX

Memory Type

DDR3

Ethernet Speed

2GbE

Dimensions

13 × 10 × 2 inches

Weight

4 pounds

View on Amazon: Supermicro Mini-ITX Celeron Motherboard Affiliate link

This Supermicro Mini-ITX motherboard uses an Intel Celeron J1900 processor running at 2.42GHz. It supports DDR3 memory and includes dual Gigabit Ethernet ports. The board measures 10 by 13 inches and weighs 4 pounds. It suits users needing a small form factor with reliable networking for basic computing tasks.

Pros

• Mini-ITX form factor for compact builds
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
• Supports DDR3 memory modules

Cons

• Uses older DDR3 memory standard
• Celeron J1900 CPU lacks high performance
• Limited expansion slots due to small size

Good fit if

• You need a small footprint for a server
• You require dual Ethernet ports
• You are building a low-power system

Skip if

• You need modern DDR4 or DDR5 support
• You require high-performance gaming
• You want PCIe 4.0 or 5.0 speeds

Verdict: Supermicro Mini-ITX J1900 Board is a compact solution for users prioritizing dual Ethernet ports and a small form factor over raw processing power.

4 Best budget

Supermicro Mini-ITX Pentium N3700 Server Motherboard

Best for: compact server and embedded builds

CPU Socket

Socket BGA-1170

Form Factor

Mini-ITX

Memory Type

DDR3

Dimensions

23.6 × 23.6 × 33.5 inches

Weight

6 pounds

View on Amazon: Supermicro Mini-ITX Pentium N3700 Server Motherboard Affiliate link

This Supermicro MBD-X11SBA-LN4F-B is a Mini-ITX server motherboard built for Intel Pentium N3700 processors. It uses DDR3 memory and features a Socket BGA-1170. The board includes SATA3 and USB 3.0 ports along with 4Gb Ethernet connectivity. Its compact form factor makes it suitable for small, dedicated server builds or embedded systems where space is limited.

Pros

• Mini-ITX form factor for compact builds
• Supports Intel Pentium N3700 CPU
• Includes 4Gb Ethernet connectivity
• Features SATA3 and USB 3.0 ports

Cons

• Uses older DDR3 memory standard
• Requires specific Intel Pentium N3700 processor
• Limited to Mini-ITX size constraints

Good fit if

• You need a compact server motherboard
• You are building an embedded system
• You require 4Gb Ethernet connectivity

Skip if

• You need DDR4 or DDR5 support
• You want a standard ATX board
• You plan to use modern Intel CPUs

Verdict: Supermicro Mini-ITX Server Board is a specialized choice for users needing a compact, DDR3-based server solution with 4Gb Ethernet. It fits well in small form factor builds but is not suitable for modern desktop gaming or general-purpose computing.

5 Also great

MSI LGA 1151 ATX Motherboard with Wi-Fi

Best for: Existing 8th/9th Gen Intel gaming builds

CPU Socket

LGA 1151

Chipset

Z390

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR4

M.2 Slots

2

Wi-Fi Standard

802.11ac

View on Amazon: MSI LGA 1151 ATX Motherboard with Wi-Fi Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard supports 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors via the LGA 1151 socket. It features dual-channel DDR4 memory support up to 4400 MHz overclocking. The board includes built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi and two M.2 slots with thermal shielding. It is designed for high-performance gaming with SLI/CFX multi-GPU readiness and includes pre-installed I/O shielding for easier assembly.

Pros

• Supports 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core CPUs on LGA 1151 socket
• Dual-channel DDR4 memory support up to 4400 MHz (OC)
• Built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity
• Two M.2 slots with M.2 Shield Frozr thermal protection

Cons

• Uses older LGA 1151 socket, limiting CPU upgrades to 8th and 9th Gen Intel
• Wi-Fi standard is 802.11ac, which is slower than modern Wi-Fi 6
• ATX form factor requires a mid-tower or full-tower case

Good fit if

• You have an 8th or 9th Gen Intel CPU and want to keep it
• You need reliable 802.11ac Wi-Fi without adding a separate card
• You plan to use dual M.2 NVMe drives for storage

Skip if

• You want to use the latest Intel processors requiring LGA 1700
• You require Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds
• You are building a compact PC that needs a smaller motherboard size

Verdict: MSI MPG Z390 Gaming PRO Carbon AC is a solid choice for users with existing 8th or 9th Gen Intel processors who want built-in Wi-Fi and dual M.2 support. It fits well in standard mid-tower cases for gaming builds.

6 Also great

GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 ATX Motherboard

Best for: Gaming builds with 8th or 9th Gen Intel CPUs

CPU Socket

LGA1151

Chipset

Z390

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR4

M.2 Slots

2

Wi-Fi Standard

802.11ac

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE AORUS Z390 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard supports 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA1151 socket. It features a 12+1 phase digital VRM with DrMOS for stable power delivery. You get onboard 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, plus Intel Gigabit LAN. The board includes dual M.2 slots with thermal guards and high-quality audio components. It is designed for gaming builds requiring reliable connectivity and solid power stages.

Pros

• 12+1 phase digital VRM solution with DrMOS
• Onboard Intel CNVi 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5
• Dual M.2 slots with Thermal Guard technology
• Intel Gigabit LAN with cFosSpeed optimization

Cons

• Supports only 8th and 9th Gen Intel processors
• Uses older 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard instead of Wi-Fi 6
• Lacks USB Type-C connectivity in specifications

Good fit if

• You are building a gaming PC with 8th or 9th Gen Intel CPUs
• You need reliable onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth without extra cards
• You want a standard ATX board with strong power delivery

Skip if

• You plan to use 10th Gen or newer Intel processors
• You require the latest Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E standards
• You are building an AMD-based system

Verdict: GIGABYTE Z390 AORUS PRO Wi-Fi ATX is a solid choice for gamers using 8th or 9th Gen Intel processors who value stable power delivery and built-in wireless connectivity. It fits users who do not need the latest Wi-Fi standards or newer CPU generations.

7

MSI MPG Gaming Edge Wi-Fi ATX Motherboard

Best for: AM4 Ryzen gamers needing Wi-Fi 5

CPU Socket

AM4

Chipset

AMD X570

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR4

PCIe Version

PCIe 4.0

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 5

View on Amazon: MSI MPG Gaming Edge Wi-Fi ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard uses the AMD X570 chipset and AM4 socket. It supports DDR4 memory and PCIe 4.0 for modern AMD Ryzen processors. You get built-in Wi-Fi 5 and Audio Boost 4. The Frozr heatsink manages thermal performance. This board suits gamers who want reliable connectivity and solid build quality for their AM4 system.

Pros

• Supports 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors on the AM4 socket
• Includes onboard Wi-Fi 5 with MU-MIMO support
• Features Audio Boost 4 technology with Nahimic 3 software
• Uses a Frozr heatsink with patented fan design and double ball bearings
• Has pre-installed IO shielding for electrostatic discharge protection

Cons

• Uses older Wi-Fi 5 instead of Wi-Fi 6
• Supports DDR4 memory rather than newer DDR5
• Limited to the AM4 socket which is no longer the latest platform

Good fit if

• You are building a system with 2nd or 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs
• You need reliable Wi-Fi 5 connectivity for gaming
• You prefer a standard ATX form factor with good thermal management

Skip if

• You require the latest Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 standards
• You plan to use DDR5 memory modules
• You are building with a newer AM5 socket processor

Verdict: MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi offers a stable platform for existing AM4 users. It delivers essential gaming features and connectivity without the cost of newer, incompatible standards.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions