ASRock Z690-C/ac ATX Motherboard Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared

How these alternatives compare

ASUS Prime DDR5 ATX Motherboard

The ASUS Prime Z690-A DDR5 replaces the original’s DDR4 memory with faster DDR5 modules. It keeps the ATX form factor and LGA1700 socket for 12th Gen Intel support. You gain PCIe 5.0 for future graphics cards, but you lose Wi-Fi and Bluetooth entirely. This board targets builders who already have a wired network and want to upgrade memory speed. It does not support 13th or 14th Gen CPUs, so check your processor compatibility. If you need wireless connectivity, this option requires a separate adapter. The 2.5GbE Ethernet port offers faster wired speeds than the original’s Gigabit connection. Choose this if you prioritize memory bandwidth over built-in wireless features.

MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi moves to the newer Z790 chipset and DDR5 memory. It supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel CPUs, whereas the original supports up to 14th Gen. You get Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet, which are faster than the original’s Wi-Fi 5 and Gigabit LAN. The PCIe 5.0 slot remains for graphics cards. This board is designed for gamers who want the latest wireless standards. It lacks 14th Gen support, so verify your CPU generation. The premium positioning means higher costs, but you get modern connectivity. Pick this if you are building with a 12th or 13th Gen CPU and want superior wireless speeds. It sacrifices DDR4 compatibility for DDR5 performance.

MSI Tomahawk ATX DDR5 Motherboard

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi uses DDR5 memory and the Z790 chipset. It supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel CPUs but not 14th Gen. You receive Wi-Fi 6E and PCIe 5.0, improving on the original’s Wi-Fi 5 and same PCIe generation. The ATX form factor fits standard cases. This board is built for gaming with modern specs. It drops DDR4 support, requiring new memory purchases. The lack of 14th Gen support is a key difference. Choose this if you are starting a new build with a 12th or 13th Gen CPU. It offers better wireless performance but requires a platform upgrade. It is a solid choice for gamers who do not need the latest CPU generation support.

MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi also uses DDR5 and the Z790 chipset. It supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel CPUs. You get Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE Ethernet, which are faster than the original’s Wi-Fi 5 and Gigabit LAN. The PCIe 5.0 slot is present for graphics cards. This board requires a newer platform investment since it does not support 14th Gen CPUs. It is designed for modern Intel gaming builds. You give up DDR4 compatibility for DDR5 speed. Pick this if you want strong networking specs and do not need 14th Gen support. It is a solid alternative for gamers who prioritize wireless performance and memory speed over legacy CPU support.

MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge ATX Motherboard

The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi switches to the AMD AM4 socket and X570 chipset. It uses DDR4 memory, matching the original’s memory type. You get Wi-Fi 5 and PCIe 4.0, which is slower than the original’s PCIe 5.0. This board is for AMD Ryzen builders, not Intel. It lacks the LGA1700 socket and Intel compatibility. Choose this if you are building an AMD system and want established connectivity. It offers value over cutting-edge wireless speeds. The ATX form factor fits standard cases. It is a solid choice for existing AMD users. You sacrifice Intel support and PCIe 5.0 for AMD platform compatibility. It fits gamers who do not need the newest socket or memory standards.

MSI MPG Gaming Edge Wi-Fi ATX Motherboard

The MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi is another AMD AM4 option. It uses DDR4 memory and the X570 chipset. You get Wi-Fi 5 and PCIe 4.0, which is slower than the original’s PCIe 5.0. This board is for existing AMD AM4 users. It lacks Intel LGA1700 support. Pick this if you want reliable connectivity and cooling for an AMD build. It does not support Intel CPUs or PCIe 5.0. The ATX form factor fits standard cases. It is a solid choice for gamers who do not need the newest socket. You give up Intel compatibility and faster PCIe speeds. It fits users who prioritize value and established standards over cutting-edge wireless speeds.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

ASRock Z690-C/ac ATX Motherboard

Best for: Budget DDR4 builds needing PCIe 5.0

CPU Socket

LGA1700

Chipset

Z690

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR4

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

4

View on Amazon: ASRock Z690-C/ac ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors via the LGA1700 socket. It features a 9-phase Dr.MOS power design and DDR4 memory slots reaching 5333+ MHz. You get PCIe 5.0 for the primary GPU slot and four M.2 drives. Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet. It suits builders needing solid VRMs and modern storage options without DDR5 costs.

Pros

• Supports Intel 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen CPUs
• PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for graphics cards
• Four M.2 slots for fast storage expansion
• Integrated 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• 9-phase Dr.MOS power delivery system

Cons

• Uses older Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard
• Limited to DDR4 memory modules
• Only includes Gigabit Ethernet ports

Good fit if

• You want PCIe 5.0 support for future GPUs
• You prefer DDR4 memory for budget reasons
• You need multiple M.2 storage slots

Skip if

• You require Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7
• You plan to use DDR5 RAM
• You need 2.5 Gigabit or faster networking

Verdict: ASRock Z690-C/ac ATX DDR4 provides a balanced mix of PCIe 5.0 and DDR4 support. It fits users who want modern storage and GPU readiness without upgrading to DDR5.

2 Also great

ASUS Prime DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Best for: 12th Gen Intel builds with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

4

Ethernet Speed

2.5 GbE

View on Amazon: ASUS Prime DDR5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ASUS ATX motherboard supports 12th Gen Intel Core processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It uses DDR5 memory and offers PCIe 5.0 lanes for future-proofing storage and graphics. The board features a 16+1 DrMOS power design and Intel 2.5 Gb LAN for stable performance and fast wired networking. It includes four M.2 slots with dedicated heatsinks to keep components cool under load.

Pros

• Supports DDR5 memory for higher bandwidth
• Features PCIe 5.0 for next-gen GPUs and SSDs
• 16+1 DrMOS power phases for stable delivery
• Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet for faster LAN speeds

Cons

• Only supports 12th Gen Intel processors, not 13th or 14th Gen
• Does not include built-in Wi-Fi
• Requires DDR5 RAM, which is more expensive than DDR4

Good fit if

• You are building a new system with 12th Gen Intel CPUs
• You want PCIe 5.0 support for future upgrades
• You prefer DDR5 memory for maximum bandwidth

Skip if

• You already own DDR4 RAM and want to reuse it
• You need built-in Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity
• You plan to use 13th or 14th Gen Intel processors

Verdict: ASUS Prime Z690-A DDR5 ATX is a solid choice for builders starting with 12th Gen Intel CPUs who want PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support. It lacks Wi-Fi and newer CPU compatibility, so check your existing parts first.

3 Also great

MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Best for: Gamers using 12th/13th Gen Intel and DDR5

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

Ethernet Speed

2.5Gbps LAN

View on Amazon: MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi is an ATX motherboard for 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors on the LGA 1700 socket. It uses DDR5 memory and supports PCIe 5.0 for high-speed expansion. You get Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5 Gigabit LAN for connectivity. This renewed unit is inspected for performance. It suits gamers who want modern standards without new hardware costs.

Pros

• Supports Intel 12th and 13th Gen Core processors
• Includes PCIe 5.0 expansion slots
• Features integrated Wi-Fi 6E
• Provides 2.5 Gigabit LAN connectivity
• Professionally inspected and tested as a renewed product

Cons

• Sold as a renewed product rather than new
• Limited to DDR5 memory compatibility only
• Supports only 12th and 13th Gen Intel CPUs

Good fit if

• You want PCIe 5.0 support for future storage
• You prefer Wi-Fi 6E wireless networking
• You are building with DDR5 memory

Skip if

• You require support for 14th Gen Intel processors
• You need a brand-new item with full warranty
• You are using DDR4 memory modules

Verdict: MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi ATX offers modern connectivity and PCIe 5.0 for gamers using 12th or 13th Gen Intel CPUs. It fits users who value Wi-Fi 6E and DDR5 speed in a renewed package.

4 Also great

MSI Tomahawk ATX DDR5 Motherboard

Best for: Intel 12th/13th Gen DDR5 gaming builds

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

Use Case

Gaming

View on Amazon: MSI Tomahawk ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is an ATX motherboard for Intel 12th and 13th Gen CPUs. It uses the LGA 1700 socket and supports DDR5 memory. You get PCIe 5.0 connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi 6E. This board suits gamers who want modern standards. It fits standard mid-tower cases. The design focuses on essential high-speed features for current Intel processors.

Pros

• Supports DDR5 memory for higher bandwidth
• Includes Wi-Fi 6E for fast wireless
• Features PCIe 5.0 for future-proof expansion
• Uses LGA 1700 socket for 12th/13th Gen Intel CPUs

Cons

• Requires DDR5 RAM, not DDR4
• Limited to Intel processors only
• No mention of USB 4 or Thunderbolt support

Good fit if

• You are building a new system with Intel 12th or 13th Gen CPUs
• You want to use DDR5 memory for better performance
• You need reliable Wi-Fi 6E connectivity

Skip if

• You already have DDR4 RAM and want to reuse it
• You are using an AMD processor
• You need a smaller ITX or Micro-ATX form factor

Verdict: MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi ATX is a solid choice for gamers building on Intel's latest platforms who prioritize DDR5 speed and modern wireless standards. It delivers the core specs needed for high-performance gaming without unnecessary extras.

5 Best budget

MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard

Best for: Modern Intel gaming builds with DDR5

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Chipset

Z790

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 6E

View on Amazon: MSI Gaming Plus ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link

This MSI motherboard supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It uses DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 for high-speed data transfer. You get Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet for reliable connectivity. The ATX form factor fits standard cases. It is designed for gaming builds that need modern standards and solid networking options.

Pros

• Supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel CPUs
• Uses fast DDR5 memory
• Includes PCIe 5.0 slots
• Features Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet

Cons

• Newer Z790 chipset may cost more than Z690 alternatives
• Requires DDR5 RAM, not DDR4
• Limited to Intel processors only

Good fit if

• You want the latest Intel 14th Gen support
• You prefer DDR5 memory for future-proofing
• You need built-in Wi-Fi 6E

Skip if

• You already own DDR4 RAM
• You are building an AMD system
• You want the lowest possible price

Verdict: MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi ATX is a solid choice for gamers building with modern Intel CPUs and DDR5. It offers strong networking specs but requires a newer platform investment.

6

MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge ATX Motherboard

Best for: AMD Ryzen gaming builds with DDR4 memory

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 MSI motherboard uses the AMD X570 chipset and AM4 socket. It supports 2nd and 3rd Gen Ryzen processors with DDR4 memory. You get PCIe 4.0 lanes for fast storage. Built-in Wi-Fi 5 connects you to networks. The ATX form factor fits standard cases. It suits gamers who want reliable connectivity and audio features for their AMD build.

Pros

• Supports 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors
• Built-in Wi-Fi 5 with MU-MIMO support
• PCIe 4.0 for high-speed data transfer
• Audio Boost 4 with Nahimic 3 software

Cons

• Uses older Wi-Fi 5 instead of Wi-Fi 6
• Limited to DDR4 memory speed
• AM4 socket does not support newer Ryzen 7000 series

Good fit if

• You are building a budget-friendly AMD gaming PC
• You already own DDR4 RAM and want to reuse it
• You need reliable Wi-Fi 5 connectivity for gaming

Skip if

• You want the latest Wi-Fi 6E speeds
• You plan to use DDR5 memory for future upgrades
• You need a socket for 12th Gen Intel processors

Verdict: MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi ATX is a solid choice for AMD Ryzen builders who prioritize value and established connectivity standards over cutting-edge wireless speeds.

7 Best premium

MSI MPG Gaming Edge Wi-Fi ATX Motherboard

Best for: existing AMD AM4 gaming builds

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 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors with DDR4 memory. You get PCIe 4.0 speeds and built-in Wi-Fi 5. The board includes Audio Boost 4 and Frozr heatsinks for cooling. It is designed for gaming builds using older AMD platforms.

Pros

• Supports 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors
• Built-in Wi-Fi 5 with mu-mimo support
• Audio Boost 4 technology with Nahimic 3
• Frozr heatsink with double ball bearings
• Pre-installed IO shielding for protection

Cons

• Uses older Wi-Fi 5 instead of Wi-Fi 6
• Limited to DDR4 memory support
• AM4 socket is not compatible with newer CPUs

Good fit if

• You are building a budget AMD gaming PC
• You already own a compatible Ryzen processor
• You need reliable ATX form factor with Wi-Fi

Skip if

• You want the latest Intel or AMD platforms
• You require DDR5 memory support
• You need Wi-Fi 6E connectivity

Verdict: MSI MPG X570 Gaming Edge WiFi is a solid choice for existing AMD AM4 users who want reliable connectivity and cooling. It fits gamers who do not need the newest socket or memory standards.

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