MSI vs. Asus Motherboards

MSI and Asus are two of the preeminent manufacturers of computer hardware, especially when it comes to motherboards. Both brands have been around for many years, boating an incredible catalog of reliable high-quality motherboards.

To conduct our MSI vs Asus motherboards comparison, we picked one product from each brand and put them head to head. We’ve made sure to choose two products that are in the same class and that have similar pricing to make this a fair fight. 

Representing MSI, we have the MEG X570 Godlike. And Representing Asus, we have the ROG Crosshair VIII Formula. Let’s bump fists and get this fight started, shall we?

MSI Versus Asus Motherboards (Compared)

Technical Specs

POC	MSI MEG X570 Godlike	Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Formula
Socket	AMD AM4	AMD AM4
Chipset	AMD X570	AMD X570
Form Factor	E-ATX	ATX
PCIe x16 (4.0)	4	3
USB (3.0)	2	4
Warranty	3 Years (MSI Warranty)	3 Years (Asus Warranty)
Price	Around $645	Around $615

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Performance

With a name like “Godlike” and the AMD X570 chipset, the MEG X570 Godlike from Asus is one of those excellent AMD motherboards that simply let you know they mean business before you get the chance to try them. This is MSI’s flagship Ryzen motherboard, meaning it’s MSI’s most capable X570 motherboard to date. It’s packed with a lot of advanced features and offers a performance that all users can appreciate, from dedicated gamers to professionals. 

While not as snazzy as excellent MSI motherboards with the names they give their products, Asus is certainly a force to be reckoned with, especially after putting out the ROG Crosshair VIII Formula, which is also the brand’s flagship motherboard for Ryzen. Both motherboards display admirable performances in all aspects. 

In our opinion, choosing between the MEG X570 Godlike and the ROG Crosshair VIII formula is a matter of personal preference, as both of their performances are pretty much on the same tier. If we were to take all aspects into consideration, including connectivity, networking, cooling, and so forth, we’d lean more towards the Crosshair VIII Formula for the simple fact that it’s cheaper. 

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Software

When it comes to lighting software, excellent Asus motherboards employ Aura Sync, while MSI units rely on Mystic Light Sync. Either software is superb, but both have their strengths and weaknesses. 

Aura Sync flaunts excellent implementation and ease of use. It also features vast support for a wide range of peripherals. Further, Aura Sync just keeps getting better and better with time. On the flip side, Aura Sync isn’t the best when it comes to accommodating Windows updates. 

Mystic Light Sync, on the other hand, is probably the most stable lighting software available. It simply doesn’t crash as often as other lighting software does. It doesn’t offer support for as many components as Aura Sync, but it looks gorgeous on the ones that it supports. 

Warranty

Both the MSI MEG X570 Godlike and Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Formula are backed by a 3-year limited warranty, so it’s pretty much a tie between the two products in the warranty department. 

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MSI or Asus Motherboards

Now that you have a brief idea of what both MSI MEG X570 Godlike and Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Formula are all about, it’s time to dive a little deeper so that we can determine. 

Let’s shed more light on what both motherboards have to offer as well as highlight their features, strengths, and weaknesses so that it’s easier to select between the two. 

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MSI MEG X570 Godlike

The MSI MEG X570 Godlike belongs to the high-end market of motherboards, alongside units such as the Gigabyte X570 Aorus Xtreme (and other excellent Gigabyte motherboards), which should give you an idea of what to expect. 

The board is equipped with everything a PC user might need. It incorporates flashy RGB lights to appease RGB enthusiasts. RGB compatibility is limited, yes, but it simply looks gorgeous. 

The X570 Godlike flaunts top-of-the-line specifications, such as the ability to support ultra-fast memory up to 5000MHz. The board also flaunts more M.2 slots than the Aorus Xtreme. To be more specific, it flaunts three M.2 slots on the board and two on the expansion card. Moreover, you get four SATA III ports for ultimate connectivity, 

The X570 Godlike is equipped with the new Wi-Fi 6 chip for wireless networking. In addition, it features Bluetooth 5 connectivity. The motherboard supports both CrossFire and SLI, with four PCIe x16 slots for the multi-GPU configuration of your liking. 

This remarkable piece of technology also features dual gigabit LAN ports, one of which is 2.5Gb whereas the other is 1Gb. Not only that, but you also get a 10Gb port on the expansion card. 

As far as USB connectivity, the board’s rear panel is flaunting six USB 3.2 ports. You’ll also find a 6.3mm jack for headphones and a host of 3.5mm audio jacks for other audio devices. 

The X570 Godlike is also equipped with every possible OC feature. You have buttons for CMOS and BIOS Flashback. You also have power and reset buttons on the PCBs. Additionally, you get a small OLED screen that serves as the POST code. It also displays a ton of useful info. 

Key Features:

• Supports 2nd and 3rd-Gen Ryzen CPUs
• Xtreme Audio DAC with dual processors
• Mystic Light Infinity II RGB lighting software
• Super-fast networking via onboard Wi-Fi 6
• Ultra-fast 10Gb port on the expansion card
• Lightning Gen-4 M.2 slots and Xpander-Z

Pros:

• Outstanding performance for all use cases
• Equipped with a dial-up knob for overclocking
• Great RGB lighting that’s easy to customize
• The heatsink cover features the infinity mirror
• Comprehensive networking and connectivity
• Offers excess bling like NIC and storage cards 

Cons:

• Access to software utilities is cumbersome
• I/O rear panel is home to questionable ports

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Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Formula

Being the flagship motherboard for Ryzen from Asus, the Crosshair VIII Formula is priced quite similarly to the MEG X570 Godlike with a lot of the same features and functionalities.

Like most gaming motherboards, the Crosshair VIII Formula features ROG themed aesthetics in addition to visually appealing EKWB heatsinks that allow you to connect a custom water cooling loop to help keep the temperature at bay for smooth, hitch-free performance and smooth power delivery. 

The Crosshair VIII Formula flaunts an impressive CPU power delivery circuit that consists of 14 power stages arrayed in 7 phases to keep the cores of your Ryzen CPU running efficiently. 

Being an X570 motherboard, the Formula incorporates all of the features you’d expect to find in a board that supports the X570 chipset, including Socket AM4, extensive DDR4 support, and an astounding range of connectivity features like USB 3.2 Gen-1 and Gen2, PCIe Gen-4 slots, and NVMe 1.3 M.2 slots.

Like its rival, the Formula features an OLED screen that helps display insightful information like status codes and component temperatures. You’ll also see a massive backplate that serves as armor to protect the motherboard from any potential impact.

The Formula exceeds when it comes to networking options, as it features the Aquantia AQC111 controller as well as a secondary I211AT gigabit chip for dual LAN connectivity. Further, the unit is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 for wireless connectivity using an AX200 2×2 adapter from Intel. 

The device features triple PCIe x16 slots for a multi-GPU configuration. It also delivers a superb audio experience using the Realtek SupremeFX S1220 HD codec and its 8-channel setup. All in all, the Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Formula offers a ton of value for the price. 

Key Features:

• Compatible with 3rd-Gen AMD Ryzen processors
• Integrated Chill EK III and active PCH heatsink
• High-performance networking using Wi-Fi 6 tech
• ROG cooling zone and aluminum M.2 heatsink
• GameFirst software and Asus Languid protection
• Pre-mounted I/O shield for easier DIY designs

Pros:

• Comprehensive connectivity and networking options
• Super efficient cooling and power delivery hardware
• I/O shield comes pre-mounted for easier DIY projects
• Utilizes premium components for maximum durability
• BIOS is packed with features and is easy to navigate
• PCIe 4.0 support and super easy access to M.2 slots

Cons:

• Some utilities are placed in pretty awkward positions

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MSI or Asus Motherboards (FAQ)

Is MSI Better Than Asus?

MSI and Asus are both excellent brands of motherboards and computer hardware in general. As far as MSI being better than Asus, we’d say that this is completely subjective. In fact, many may argue that Asus is the better brand of the two.

Is MSI the Best Motherboard Brand?

MSI is an excellent motherboard brand, but we wouldn’t say that it’s the best. We feel that Asus or Gigabyte are more worthy of that title. 

Is MSI a Bad Brand? 

Not at all. MSI puts out some of the most impressive motherboards on the market today. It’s one of the most prominent motherboard brands, alongside Asus, Gigabyte, and ASRock. 

Is Asus the Best Motherboard Brand? 

For a lot of people, Asus is the best manufacturer of motherboards today. Some may argue that Gigabyte or MSI is the best, but the vast majority would probably lean towards Asus. 

Is Asus a Bad Brand? 

Not at all. Asus is considered by many as the best brand of motherboards on the market. Their exceptional build quality, attention to detail, and comprehensive products are second to none.

Additional reading:

• Intel vs AMD motherboards
• Asus vs ASRock motherboards
• Gigabyte vs Asus motherboards