MSI MPG Z490 Carbon EK X

[Black Haru]

Developed in partnership with and distributed by EKWB, the MSI MPG Z490 Carbon EK X features a monoblock for CPU and VRM cooling. EKWB and MSI are aiming to bring back watercooled boards at an attainable price. Let's see how the MSI MPG Z490 Carbon EK X stacks up!

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[Prime2515102]

"...and an excellent choice for those who want a custom water-cooled board at an excellent price."

Then in the "cons" list it says "price."

 

[Th3pwn3r]

Well for what you're getting it's a good price but relative to other boards it's expensive is what was meant. Does the Ethernet actually work on this board? My Asus z490-E refuses to work with Ethernet, running the wifi right now and have been trying various fixes.

 

[pR0m3tH3u$]

The monoblock costs at least $140 separately and the Board around $250, so I think the price is OK. Shouldn't be on the con side at all.

 

[atomicus]

Any plans for an AMD equivalent of this?

 

[ThermoCycle]

The monoblock costs at least $140 separately and the Board around $250, so I think the price is OK. Shouldn't be on the con side at all.

Wait, so they charge you more for the bundle ?

 

[torera8247]

Wait, so they charge you more for the bundle ?

- Motherboard: $270 https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144300
- EK monoblock: $155 https://www.ekwb.com/shop/water-blocks/motherboard-blocks/monoblocks
- EK leak tester: $40 https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-leak-tester

So,

- Carbon EK X: $399
- Parts separately: $465

 

[asdkj1740]

check pm please

 

[VSG]

- Motherboard: $270 https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144300
- EK monoblock: $155 https://www.ekwb.com/shop/water-blocks/motherboard-blocks/monoblocks
- EK leak tester: $40 https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-leak-tester

So,

- Carbon EK X: $399
- Parts separately: $465

Don't forget motherboard warranty for watercooling as well, which can be a big deal for many.

 

[Black Haru]

"...and an excellent choice for those who want a custom water-cooled board at an excellent price."

Then in the "cons" list it says "price."

I was on the fence for including price as a con: US$400 is still a lot of money for a Z490 board. Since the consensus seems to be that the value is there, I will remove Price from the cons.

Well for what you're getting it's a good price but relative to other boards it's expensive is what was meant. Does the Ethernet actually work on this board? My Asus z490-E refuses to work with Ethernet, running the wifi right now and have been trying various fixes.

I used the Ethernet exclusively during testing and didn't have any issues.

 

[Caring1]

I was on the fence for including price as a con: US$400 is still a lot of money for a Z490 board. Since the consensus seems to be that the value is there, I will remove Price from the cons.

Perhaps you should leave "price" as a con and remove the part about it being an excellent price.
$400 U.S. is ridiculous, even more so when local currencies are taken into account.

 

[pR0m3tH3u$]

Perhaps you should leave "price" as a con and remove the part about it being an excellent price.
$400 U.S. is ridiculous, even more so when local currencies are taken into account.

If you want to water cool your CPU and your VRMs, this is the price you will pay. If you buy everything yourself, you will pay more. Water Cooling was never cheap. Keep in mind, if you want this Motherboard without a CPU and VRM cooler you still pay $270, but then you will have to buy an AIO or an Aircooler as well for the CPU, so you would almost end of with the same amount. But if you want to run your PC without a cooler and just spend $270, that is your choice. Maybe you will make it to the boot screen before your CPU overheats.

 

[Boris_s]

Nice review, thanks