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MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£480
  • Avg. price in US: ~$550
  • CPU socket: AM4
  • Chipset: AMD X570
  • Form factor: ATX

MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

8.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

8.1

Technical Score

10.0%

7.6

User score

Excellent
8.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

7.0

Memory

16.0%

8.8

Platform & Features

16.0%

8.7

Storage

15.0%

9.3

Network

13.0%

7.6

Ports & USB

8.0%

5.7

Expansion

8.0%

8.8

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.7

Audio

Excellent
7.6

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

9.6

User reviews

30.0%

3.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
(29)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(29)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 7.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.5

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    10

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    6.2

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X is a premium ATX motherboard designed for liquid-cooling enthusiasts, featuring a custom-designed EK monoblock that cools both the AM4 socket and its robust 14+2 Duet Rail Power System. Key specifications include support for DDR4 memory up to 5300 MHz (OC), four M.2 Gen4 slots with Shield Frozr, and a fanless 'X570S' chipset for silent operation. Main pros include its integrated monoblock with a built-in flow indicator, excellent connectivity via Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN, and high-fidelity Audio Boost 5, as well as an included EK leak tester for loop security. Primary cons are its high price compared to standard X570 boards, its highly niche target audience, and the fact that using certain M.2 slots disables several of its eight SATA ports.

Technical Specifications of MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

7.0

Memory

16.0%

8.8

Platform & Features

16.0%

8.7

Storage

15.0%

9.3

Network

13.0%

7.6

Ports & USB

8.0%

5.7

Expansion

8.0%

8.8

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.7

Audio

8.1
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has a technical score of 8.14 points, which is higher than that of 84.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

9.6

User reviews

30.0%

3.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
(29)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(29)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.6
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has a user score of 7.64 points, which is lower than that of 59.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
3.1
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has a popularity of 3.1 points, which is lower than 58.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

8.1

Overall score

40.0%

8.0

Price

8.1
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.1 points, which is higher than 73.4% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

MSI
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

AM4
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X uses the AM4 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 38.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.3% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

AMD
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

AMD X570
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X uses the AMD X570 chipset, which is more advanced than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.6% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

ATX
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 51% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

5,300 MT/s
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports memory speeds up to 5300 MT/s, which is higher than that of 62.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

4
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 4 M.2 sockets, which is more than 84% of motherboards and equal to 10.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

3x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X offers 3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 74.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.9% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/10
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports RAID levels 0/1/10, which is narrower than 68.3% of motherboards and equal to 23.2% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
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N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

2
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 2 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 91% of motherboards and equal to 6.3% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

0
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.5% of motherboards and equal to 40.5% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

?
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
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Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

10
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.6% of motherboards and equal to 15.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

19
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 19 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 87.8% of motherboards and equal to 4.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

1
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.4% of motherboards and equal to 48.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

2
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

2.5 Gbps
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek RTL8125B
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X uses the Realtek RTL8125B LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 58.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 17.3% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 72.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.6% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC4080
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X uses the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 90.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.4% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

14+2
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 14+2 VRM phases, which is more than 75.8% of motherboards and equal to 1.1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.2% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

3 A
MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 76.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.2% of motherboards.
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MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.4 vs 2
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster USB-A ports for storage or accessories.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.3 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.10 vs 8
  • 2 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.2 vs 0
  • Integrated I/O shield
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
    What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O shield comes pre-mounted on the motherboard instead of being installed separately.
    When it matters: When you want an easier motherboard installation process.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Better audio codec
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4,080 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
    What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4,080 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC898
  • Includes POST code display
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    What it is: Shows whether the board includes a diagnostic POST code readout for boot troubleshooting.
    When it matters: When you troubleshoot boot issues and want clearer error information.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=2

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Newer CPU socket
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (AM4 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 15.2% higher maximum RAM speed
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (5,300 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 2 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 4 more total USB connections
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (19 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4,080 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 3 more fan headers
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • More VRM phases
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (14+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.

Total
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD X570 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • Fewer RAID options
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has fewer RAID options than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10). The average motherboard has 0/1/5/10 RAID level/s.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
  • More basic LAN controller
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,125B vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD X570 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD X570 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.AMD X570 vs Intel B860
  • More basic LAN controller
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,125B vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
    What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,125B vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.Realtek RTL8125B vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C
  • Fewer RAID options
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has fewer RAID options than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10). The average motherboard has 0/1/5/10 RAID level/s.
    What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
    When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has fewer RAID options than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10). The average motherboard has 0/1/5/10 RAID level/s.0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    What it is: The number of DisplayPort video outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect compatible displays through the rear I/O.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.0 vs 1
  • 3x more expensive
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X is more expensive than the average motherboard (£480 vs £160).
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X is more expensive than the average motherboard (£480 vs £160).£480 vs £160
  • Older Bluetooth version
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    What it is: The supported Bluetooth version provided by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about compatibility with newer Bluetooth devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=5.2

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.5.2 vs 5.4
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.0 vs 1
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network

Graphic comparison of MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
29 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
29 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X?

  • Integrated EKWB monoblock provides excellent cooling for both CPU and VRMs
  • Premium aesthetics with a carbon fiber design and customizable RGB lighting
  • Extensive storage options including four M.2 Gen4 sockets and eight SATA ports
  • High-end networking features with 2.5GbE LAN and Intel Wi-Fi 6E support
  • Includes useful enthusiast accessories like an EK leak tester and a physical BIOS flashback button
  • Silent operation due to the fanless X570S chipset design
  • Robust 14+2 phase VRM power delivery suitable for high-end Ryzen 5000 processors

What customers dislike about MSI MPG X570S Carbon EK X?

  • High price point compared to standard X570 motherboards
  • Complex monoblock installation can be difficult for first-time builders
  • Lane sharing limitations: installing certain M.2 drives disables some SATA ports
  • CPU maintenance is difficult as the monoblock must be uninstalled from the rear of the board for swaps
  • Lacks ultra-high-speed 10GbE LAN or a second 1GbE port often found at this price tier
  • No DDR5 support, limiting future-proofing as the AM4 platform matures

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