MSI MPG Z690 Carbon EK X Review

ir_cow

on Jan 13th, 2022,

in Motherboards.

Manufacturer: MSI

Board Software »

BIOS Overview

Clocks	Range	Interval
BCLK Frequency:	100 MHz ... 538 MHz	0.020 MHz
CPU P-Core Ratio:	4–99	1
CPU E-Core Ratio:	4–99	1
CPU Cache Ratio:	4–85	1
DRAM Frequency:	DDR5-1200 - DDR5-10133	N/A
CPU Voltages	Range	Interval
CPU Voltage:	0.6–1.7 V	0.005 V
CPU Input Voltage:	1.4–2.3 V	0.010 V
VCCSA Voltage:	0.6–1.52 V	0.005 V
VDD2 Voltage:	0.85–2.20 V	0.010 V
DRAM Voltages	Range	Interval
DRAM VDD:	0.800–2.50 V	0.010 V
DRAM VDDQ:	0.8–2.50 V	0.010 V
DRAM VPP:	1.5–2.135 V	0.050 V

The MSI MPG Z690 Carbon EK X has a well-laid-out EZ Mode that is the default landing screen. It gives you the ability to set the memory XMP profile, drive boot priority, automatic overclocking, and fan control without digging deeply into the sub-menus. Across the top is a helpful search tool if looking for a certain setting. It also allows for the language to be set.

Switch to Advanced Mode for the familiar MSI BIOS layout with the logo in the middle and each additional menu split into sections. Overall, you will spend the most time in the overclocking section (OC), which has everything required for overclocking, setting voltages, and enabling features like ReSize-Bar for supported graphics cards.

Unfortunately, the MSI BIOS lacks a "My Favorites" type of menu where you can add and subtract commonly used settings for future convenience. By shoving everything related to CPU performance into the OC section, it becomes a single long list with sub-menus inside another set of menus, which can feel slightly overwhelming for those unfamiliar with what to look for.