MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI DDR5

The MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI DDR5 is a high-performance ATX motherboard designed for Intel's 13th Gen (Raptor Lake) processors, built on the Intel Z790 chipset. This motherboard is part of MSI’s Gaming series, offering premium features for gaming enthusiasts and power users, such as support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and advanced cooling options. It is designed to provide high-speed performance, stability, and expandability for demanding applications, gaming, content creation, and overclocking.

Here are the detailed features of the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI DDR5 motherboard:

Key Features:

1. Chipset and Processor Support:

• Chipset: Intel Z790 chipset.
• Socket Type: LGA 1700, compatible with Intel 12th Gen (Alder Lake) and 13th Gen (Raptor Lake) Core processors.
• CPU Support: Supports Intel’s 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors, including the Core i9, i7, i5, and Core i3 series.
• Overclocking Support: Yes, supports CPU and memory overclocking, as the Z790 chipset is designed for enthusiasts and gamers looking for performance gains beyond stock speeds.

2. Memory:

• Memory Type: DDR5 RAM (also compatible with DDR4 versions, but this specific model supports DDR5).
• Slots: 4 x DIMM slots (Dual-channel architecture).
• Maximum Memory Capacity: Up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM.
• Memory Speeds: Supports DDR5 speeds from 4800 MHz up to 7200 MHz (depending on the CPU and memory used).
• Memory Overclocking Support: Yes, overclocking support for both memory and CPU to achieve higher performance.

3. Expansion Slots:

• PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot: 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for next-gen GPUs (e.g., for gaming, content creation, or AI workloads).
• PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (electrical x4): 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (operates at x4 speed), useful for additional expansion cards like storage controllers or capture cards.
• PCIe 4.0 x1 Slot: 1 x PCIe 4.0 x1 slot for smaller expansion cards such as network cards or USB expansion controllers.

4. Storage:

• M.2 Slots:
  • 2 x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 slots for high-speed NVMe SSDs (ideal for fast boot drives, games, and large data storage).
  • 1 x M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4 slot for the fastest possible NVMe SSDs, allowing for cutting-edge storage speeds.
• SATA Ports:
  • 6 x SATA III (6Gb/s) ports for connecting traditional hard drives (HDDs) or SATA SSDs.
• RAID Support: Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 for data redundancy and performance.

5. Networking:

• Ethernet Port: 1 x 10Gb Ethernet LAN port powered by the Realtek RTL8125B controller for ultra-fast, stable wired networking.
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) built-in, supporting the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard for faster and more reliable wireless connections, including 160MHz channels for improved performance in congested environments.
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 for connecting wireless peripherals such as speakers, keyboards, mice, and headphones.

6. Audio:

• Realtek ALC4080 Audio Codec: 7.1-channel HD audio with support for high-definition sound, providing immersive audio for gaming and media.
• Supports high-fidelity audio output and good integration with gaming peripherals.

7. USB Ports:

• Rear I/O Ports:
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port (20Gb/s) for super-fast data transfer.
  • 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (10Gb/s) for fast external device connections.
  • 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports (5Gb/s) for general peripherals.
  • 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A ports for legacy devices.
• Internal USB Headers:
  • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 header for additional front-panel USB-C connections.
  • 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers for front-panel USB-A ports.
  • 2 x USB 2.0 headers for legacy USB connections.

8. Video Output:

• HDMI 2.1: 1 x HDMI 2.1 port, which is useful for Intel CPUs with integrated graphics (e.g., Intel Core i5 or i7 with UHD Graphics).
• Note: For high-performance gaming or rendering, a discrete graphics card is recommended.

9. Cooling and Power:

• CPU Fan Header: 1 x 4-pin CPU fan header for connecting a processor cooler.
• Chassis Fan Headers: 4 x 4-pin system fan headers for connecting additional case fans.
• Power Connectors:
  • 24-pin ATX power connector for motherboard power.
  • 8-pin + 4-pin CPU power connectors for stable power delivery to the CPU, especially important for overclocking.

10. Form Factor:

• Size: ATX (12 x 9.6 inches or 305 x 244 mm).
• Compatible with standard ATX cases.

11. BIOS and Overclocking:

• UEFI BIOS: MSI's Click BIOS 5 offers an intuitive interface for easy system configuration, overclocking settings, and monitoring.
• Overclocking Support: Full overclocking support for both CPU and memory, allowing users to push the hardware for maximum performance.
• Flash BIOS Button: Enables users to update the BIOS without a CPU or memory installed, simplifying the upgrade process.

12. Build Quality and Durability:

• Military-Grade Components: The motherboard is designed with durable solid capacitors, high-quality chokes, and MOSFETs, ensuring long-term stability and reliability, even under heavy loads.
• Reinforced PCIe Slots for GPUs to prevent GPU sag and ensure durability.

13. Additional Features:

• TPM 2.0: Supports Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) for enterprise security and Windows 11 compatibility.
• EZ Debug LEDs: LED indicators to assist with hardware debugging during system boot-up.
• Mystic Light RGB: Support for customizable RGB lighting effects to personalize your PC build.

Summary:

The MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI DDR5 is a high-performance motherboard built for Intel's 12th and 13th Gen processors. It supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, making it future-proof for next-gen gaming, content creation, and high-performance applications. The motherboard offers Wi-Fi 6E, 10Gb Ethernet, and a variety of expansion and storage options, including multiple M.2 NVMe SSD slots and SATA ports. With overclocking support, robust cooling options, and premium features like Realtek ALC4080 audio, it is perfect for gamers and enthusiasts looking for a powerful, reliable, and customizable motherboard for their high-end builds.

Ideal For:

• Gaming enthusiasts looking for high-speed performance, fast storage, and networking.
• Content creators requiring powerful, reliable hardware for video editing, 3D rendering, and other resource-intensive applications.
• PC builders who want a premium, future-proof platform with cutting-edge features like PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6E.

This motherboard is a great choice for users who need a balance of high-end features and expandability for both gaming and productivity while also offering advanced connectivity and storage options.