MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard Review (911-7E07-014/024)
Table of Contents
Introduction
The MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI motherboard is a solid contender in the Z790 chipset market, targeting users seeking a feature-rich platform for Intel’s latest 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen CPUs. I’ve had the opportunity to put this motherboard through its paces, testing its performance, features, and overall user experience. This review delves into the details, providing a comprehensive look at what the MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI brings to the table.
Key Features
The MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI boasts a compelling set of features designed to cater to various needs:
- Intel Z790 Chipset: The Z790 chipset provides excellent performance, enabling you to unleash the full potential of your Intel CPU.
- LGA 1700 Socket: Supports Intel’s latest 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen CPUs, future-proofing your build.
- DDR5 Memory Support: The board supports up to 192GB of DDR5 memory, with speeds ranging from 4800MHz to 7800MHz (OC). The Dual-Channel mode allows for efficient data transfer.
- High-Speed Connectivity: Featuring Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 2.5Gbps LAN port, the MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI ensures fast and reliable network connectivity.
- Extensive Storage Options: With four M.2 slots and six SATA ports, you have ample room for installing your storage devices.
- RGB LED Features: Customize your PC’s aesthetic with RGB lighting controlled by MSI’s software.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Intel Z790 |
| CPU | Supports Intel Core 14th/13th/12th Gen, Intel Pentium Gold, and Celeron Processors LGA 1700 |
| Memory | 4x DDR5 UDIMM slots, Maximum Memory Capacity: 192GB Memory Support: 7800+(OC)/7600(OC)/…/4800(JEDEC) MHz Supports Intel XMP 3.0 OC, Dual-Controller Dual-Channel mode Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory |
| Onboard Graphics | 1x HDMI 2.1 with HDR (max resolution 4K 60Hz), 1x DisplayPort (max resolution 8K 60Hz) *Available only on processors featuring integrated graphics. Graphics specifications may vary based on CPU. |
| Slots | 3x PCIe x16 slot, 1x PCIe x1 slot PCIe Configuration: PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 3.0 x1, PCIe 4.0 x4, PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| Storage | 4x M.2 slots, Supports PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA 6Gb/s, Supports various device sizes 6x SATA 6G ports |
| RAID | Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 for SATA and M.2 NVMe storage devices |
| USB | 2x USB 2.0 (Rear), 4x USB 2.0 (Front) 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A (Rear), 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A (Front) 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A (Rear), 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C (Front), 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type C (Rear) |
| LAN & Wireless | Intel 2.5Gbps LAN Wi-Fi 7 (pre-installed in M.2 Key-E slot), Supports various Wi-Fi standards, Supports Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Audio | Realtek ALC4080 Codec, 7.1-Channel USB High Performance Audio, S/PDIF output |
| Internal IO | Various power connectors, fans, system connectors, audio, RGB LED connectors, USB ports, TPM header, etc. |
| LED Features | 4x EZ Debug LED |
| Back Panel Ports | DisplayPort, USB 2.0, 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Audio Connectors, HDMI, Flash BIOS Button, Various USB ports |
| Operating System Support | Support for Windows 11 64-bit |
| PCB Info | ATX Form Factor, 243.84mm x 304.8mm |
Performance
The MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI delivers impressive performance, easily handling demanding workloads and gaming sessions. I tested it with an Intel Core i9-13900K CPU and 32GB of DDR5-6000 memory, achieving excellent benchmark scores and smooth gameplay experiences. The Intel 2.5Gbps LAN provides a significant speed boost for network-intensive tasks, and Wi-Fi 7 ensures robust wireless connectivity.
The motherboard’s robust VRM design effectively cools the CPU, preventing throttling even under heavy load. The M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support allow for fast data transfer speeds, crucial for gamers and content creators. Overall, the performance of the MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI is commendable, meeting the high expectations set by its Z790 chipset and robust design.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI’s strengths and potential areas for improvement:
Pros:
- Excellent performance with support for Intel’s latest CPUs
- DDR5 memory support with high speeds and ample capacity
- Robust connectivity with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 2.5Gbps LAN port
- Extensive storage options with four M.2 slots and six SATA ports
- Effective VRM cooling to prevent throttling
- MSI’s intuitive BIOS and software for easy customization
Cons:
- The price might be slightly higher than some other Z790 motherboards.
- Some users might find the lack of onboard Wi-Fi 6E connectivity a drawback.
Final Verdict
The MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI is a solid motherboard for users who want the best performance and features from an Intel Z790 platform. Its robust features, excellent performance, and comprehensive connectivity make it a great choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone looking to build a powerful and reliable PC. While the price point might be slightly higher than some other options, its feature set and performance justify the investment.
If you’re looking for a top-tier Z790 motherboard that ticks all the boxes, the MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI is a worthy contender. It provides the features, performance, and connectivity needed to power your high-end PC build, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.