MSI Z790 Gaming Plus Wi-Fi ATX LGA 1700 Motherboard Review: A Solid Foundation for Your 13th Gen Build

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus Wi-Fi is a mid-range motherboard aimed at gamers and enthusiasts looking for a solid foundation for their 13th Gen Intel Core processors. This review delves into its performance, features, and real-world usage, offering a comprehensive assessment to help you decide if it’s the right motherboard for you.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus Wi-Fi packs a punch with its Intel Z790 chipset, offering a robust platform for 13th Gen Intel Core processors. It features four DDR5 slots, supporting up to 256GB of RAM, and four M.2 slots for high-speed storage. Its impressive connectivity options include Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a 2.5Gbps LAN port. This motherboard is designed for gamers and content creators who demand high-performance and extensive connectivity.

Key Features

• Intel Z790 Chipset
• Support for 14th/13th/12th Gen Intel Core Processors
• 4x DDR5 Memory Slots (up to 256GB)
• 4x M.2 Slots (PCIe 4.0 x4)
• Intel Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth 5.3
• 2.5Gbps LAN
• 3x PCI-E x16 Slots
• 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
• Extensive RGB Lighting and Control
• MSI’s Mystic Light Software for Customization

Performance

I tested the MSI Z790 Gaming Plus Wi-Fi with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K processor, and the results were impressive. The motherboard handled the CPU’s power effortlessly, delivering smooth performance in both gaming and demanding applications. The DDR5 memory slots supported high frequencies, allowing for overclocking and better performance. The M.2 slots, with PCIe 4.0 support, provided blazing-fast storage speeds, contributing to the overall responsiveness of the system. I was particularly satisfied with the Intel Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, which provided reliable and fast wireless speeds. The 2.5Gbps LAN port delivered impressive wired performance, perfect for gamers and those who rely on stable network connections.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent performance for 13th Gen Intel Core processors
• Plenty of expansion slots, including PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots
• Fast and reliable Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
• 2.5Gbps LAN port for high-speed wired connections
• Extensive RGB lighting and customization options
• User-friendly BIOS and MSI’s Mystic Light software

Cons

• Some users might find the lack of Thunderbolt support a drawback
• The onboard audio codec, while decent, isn’t the best in the market

Final Verdict

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus Wi-Fi is a solid mid-range motherboard that delivers excellent performance, a generous feature set, and robust connectivity. While it lacks Thunderbolt support and has an average onboard audio codec, its strengths outweigh these shortcomings. If you are building a system with a 13th Gen Intel Core processor and require fast storage, reliable wireless connectivity, and a good foundation for gaming and content creation, then the MSI Z790 Gaming Plus Wi-Fi is a great option.