This article covers MSI MPG Z490 GAMING PLUS マザーボード ATX [Intel Z490チップセット搭載] MB4954.

Overview

The MSI MPG Z490 GAMING PLUS is an ATX motherboard built for Intel's 10th Gen Core processors (LGA1200 socket). Powered by the Z490 chipset, it supports DDR4 memory up to 4800MHz via overclocking. This board sits in the mid-range tier, offering a balanced set of features for gamers and enthusiasts who want a reliable platform without breaking the bank. Priced around ¥17,700 in Japan, it features MSI's signature black-and-red design with Mystic Light RGB lighting. While limited to PCIe 3.0, it provides ample connectivity for most users, including dual M.2 slots and six SATA ports. It's a solid choice for budget-conscious builders who already own a 10th Gen Intel CPU.

Compatibility Guide

Socket: LGA 1200, compatible only with 10th Gen Intel Core (Comet Lake) and Pentium/Celeron processors. NOT compatible with 11th Gen (Rocket Lake). Memory: 4x DDR4 DIMM slots, maximum 128 GB. Supports XMP profiles and overclocking up to DDR4-4800 MHz. Form factor: standard ATX (305mm x 244mm). Expansion: 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (first runs at x16 from CPU, second at x4 from chipset), 3x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Storage: 2x M.2 slots (PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA modes), 6x SATA 6Gbps ports. Power: 24-pin ATX main connector + 8-pin CPU power. Recommended PSU wattage: 650W for a typical mid-range gaming build with a discrete GPU.

Product Info

Release date: May 2020, alongside Intel's 10th Gen launch. Discontinued now, but available through second-hand channels and some retailers. Japanese official distributor units carry a 2-year warranty. Market positioning: Mid-range. The Z490 chipset is PCIe 3.0, which is a generation behind modern standards, but paired with a 10th Gen CPU it offers excellent stability and value for money. It's a great option for building a secondary PC or a budget gaming rig.

Best Use Cases

Budget Gaming Build: Combine with a Core i5-10400 or i7-10700 and a mid-range GPU like RTX 3060 or RX 6600. DDR4 memory is cheap, making this a cost-effective 1080p/1440p gaming platform. Secondary PC / Streaming Encoder: If you already have a main rig with a newer platform, use this board for a dedicated streaming PC or a media server. Its reliability is proven. * Collector / Retro Builder: Enthusiasts who enjoy building systems with last-gen hardware will appreciate the stability and feature set of this board. It's a piece of Intel's 14nm era. Not recommended for those who need PCIe 4.0/5.0 or plan to upgrade to a newer CPU in the same socket.

Things to Consider

PCIe 3.0 is the biggest limitation. While it's still sufficient for most GPUs (RTX 30 series, RX 6000 series), future graphics cards may benefit from higher bandwidth. Also, the board lacks PCIe 4.0 M.2 support, so NVMe speeds are capped at ~3500 MB/s. Memory overclocking beyond 3600 MHz may require manual tuning and is not guaranteed. Four DIMM populate at high speeds can be unstable. No USB-C front panel header, and only USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) on the rear I/O. This board is dated, but for the price it's a functional workhorse. ## FAQ
Q: Can I use an 11th Gen Intel CPU (Rocket Lake) on this board? A: No. The Z490 chipset only supports 10th Gen Comet Lake CPUs. BIOS updates do not add Rocket Lake support. Q: Does it support PCIe 4.0? A: No. All PCIe slots and M.2 slots are Gen 3.0 only. Q: What is the maximum RAM capacity and speed? A: Up to 128 GB (4x32GB) DDR4, with official support up to 4800 MHz (OC). However, stability at high speeds with four sticks is not guaranteed.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: MSI
  • ASIN: B0882T7GFL
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.