Overview

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi is an ATX gaming motherboard built for Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th generation Core processors. It uses the LGA 1700 socket and supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, making it a solid foundation for a modern gaming PC build.
One of the standout features is the inclusion of both 2.5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 6E on board. Whether you prefer a wired or wireless connection, you get fast network speeds without needing to buy a separate expansion card. The board also features a robust power delivery design rated for up to 144A of CPU current, which helps maintain stability under heavy loads.
In the market, this board sits in the mid-range tier. It offers the full feature set of the Z790 chipset at a more accessible price point than flagship models, striking a balance between functionality and cost that suits most gaming builds.

Compatibility Guide

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports Intel 12th Gen (Alder Lake), 13th Gen (Raptor Lake), and 14th Gen (Raptor Lake Refresh) processors on the LGA 1700 socket. A BIOS update may be required for the latest 14th Gen CPUs, so check the MSI support page before your first boot.
Memory support is limited to DDR5 only — DDR4 modules are not compatible. The board has four DIMM slots with support for up to 192GB of RAM, and XMP 3.0 profiles are supported for enabling higher memory speeds.
The form factor is standard ATX, so it will fit in most mid-tower cases. Expansion options include one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. There are four M.2 slots, one of which supports PCIe 5.0 x4 for the fastest NVMe SSDs.
Power is delivered via a 24-pin ATX connector plus 8-pin and 4-pin EPS 12V connectors. A 650W power supply is a reasonable starting point, but the exact requirement depends on your CPU and graphics card choice.

Product Info

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi was released in 2024. It typically sells for around $200 in the US and roughly ¥30,000 in Japan, making it one of the more affordable Z790 options available.
Key specifications include the Intel Z790 chipset, DDR5 memory support, PCIe 5.0 connectivity, 2.5Gbps LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, and USB 3.2 Gen2 ports. The board also includes comprehensive overclocking features in the BIOS.
In terms of market positioning, this is a mid-range product. It delivers the core Z790 experience without the premium extras found on high-end models, offering strong value for gamers who want DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 without overspending.

Best Use Cases

For gamers building a mid-range rig, this board pairs well with a Core i5 or Core i7 processor. You'll get smooth 1440p gaming performance, and the DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support means you won't be bottlenecked by older storage or memory standards.
If you rely on wireless networking, this board is an excellent choice. The built-in Wi-Fi 6E module eliminates the need for a separate adapter, and the 2.5Gbps LAN port provides a fast wired alternative when you need maximum stability.
However, if you're on a tight budget or want to reuse DDR4 memory from an older build, this board is not for you. DDR5 modules are still more expensive than DDR4, so consider a B760 board with DDR4 support if cost is your primary concern.

Things to Consider

This motherboard is DDR5-only, so you cannot reuse DDR4 memory from a previous system. Factor the cost of new memory into your overall build budget.
While the board has four M.2 slots, only one supports PCIe 5.0 x4. The other three are limited to PCIe 4.0 x4, which is still fast but not the absolute fastest available. If you plan to run multiple PCIe 5.0 SSDs, you may need to look at a higher-tier board.
Be aware that some units sold in Japan are imported from overseas. These may not include a Japanese manual and might not be covered by local warranty. Always check the seller information before purchasing.

FAQ

Q: Will this board work with a Core i9-14900K?
A: Yes, it supports the full range of 14th Gen processors including the i9-14900K. The power delivery is rated for up to 144A, which is sufficient for stable operation, but make sure you pair it with a capable CPU cooler.
Q: Does it support DDR5-7200 memory?
A: Officially, yes — the board supports DDR5 up to 7200 MT/s. However, actual speeds depend on your CPU's memory controller, so you may need to enable XMP and verify stability.
Q: What's the difference between this and a B760 board?
A: The Z790 chipset supports overclocking for both CPU and memory, while B760 only allows memory overclocking. Z790 also offers more PCIe lanes for additional expansion cards. If you plan to overclock or need more connectivity, Z790 is the better choice.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: MSI
  • Seller: filer shop（輸入品専門店）パソコン機器はUS仕様になります。保証対象外です。
  • Fulfilled by: filer shop（輸入品専門店）パソコン機器はUS仕様になります。保証対象外です。
  • ASIN: B0D2JFH7NQ
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.