OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Motherboards Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v1.0

MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£120CPU socket:LGA 1200Chipset:Intel Z490Form factor:ATX

MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

6.9

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 56% of models
Score components

90%

6.7

Technical score

10%

9.4

User score

â–²Better than 56% of motherboards
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

8.1

Platform & Features

16%

6.7

Storage

15%

6.6

Network

13%

4.4

Ports & USB

8%

3.8

Expansion

8%

8.5

Power & Cooling

5%

8.5

Audio

â–²Better than 54% of motherboards
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 5,502 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
★Better than 98% of motherboards
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components:

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

8.1

Platform & Features

16%

6.7

Storage

15%

6.6

Network

13%

4.4

Ports & USB

8%

3.8

Expansion

8%

8.5

Power & Cooling

5%

8.5

Audio

6.7
User score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on 5,502 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
9.4
Popularity
Popularity
10.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.5% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components:

60%

6.9

Overall score

40%

9.9

Price

7.8
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
LGA 1200
CPU socket
LGA 1200
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1200 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 61.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel Z490
Chipset
Intel Z490
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z490 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 56.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.9% of motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Form factor
ATX
â–² Better than 48% of models
This motherboard has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
5,000 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
5,000 MT/s
â–² Better than 57% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 5,000 MT/s, which is higher than that of 57% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
speed varies by CPU generation
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
N. of M.2 sockets
2
â–¼ Worse than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.4% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
â–² Better than 56% of models
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 55.8% of motherboards.
one slot requires 11th Gen CPU.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
â–² Better than 53% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x0
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x0
â–² Better than 61% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x4/x0 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 60.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.7% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
PCIe bifurcation support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.7% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.3% of motherboards and equal to 32.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
15
Total USB ports (including headers)
15
â–² Better than 48% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 47.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer + Intel + Realtek
LAN controller
Killer + Intel + Realtek
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This motherboard uses the Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 64.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 28.7% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1200
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1200
â–² Better than 63% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1200 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 62.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.4% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
110 dB
Audio SNR
110 dB
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 110 dB, which is lower than that of 54.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.4% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
12+1+1
VRM phases
12+1+1
â–² Better than 67% of models
This motherboard has 12+1+1 VRM phases, which is more than 66.5% of motherboards and equal to 4.1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
8
N. of fan headers
8
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Pump header max current
2 A
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    8
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1200
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1200 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC1200 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    3
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    12+1+1
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    12+1+1 vs 10
  • 18% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus
    the average motherboard
    MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus has a higher user score than the average motherboard (9.44 vs 8.000).
    9.44 vs 8
  • 59.7% more popular
    MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus is more popular than the average motherboard (10 vs 6.3).
    10 vs 6.26
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1200
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1200 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    6
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
    6 vs 4
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    3
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    N. of USB4 / Thunderbolt headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    JTBT1 header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    2
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1200
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1200 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC1200 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    8
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    12+1+1
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    12+1+1 vs 10
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z490
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    one slot requires 11th Gen CPU.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    Wi-Fi antenna included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOS flashback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z490
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOS flashback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • Fewer useful accessories
    Included accessories
    2x SATA cables
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (2x SATA cables vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable). The average motherboard comes with 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable.
    2x SATA cables vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    one slot requires 11th Gen CPU.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    1.4
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    1.4 vs 2.1
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    Wi-Fi antenna included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 5 dB lower audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    110 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (110 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    110 dB vs 115 dB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Third-party reviews

Based on 5,502 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus

  • Ease of use and intuitive, user-friendly BIOS
  • Attractive and customizable RGB LED lighting
  • Strong performance and reliable stability for the price
  • Good connectivity options, including a 2.5GbE LAN port and front USB-C
  • Effective VRM cooling and large heatsinks for temperature management
  • Integrated I/O shield for easier installation

What we don't like about MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus

  • Lacks integrated Wi-Fi, requiring a separate adapter
  • Discrete MOSFETs in the VRM may struggle with high-end, power-hungry CPUs under heavy load
  • Compatibility issues between MSI's Dragon Center (Mystic Light) and other lighting software like Corsair iCUE
  • Limited future-proofing as the LGA 1200 socket only supports 10th and 11th Gen Intel CPUs
  • MSI software (Dragon Center) can be buggy or difficult to use according to some users

Verdict

The MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus is an ATX motherboard featuring the LGA 1200 socket, designed to support 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors with a robust 12+1+1 Duet Rail Power System. Key specifications include four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB at overclocked speeds of 5000MHz, dual M.2 slots (one with M.2 Shield Frozr), 2.5G LAN, and a pre-installed I/O shield. Its main pros are the high-speed 2.5G networking, excellent thermal management via extended heatsinks, and a premium 6-layer PCB for enhanced stability. However, potential cons include the lack of built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and limited future-proofing as it is restricted to the older LGA 1200 socket architecture.

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