OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£320CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z690Form factor:ATX

MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi Review: Compare 109 technical specifications, 1 expert reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi
7.7/10

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Score components

40%

7.7

Technical score

20%

7.7

Reviews score

20%

7.7

List score

10%

6.7

Sentiment score

10%

8.7

User score

▲Better than 77% of motherboards
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 66% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

▲Better than 66%
7.7

Technical score

Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 79% of models
Score components

19%

7.2

Memory

16%

8.8

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

8.4

Network

13%

6.4

Ports

8%

5.1

Expansion

8%

9.2

Power & Cooling

5%

9.7

Audio

▲Better than 79%
7.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 60% of models

7.7

Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 review, with a printed score. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
▼Worse than 60%
8.7

User score

User score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 67% of models

70%

8.7

Rating

30%

8.8

Popularity

▲Better than 67%
7.7

List score

List score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 64 lists (2%)
▲Better than 88%
  • msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
  • msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
  • msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
  • msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
  • msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
  • msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
  • msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
msi-mpg-z690-edge-wifi
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi

Based on 60 owners sharing their experience in online comments

27%positive6%mixed67%negative

Owners value its performance and looks, but widespread network and startup failures make reliability frustrating.

What owners dislike

  • Wi-Fi or Ethernet often fails to appear during setup; some owners got it working by loading the included flash-drive drivers or swapping LAN cables.13
  • Some boards won't start or show video, with only the CPU or BOOT LED lit, and owners report a black screen.9
  • RAM can run below its rated speed or fail to overclock, and some owners report four sticks won't boot.6
  • Front-panel headphone jack may stay silent while the rear works; some owners hear crackling or random dropouts that a PC restart clears.5
  • Some boards lose SATA ports, detecting only one drive when several SSDs and HDDs are connected; a few owners returned early-failing boards.4
  • BIOS Flashback can blink for over an hour without finishing, and one owner could not flash the latest BIOS without a display.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi

Technical score
Technical score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 79% of models
Score components:

19%

7.2

Memory

16%

8.8

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

8.4

Network

13%

6.4

Ports

8%

5.1

Expansion

8%

9.2

Power & Cooling

5%

9.7

Audio

7.7
Reviews score
7.7
User score
8.7
List score
7.7
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 66% of models
Score components:

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

8.0
CPU socket
LGA 1700
This motherboard uses LGA 1700, which is more up-to-date than 54.7% of Motherboards and the same as 22.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z690
This motherboard uses Intel Z690, which is more capable than 68.4% of Motherboards and as capable as 3.7% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.1% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
6,400 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 6,400 MT/s, which is higher than that of 72.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.4% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
4
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 4 M.2 sockets, which is more than 84.1% of motherboards and equal to 10.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 2x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, which is faster than 76.1% of Motherboards and the same as 0.3% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.4% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
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.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x0/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x0/x4, which is less generous than 99.5% of Motherboards and the same as 0.1% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
19
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 19 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 82.1% of motherboards and equal to 17.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Intel I225-V
This motherboard has a Intel I225-V LAN controller, which is faster than 90.1% of Motherboards and equal to 4.2% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
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
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), which is newer than 71.5% of Motherboards and the same as 16.7% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC4080
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC4080, which is higher-end than 90.4% of Motherboards and the same as 6.4% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
surround needs jack retasking.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
16+1+1
This motherboard has 16+1+1 VRM phases, which is more than 87.3% of motherboards and equal to 1.1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
8
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
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.2% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    5 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16+1+1 vs 10
  • 17.6% higher user score
    User score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 67% of models

    70%

    8.7

    Rating

    30%

    8.8

    Popularity

    8.7 vs 7.4
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 36.2% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (6,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    6,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    5 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 4 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (19 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    19 vs 15
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    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.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    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
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16+1+1 vs 10
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    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
    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
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    Gen 1 ports are internal only
    0 vs 4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4x4, 2x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2.13x more expensive
    MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£320 vs £150).
    £320 vs £150
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4).
    5.2 vs 5.4
  • 10.7% lower sentiment score
    6.7 vs 7.5
  • 2.13x more expensive
    MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£320 vs £150).
    £320 vs £150
  • 10.7% lower sentiment score
    6.7 vs 7.5
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4x4, 2x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    Gen 1 ports are internal only
    0 vs 4
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4).
    5.2 vs 5.4

Video reviews

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

8.0
Christopher Flannigan
≈ estimated
26/04/2022
First look · unboxing and overview
Verdict
The MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi is a good-looking board with a strong feature set, based on first impressions.
Overview video
Overview video
Not graded
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.2
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
31/01/2022
Lab review · Mid-range board
Verdict
The MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi is a mid-range board with four M.2 slots, modern connectivity and well-built heatsinks, though some RAID options drop to software.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi

  • Excellent power delivery with 16+1+1 phases, making it highly suitable for overclocking high-end CPUs like the i9-12900K
  • Generous storage options featuring four M.2 slots (all PCIe 4.0) with dedicated heat shields
  • Robust networking capabilities including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and 2.5Gbps LAN
  • Aesthetically pleasing design with an illuminated MSI Dragon RGB logo and premium build quality
  • User-friendly BIOS with 'Easy Mode' and specialized features for memory overclocking (XMP)
  • Comprehensive accessories included in the box, such as an MSI-branded USB drive and keychain screwdriver

What customers don't like about MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi

  • Initial RAM compatibility issues, sometimes requiring a BIOS update to enable stable XMP speeds
  • Does not come with pre-installed LAN drivers, which can complicate initial Windows setup
  • High price point compared to entry-level Z690 boards like the MSI Pro Z690-A
  • Reports of finicky USB booting and occasional VGA debug light errors during initial setup
  • Hardware design can be bulky; some RGB lighting may be obstructed by large GPUs

Verdict

The MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi is a high-performance ATX motherboard designed for 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1700 socket, featuring a robust direct 16+1+1 phase power design with 75A Smart Power Stages. It offers cutting-edge connectivity with a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, four M.2 slots (three PCIe 4.0 x4), and advanced networking via Intel Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN. Main pros include its exceptional storage expandability, premium Realtek ALC4080 audio, and effective thermal management using heavy-plated MOSFET heatsinks with integrated heat pipes. However, some users have noted cons such as the absence of Thunderbolt support, fixed WiFi antennas that lack a remote magnetic base, and potential RAM compatibility issues when trying to reach maximum overclocked speeds with four DIMMs occupied.

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