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MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£400Avg. price in US:~$430CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z790Form factor:ATX

MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

9.3

Overall score

Score
9.3/ 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
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

90%

9.4

Technical Score

10%

7.9

User score

★Better than 99% of motherboards
9.4

Technical Score

Technical score
9.4/ 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
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

19%

9.9

Memory

16%

9.4

Platform & Features

16%

9.8

Storage

15%

9.7

Network

13%

9.3

Ports & USB

8%

7.5

Expansion

8%

9.4

Power & Cooling

5%

9.7

Audio

★Better than 99% of motherboards
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User reviews

30%

7.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(114)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(122)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

â–¼Worse than 67% of motherboards
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Best prices in UK

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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Verdict

The MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II is a high-end ATX motherboard featuring a robust 19+1+1 power phase design, support for Intel 14th Gen processors, and DDR5 memory speeds exceeding 7800+ MHz (OC). It stands out with PCIe 5.0 support for both its primary GPU slot and one of its five M.2 slots, alongside integrated Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5G LAN for cutting-edge connectivity. While it offers excellent thermal management and a tool-less M.2 Shield Frozr design, its premium price point and the lack of a 10G Ethernet port are notable drawbacks for some power users.

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II

Technical Score
Technical score
9.4/ 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
★ Better than 100% of models
Score components:

19%

9.9

Memory

16%

9.4

Platform & Features

16%

9.8

Storage

15%

9.7

Network

13%

9.3

Ports & USB

8%

7.5

Expansion

8%

9.4

Power & Cooling

5%

9.7

Audio

9.4
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II has a technical score of 9.4 points, which is higher than that of 99.7% of products in this category.
User score
User score
7.9/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

User reviews

30%

7.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
(114)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(122)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.9
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II has a user score of 7.9 points, which is lower than that of 67.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
7.2/ 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
â–² Better than 61% of models
Popularity:
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II has a popularity score of 7.2 points, which is higher than that of 61.3% of products in this category.
7.2
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II has a popularity score of 7.2 points, which is higher than that of 61.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
9.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 94% of models
Score components:

60%

9.3

Overall score

40%

8.4

Price

9.0
MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II has a value-for-money score of 9 points, which is higher than that of 94.2% of products in this category.
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
LGA 1700
CPU socket
LGA 1700
â–² Better than 55% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1700 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.6% 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 Z790
Chipset
Intel Z790
â–² Better than 77% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z790 chipset, which is more advanced than that of 77.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.5% 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
DDR5
DDR memory version
DDR5
â–² Better than 64% of models
This motherboard uses DDR5 memory, which is newer than that of 64.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 35.7% 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
256 GB
Maximum memory capacity
256 GB
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 82.9% of motherboards and equal to 16.4% 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
7,800 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
7,800 MT/s
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 7,800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 83.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.7% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
5
N. of M.2 sockets
5
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 5 M.2 sockets, which is more than 94.8% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 4x PCIe 4.0 x4
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 4x PCIe 4.0 x4
★ Better than 98% of models
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 4x PCIe 4.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 97.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.9% of motherboards.
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.
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.
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
1
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
â–² Better than 69% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.6% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.5% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x1
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x1
â–² Better than 78% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x4/x1 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 77.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.9% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.5% of motherboards and equal to 15.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
17
Total USB ports (including headers)
17
â–² Better than 71% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 71.3% of motherboards and equal to 10.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
â–² Better than 84% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 84.2% of motherboards and equal to 12.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
3
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
3
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 84.6% of motherboards and equal to 11% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 18% 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
?
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
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
â–² Better than 89% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which is newer than that of 88.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.3% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC4080
Audio codec
Realtek ALC4080
★ Better than 90% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 90.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.5% 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
120 dB
Audio SNR
120 dB
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 56% of motherboards and equal to that of 40.5% 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
19+1+1
VRM phases
19+1+1
★ Better than 95% of models
This motherboard has 19+1+1 VRM phases, which is more than 94.8% of motherboards and equal to 0.3% 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.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
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
3 A
Pump header max current
3 A
â–² Better than 78% of models
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 22.1% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    5
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    5 vs 2
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    256 GB
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • 5 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    6
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    additional 10Gbps Type-C port also present
    6 vs 1
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This motherboard has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC4080
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    19+1+1
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (19+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    19+1+1 vs 10
  • 21.8% better value for money
    MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II has better value for money than the average motherboard (9.03 vs 7.4).
    9.03 vs 7.41
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1700
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • 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.
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    256 GB
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This motherboard has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 64.8% higher maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    7,800 MT/s
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (7800 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    7,800 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 58.1% higher overclocked RAM speed
    Maximum overclocked RAM speed
    7,800 MT/s
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <2.7k MT/s – >8.2k MT/s
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (7800 MT/s vs 4933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4933 MT/s.
    7,800 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    5
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    5 vs 2
  • Faster M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 4x PCIe 4.0 x4
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This motherboard has faster M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 5x4, 4x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 5.0x4, 4x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x4/x1
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This motherboard has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x4/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 5 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    6
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    additional 10Gbps Type-C port also present
    6 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    10
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    2
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    2 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
  • 2 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    3
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    includes internal USB-C header.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    17
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    17 vs 15
  • 2 more USB 2.0 headers
    N. of USB 2.0 headers (USB-A)
    4
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 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.
    JTBT_U4_1 connector
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC4080
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    120 dB
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    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
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    19+1+1
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (19+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    19+1+1 vs 10
  • 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.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    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
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    3
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    Pump header max current
    3 A
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 A – >3 A
    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
  • 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
  • No multi-GPU support
    Multi-GPU support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 2.5x more expensive
    MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II is more expensive than the average motherboard (£400 vs £160).
    £400 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z790
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    0 vs 2
  • 2.5x more expensive
    MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II is more expensive than the average motherboard (£400 vs £160).
    £400 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z790
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • No multi-GPU support
    Multi-GPU support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 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
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    0 vs 2

Graphic comparison of MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.2
114 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
122 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II?

  • High-end VRM setup (19+1+1 phases) provides excellent power delivery for i9 processors
  • Comprehensive connectivity including Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gbps LAN
  • Generous M.2 storage options with five total slots, including one PCIe 5.0 slot
  • Tool-less M.2 Shield Frozr design simplifies SSD installation
  • Robust thermal solution with thick heatsinks and multiple fan/ARGB headers
  • Visually appealing carbon black aesthetic with tasteful RGB lighting
  • User-friendly BIOS (Click BIOS 5) with easy XMP and overclocking profiles

What customers dislike about MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi II?

  • High price point compared to previous generations and some competitors
  • PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot shares bandwidth with the primary GPU slot, potentially cutting GPU lanes in half
  • Clunky or bloated 'MSI Center' software according to several users
  • Limited USB 2.0 internal headers for accessories like AIO coolers
  • Initial boot issues reported by some users, requiring immediate BIOS flashes for stability
  • Lack of a physical power button on the motherboard itself
  • Reports of inconsistent driver support for built-in Wi-Fi on Windows 10

Video reviews

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

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