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 Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£390CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z790Form factor:ATX

MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4
8.0/10

Overall score

Score
8.0/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 87% of models
Score components

40%

8.1

Technical score

20%

8.3

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

8.6

User score

â–²Better than 87% of motherboards
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 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 73% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

8.5

Price

â–²Better than 73%
8.1

Technical score

Technical score
8.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components

19%

6.8

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform

16%

7.7

Storage

15%

8.4

Network

13%

8.9

Ports

8%

6.5

Expansion

8%

9.2

Power & Cooling

5%

9.7

Audio

â–²Better than 86%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

8.5

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
3 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–²Better than 50%
8.6

User score

User score
8.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models

70%

8.8

Rating

30%

8.3

Popularity

â–²Better than 61%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 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 (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
  • msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
  • msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
  • msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
  • msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
  • msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
  • msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
  • msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
msi-mpg-z790-edge-wifi-ddr4
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 reviewers say about the MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4

Based on 3 · 2

Reviewers agree storage is the standout strength, with no complaints raised about it.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4

Technical score
Technical score
8.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 86% of models
Score components:

19%

6.8

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform

16%

7.7

Storage

15%

8.4

Network

13%

8.9

Ports

8%

6.5

Expansion

8%

9.2

Power & Cooling

5%

9.7

Audio

8.1
Reviews score
8.3
User score
8.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 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 73% of models
Score components:

70%

8.0

Overall score

30%

8.5

Price

8.1
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 Z790
This motherboard uses Intel Z790, which is more capable than 77% of Motherboards and as capable as 6.3% 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
3,200 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 3,200 MT/s, which is lower than that of 63.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
5
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
2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, 2x PCIe 4.0x4, which is faster than 78.8% of Motherboards and the same as 0.1% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
7
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 7 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 84.8% of motherboards and equal to 0.7% 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
What reviewers say
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
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.7% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
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/x0/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, which is more generous than 51% of Motherboards and the same as 9.6% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.7% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
17
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
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 12.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
3
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 84.7% of motherboards and equal to 10.9% 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
?
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.
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.
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 Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    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
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 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
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    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
    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
  • 13.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 50% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    3 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.3 vs 7.3
  • 16.2% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 61% of models

    70%

    8.8

    Rating

    30%

    8.3

    Popularity

    8.6 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.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    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
  • 3 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (7 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    7 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
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    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.
    runs at x4 mode
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    4 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
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    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
    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
    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.
    rear Type-C is Gen 2x2
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    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 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB connections
    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
  • 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
  • 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.
    Bluetooth 5.3.
  • 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.
    integrated Mystic Light support
  • 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
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • 31.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    3,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 2.6x more expensive
    MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 is more expensive than the average motherboard (£390 vs £150).
    £390 vs £150
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA, 2x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    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
  • 2.6x more expensive
    MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 is more expensive than the average motherboard (£390 vs £150).
    £390 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 31.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    3,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA, 2x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    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

Video reviews

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

8.0
Digital David
≈ estimated
15/03/2023
Hands-on review · I/O, BIOS and software impressions
Verdict
The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 is a solid all-round board with strong connectivity and build, though DDR4 feels pricey for this board.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
lanoc.org
≈ estimated
09/02/2023
Hands-on test · DDR4 high-end board
Verdict
The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 is a cost-saving Z790 board for reusing DDR4 memory, with strong network speeds and plenty of storage ports.
8.5
mezha.ua
✓ explicit
06/12/2022
Lab test · DDR4 motherboard
Verdict
The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 has a powerful 18-phase power section and suits builders who want to keep their DDR4 memory.
7.0
pcworld.com
✓ explicit
17/01/2023
Hands-on review · DDR4 motherboard
Verdict
The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 is a good, if slightly expensive, board for anyone avoiding DDR5 memory, with plenty of M.2 slots and fast USB.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4

  • Aesthetic appeal with a unique silver-white and black color scheme suitable for themed builds
  • Vast storage options including five M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0) and seven SATA ports
  • Robust power delivery with a 16+1+1 phase VRM design for stable CPU performance
  • Excellent I/O connectivity featuring 10 USB ports, including a 20Gbps USB-C port
  • User-friendly BIOS (Click BIOS 5) that is easy to navigate for both beginners and enthusiasts
  • Convenient diagnostic and recovery tools like Clear CMOS and BIOS Flashback buttons on the rear I/O
  • Reliable Wi-Fi 6E performance with an included magnetic antenna

What customers don't like about MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4

  • PCIe lane sharing: Using a Gen 5 NVMe drive in the top slot reduces the primary GPU slot to x8 speed
  • High price point for a DDR4-based board, especially as DDR5 memory becomes more affordable
  • Initial driver hurdles: Windows 11 installation may require manual LAN/Wi-Fi driver loading via USB to complete setup
  • Bloated MSI Center software that some users find annoying or prone to resetting system power plans
  • Potential stability issues with high-speed XMP profiles, sometimes requiring manual voltage adjustments
  • Physical layout inconveniences, such as 8-pin CPU power connectors potentially blocking debug LEDs

Verdict

The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi DDR4 is a premium ATX motherboard designed for Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors on the LGA 1700 socket, featuring a robust 16+1+1 phase Duet Rail Power System with 90A Smart Power Stages. It supports up to 128GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory with overclocking speeds exceeding 5333+ MHz, and offers cutting-edge connectivity including a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, five M.2 Gen4 x4 slots, and high-speed networking via Intel 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 6E. Main pros include its extensive storage expansion, superior thermal management with a direct-touch heat pipe and Shield Frozr heatsinks, and a sleek silver-white aesthetic with integrated I/O. However, notable cons include the lack of future-proof DDR5 support and a relatively high price point for a DDR4-based board.

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