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 Pro Z690-A DDR4 review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£210CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z690Form factor:ATX

MSI Pro Z690-A 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 Pro Z690-A DDR4
7.9/10

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 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 82% of models
Score components

40%

7.2

Technical score

20%

8.5

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

8.8

Sentiment score

10%

9.1

User score

â–²Better than 82% of motherboards
8.3

Value for money

Value for money
8.3/ 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 83% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–²Better than 83%
7.2

Technical score

Technical score
7.2/ 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 70% of models
Score components

19%

6.8

Memory

16%

8.8

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

7.3

Network

13%

5.7

Ports

8%

4.8

Expansion

8%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5%

6.4

Audio

â–²Better than 70%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 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 68% of models

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

8.5

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 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 68%
9.1

User score

User score
9.1/ 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 84% of models

70%

8.7

Rating

30%

10

Popularity

â–²Better than 84%
?

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-pro-z690-a-ddr4
  • msi-pro-z690-a-ddr4
  • msi-pro-z690-a-ddr4
  • msi-pro-z690-a-ddr4
  • msi-pro-z690-a-ddr4
  • msi-pro-z690-a-ddr4
  • msi-pro-z690-a-ddr4
msi-pro-z690-a-ddr4
msi-pro-z690-a-ddr4
msi-pro-z690-a-ddr4
msi-pro-z690-a-ddr4
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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 Pro Z690-A DDR4

Based on 2 · 3

Reviewers like the generous rear I/O and plentiful fan headers, but the audio and RGB lighting disappoint.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4

Based on 92 owners sharing their experience in online comments

45%positive15%mixed40%negative

Owners praise cooler operation, strong performance, and overclocking, but report BIOS, boot, network, and stability problems.

What owners dislike

  • Some boards show a red CPU light on the EZ Debug LED, restart in loops, or show no display, and CPU detection fails.11
  • Changing clocks can switch power profiles on their own, and Intel default settings may spike voltage above 1.55 V on startup.11
  • Under heavy loads such as Cinebench or AVX tests, some cores reach 100 °C and throttle, especially at stock settings.7
  • Undervolt offsets from about -0.05 to -0.11 V can cause crashes, BSODs, or game freezes, such as Cinebench and iRacing failing.7
  • The onboard Ethernet may not work or may reach only about 1.3 Gbps; some owners needed Intel drivers or a separate network card.6
  • Some power profiles, such as Intel default, can roughly halve Cinebench R23 scores, and a 4096 W setting can stick until CMOS clear.5
  • Owners say MSI support did not help with XMP, Intel-default voltage limits, or board swaps, and some issues remained unresolved.4
  • XMP may fail, so 3600 MHz RAM can run at 3200 MHz; one beta BIOS broke RAM detection and disabled Corsair XMP profiles.3
  • The I/O shield can be hard to seat, and some owners struggled to plug in the Ethernet cable.3

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

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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4

Technical score
Technical score
7.2/ 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 70% of models
Score components:

19%

6.8

Memory

16%

8.8

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

7.3

Network

13%

5.7

Ports

8%

4.8

Expansion

8%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5%

6.4

Audio

7.2
Reviews score
8.5
User score
9.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.3/ 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 83% of models
Score components:

70%

7.9

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

8.3
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
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
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, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, which is faster than 76.7% of Motherboards and the same as 0.2% 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.
Intel RST support
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.
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
x16/x0/x4/x1
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4/x1, which is more generous than 84% 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)
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)
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
What reviewers say
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
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), which is newer than 60.3% of Motherboards and the same as 11.2% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC897
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC897, which is higher-end than 20.2% of Motherboards and the same as 29.9% 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
97 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 97 dB, which is lower than that of 65.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.9% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 58.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 13% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
VRM phases
14+1+1
This motherboard has 14+1+1 VRM phases, which is more than 78.2% of motherboards and equal to 1.4% 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.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
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
What reviewers say

MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    2 vs 1
  • 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.
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (14+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    14+1+1 vs 10
  • 16.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 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 68% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 3 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.
    8.5 vs 7.3
  • 23.0% higher user score
    User score
    9.1/ 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 84% of models

    70%

    8.7

    Rating

    30%

    10

    Popularity

    9.1 vs 7.4
  • 17.3% higher sentiment score
    8.8 vs 7.5
  • 8.1% better value for money
    MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4 has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.32 vs 7.7).
    8.32 vs 7.7
  • 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.
  • 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
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x4/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 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
  • 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 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.
    supports Thunderbolt add-in card
    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 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • 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.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    2 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (14+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    14+1+1 vs 10
  • 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 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 Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 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
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    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
  • 18 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (97 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    97 dB vs 115 dB
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 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
  • 40% more expensive
    MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4 is more expensive than the average motherboard (£210 vs £150).
    £210 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 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 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    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
    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 Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 18 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (97 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    97 dB vs 115 dB
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.4% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.

Video reviews

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

9.0
PC Crazy
≈ estimated
22/03/2023
Hands-on review · benchmarks and memory tests
Verdict
The MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4 delivers strong performance for its price, but has a minimalist design and few extras for the money.
8.0
Upgrade
≈ estimated
19/01/2022
Hands-on build test · installation and cooling
Verdict
The MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4 is basic but solid for 12th gen, with limited overclocking and a fiddly driver setup.
9.0
avrona
≈ estimated
20/12/2021
First look · unboxing and feature walkthrough
Verdict
The MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4 is a strong motherboard for its price, with minor gaps in audio and RGB connectors.
Overview video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
hwcooling.net
≈ estimated
26/05/2022
Lab test · Budget Z690 board
Verdict
The MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 is a sensible budget Z690 board for K-series overclocking, but its power stages and audio are trimmed compared with pricier MSI boards.
9.0
hardwareinside.de
≈ estimated
21/11/2021
Hands-on test · Budget Z690 board
Verdict
The MSI PRO Z690-A DDR4 is a plain, budget DDR4 board aimed at content creators rather than gamers, with 2.5G LAN and passive cooling.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4

  • Excellent value for money, often cited as one of the best budget Z690 options
  • Strong performance and stable overclocking capabilities for 12th and 13th Gen Intel CPUs
  • Ample storage expansion with four M.2 slots and six SATA ports
  • DDR4 support allows users to save money by reusing existing memory
  • User-friendly BIOS that is easy for both beginners and advanced users to navigate
  • Solid build quality and straightforward installation process for most DIY builders
  • Good connectivity options, including a 2.5G Ethernet port and multiple USB slots

What customers don't like about MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4

  • Lacks integrated Wi-Fi (standard model), which can be an inconvenience for some users
  • Included instructions and manual can be inadequate for first-time builders
  • Reported issues with XMP profile stability and occasional Ethernet port dropouts
  • Minimalistic design with only one M.2 heatsink provided for four slots
  • LAN drivers often require manual installation from a separate device as they aren't pre-installed
  • Some users reported a buggy BIOS and rare compatibility issues with specific RAM kits
  • Potential quality control issues noted by some, such as flimsy I/O shields or DOA units

Verdict

The MSI Pro Z690-A DDR4 is an ATX motherboard built for 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1700 socket, featuring a 14+1+1 Duet Rail Power System with 55A DrMOS to handle high-end CPUs. Its primary characteristics include a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for next-gen graphics, four M.2 slots (three supporting Gen4 x4), and support for up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at overclocked speeds of 5200+ MHz. Main pros consist of its high-speed connectivity with Intel 2.5G LAN and a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port (20Gbps), alongside a 6-layer server-grade PCB and an extended heatsink design for enhanced thermal stability. However, notable cons include a minimalistic aesthetic lacking integrated RGB lighting, a basic Realtek ALC897 audio codec, and the absence of a pre-installed I/O shield.

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