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

MSI Pro Z790 P DDR4 Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£160CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z790Form factor:ATX

MSI Pro Z790 P DDR4 Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

8.1

Overall score

Score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

90%

8.1

Technical score

10%

8.3

User score

â–²Better than 78% of motherboards
8.1

Technical score

Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform & Features

16%

9.3

Storage

15%

9.2

Network

13%

6.4

Ports & USB

8%

6.6

Expansion

8%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5%

7.5

Audio

â–²Better than 78% of motherboards
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 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–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.7

Number of reviews

Based on 350 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 68% of motherboards
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI Pro Z790 P DDR4

Technical score
Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components:

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform & Features

16%

9.3

Storage

15%

9.2

Network

13%

6.4

Ports & USB

8%

6.6

Expansion

8%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5%

7.5

Audio

8.1
User score
User score
8.3/ 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–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.7

Number of reviews

Based on 350 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
7.7/ 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 68% of models
Popularity:
MSI Pro Z790 P DDR4 has a popularity score of 7.7 points, which is higher than that of 67.9% of products in this category.
7.7
Value for money
Value for money
8.6/ 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:

60%

8.1

Overall score

40%

9.7

Price

8.6
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
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
5,333 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
5,333 MT/s
â–² Better than 63% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 5,333 MT/s, which is higher than that of 62.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.2% of motherboards.
top speed with 1DPC 1R memory
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
4
N. of M.2 sockets
4
â–² Better than 84% of models
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
3x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
3x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
â–² Better than 74% of models
This motherboard offers 3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 73.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.9% 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.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
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
1
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x1/x1
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x1/x1
â–² Better than 85% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x4/x1/x1 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 84.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
Depends on slot/M.2 population.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
PCIe bifurcation support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.7% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.2% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% 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)
1
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
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 6E (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
â–² Better than 72% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 72.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.6% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC897
Audio codec
Realtek ALC897
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC897 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 50.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 29.2% 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
?
Headphone amp support
no
Headphone amp support
no
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 59.3% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
â–² Better than 87% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 86.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
14+1+1
VRM phases
14+1+1
â–² Better than 78% of models
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
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
8
N. of fan headers
8
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
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 Pro Z790 P DDR4 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    4
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    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
  • 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 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
  • 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
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 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
  • 15.7% better value for money
    MSI Pro Z790 P DDR4 has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.58 vs 7.4).
    8.58 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.
  • 12.7% higher maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    5,333 MT/s
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (5333 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    top speed with 1DPC 1R memory
    5,333 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    4
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    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
    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/x1
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This motherboard has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x1/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    Depends on slot/M.2 population.
    x16/x4/x1/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 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
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 2 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
  • 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.
    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.
    Gen 2 Type-C header
    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
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    2
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    4
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    4 vs 2
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    6
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 5
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    14+1+1
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    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
    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 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
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 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.
  • No headphone amp support
    Headphone amp support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 59.2% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    3x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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 onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • Fewer useful accessories
    Included accessories
    2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable). The average motherboard comes with 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable.
    2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    Optical S/PDIF out (TOSLINK)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.8% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • 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
  • Fewer useful accessories
    Included accessories
    2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable). The average motherboard comes with 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable.
    2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    3x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 4x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 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.
  • No headphone amp support
    Headphone amp support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 59.2% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    Optical S/PDIF out (TOSLINK)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.8% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 60.8 mm wider
    Width
    304.8 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is wider than the average motherboard (304.8 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    304.8 mm vs 244 mm

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

Based on 350 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about MSI Pro Z790 P DDR4

  • Excellent value for a Z790 chipset, often cited as a solid budget-friendly option for Intel 12th/13th/14th Gen CPUs.
  • Features four M.2 slots, providing ample high-speed storage expansion compared to other boards in its price bracket.
  • Robust power delivery with a 14+1+1 VRM design that handles mid-to-high range CPUs like the i7-13700K effectively.
  • Supports legacy DDR4 memory, allowing users to reuse existing RAM and lower overall build costs.
  • Good connectivity options, including a 20Gbps USB-C port and Wi-Fi 6E (on the WiFi model).
  • Straightforward BIOS (Click BIOS 5) that is easy to navigate for basic overclocking and system setup.

What we don't like about MSI Pro Z790 P DDR4

  • Uses an older Realtek ALC897 audio codec, which some users find 'long in the tooth' compared to modern alternatives.
  • Lacks an optical S/PDIF port, which may be a drawback for users with specific high-end audio setups.
  • The rear I/O shield is not pre-installed, which can be less convenient during the assembly process.
  • Limited M.2 thermal management; only the primary M.2 slot typically includes a heatsink (Shield Frozr).
  • May require a BIOS update out of the box to properly support Intel 14th Gen processors.
  • Minimalist aesthetic with no onboard RGB lighting, which may not appeal to users looking for a 'gaming' look.

Verdict

The MSI PRO Z790-P DDR4 is an ATX motherboard designed 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. Key specifications include support for up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at overclocked speeds of 5333+MHz, a primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for modern GPUs, and four M.2 Gen4 x4 slots with Shield Frozr cooling. Connectivity is robust with a 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port, Intel 2.5G LAN, and high-quality 7.1 HD audio. Main pros include its stable power delivery for productivity, extensive storage expansion, and cost-effective reuse of DDR4 RAM. However, notable cons include an outdated Realtek ALC897 audio codec and fewer rear USB ports compared to higher-end Z790 models.

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