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 Z890-A WiFi review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£250CPU socket:LGA 1851Chipset:Intel Z890Form factor:ATX

MSI Pro Z890-A WiFi Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 2 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI Pro Z890-A WiFi
8.1/10

Overall score

Score
8.1/ 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
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

40%

8.7

Technical score

20%

8.1

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%

8.0

User score

★Better than 92% of motherboards
8.5

Value for money

Value for money
8.5/ 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 93% of models
Score components

70%

8.1

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

★Better than 93%
8.7

Technical score

Technical score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components

19%

9.9

Memory

16%

9.1

Platform

16%

9.0

Storage

15%

8.2

Network

13%

8.1

Ports

8%

6.6

Expansion

8%

8.7

Power & Cooling

5%

8.8

Audio

★Better than 95%
8.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 53% of models

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

6.9

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
1 review, with a printed score. 1 video review, 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–¼Worse than 53%
8.0

User score

User score
8.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 55% of models

70%

8.1

Rating

30%

7.9

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 55%
?

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-z890-a-wifi
  • msi-pro-z890-a-wifi
  • msi-pro-z890-a-wifi
  • msi-pro-z890-a-wifi
  • msi-pro-z890-a-wifi
  • msi-pro-z890-a-wifi
  • msi-pro-z890-a-wifi
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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.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI Pro Z890-A WiFi

Technical score
Technical score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models
Score components:

19%

9.9

Memory

16%

9.1

Platform

16%

9.0

Storage

15%

8.2

Network

13%

8.1

Ports

8%

6.6

Expansion

8%

8.7

Power & Cooling

5%

8.8

Audio

8.7
Reviews score
8.1
User score
8.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.5/ 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 93% of models
Score components:

70%

8.1

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

8.5
CPU socket
LGA 1851
This motherboard uses LGA 1851, which is more up-to-date than 77.5% of Motherboards and the same as 8% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z890
This motherboard uses Intel Z890, which is more capable than 94.4% of Motherboards and as capable as 3.8% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
This motherboard uses DDR5, which is more modern than 63.8% of Motherboards and the same as 36.2% 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
256 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 82.5% of motherboards and equal to 16.7% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
9,200 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 9,200 MT/s, which is higher than that of 97.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.2% 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
1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA, which is faster than 90.4% of Motherboards and the same as 0.7% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 6.1% of motherboards and equal to 46.8% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.4% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
2
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 90.9% of motherboards and equal to 6.4% 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/x4/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x4/x4, which is more generous than 88.1% of Motherboards and the same as 1.7% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x16/x4/x4.
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.
includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
Total USB ports (including headers)
20
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 20 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 91.3% of motherboards and equal to 3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
3
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 3 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 96.5% of motherboards and equal to 2.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
4
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 4 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 95.6% of motherboards and equal to 2.8% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 90.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.3% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer + Intel + Realtek
This motherboard has a Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller, which is slower than 64.6% of Motherboards and equal to 28.7% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which is newer than 88.2% of Motherboards and the same as 11.8% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220P
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1220P, which is higher-end than 78.4% of Motherboards and the same as 2% 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
2
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 2 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 88.8% of motherboards and equal to 10.8% of motherboards.
also has optical S/PDIF out
Show more
VRM phases
16
This motherboard has 16 VRM phases, which is more than 79.6% of motherboards and equal to 3.4% 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

MSI Pro Z890-A WiFi vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    4 vs 2
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1851 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,851 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    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
  • 1 more top-speed NVMe slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    3 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 recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 11.0% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 53% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    6.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    1 review, with a printed score. 1 video review, 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.
    8.1 vs 7.3
  • 9.8% better value for money
    MSI Pro Z890-A WiFi has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.45 vs 7.7).
    8.45 vs 7.7
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1851 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,851 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.
  • More capable chipset
    This motherboard uses a more capable chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z890 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z890 vs Intel B860
  • Broader Windows support
    This motherboard supports a wider range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 11 24H2+.
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    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
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 95.8% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (9,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    9,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 84% higher overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (9,200 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    9,200 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 1 more top-speed NVMe slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    2 vs 0
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 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.
    includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
    10 vs 8
  • 2 more rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 5 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    20 vs 15
  • 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.
    1 vs 0
  • 3 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    includes internal USB-C header.
    4 vs 1
  • 2 more USB4 40Gbps ports
    This motherboard has more USB4 40Gbps ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 40Gbps port/s.
    Thunderbolt 4.
    2 vs 0
  • 2 more Thunderbolt 3 ports
    This motherboard has more Thunderbolt 3 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 3 port/s.
    2 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.
    20Gbps Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 2x higher LAN speed
    This motherboard has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (5 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    5 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220P vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220P 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
  • 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 (16 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16 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 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
  • 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
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 66.7% more expensive
    MSI Pro Z890-A WiFi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£250 vs £150).
    £250 vs £150
  • 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
  • 1 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    also has optical S/PDIF out
    2 vs 3
  • No rear microphone input
    This motherboard does not have a dedicated rear microphone input, while the average motherboard does. 96.8% of motherboards include a dedicated rear microphone input.
  • 66.7% more expensive
    MSI Pro Z890-A WiFi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£250 vs £150).
    £250 vs £150
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 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
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    also has optical S/PDIF out
    2 vs 3
  • No rear microphone input
    This motherboard does not have a dedicated rear microphone input, while the average motherboard does. 96.8% of motherboards include a dedicated rear microphone input.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

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

9.0
GreyWolf Towers
≈ estimated
16/02/2025
Unboxing · first look at layout and ports
Verdict
MSI Pro Z890-A WiFi has only two odd points, the power port placement and rear HDMI position; everything else looks good.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
geekawhat.com
✓ explicit
24/10/2024
Hands-on review · Budget Z890 board
Verdict
The MSI Pro Z890-A WiFi is a budget Z890 board with fast rear ports, Gen5 SSD support and WiFi 7, but its audio is basic and its design plain.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Pro Z890-A WiFi

  • Excellent value for the price, providing high-end features like WiFi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 without a premium price tag.
  • Comprehensive connectivity options, including multiple M.2 slots, extensive USB ports, and 5G LAN.
  • User-friendly DIY features such as the EZ PCIe release and tool-less M.2 Shield Frozr II that simplify installation.
  • Solid thermal performance with effective VRM cooling and thick heatsinks that maintain stability under load.
  • Intuitive and easy-to-navigate BIOS interface, making system tweaks and overclocking straightforward for users.
  • Clean, professional silver and black aesthetic that complements various build styles.

What customers don't like about MSI Pro Z890-A WiFi

  • Reported BIOS stability issues, with some users experiencing failures to save CMOS settings or boot loops.
  • Minimalist design lacks built-in RGB lighting, which may not appeal to enthusiasts looking for more visual flair.
  • Potential clearance issues with larger, bulky CPU air coolers due to the size of the VRM and M.2 heatsinks.
  • Networking drivers may not be included in the initial OS setup, requiring a separate USB installation to connect to the internet.
  • Some users noted that the board is only partially tool-less, still requiring standard mounting for some components.

Verdict

The MSI PRO Z890-A WIFI is a professional-grade ATX motherboard designed for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors on the LGA 1851 socket. It features a robust 16+1+1+1 Duet Rail Power System with 90A Smart Power Stages and supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory at overclocked speeds exceeding 9200 MT/s. For high-speed connectivity, it includes dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, 5G LAN, and Wi-Fi 7 with an EZ Magnetic Antenna. Storage is equally advanced with four M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and three PCIe 4.0 slots, all protected by tool-less Shield Frozr II heatsinks. Main pros include its future-proof networking, high-speed memory support, and user-friendly DIY features like EZ PCIe Release. However, some users note its minimalist aesthetic lacks built-in RGB lighting, and its single-sided RAM latches may be less preferred by some builders.

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