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MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£180
  • Avg. price in US: ~$220
  • CPU socket: LGA 1700
  • Chipset: Intel Z790
  • Form factor: ATX

MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

8.3

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

8.2

Technical Score

10.0%

9.0

User score

Excellent
8.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

8.8

Memory

16.0%

8.6

Platform & Features

16.0%

8.7

Storage

15.0%

9.6

Network

13.0%

5.7

Ports & USB

8.0%

6.9

Expansion

8.0%

8.4

Power & Cooling

5.0%

7.5

Audio

Excellent
9.0

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(459)
amazon
4.3
(75)
amazon
3.0
(1)
amazon
1.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(457)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(106)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(30)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 9.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.1

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    10

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    8.9

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    10

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi is an ATX motherboard for Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors, featuring a robust 14+1+1 Duet Rail Power System with 55A DrMOS to handle high-end CPUs. Key characteristics include support for DDR5 memory up to 7200+ MHz (OC), a high-speed PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for modern GPUs, and four M.2 Gen4 x4 slots for fast storage. Its main pros are the future-proof connectivity suite—including Intel Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN, and a 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port—alongside a premium thermal solution with extended heatsinks and 7W/mK MOSFET pads. However, potential cons include the use of the older Realtek ALC897 audio codec rather than a high-end alternative and some reported initial setup challenges where manual driver installation is required during Windows 11 setup.

Technical Specifications of MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

8.8

Memory

16.0%

8.6

Platform & Features

16.0%

8.7

Storage

15.0%

9.6

Network

13.0%

5.7

Ports & USB

8.0%

6.9

Expansion

8.0%

8.4

Power & Cooling

5.0%

7.5

Audio

8.2
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has a technical score of 8.22 points, which is higher than that of 85.5% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(459)
amazon
4.3
(75)
amazon
3.0
(1)
amazon
1.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(457)
Amazon_logo.png
4.0
(106)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(30)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.0
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has a user score of 9.03 points, which is higher than that of 82.9% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
10
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 79.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

8.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

8.7
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.7 points, which is higher than 91.6% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

MSI
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1700
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi uses the LGA 1700 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.7% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z790
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

ATX
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR5
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi uses DDR5 memory, which is newer than that of 64.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 35.3% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

192 GB
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports up to 192 GB of memory, which is more than 72.6% of motherboards and equal to 10.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

7,200 MT/s
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports memory speeds up to 7200 MT/s, which is higher than that of 77.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.3% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

4
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 4 M.2 sockets, which is more than 84% of motherboards and equal to 10.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

2x PCIe 4.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi offers 2x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 76.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

6
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
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N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

1
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

1
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.3% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

0
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.5% of motherboards and equal to 40.5% of motherboards.
runs at x1 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

?
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

8
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.3% of motherboards and equal to 30.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

17
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 72.1% of motherboards and equal to 10.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

1
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.4% of motherboards and equal to 48.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

2
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

1
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 18.1% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

2.5 Gbps
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC897
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi uses the Realtek ALC897 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 29.3% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

?
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

no
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi does not support a headphone amp. 63% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

6
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 86.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.4% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

14
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 14 VRM phases, which is more than 69.3% of motherboards and equal to 1.8% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.2% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

3 A
MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 76.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.2% of motherboards.
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MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.4 vs 2
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: DDR5

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
    What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
    When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
    Pre-installed I/O shield.
    What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O shield comes pre-mounted on the motherboard instead of being installed separately.
    When it matters: When you want an easier motherboard installation process.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 50% more maximum memory capacity
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (192 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
    When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (192 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.192 GB vs 128 GB
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=2

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.2 vs 1
  • Newer CPU socket
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Integrated I/O shield
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 50% more maximum memory capacity
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (192 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • 56.5% higher maximum RAM speed
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (7,200 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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.
  • 2 more total USB connections
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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 more total USB-C connections
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 3 more fan headers
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • More VRM phases
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (14 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x1 mode
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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.
  • No headphone amp support
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 63% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • More basic audio codec
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC897 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more standard USB ports with faster transfer speeds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=4

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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 headphone amp support
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 63% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
    What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
    When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 63% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • More basic audio codec
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC897 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
    What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC897 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.Realtek ALC897 vs Realtek ALC898
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard itself includes built-in RGB lighting elements.
    When it matters: When you want lighting effects without adding extra strips first.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.2x PCIe 4.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x1 mode
    What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi 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
Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Audio
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

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amazon
4.4
459 Reviews
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75 Reviews
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1 Reviews
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1.0
1 Reviews
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4.6
457 Reviews
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4.0
106 Reviews
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4.1
30 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi?

  • Great overall performance and rock-solid stability during high-load gaming
  • Easy and straightforward installation process with well-labeled headers
  • User-friendly and intuitive BIOS that simplifies overclocking and system tuning
  • Excellent value for money, offering premium Z790 features at a mid-range price point
  • Strong connectivity options including multiple M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and high-speed USB ports
  • Effective thermal management with reliable heatsinks that keep temperatures low

What customers dislike about MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi?

  • Basic accessory kit that sometimes lacks essential mounting screws or standoffs
  • Internal headers are oriented toward the front, which can make clean cable management difficult
  • MSI Center software is reported by some users to be buggy or bloated
  • Limited number of RGB/ARGB headers for users wanting extensive lighting setups
  • The BIOS interface can be intimidating or complex for first-time builders
  • Occasional reports of units being dead on arrival (DOA) or having bent pins

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