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 Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£220CPU socket:LGA 1851Chipset:Intel Z890Form factor:ATX

MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi Review: Compare 109 technical specifications, 2 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi
8.2/10

Overall score

Score
8.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

40%

8.3

Technical score

20%

8.2

Reviews score

20%

8.2

List score

10%

?

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

10%

8.4

User score

★Better than 93% 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

70%

8.2

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

★Better than 93%
8.3

Technical score

Technical score
8.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

19%

9.9

Memory

16%

9.1

Platform

16%

9.1

Storage

15%

8.7

Network

13%

5.7

Ports

8%

6.4

Expansion

8%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5%

6.3

Audio

★Better than 90%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 52% of models

80%

8.6

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.
▼Worse than 52%
8.4

User score

User score
8.4/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 50% of models

70%

8.4

Rating

30%

8.5

Popularity

▲Better than 50%
8.2

List score

List score
8.2/ 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 (1)
List score: in 1 of 60 lists (2%)
▲Better than 88%
  • msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
  • msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
  • msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
  • msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
  • msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
  • msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
  • msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
msi-z890-gaming-plus-wifi
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 Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi

Technical score
Technical score
8.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components:

19%

9.9

Memory

16%

9.1

Platform

16%

9.1

Storage

15%

8.7

Network

13%

5.7

Ports

8%

6.4

Expansion

8%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5%

6.3

Audio

8.3
Reviews score
8.2
User score
8.4
List score
8.2
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components:

70%

8.2

Overall score

30%

9.4

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, 3x PCIe 4.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 3x PCIe 4.0x4, which is faster than 93.4% of Motherboards and the same as 1.5% 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/x0/x0
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x0, which is less generous than 73.2% of Motherboards and the same as 3.1% 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)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
17
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 71.3% of motherboards and equal to 10.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
3
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 84.7% of motherboards and equal to 10.9% of motherboards.
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 E5000B
This motherboard has a Killer E5000B LAN controller, which is faster than 89.8% of Motherboards and equal to 0.3% of Motherboards.
dual LAN
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 ALC897
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC897, which is higher-end than 20.2% of Motherboards and the same as 29.9% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
0 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 0 dB, which is lower than that of 98.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.4% 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
3
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 11.3% of motherboards and equal to 39.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
14
This motherboard has 14 VRM phases, which is more than 70.7% of motherboards and equal to 1.8% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
7
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 7 fan headers, which is more than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 9.8% 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 Z890 Gaming Plus 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
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E5000B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    dual LAN
    Killer E5000B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 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)
  • 12.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 52% of models

    80%

    8.6

    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.
    8.2 vs 7.3
  • 10.8% better value for money
    MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.53 vs 7.7).
    8.53 vs 7.7
  • 13.5% higher user score
    User score
    8.4/ 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 50% of models

    70%

    8.4

    Rating

    30%

    8.5

    Popularity

    8.4 vs 7.4
  • 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, 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.
    top speed with 1DPC 1R memory
    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
  • Faster NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has faster M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 5x4, 3x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 5.0x4, 3x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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
  • 2 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more USB4 20Gbps ports
    This motherboard has more USB4 20Gbps ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 20Gbps port/s.
    Thunderbolt 4 excluded.
    1 vs 0
  • 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
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    supports 4 ports total
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    includes internal USB-C header.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    17 vs 15
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    supports Thunderbolt add-in card
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more Thunderbolt 3 ports
    This motherboard has more Thunderbolt 3 ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 3 port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB4 40Gbps ports
    This motherboard has more USB4 40Gbps ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 40Gbps port/s.
    Thunderbolt 4.
    1 vs 0
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E5000B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    dual LAN
    Killer E5000B vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (14 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    14 vs 10
  • 1.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    7 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
  • 115 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (0 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    0 dB vs 115 dB
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    0 vs 4
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.4% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • 46.7% more expensive
    MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£220 vs £150).
    £220 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
  • 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.
  • 46.7% more expensive
    MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£220 vs £150).
    £220 vs £150
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    0 vs 4
  • 115 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (0 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    0 dB vs 115 dB
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.4% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • 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.

Video reviews

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

9.0
DigitalDrug (DrogaDigital)
≈ estimated
11/10/2024
First look · port and feature walkthrough
Verdict
MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi is a complete, excellent option for gamers moving to the new Intel platform.
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
gizbot.com
✓ explicit
20/02/2026
Hands-on test · Gaming motherboard
Verdict
The MSI Z890 Gaming Plus Wi-Fi is a muted, practical board with solid power for the Core Ultra 9 285K, but it is not built for heavy overclocking.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi

  • Solid performance and stability with high-end Intel Core Ultra CPUs
  • User-friendly 'EZ DIY' features like toolless M.2 installation (EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II) and easy PCIe release
  • Excellent connectivity including Wi-Fi 7, 5G LAN, and Thunderbolt 4 support
  • Clean, all-black aesthetic without excessive RGB, suitable for professional-looking builds
  • Intuitive BIOS (Click BIOS X) that is easy for both beginners and enthusiasts to navigate
  • Effective VRM cooling that maintains stable temperatures even under heavy workloads

What customers don't like about MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi

  • Initial BIOS stability issues reported; some users required immediate firmware updates to fix configuration loss or boot problems
  • Lack of detailed printed instructions in the box, requiring users to look up manuals online or on YouTube
  • Linux compatibility issues, specifically with default drivers for the integrated network card
  • Occasional physical clearance or tight fitting issues with certain DIMM slots or SSD heatsinks during first-time assembly
  • MSI software (Center/Dragon Center) can sometimes override or conflict with third-party RGB controllers

Verdict

The MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z890 chipset and LGA 1851 socket, designed for Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2). It features a robust 14+1+1+1 Duet Rail Power System with 55A DrMOS, supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory at overclocked speeds exceeding 9200 MT/s, and includes a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for modern GPUs alongside quadruple M.2 connectors (one Gen5 and three Gen4). Main pros include its advanced connectivity suite—comprising Wi-Fi 7, 5G LAN, and Thunderbolt 4—and user-friendly 'EZ DIY' features like toolless M.2 clips and a simplified PCIe release mechanism. However, potential cons include its reliance on the older Realtek ALC897 audio codec compared to higher-end models and reported BIOS stability issues on earlier firmware versions that can lead to configuration loss.

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