MSI Z390-A PRO LGA1151 (Intel 8th and 9th Gen) M.2 USB 3.1 Gen 2 DDR4 HDMI DP CFX Dual Gigabit LAN ATX Z390 Gaming Motherboard
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AI Verdict
A barebones, no-RGB foundation that perfectly handles an i5-9600K but lacks the power delivery and M.2 slots needed for high-end i9 builds.
This board matches perfectly with mid-range 8th and 9th gen CPUs where heavy power delivery isn't required. The single M.2 slot and weak 4+2 phase VRM create a severe bottleneck for anyone trying to max out the Z390 platform with an i9 processor and multiple NVMe drives.
If you are running an i7-9700K or i9-9900K, look for a Z390 board with at least a 10-phase VRM and dual M.2 slots.
Regret Score™
Medium RiskLower is better — measures purchase-regret risk from real buyer complaints, review credibility, and product maturity
Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
Chance this product isn't for you
Pros
- EZ Debug LEDs (CPU, DRAM, VGA, BOOT) instantly identify POST failures
- Four PCIe 3.0 x1 slots provide massive room for capture cards and sound cards
- Click BIOS 5 interface allows one-click XMP memory profiling
- Stealthy black/brown PCB features zero built-in RGB lighting
Cons
- 4+2 phase VRM design thermally throttles when overclocking an i9-9900K
- Only features a single M.2 slot for NVMe storage
- Uses the dated Realtek ALC892 audio codec instead of the superior ALC1220
- Lacks a 3-pin 5V ARGB header, only offering a single 4-pin 12V analog header
Dimension Scores
The 4+2 phase design with discrete MOSFETs struggles to deliver clean power to high-end 9th gen chips without overheating.
Includes useful EZ Debug LEDs and USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, but omits Wi-Fi and uses an older ALC892 audio codec.
Provides four PCIe x1 slots for add-in cards, but is severely handicapped by having only one M.2 storage slot.
MSI's Click BIOS 5 remains incredibly intuitive with simple XMP toggles and visual fan curve controls.
Best For
- Workstation builds using an i5-9600K or non-K 9th gen processor
- Windowless PC cases where RGB lighting and aesthetics don't matter
- Setups requiring multiple PCIe x1 expansion cards
Not Recommended For
- Overclocking an Intel Core i9-9900K processor
- Builds requiring multiple NVMe SSDs without using PCIe adapter cards
Watch Out For
- Only one M.2 slot — if you want to add a second NVMe drive later, you must buy a PCIe adapter card.
- No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth — you have to install a separate PCIe card or use a USB dongle for wireless connectivity.
- The VRM heatsinks are undersized — pushing an i9-9900K past stock settings will cause the board to overheat and throttle your CPU speeds.
- No 5V ARGB headers — you cannot control modern addressable RGB fans through the motherboard software without a third-party controller.
Full Specifications
| RAM | DDR4 |
| ASIN | B07J6Z9KJ2 |
| Brand | msi |
| Series | Z390-A PRO |
| Voltage | 0.01 Volts |
| Platform | Windows 10 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. |
| CPU Model | Pentium |
| Processor | pentium |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1151 |
| Model Name | Z390-A PRO |
| Item Weight | 3.53 ounces |
| Chipset Type | Intel Z390 |
| Manufacturer | MSI Computer |
| Memory Speed | 4400 MHz |
| Wireless Type | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Item model number | Z390-A PRO |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Console, Personal Computer |
| Memory Clock Speed | 4400 MHz |
| Product Dimensions | 12 x 9.6 x 1.2 inches |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Compatible Processors | 8th Generation Intel Core, 9th Generation Intel Core, Intel Celeron, Intel Pentium Gold |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR4 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 12 x 9.6 x 1.2 inches |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 6 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
The MSI Z390-A PRO serves as the quintessential 'anti-gamer' motherboard, ditching aggressive styling for a plain brown and black PCB. MSI cut significant hardware corners to strip this board down to the basics, leaving you with only a single M.2 slot and a barebones 4+2 phase VRM. The intuitive BIOS and EZ Debug LEDs save first-time builders hours of troubleshooting frustration. Pairing this with an i5-9600K creates a rock-solid system, but dropping an i9-9900K into this socket invites severe thermal throttling.
“Great basic board for my i5-9600k, but I'm kicking myself for not noticing it only has one M.2 slot before I bought a second NVMe drive.”
Common Praise
- EZ Debug LEDs instantly identify which component is preventing the PC from booting
- Click BIOS 5 interface makes enabling RAM XMP profiles a one-click process
- Professional, stealthy aesthetic completely avoids the 'gamer' RGB look
- Four PCIe x1 slots easily accommodate capture cards and dedicated sound cards
Common Complaints
- VRM heatsinks get dangerously hot when pushing an i7 or i9 processor
- Having only one M.2 slot forces buyers to use slower SATA drives for extra storage
- Lack of an integrated I/O shield makes case installation slightly more tedious
- Realtek ALC892 audio sounds noticeably flat compared to modern ALC1220 boards
Ownership Tips
- The brown tint of the PCB becomes much more noticeable and slightly ugly under bright white case lighting.
- The single 4-pin RGB header is 12V analog, preventing the use of modern 5V Addressable RGB (ARGB) fans without a separate hub.
- You must manually force PCIe Gen3 in the BIOS if you use a riser cable, as the auto-detect feature frequently fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I overclock an i9-9900K on this board?
Technically yes, but it is highly discouraged. The 4+2 phase VRM will overheat and throttle your CPU speeds under heavy multi-core loads.
Does this motherboard have built-in Wi-Fi?
No, it only includes an Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN port. You must purchase a separate PCIe Wi-Fi card or USB adapter.
How many M.2 SSDs can I install?
Only one. The board features a single M.2 Key-M slot, so you must use standard SATA SSDs or a PCIe adapter for additional drives.
Will this work with my older i7-7700K?
No. Even though it uses the LGA 1151 socket, the Z390 chipset is hard-locked to only support 8th and 9th generation Intel processors.
Does it have RGB lighting?
The board itself has zero built-in RGB LEDs. It includes one 4-pin 12V analog RGB header for external light strips.
Buying Guide
When buying a Z390 motherboard, you are paying for the ability to overclock 'K-series' Intel processors and run high-speed memory. You must match your CPU to the board's power delivery capabilities. This specific board handles an i5 perfectly, but the voltage regulator modules (VRMs) cannot handle the massive power draw of an overclocked i9. You also must plan your storage upfront, as the single M.2 slot prevents you from simply snapping in a second NVMe drive later.
VRM (Voltage Regulator Module)
Think of VRMs as the water pipes delivering power to your CPU. This board has smaller pipes, which work fine for a mid-range CPU, but a high-end processor demands more power than these pipes can safely handle without overheating.
LGA 1151 Socket (300 Series)
This is the physical slot for the processor. Even though older 6th and 7th gen CPUs physically fit in this socket, the Z390 chipset's internal wiring only communicates with 8th and 9th gen Intel chips.
M.2 Slot
This is the tiny slot on the motherboard where you screw in modern, gum-stick sized SSDs. Having only one means your ultra-fast storage capacity is limited to whatever single drive you install on day one.
Alternatives
If you plan to heavily overclock an i7 or i9 processor, search for a Z390 board with a '12-phase VRM' and 'dual M.2 slots' to ensure stable power delivery and future storage expansion.
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