MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WiFi ProSeries Motherboard (Supports 12th/13th/14th Gen Intel Processors, LGA 1700, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, M.2, SATA 6G, 2.5Gbps LAN, USB 3.2 Gen2, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, ATX)
Want the best price and purchase timing?
Our AI advisor analyzes real-time pricing across all channels to find you the best deal.
AI Verdict
This ATX Z790 motherboard supports 12th-14th Gen Intel CPUs, DDR5 7800+MHz (OC), PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 7, and features 4 M.2 slots.
This motherboard is a strong fit for high-end builds due to its LGA 1700 socket supporting 12th-14th Gen Intel CPUs, DDR5 7800+MHz (OC) memory support, and a robust 16+1+1 DRPS power design. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 7 and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot positions it well for future-proof performance.
If you need even more extreme overclocking capabilities or additional PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, look for boards with more advanced VRM designs and dedicated PCIe 5.0 M.2 support.
Regret Score™
Very Low 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
- Supports DDR5 memory up to 7800+MHz (OC) for high-speed performance.
- Includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for advanced wireless connectivity.
- Features a 16+1+1 DRPS with 80A SPS power design and dual 8-pin CPU power connectors for stable power delivery.
- Equipped with one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for current and next-gen graphics cards.
- Offers four M.2 slots, all supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds, with two also supporting SATA mode.
- Comes with 2.5Gbps LAN for fast wired network connections.
Cons
- Only supports DDR5 memory, making it incompatible with older DDR4 RAM modules.
- Rear I/O includes only two USB 2.0 ports, which can limit connectivity for some peripherals.
- Bluetooth 5.4 support is dependent on future Windows 11 SV3 updates.
Dimension Scores
The 16+1+1 DRPS with 80A SPS and dual 8-pin CPU power connectors provide robust power for high-end CPUs and overclocking.
Includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2.5Gbps LAN, PCIe 5.0 x16, and DDR5 7800+MHz (OC) support, which are cutting-edge features.
Offers one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, three additional PCIe slots, four M.2 slots, and six SATA 6G ports, providing extensive connectivity for storage and add-in cards.
While BIOS flashing is reported as straightforward, some users mention needing updates for 14th Gen CPUs and adjusting default CPU power settings.
Best For
- Building a high-performance PC with 14th Gen Intel processors and DDR5 memory.
- Users needing cutting-edge wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
- Gaming setups requiring PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards and multiple fast M.2 NVMe storage drives.
- Content creators and professionals who benefit from robust power delivery and high memory speeds.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-conscious builders looking to reuse existing DDR4 memory.
- Users who prioritize a large number of rear USB Type-A ports over advanced features.
- Anyone expecting immediate, full Bluetooth 5.4 functionality without potential OS updates.
Watch Out For
- BIOS updates might be necessary out of the box for stable operation with 14th Gen Intel CPUs.
- The default CPU power setpoint in the BIOS can be high, potentially requiring manual adjustment to prevent components from running at maximum wattage unnecessarily.
- Full Bluetooth 5.4 functionality is contingent on future Windows 11 SV3 updates, so it might not be fully active immediately.
Full Specifications
| RAM | DDR5 |
| ASIN | B0CJSJ9TB3 |
| Brand | msi |
| Series | PRO Z790-A MAX WiFi |
| Platform | Windows 11 |
| CPU Model | Pentium |
| Processor | pentium |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Model Name | PRO Z790-A MAX WiFi |
| Item Weight | 4 pounds |
| Chipset Type | Intel Z790 |
| Manufacturer | MSI |
| Memory Speed | 7800 MHz |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth |
| Item model number | PRO Z790-A MAX WiFi |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Memory Clock Speed | 7800 MHz |
| Product Dimensions | 12 x 9.9 x 1.75 inches |
| Compatible Processors | Support Intel® Core™ 14th/ 13th/ 12th Gen Processors, Intel® Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR5 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 12 x 9.9 x 1.75 inches |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 6 |
What Buyers Say
Some users have noted that the default CPU power limits in the BIOS can be set quite high, suggesting a need for manual adjustment to avoid overstressing components. The Wi-Fi 7 module is frequently mentioned as a strong point, offering powerful wireless connectivity. Builders upgrading to 14th Gen Intel CPUs should be prepared for potential BIOS updates to ensure stability. The board's aesthetic, with its silver color scheme, also receives positive comments for matching various PC builds.
“Dude, this board is FAST with my new CPU and DDR5, but seriously, check the BIOS power settings or you'll be cooking your chip for no reason. Wi-Fi 7 is legit though, no more lag spikes.”
Common Praise
- The Wi-Fi 7 module provides powerful wireless performance.
- Aesthetic silver color scheme blends well with white and black PC builds.
- BIOS flashing process is straightforward and without issues.
- Supports high-speed DDR5 memory up to 7800+MHz (OC).
Common Complaints
- Default CPU power settings in the BIOS might be too high, requiring manual changes.
- Users might need to update the BIOS for optimal stability with 14th Gen Intel processors.
- Rear I/O has a limited number of USB 2.0 ports.
- Bluetooth 5.4 functionality is dependent on future Windows 11 updates.
Ownership Tips
- The pre-installed I/O shield makes installation a bit smoother, saving a fiddly step.
- The M.2 Shield Frozr heatsinks are effective at keeping NVMe SSDs cool, even under sustained loads.
- The board's 6-layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper feels substantial and contributes to its thermal performance.
- The Flash BIOS Button on the rear I/O is a lifesaver if you need to update the BIOS without a CPU installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this motherboard support 14th Gen Intel processors?
Yes, it supports Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Processors for the LGA 1700 socket. You might need a BIOS update for optimal 14th Gen CPU stability.
Can I use DDR4 RAM with this motherboard?
No, this motherboard exclusively supports DDR5 memory, with speeds up to 7800+MHz (OC).
How many M.2 slots does this motherboard have?
It features four M.2 slots, all supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds, with two of them also supporting SATA mode.
Does this motherboard support overclocking?
Yes, it supports both CPU and memory overclocking, with DDR5 memory speeds up to 7800+MHz (OC).
Is Wi-Fi 7 fully functional out of the box?
The motherboard includes Wi-Fi 7, but 6GHz band support may depend on country regulations, and Wi-Fi 7 will be ready in Windows 11 SV3.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at motherboards like this, you're essentially picking the central nervous system for your PC. It dictates what CPUs you can use, how fast your memory can run, and how many storage drives or expansion cards you can add. Pay close attention to the socket type (LGA 1700 here) to match your Intel CPU, and the RAM type (DDR5) because you can't mix and match. The number and type of M.2 slots are crucial for fast storage, and PCIe versions tell you how future-proof your graphics card slot is.
LGA 1700 socket
This is the physical interface where your CPU connects. An LGA 1700 socket means this board is compatible with Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th generation Core processors, so you can't use older Intel CPUs or AMD CPUs.
DDR5 memory
This specifies the type of RAM (Random Access Memory) the board uses. DDR5 is the newer, faster standard compared to DDR4, offering higher bandwidth and clock speeds, which translates to better system responsiveness and performance in demanding applications.
PCIe 5.0
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is how components like your graphics card and NVMe SSDs communicate with the CPU. PCIe 5.0 is the latest generation, offering double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0, which is important for the fastest graphics cards and future high-speed storage.
Wi-Fi 7
This is the newest wireless networking standard, offering significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and better capacity than previous Wi-Fi generations. If you rely on wireless internet and have a compatible router, this means a much smoother online experience.
Alternatives
If this board doesn't fit, look for Z790 motherboards with DDR4 support if you want to save money by reusing older RAM, or consider boards with more USB 3.2 Gen2/Gen 2x2 ports on the rear I/O if you have many high-speed peripherals.
You Might Also Like
JetKVM KVM Over IP ATX Extension Board, ATX Power Control Board- Only for Jet KVM Accessories Boot from Shutdown, Crash Recovery
$0-$49This is an ATX form factor power control board designed for JetKVM accessories, enabling remote PC power state management and simultaneous front panel button use.
Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II AMD AM4 (3rd Gen Ryzen) ATX Motherboard & TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) Ryzen 7000 ATX Gaming Motherboard
$150-$299This bundle offers two ATX motherboards: the ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II for AM4 Ryzen 3000/5000 CPUs with DDR4 RAM, and the TUF Gaming B650-PLUS WiFi for AM5 Ryzen 7000 CPUs with DDR5 RAM.
Game Motherboard Fit for ASROCK B650E PG-ITX WiFi B650 AM5 Motherboard Support Ryzen 7800X3D 7600/X 7950X 7700/X CPU 2xDDR5 128GB Hyper M.2 Mini-ITX
Price range unavailableThis KUETFBVC motherboard listing presents highly contradictory specifications, including a BGA 1023 socket and AMD 480 chipset, making it unsuitable for any modern Ryzen AM5 CPU.
Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II AMD AM4 (3rd Gen Ryzen) ATX Gaming Motherboard (PCIe 4.0,WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN, BIOS Flashback, HDMI 2.1, Addressable Gen 2 RGB Header and Aura Sync)
This is a premium-feeling AM4 board with beefy VRMs and WiFi 6E, perfect for squeezing the last drop of performance out of a Ryzen 5000 series CPU.