MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi Gaming Motherboard (Supports Core Ultra Series 2 Intel Processors, LGA 1851, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, M.2, SATA, 5Gbps LAN, USB Type-C, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Thunderbolt 4, ATX)
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AI Verdict
This ATX Z890 motherboard with an LGA 1851 socket and DDR5-9200+MHz support targets Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, offering Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4.
This motherboard is a strong fit for users building a new system with Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, especially those prioritizing high-speed connectivity with Wi-Fi 7, 5Gbps LAN, and Thunderbolt 4. Its robust power delivery and multiple PCIe 5.0/4.0 M.2 slots cater to demanding gaming and productivity tasks.
If you need more than one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for multiple high-end graphics cards, look for a motherboard with additional PCIe 5.0 lanes.
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Pros
- Supports Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors with the LGA 1851 socket.
- Features Wi-Fi 7 with a 320MHz channel, capable of 5.8Gbps transmission speeds.
- Includes a 5Gbps LAN solution for high-speed wired networking.
- Equipped with Thunderbolt 4, providing 40Gbps speeds and 8K display support.
- Offers extensive storage with one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot and three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots.
- Boasts a 14+1+1+1 Duet Rail Power System with 55A DrMOS and robust cooling for stable power delivery.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with stability and boot success.
- Only one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot is available for graphics cards.
- Display outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4) require a CPU with integrated graphics for functionality.
- The Realtek ALC897 audio codec is not MSI's highest-tier offering.
Dimension Scores
The 14+1+1+1 Duet Rail Power System with 55A DrMOS, dual 8-pin CPU power connectors, and 6-layer PCB with 2oz copper provides robust power delivery for high-end CPUs.
It includes Wi-Fi 7, 5Gbps LAN, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 5.0, M.2 Gen5, and DDR5-9200+MHz support, offering a comprehensive and modern feature set.
With one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, three PCIe 4.0 slots, one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, and four SATA 6Gb/s ports, it offers ample expansion for most users.
Users report a user-friendly and feature-rich BIOS, including MSI Game Boost for overclocking and XMP profiles for memory.
Best For
- Building a new high-performance PC around Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors.
- Gamers requiring cutting-edge wireless (Wi-Fi 7) and wired (5Gbps LAN) network connectivity.
- Users needing high-speed storage with PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSDs.
- Content creators and professionals utilizing Thunderbolt 4 for external devices and displays.
Not Recommended For
- Users with older Intel CPUs (LGA 1700 or prior generations).
- Budget-conscious builders who don't need premium connectivity features like Wi-Fi 7 or Thunderbolt 4.
- Small form factor PC builds, due to its ATX form factor.
Watch Out For
- Some users have experienced stability and boot success issues, which could lead to troubleshooting time.
- The motherboard's display outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 4) will only function if your Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor has integrated graphics.
- While it has four M.2 slots, only one supports the faster PCIe 5.0 standard, with the other three being PCIe 4.0.
Full Specifications
| RAM | DDR5 |
| ASIN | B0DH6ZJB9Y |
| Brand | msi |
| Series | Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi |
| Platform | Windows 11 |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1851 |
| Model Name | Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi |
| Item Weight | 4.33 pounds |
| Chipset Type | Intel Z890 |
| Manufacturer | MSI |
| Memory Speed | 7800 MHz |
| Item model number | Z890 GAMING PLUS WIFI |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Memory Clock Speed | 7800 MHz |
| Product Dimensions | 13.4 x 10.63 x 2.78 inches |
| Compatible Processors | Supports Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2) |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR5 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 13.4 x 10.63 x 2.78 inches |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 256 GB |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 2 |
What Buyers Say
While the MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi motherboard is generally praised for its easy installation and strong build quality, some users have encountered issues with stability and boot success. The BIOS is considered user-friendly and feature-rich, making it accessible even for first-time builders. Its extensive connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps LAN, is a recurring positive point. The design also simplifies cable management and M.2 drive installation.
“Man, I was hyped for this board with all the new tech, but I've had some weird boot issues that are just annoying to deal with. It looks cool and has all the ports, but seriously, the stability needs to be rock solid.”
Common Praise
- Easy installation process, user-friendly for first-time builders.
- User-friendly and feature-rich BIOS.
- Strong build quality and thoughtful design.
- Abundance of connectivity options, including built-in Wi-Fi.
- Facilitates straightforward cable management and M.2 drive installation.
- Reliability and seamless integration with other components.
Common Complaints
- Some users have reported issues with stability and boot success.
- Driver installation can sometimes be a requirement.
Ownership Tips
- The EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II and EZ M.2 Clip II make M.2 SSD installation and removal tool-less and simple.
- The 'EZ PCIe Clip II' simplifies removing graphics cards from the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot.
- The motherboard's cooling solutions, like the Extended Heatsink and 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads, help maintain performance under load.
- The single-sided latches on the DDR5 DIMM slots can make memory installation slightly different than traditional dual-latch designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPUs are compatible with this motherboard?
This motherboard supports Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2) with the LGA 1851 socket.
What type of RAM does this motherboard use?
It uses DDR5 memory and supports speeds up to 9200+ MT/s (OC) across four DIMM slots, with a maximum capacity of 256GB.
Does this motherboard have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Yes, it comes with Wi-Fi 7, offering speeds up to 5.8Gbps, and Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity.
How many M.2 slots does it have for storage?
The motherboard features four M.2 slots: one supporting PCIe 5.0 x4 and three supporting PCIe 4.0 x4.
Does it support Thunderbolt?
Yes, it includes a Thunderbolt 4 Type-C port, providing 40Gbps data transfer and display output capabilities.
Buying Guide
When picking a motherboard, you're essentially choosing the foundation for your PC. For this MSI Z890, you need to make sure your CPU is an Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processor with an LGA 1851 socket, otherwise it won't fit. Pay attention to the number and type of M.2 slots if you plan on using multiple fast SSDs, and check the LAN speed and Wi-Fi version if network performance is critical for you.
LGA 1851 Socket
This is the physical connection point for your CPU. Think of it like a specific car engine needing a specific car chassis; an LGA 1851 CPU will only work with an LGA 1851 motherboard.
DDR5 Memory
This refers to the generation of RAM the motherboard supports. DDR5 is the latest standard, offering faster speeds and higher capacities than older DDR4, which means your system can process data quicker, like upgrading from a regular road to a highway.
PCIe 5.0
This is the latest version of the expansion slot standard used for graphics cards and high-speed SSDs. PCIe 5.0 offers double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0, so your graphics card or M.2 SSD can communicate with the CPU much faster, like going from a two-lane road to a four-lane highway.
Wi-Fi 7 / 5Gbps LAN
These are your internet connection options. Wi-Fi 7 is the newest wireless standard, providing faster speeds and better performance in congested networks. 5Gbps LAN is a wired connection that's five times faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet, crucial for quick file transfers or low-latency online gaming.
Alternatives
If you don't need the absolute latest Wi-Fi 7 or Thunderbolt 4, look for Z890 boards with Wi-Fi 6E or 2.5Gbps LAN to potentially save money. If you require more than one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, search for higher-end Z890 models with more CPU-derived PCIe lanes.
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