MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI – ATX Gaming Motherboard with DDR5 and Wi‑Fi

Designed for serious gamers and PC enthusiasts, the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI motherboard combines a robust power delivery system, advanced cooling, and premium connectivity to unleash the full potential of Intel’s latest processors. Built around the Z790 chipset and the LGA-1700 socket, this board is ready to run 12th and 13th generation Intel CPUs with high-speed DDR5 memory, blazing storage, and fast network options. Whether you’re building a battle-tested gaming rig, a content-creation workstation, or a versatile productivity PC, this motherboard is engineered to deliver reliable performance, scalable expansion, and striking aesthetics for your dream build.

• Blazing-performance power design and cooling: The Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI features a robust VRM design and an extended heatsink to maximize heat dissipation during extended gaming sessions and heavy workloads. This cooling-focused approach keeps boost clocks steady and components protected, so you can push your system harder without thermal throttling. The board is tuned to deliver stable voltage to the CPU and memory, ensuring smooth operation even under demanding tasks or long gaming marathons.
• DDR5 memory support for next‑gen speed: Built to take advantage of DDR5’s higher bandwidth and improved efficiency, this motherboard enables enthusiasts to unlock faster memory performance, lower latencies, and improved multitasking capabilities. With support for modern DDR5 modules, you’ll experience snappier system responsiveness, quicker loading times, and greater headroom for memory-intensive titles and workloads. The platform also leverages XMP profiles and MSI memory optimization to simplify tuning while preserving stability.
• Integrated Wi‑Fi and high‑speed networking: Stay connected with built‑in wireless connectivity that supports modern Wi‑Fi standards, along with a wired 2.5G LAN option for ultra‑responsive online gaming, livestreaming, and large file transfers. This combination ensures you can enjoy seamless online multiplayer experiences, low ping, and flexible network setups without needing external add‑in cards. It’s a natural fit for gamers seeking a clean build with reliable, lag‑free connectivity.
• Dual M.2 storage with Shield Frozr and flexible PCIe options: The board provides fast NVMe storage through multiple M.2 slots, typically including Shield Frozr heat shielding to keep NVMe drives cooler under load. This helps sustain high transfer rates and extended performance for game libraries, scratch drives, and fast‑boot systems. With PCIe support that aligns with the latest generation of GPUs and NVMe SSDs, you can craft a storage solution that minimizes bottlenecks and maximizes data throughput.
• Rich I/O, audio, and RGB customization for a premium experience: Expect a comprehensive rear I/O array that includes USB 3.x, high‑speed Type‑C connectivity, and high‑fidelity audio components designed to deliver immersive sound for games and media. The motherboard also supports RGB lighting synchronization through MSI’s Mystic Light ecosystem, enabling eye-catching, customizable illumination that matches your build’s theme and other components.

Technical Details of MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI

• Form factor: ATX
• Chipset: Intel Z790
• CPU socket: LGA-1700 (supporting 12th and 13th generation Intel Core processors)
• Memory: DDR5 memory support with dual‑channel configuration; optimized for high bandwidth and improved efficiency
• Expansion slots: PCIe slots designed for discrete GPUs and add‑on cards; PCIe 5.0 readiness on primary lanes where applicable, with support for PCIe 4.0 devices as well
• Storage: Multiple M.2 NVMe slots with cooling solutions (Shield Frozr where available) and additional SATA ports for versatility
• Networking: Built‑in wireless connectivity (Wi‑Fi) and wired Ethernet (2.5G or similar high‑speed LAN option)
• Audio: High‑quality onboard audio solution designed to deliver clear, immersive sound for gaming and entertainment
• Rear I/O and USB: Comprehensive USB connectivity including USB 3.x and Type‑C interfaces for fast data transfer
• RGB and software: RGB lighting compatibility with MSI Mystic Light for synchronized lighting across compatible components

How to install MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI

• Prepare your case, power supply, CPU, memory, and storage. Ensure you have compatible 12th or 13th‑gen Intel CPUs and DDR5 memory ready for installation.
• Install the motherboard into the case with the appropriate standoffs and align it with the I/O shield. Gently secure the screws to hold the board firmly in place.
• Open the CPU socket area and install the LGA‑1700 CPU, following the orientation markers. Secure the socket lever and check that the CPU is seated correctly with no excessive force.
• Install DDR5 memory modules in the designated DIMM slots. Make sure to insert modules in the correct slots to enable dual‑channel operation, and then enable XMP/overclock profiles in the BIOS if you want higher memory speeds.
• Mount the M.2 storage drives into the available slots and secure them with the standoff and screws. If you’re using Shield Frozr or heatsinks, attach them according to the manual to maximize thermal performance.
• Connect power: attach the 24‑pin ATX power connector and the appropriate CPU power connector (usually 8‑pin or 4‑+4). Attach additional power cables for GPU and drives as needed.
• Install the graphics card and any PCIe cards in their respective slots. Secure the card with screws and connect any necessary power cables from the PSU.
• Connect the Wi‑Fi antennas, USB devices, SSDs/HDDs, case fans, and front panel connectors (power switch, reset, USB, audio) following the motherboard manual. Double‑check the front panel header orientation (polarity matters for LEDs and buttons).
• Power on and enter the BIOS to configure boot order, memory speeds, and any overclocking settings. Update the BIOS to the latest version if needed for compatibility with the CPU and DDR5 modules.
• Install your operating system, drivers, and software utilities. Use MSI’s software suite to customize RGB lighting, monitor temperatures, and optimize performance profiles as desired.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What CPUs are compatible with the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI?

  A: This motherboard uses the LGA‑1700 socket and is designed to work with Intel’s 12th and 13th generation Core processors. Check MSI’s CPU support list for the exact compatibility with specific SKUs and silicon revisions, and consider updating the BIOS before installing a newer CPU.

• Q: Does this board support DDR5 memory?

  A: Yes. The MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI is configured to accommodate DDR5 memory modules, providing higher bandwidth and efficiency for modern gaming and multitasking workloads. It’s compatible with a range of DDR5 speeds and uses MSI’s memory optimization features to help you achieve stable performance.

• Q: What kind of networking does it offer?

  A: The motherboard includes built‑in wireless connectivity (Wi‑Fi) and a wired Ethernet option (typically 2.5G). This combination supports fast, reliable online gaming, streaming, and transfers without requiring additional network hardware.

• Q: How many M.2 slots are available and how are they cooled?

  A: The Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI includes multiple M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs. Some slots are paired with Shield Frozr or similar cooling solutions to maintain high performance under sustained loads by reducing thermal throttling.

• Q: Can I customize RGB lighting with MSI Mystic Light?

  A: Yes. The motherboard supports MSI Mystic Light, allowing you to synchronize RGB lighting with compatible components and peripherals for a cohesive, visually striking build.

• Q: Do I need a BIOS update for new CPUs?

  A: Depending on the CPU model, a BIOS update may be recommended or required to ensure full compatibility with the latest processors. It’s best to check MSI’s CPU support list and update the BIOS if you’re pairing the board with a newer generation CPU.