MSI Z790-VC WIFI Gaming Desktop Motherboard — Intel Z790 Chipset, Socket LGA-1700, ATX

Experience premium performance and sleek, business-ready aesthetics with the MSI PRO Z790-VC WIFI motherboard. Built around the Intel Z790 chipset and the LGA-1700 socket, this ATX board is designed to support the latest 14th Gen and 13th Gen Intel Core processors while delivering a clean, professional look that complements any black PC build. It blends MSI’s celebrated reliability with cutting-edge connectivity and DDR5 memory optimization, enabling faster data transfer, smoother multitasking, and ultrafast game loading. From demanding creator workflows to high-refresh gaming, the Z790-VC WIFI provides a stable foundation with robust power delivery, extensive I/O, and a built-in Wi‑Fi 7 solution for blazing wireless performance. If you’re seeking a motherboard that pairs elegant design with performance-driven features, the PRO Z790-VC WIFI is crafted to meet the needs of modern builders who demand both form and function.

• DDR5 optimization for Intel Core 14th Gen and 13th Gen — The Z790-VC WIFI is engineered to maximize DDR5 memory performance, delivering higher bandwidth and improved efficiency to fuel faster game frame rates and quicker system responsiveness. This platform enables expansive memory headroom for modern multitasking, content creation, and memory-intensive workloads while maintaining power efficiency through MSI’s mature firmware and controller design.
• Built‑in Wi‑Fi 7 for unrivaled wireless speed — Say goodbye to bottlenecks with a convenient, integrated Wi‑Fi 7 solution. Whether you’re gaming online, streaming, or transferring large files, the motherboard’s wireless capability is designed to keep pace with today’s data demands. The faster, more reliable connection helps reduce latency and improves overall user experience in wireless ecosystems.
• Intel Z790 chipset + LGA-1700 socket support — Designed to handle high-performance processors, this motherboard provides a solid foundation for the latest Intel CPUs, including 14th Gen and 13th Gen families. A robust power-delivery subsystem and carefully engineered signal integrity ensure stable overclocking headroom and reliable operation under sustained loads.
• Sleek black, business-elegant design — The PRO Z790-VC WIFI emphasizes a simple, refined aesthetic that pairs perfectly with black PC builds and corporate-themed rigs. Its understated finish and strategic component layout keep airflow paths clear while ensuring compatibility with a wide array of cooling solutions and case setups.
• Extensive I/O and expansion for future-proof builds — With multiple PCIe slots, M.2 NVMe support, and abundant USB ports, this motherboard is built to grow with your system. The design emphasizes ease of installation and upgradeability, offering flexible storage options and fast peripheral connectivity for demanding workloads and immersive gaming experiences.

Technical Details of MSI Z790-VC WIFI Gaming Desktop Motherboard

• Chipset: Intel Z790
• Socket: LGA-1700
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory Support: DDR5 memory with XMP profiles
• Memory Capacity: Supports up to high-capacity DDR5 kits, suitable for heavy multitasking and content creation
• Memory Speed: Optimized DDR5 performance for 13th and 14th Gen Intel CPUs
• Expansion Slots: PCIe slots designed for high-speed graphics, NVMe storage, and peripherals
• Storage: M.2 NVMe drives supported for fast, responsive storage options
• Networking: Built-in Wi‑Fi 7 for ultra-fast wireless connectivity (plus potential Bluetooth options depending on implementation)
• USB Connectivity: Comprehensive USB ports for peripherals and external devices
• Power Design: Robust VRM and heat management to support stable operation under load
• BIOS/Software: MSI firmware with stable updates and user-friendly features for overclocking, tuning, and system monitoring
• Compatibility: Optimized for Windows 11 and Windows 10 environments with modern driver support

How to install MSI Z790-VC WIFI

Follow these steps to install the MSI Z790-VC WIFI motherboard into a compatible ATX case and pair it with your processor, memory, and cooling. This guide emphasizes safe handling and proper alignment to ensure optimal performance from day one.

• Prepare your workspace with an antistatic mat or a grounded surface. Gather your CPU, DDR5 memory, M.2 SSDs, a compatible power supply, and a compatible case with an IO shield that fits the ATX form factor.
• Install the I/O shield into the case precisely in the PCI slot area. Ensure the shield snaps into place and sits flush against the case panel to provide proper clearance for rear connections.
• Install the motherboard standoffs into the case’s mounting points aligned with the board’s screw holes. Double-check the standoff positions to match the motherboard’s form factor and screw pattern.
• Carefully open the CPU socket on the motherboard. Align the processor with the socket using the corner markers, seat it evenly, and secure the retention mechanism as instructed by the motherboard manual. Apply thermal paste if your cooler requires it and install the CPU cooler or heatsink securely.
• Install the DDR5 memory modules into the correct DIMM slots, aligning notches and seating them firmly until the latches click. Ensure each module is fully seated for stable operation and optimal memory performance.
• Install one or more M.2 NVMe SSDs into the designated M.2 slots. Use the provided screws and spacers to secure the drives, then route and manage cables to maintain clean airflow and avoid interference with other components.
• Place the motherboard into the case, align the I/O ports with the I/O shield, and secure the board with screws. Connect the 24-pin ATX power cable and the 8-pin (or 4+4-pin) CPU power cable from your PSU to the motherboard. Attach SATA power and data cables if you’re using SATA drives.
• Connect USB headers, case power/reset switches, and HDD/SSD indicators to the motherboard’s front-panel headers according to the motherboard manual. This ensures the case’s buttons and indicators function correctly after first boot.
• Install the GPU, place it in a PCIe x16 slot, and secure it with screws. Connect any necessary PCIe power connectors from the power supply, ensuring tight, stable connections.
• Power on the system for the first POST. Enter the BIOS to configure AHCI for drives, enable XMP profiles for DDR5 RAM if desired, and set your boot order. Update the BIOS to the latest version if needed and install your operating system and drivers for optimal performance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Does the MSI Z790-VC WIFI support DDR5 memory exclusively?
  A: Yes, this motherboard is optimized for DDR5 memory, delivering enhanced performance and efficiency for modern processors in the Intel 13th and 14th Gen lineup.
• Q: Is built-in Wi‑Fi 7 standard on all variants of this board?
  A: The PRO Z790-VC WIFI model includes a built-in Wi‑Fi 7 solution to provide fast wireless connectivity, with compatibility for modern routers and high-bandwidth networks.
• Q: Can I use the latest Intel CPUs with this motherboard?
  A: The board is designed to support Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen processors, leveraging the Z790 chipset and LGA-1700 socket for robust performance and upgrade options.
• Q: What is the form factor and is it easy to fit into most cases?
  A: The motherboard uses the ATX form factor, which is compatible with a wide range of mid-tower and full-tower cases that support ATX motherboards.
• Q: Does it support PCIe 5.0 and multiple M.2 drives?
  A: The Z790 platform is designed for high-speed PCIe connectivity, and it supports multiple M.2 NVMe drives to maximize storage performance and expandability.