MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2 Review: The New Sweet Spot for Intel Power Users

There’s a unique moment of anticipation in every PC builder’s journey. It’s the point where the desk is cleared, the components are laid out like a surgeon’s tools, and you’re about to unbox the single most important piece of the puzzle: the motherboard. For years, I’ve treated this step with a kind of reverence. It’s not just a circuit board; it’s the central nervous system of your entire machine, the foundation upon which every ounce of performance, every lightning-fast load time, and every stable overclock is built. Choosing the wrong one can lead to a cascade of frustrations—bottlenecked performance, insufficient connectivity, unstable power delivery, and hours spent troubleshooting mysterious crashes. It’s the difference between a seamless, powerful machine and a source of constant headaches. That’s why when we got our hands on the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2, we knew we had to put it through its paces. It promises a high-end feature set at a price that doesn’t make your wallet weep, and that’s a combination that always demands a closer look.

What to Consider Before Buying a Z790 Motherboard

A motherboard is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking the full potential of your other high-performance components. It dictates which CPU you can use, how fast your RAM can run, what kind of storage speeds you can achieve, and how many peripherals you can connect. A quality motherboard provides stable power to your CPU for demanding tasks and overclocking, ensures robust connectivity for lag-free gaming, and offers a forward-looking platform that won’t feel obsolete in a year. The main benefits are performance stability, system expandability, and future-proofing your investment.

The ideal customer for a Z790 motherboard like this one is an enthusiast, a serious gamer, or a content creator who is building a PC with a recent high-performance Intel processor (12th, 13th, or 14th Gen). They are looking to leverage the latest technologies like fast DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 for their graphics card. This board is for someone who plans to, or at least wants the option to, overclock their CPU and memory to squeeze out every last drop of performance. On the other hand, it might not be suitable for those on a tight budget or builders using AMD processors. If you’re building a simple office PC or a light-duty home computer, the features of a Z790 chipset would be overkill, and a more budget-friendly B-series or H-series motherboard would be a more practical choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Form Factor & Case Compatibility: The MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2 is an ATX form factor board. This is the standard size for most mid-tower and full-tower PC cases, offering a good balance of expansion slots and features. Before buying, you must ensure your chosen case explicitly supports ATX motherboards to avoid any installation nightmares. Smaller form factors like Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX exist for more compact builds but often come with fewer slots and ports.
• CPU & Memory Performance: Compatibility is king. This board uses the LGA 1700 socket, making it perfect for Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th generation processors. Critically, it supports DDR5 RAM, with overclocking potential up to a blistering 7200+ MHz. This is a significant performance uplift over older DDR4 platforms, but it means you must purchase DDR5 memory kits, as DDR4 is not compatible. The quality of the Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) and its cooling is also paramount for handling power-hungry CPUs like an i9-14900K, and MSI’s Core Boost technology is designed specifically for this.
• Materials & Durability: A motherboard’s longevity is often determined by its build quality. Look for a multi-layered PCB (Printed Circuit Board), which improves signal integrity and durability. We were impressed by the substantial heatsinks on the VRMs, chipset, and primary M.2 slot (M.2 Shield Frozr). Features like the PCIe Steel Armor, which reinforces the main graphics card slot, are not just for show; they prevent sagging and physical damage from heavy, modern GPUs.
• Connectivity & Ease of Use: Think about your current and future needs. This board offers an excellent array of modern connectivity: four M.2 slots for ultra-fast NVMe SSDs, a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for next-gen graphics cards, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5G LAN. The rear I/O panel includes a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port. For builders, features like MSI’s Flash BIOS Button are invaluable, allowing you to update the BIOS without a CPU installed—a crucial feature for ensuring compatibility with the very latest processors out of the box.

Keeping these factors in mind, the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2 stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications and current pricing here.

While the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2 is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing and First Impressions: Utilitarian Power

Pulling the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2 from its anti-static bag, the first thing we noticed was its understated, utilitarian aesthetic. There are no flashy RGB dragons or overly aggressive design motifs here. Instead, you get a clean, black PCB accented by large, angular, dark grey heatsinks. It has a reassuring heft to it, weighing in at a solid kilogram, which speaks to the substantial cooling solution MSI has implemented. The build quality feels excellent, a sentiment we’ve seen echoed by many users who praise MSI’s consistent manufacturing standards. The layout is logical and builder-friendly, with fan headers, SATA ports, and USB headers placed in accessible locations around the board’s edge. Included in the box are the essentials: a Wi-Fi antenna with a magnetic base (a very handy touch), two SATA cables, M.2 hardware, and some MSI gaming stickers. It’s a no-nonsense package that focuses on delivering core performance features rather than unnecessary frills, which is precisely its appeal.

Deep Dive: Performance, Power, and Potential of the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI

A motherboard’s true worth is only revealed under pressure. It’s about how it handles a power-hungry CPU at full tilt, how stable it remains with high-speed RAM, and how seamlessly it integrates all your components. We paired the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2 with an Intel Core i7-14700K and 32GB of DDR5 RAM running at 6400MHz to see if its performance lives up to its impressive spec sheet.

Power Delivery and Thermal Management: The Unsung Hero

The heart of any modern motherboard’s performance, especially on a platform designed for overclocking, is its Voltage Regulator Module (VRM). This is what provides clean, stable power to the CPU. MSI has equipped this board with their Core Boost technology, which is essentially an optimized power design. Visually, this is backed up by the massive heatsinks covering the VRM components. During our stress tests using Cinebench R23 on a loop, we pushed the i7-14700K to its limits. The VRM temperatures remained well within a safe operating range, never once becoming a cause for concern. This thermal headroom is critical not just for stability at stock speeds, but it gives enthusiasts the confidence to push for higher overclocks without risking thermal throttling. Several users building with the even more demanding i9-14900K have reported similar stability, confirming our findings. The board’s Frozr AI cooling system, which dynamically adjusts system fan speeds based on CPU and GPU temps, worked subtly in the background, keeping our entire rig cool without sounding like a jet engine. This robust thermal design is a standout feature at this price point and a major reason why this board is such a compelling option for performance-focused builds.

Future-Proof Connectivity and Storage

In 2024, storage and network speed are just as important as raw processing power. The MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2 excels here. The inclusion of a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot is a significant feature for future-proofing. While PCIe 5.0 graphics cards are not yet mainstream, having this slot ensures that when they arrive, this board will be able to leverage their full bandwidth (a massive 128GB/s). For storage, the four M.2 Gen4 slots are a dream for anyone who hates load times. We populated two slots with fast NVMe SSDs and saw sequential read/write speeds that saturated the drives’ capabilities. The primary M.2 slot comes with MSI’s Shield Frozr, a thick thermal pad and heatsink. We found this was highly effective, preventing any thermal throttling on our primary OS drive during extended file transfers and game loading. The networking suite is equally modern. The Intel 2.5Gbps LAN port provides a fast, stable wired connection, while the Intel Wi-Fi 6E module delivered excellent wireless performance, crucial for gamers who can’t run an ethernet cable. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 is the cherry on top, providing a reliable connection for wireless peripherals. This comprehensive I/O setup makes the board feel premium and ready for whatever the next few years of PC technology bring. If you’re building a system intended to last, the robust connectivity offered by the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI is a major selling point.

The Build Experience: Smooth Sailing with a Crucial First Step

For many, the process of building the PC is half the fun. A well-designed motherboard makes this process a pleasure, while a poorly laid-out one can be a source of immense frustration. We found building with the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI to be a straightforward and positive experience. The board’s markings are clear, the manual is comprehensive, and the placement of headers for fans, USB, and audio is logical. However, there is one critical step that cannot be overlooked, a point that has been raised by numerous first-hand user accounts: the BIOS update. Out of the box, our board’s BIOS did not support our 14th Gen Intel CPU. This is common for motherboards manufactured before a new CPU generation’s release. Fortunately, MSI’s Flash BIOS Button feature turns a potential showstopper into a minor, 5-minute task. By downloading the latest BIOS onto a USB stick, inserting it into the designated port, and pressing the button, we were able to update the firmware without needing a CPU, RAM, or GPU installed. It’s an essential feature that we believe should be standard on all modern motherboards. Once updated, the MSI Click BIOS 5 interface was intuitive. The EZ Mode provides a clear, at-a-glance overview of the system, while the Advanced Mode unlocks a deep suite of options for tweaking and overclocking. We easily enabled the XMP profile for our RAM, and the system posted without a hitch. This initial step, while necessary, is made painless by thoughtful design.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience is largely reflected in the broader community feedback. Many users highlight the board’s incredible value, with one stating it “stood out for the price and feature set” when they replaced a problematic board from another brand. The “robust build quality and elegant design” are frequently praised, with builders noting it feels “sturdy, firm, and clearly made from high-quality materials.” First-time builders, in particular, have found the experience surprisingly smooth, thanks to the clear manual and intuitive BIOS, with one calling it “super easy to install.” The generous connectivity, especially the four M.2 slots and numerous fan headers, is another common point of acclaim.

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most common critique, which we also encountered, is the necessity of a BIOS flash for 14th Gen CPUs. While the Flash BIOS Button simplifies this, some users were initially caught off guard. We also noted an isolated but serious report from one user whose board “stopped working after 4 months” with a CPU error light. While this appears to be a rare case of hardware failure and likely covered by the two-year manufacturer warranty, it’s a sobering reminder that no component is immune to defects.

Competitors and Alternatives: How Does It Stack Up?

The MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2 occupies a competitive space. While it’s an excellent choice for an Intel build, users considering different platforms or price points have other strong options.

1. MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard

For builders who are leaning towards Team Red (AMD), the MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI is a direct and compelling competitor. Built on the AM5 socket, it supports AMD’s Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors. While its primary PCIe slot is Gen4 instead of the Z790’s Gen5, it still offers robust DDR5 support, three M.2 Gen4 slots, and Wi-Fi 6E. This board is the ideal choice for someone who wants to build a modern AMD system with a similar focus on value and performance, offering a feature set that mirrors the GAMING PLUS WIFI but for the Ryzen ecosystem.

2. MSI MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard ATX AM5 DDR5 Wi-Fi 7

Stepping up in the AMD world, the MSI MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI is for the enthusiast who wants the absolute latest technology. This board not only supports current and future Ryzen CPUs but also brings next-generation features to the forefront. It boasts a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and a Gen5 M.2 slot for the fastest possible graphics and storage, along with cutting-edge Wi-Fi 7 and 5G LAN. This is the choice for an AMD builder who wants to be on the bleeding edge and is willing to pay a premium for features that offer maximum future-proofing, surpassing even our reviewed Intel board in some connectivity standards.

3. ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 Motherboard

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum is the ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0. This is a budget-focused motherboard for the older AM4 platform, supporting a wide range of previous-generation AMD Ryzen CPUs. It uses DDR4 memory and has a more limited feature set, including a single M.2 slot and older connectivity standards. This motherboard isn’t a direct competitor in terms of performance, but it’s the perfect alternative for someone building a highly capable PC on a strict budget. If you’re looking to save money by using last-generation components, this ASRock board offers incredible value.

Final Verdict: The Best Z790 Motherboard for Most Builders?

After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently say that the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2 is a phenomenal piece of hardware that hits the sweet spot for a huge range of PC builders. It masterfully balances a forward-looking feature set—including PCIe 5.0, DDR5 support, and a fantastic array of storage and connectivity options—with a price point that remains accessible. Its robust power delivery and cooling can easily handle the most demanding Intel processors on the market, making it a reliable foundation for a high-performance gaming rig or workstation. While the initial BIOS update for 14th Gen CPUs is a necessary hurdle, the inclusion of the Flash BIOS Button makes it a minor inconvenience rather than a real problem. For builders who value performance and features over flashy aesthetics, this board delivers in spades. It’s a smart, powerful, and practical choice for anyone building a modern Intel system.

If you’ve decided the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard ATX DDR5 PCIe 5.0 M.2 is the right fit for your next build, you can check its current price and purchase it here.