Question 1

What are the best CPU and RAM options to pair with the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI R motherboard for optimal gaming performance?

Accepted Answer

For the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI R, pairing it with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 or i9 processor will give you excellent gaming performance thanks to their higher core counts and clock speeds on the LGA 1700 socket. DDR5 RAM at 5600 MHz or higher is ideal here, as the motherboard supports the latest DDR5 memory, which boosts overall system responsiveness and game load times.

If you're on a budget, a 12th Gen i5 with 16GB of DDR5 RAM can still handle most games well, though faster RAM and CPUs make a noticeable difference in CPU-heavy titles. Keep in mind that going beyond 32GB for gaming offers diminishing returns, so prioritizing speed over capacity usually makes more sense. Also, check MSI’s site for any BIOS updates that improve compatibility with newer CPUs.

Question 2

Should I replace an MSI MPG Z690 Edge WiFi with the Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi?

Accepted Answer

For an existing MPG Z690 Edge WiFi system, the Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi is usually a feature change rather than a major platform upgrade: both offer LGA 1700 support, DDR5, PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics, four M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gb Ethernet. The Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi supports higher-rated DDR5 speeds up to 7200+ MT/s, while the Z690 Edge WiFi is rated up to 6400+ MT/s. Upgrade when you specifically need newer memory support or a replacement board; keep the Z690 Edge when its existing storage, audio, and connectivity features already meet your needs. ([msi.com](https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z790-GAMING-PLUS-WIFI/Specification?utm_source=openai))

Question 3

MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi vs MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi: is the Tomahawk worth upgrading to?

Accepted Answer

The MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is the better fit if you need higher-end onboard audio, optical S/PDIF, seven SATA ports, or more rear and internal USB connectivity. The Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi is the more practical choice when four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet, PCIe 5.0 graphics support, and DDR5 memory support already meet your requirements. Both boards support Intel 12th-, 13th-, and 14th-generation processors and include four M.2 slots. ([msi.com](https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z790-GAMING-PLUS-WIFI/Specification?utm_source=openai))

Question 4

MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi vs MSI B760 Gaming Plus WiFi: which should I buy?

Accepted Answer

Choose the MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi for an unlocked Intel K/KF processor, CPU overclocking, PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics support, and four M.2 slots. Choose the B760 Gaming Plus WiFi when you do not plan to overclock the CPU and want a simpler configuration with two M.2 slots and PCIe 4.0 x16 graphics support. Both boards support DDR5, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and Intel 12th-, 13th-, and 14th-generation processors. ([msi.com](https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z790-GAMING-PLUS-WIFI/Specification?utm_source=openai))

Question 5

MSI Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi vs MPG Z790 Edge WiFi: which is better for a high-end build?

Accepted Answer

Choose the MPG Z790 Edge WiFi for a storage-heavy or connectivity-focused workstation because it provides five M.2 slots, seven SATA ports, Realtek ALC4080 audio, and more USB 10Gbps connections. Choose the Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi when four M.2 slots, six SATA ports, ALC897 audio, and one rear USB 20Gbps Type-C port are sufficient. Both boards support DDR5, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics. ([msi.com](https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/Z790-GAMING-PLUS-WIFI/Specification?utm_source=openai))

Question 6

Who is the MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI motherboard suitable for?

Accepted Answer

It is suitable for users building an ATX desktop with a compatible LGA 1700 Intel processor, DDR5 memory, a PCIe graphics card, and multiple storage drives. Its Z790 chipset, PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, four M.2 connectors, 2.5Gbps LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, and multiple fan and RGB headers make it a practical choice for gaming, content creation, and upgradeable desktop systems. It is not suitable for AMD processors, LGA 1851 processors, DDR4 memory, or compact cases that do not support ATX boards. ([newegg.com](https://www.newegg.com/p/13-144-559/questions?utm_source=openai))

Question 7

Will this motherboard work with a 14th-generation Intel Core processor?

Accepted Answer

It uses the LGA 1700 socket and supports 12th- and 13th-generation Intel processors directly. Some 14th-generation Intel Core processors may require a BIOS update; the board includes a Flash BIOS button to support BIOS updating. ([bestbuy.com](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/questions/asus-prime-z790-a-wifi-socket-lga-1700-intel-z790-atx-ddr5-wi-fi-6e-motherboard-black/6523719?utm_source=openai))

Question 8

How many M.2 SSDs can this motherboard support?

Accepted Answer

It has four M.2 connectors. Two support PCIe 4.0 x4 and SATA-based M.2 drives, while the other two support PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe drives. It also provides six SATA 6Gb/s ports, making it suitable for systems with multiple SSDs and hard drives. ([bestbuy.com](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/questions/msi-pro-b650-p-wifi-socket-am5-amd-b650-atx-ddr5-wi-fi-6e-motherboard-black/11013268?utm_source=openai))

Question 9

Does this motherboard include built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It includes Intel Wi-Fi 6E with 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz support, plus Bluetooth 5.3. The wireless module and antenna connection are included, so a separate Wi-Fi adapter is not required. Actual wireless performance depends on router compatibility, distance, interference, and network conditions. ([bestbuy.com](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/questions/msi-pro-b650-p-wifi-socket-am5-amd-b650-atx-ddr5-wi-fi-6e-motherboard-black/11013268?utm_source=openai))

Question 10

What type and amount of RAM does this motherboard support?

Accepted Answer

It supports DDR5 memory in four DIMM slots, with up to 192GB total capacity. It supports Intel XMP 3.0 and memory speeds up to DDR5-7200+ through overclocking, while standard JEDEC speeds extend to DDR5-5600. For the best stability, verify the memory kit against MSI's compatibility list. ([bestbuy.com](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/questions/msi-pro-b650-p-wifi-socket-am5-amd-b650-atx-ddr5-wi-fi-6e-motherboard-black/11013268?utm_source=openai))

CPU Socket Type	LGA 1700
CPU Type	Celeron / Intel Core 12th Gen (LGA 1700) / Intel Core 13th Gen (LGA 1700) / Pentium Gold

Number of Memory Slots	4x288pin (DDR5)
Memory Standard	DDR5 7200+(OC)/ 7000(OC)/ 6800(OC)/ 6600(OC)/ 6400(OC)/ 6200(OC)/ 6000(OC)/ 5800(OC)/ 5600(JEDEC)/ 5400(JEDEC)/ 5200(JEDEC)/ 5000(JEDEC)/ 4800(JEDEC)
Maximum Memory Supported	192GB
Channel Supported	Dual Channel
Memory Performance Profile	Intel XMP 3.0
Memory Feature	Max. overclocking frequency: - 1DPC 1R Max speed up to 7200+ MHz - 1DPC 2R Max speed up to 6600+ MHz - 2DPC 1R Max speed up to 6400+ MHz - 2DPC 2R Max speed up to 5600+ MHz Supports Intel XMP3.0 OC Supports Dual-Controller Dual-Channel mode Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory

PCI Express 5.0 x16	PCI_E1 slot (From CPU) Supports up to PCIe 5.0 x16
PCI Express 4.0 x16	PCI_E3 supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4
PCI Express 3.0 x16	PCI_E4 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x1
PCI Express x1	PCI_E2 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x1

Serial ATA (SATA)	6 x SATA 6Gb/s
M.2	2 x M.2 (Support PCIe 4.0 x4 & SATA) / 2 x M.2 (Support PCIe 4.0 x4)
SATA RAID	Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA storage devices Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for M.2 NVMe storage devices

Audio Chipset	Realtek ALC897
Audio Channels	7.1-Channel High Definition Audio

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MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI LGA 1700 Intel Z790 SATA 6Gb/s ATX DDR5 PCI-E x16 slot Wi-Fi 6E 2.5Gbps LAN 4x M.2 EZ Debug LED Motherboard

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Max LAN Speed	2.5Gbps
Wireless LAN	Intel Wi-Fi 6E The Wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E) slot Supports MU-MIMO TX/RX, 2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz* (160MHz) up to 2.4Gbps Supports 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n/ ac/ ax
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.3 ** Bluetooth 5.3 will be ready in Windows 10 build 21H1 and Windows 11.

Onboard USB	4 x USB 2.0 ports 4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A ports 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C ports
Other Connectors	1 x CPU Fan 1 x Pump Fan 6 x System Fan 2 x Front Panel (JFP) 1 x Chassis Intrusion (JCI) 1 x Front Audio (JAUD) 1 x Tuning Controller connector (JDASH) 2 x Addressable V2 RGB LED connector (JARGB_V2) 2 x RGB LED connector (JRGB) 1 x TPM pin header (Support TPM 2.0) 1 x USB4 card connector (JTBT_U4_1, supports RTD3)

Form Factor	ATX
LED Lighting	4 x EZ Debug LED
Dimensions (W x L)	12.0" x 9.6"
Power Pin	1 x Power Connector (ATX_PWR) 2 x Power Connector (CPU_PWR)

Item#: 9SIC6E1M4H7590