MSI

Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI

A entry-level motherboard for PC builders, leading with Z790.

48/100
Mixed bag
Overall score · how we rate
Z790LGA 17007200 MT/sATXDDR5Wi-Fi 6E
£156best price at Amazon
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Why we rate it

  • BIOS flashback
  • Debug LED / postcode display
  • Above-average ram slots
  • Above-average sata ports
  • Below-average max ram
Score profile

Where the Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI wins and loses

Scored against the motherboards class
MemoryExpansionRearNetworkingFeatures6653293473
Memory
66
Expansion slots
53
Rear I/O
29
Networking
34
Features
73
Full specification

Specifications

Grouped · supported features marked in blue

Platform

SocketLGA 1700
ChipsetZ790
Form factorATX
Supported CPU generationsIntel Core 14th Gen, 13th Gen, 12th Gen

Memory

RAM typeDDR5
RAM slots5
Max RAM128 GB
Max memory speed (OC)7200 MT/s

Expansion slots

PCIe 5.0 x16 slots1
M.2 slots (total)4
M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots1
SATA ports6

Rear I/O

USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gb/s)1
HDMI1

Networking

Ethernet2.5
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth5.2

Audio

Audio codecRealtek ALC4080
Audio channels7.1

Features

BIOS flashbackYes
Debug LED / postcode displayYes
Fan headers6

More specs

M2 slots4
PCIE 5 count1
Ethernet gbps2.5
Head to head

Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI vs Gigabyte Gigabyte Z790 D

Highlighted cell = better in that row
MemoryExpansionRearNetworkingFeatures
Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFIGigabyte Z790 D
 MSIZ790 GAMING PLUS WIFIThis pageGigabyteGigabyte Z790 D
Overall score48 /10048 /100
ChipsetZ790Z790
SocketLGA 1700LGA 1700
Form factorATXATX
Max RAM speed7200 MT/s
RAM slots5Better4
M2 slots total4Better3
Who it's for

Is the Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI right for you?

Buy it if
Buyers on a budget

Anyone who needs a dependable motherboard for the essentials without overspending.

Skip it if
Skip it if

You need flagship-tier performance, in which case a higher-tier motherboard is the better call.

Performance builder
Chasing frames and headroom in a high-end rig.
okay
Mainstream builder
Wants strong value in a balanced build.
good
Budget builder
Stretching every pound in an entry rig.
excellent
Common questions

Before you buy

Is the Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI worth it?

It depends on what you need. It scores 48/100 against other motherboards, a entry-level result where the class average is around 51.

What stands out on the Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI?

Its bios flashback stands out, a genuinely useful feature if your setup calls for it.

How does it compare to the MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi?

The MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi scores 49/100 versus this one at 48/100, so it is the step up on the spec sheet.