MSI Pro Z790-A Max Wifi DDR5 Intel Motherboard

The MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI is a full-size ATX motherboard built on Intel’s Z790 chipset, designed to support Intel Core 12th, 13th, and 14th Generation processors as well as Intel Pentium Gold and Celeron processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It pairs cutting-edge connectivity with a robust power delivery architecture, making it a strong foundation for high-performance desktop builds. At the heart of its power delivery is a 16+1+1 DRPS configuration featuring 80A Smart Power Stage (SPS) MOSFETs, backed by dual 8-pin CPU power connectors. This arrangement is complemented by a six-layer PCB constructed from 2 oz thickened copper and server-grade material, which aids signal integrity and thermal stability during demanding workloads. Memory support is extensive: four DDR5 UDIMM slots accommodate up to 192 GB of non-ECC, unbuffered DDR5 RAM. Frequencies range from 4800 MHz (JEDEC) up to 7800+ MHz under XMP 3.0 overclocking, with Dual-Controller Dual-Channel mode support. Memory Extension Mode further refines latency and throughput parameters. Storage options are equally generous. Four M.2 slots — all supporting PCIe 4.0 x4, with two also offering SATA mode — sit alongside six SATA 6 Gb/s ports. All M.2 slots benefit from M.2 Shield Frozr thermal covers. RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 are supported across both SATA and NVMe storage. Expansion is led by a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot (Steel Armor reinforced, from CPU), augmented by a PCIe 4.0 x4 slot and two PCIe 3.0 slots from the chipset. Networking combines an Intel 2.5 Gbps wired LAN controller with an onboard Wi-Fi 7 module (802.11be, 2.4/5/6 GHz, up to 5.8 Gbps, MU-MIMO, MLO, 4K-QAM) and Bluetooth 5.4, all pre-installed in the M.2 Key-E slot. Audio is handled by a Realtek ALC4080 codec supporting 7.1-channel output with S/PDIF, isolated audio traces, and De-POP protection under the Audio Boost 5 feature set. Video output for processors with integrated graphics includes HDMI 2.1 (4K 60 Hz) and DisplayPort 1.4 (8K 60 Hz). The rear I/O panel provides 2x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 3x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, and 1x USB 3.2 Gen2×2 Type-C (20 Gbps), plus a Flash BIOS button. Internally, headers include USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen1, USB 2.0, a Thunderbolt/USB4 card connector, TPM 2.0 header, seven fan/pump headers, three ARGB V2 headers, and one standard RGB header. Software support includes Click BIOS 5 with EZ/Advanced modes, BIOS Flashback, Resizable BAR, MSI Center (Fan Center, Hardware Monitoring, Mystic Light, System Diagnosis), and a Driver Utility Installer. The board is Windows 11 64-bit certified and ships with a 3-year manufacturer warranty. Key Verified Specifications: • Chipset: Intel Z790 • Socket: LGA 1700 • CPU Support: Intel Core 14th / 13th / 12th Gen; Pentium Gold; Celeron • Form Factor: ATX (243.84 mm × 304.8 mm) • Memory: 4× DDR5 UDIMM, max 192 GB, 4800–7800+ MHz (XMP 3.0) • PCIe: 1× Gen5 x16 (CPU), 1× Gen4 x4 (Chipset), 2× Gen3 (Chipset) • Storage: 4× M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 + 6× SATA 6G; RAID 0/1/5/10 • LAN: Intel 2.5 Gbps • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), up to 5.8 Gbps; Bluetooth 5.4 • Audio: Realtek ALC4080, 7.1-ch, S/PDIF • USB (Rear): 2× USB 2.0, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1, 3× USB 3.2 Gen2, 1× USB 3.2 Gen2×2 Type-C • VRM: 16+1+1 DRPS, 80A SPS • PCB: 6-layer, 2 oz copper • Warranty: 3 Years