Product
Overview
The MSI MPG Z790
CARBON MAX WIFI II DDR5 LGA 1700 Intel 14th Gen ATX Motherboard is an
exceptional piece of hardware designed for those who demand the best from their
computing experience. Tailored for gamers, content creators, and tech
enthusiasts, this motherboard combines cutting-edge technology with robust
build quality, offering unparalleled performance and reliability. With support
for the latest Intel 14th generation processors, DDR5 memory, and PCIe 4.0, it
is engineered to meet the needs of modern high-performance systems.
Design and Build
Quality
The MSI MPG Z790
CARBON MAX WIFI II features a sleek black aesthetic with carbon fiber accents,
giving it a premium and modern look. The board's robust construction ensures
long-term durability and stability. Key design elements include an extended
heatsink for VRMs, which provides superior cooling, and multiple M.2 Shield
Frozr covers to maintain optimal temperatures for NVMe SSDs.
Processor and
Chipset Support
At the heart of
this motherboard is the Intel Z790 chipset, which is designed to support
Intel’s 14th generation Core processors. This chipset brings numerous
enhancements, including improved power delivery, advanced connectivity options,
and support for the latest DDR5 memory, making it ideal for high-performance
builds.
Memory and
Storage
One of the
standout features of the MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WIFI II is its support for DDR5
memory, which offers higher bandwidth, increased capacity, and better power
efficiency compared to DDR4. The motherboard supports up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM
across four DIMM slots, with speeds of up to 6400MHz (OC). For storage, it
includes five M.2 slots, all supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 for lightning-fast storage
speeds, and six SATA 6Gb/s ports for traditional HDDs and SSDs.
Connectivity and
Expansion
This motherboard
excels in connectivity and expansion, featuring a comprehensive selection of
rear I/O ports:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 2x USB 2.0
- 1x HDMI
- 1x DisplayPort
- 1x 2.5G Ethernet
- 1x Wi-Fi 6E antenna ports
- 5x audio jacks
- 1x optical S/PDIF out
The inclusion of
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C ensures high-speed data transfer, while the dual video
outputs (HDMI and DisplayPort) allow for versatile multi-monitor setups.
Networking capabilities are top-notch with a 2.5G Ethernet port and built-in
Wi-Fi 6E, providing faster wireless speeds and lower latency.
Audio and
Networking
The MPG Z790
CARBON MAX WIFI II uses the Realtek ALC4080 codec to deliver high-fidelity
audio with support for 7.1-channel surround sound, ensuring an immersive audio
experience. The combination of 2.5G Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E provides versatile
and robust connectivity options, essential for competitive gaming and large
file transfers.
Overclocking and
Performance
Designed with overclocking
enthusiasts in mind, the motherboard features a 19-phase VRM power delivery
system, ensuring stable power supply to the CPU even under heavy loads. MSI’s
Click BIOS 5 provides an intuitive interface for fine-tuning system settings,
and the MSI Dragon Center offers real-time monitoring and control over various
aspects of the system, including fan speeds, RGB lighting, and performance
profiles.
Cooling Solutions
Effective cooling
is crucial for maintaining system stability, and the MPG Z790 CARBON MAX WIFI
II is equipped with multiple cooling features. These include an extended
heatsink design on the VRMs and chipset, as well as M.2 Shield Frozr covers for
NVMe SSDs. Multiple fan headers and a smart fan control system enable precise
adjustment of fan speeds based on temperature readings, ensuring a balance
between cooling performance and noise levels.
RGB Lighting and
Aesthetics
Aesthetics are a
significant consideration for modern PC builds, and this motherboard features
integrated RGB lighting with customizable effects. The MSI Mystic Light
software provides an intuitive interface for controlling RGB lighting,
supporting a wide range of colors and effects. Additionally, multiple RGB
headers allow users to connect additional RGB components, creating a cohesive
lighting setup that can be synchronized with other RGB elements in the system.
Software and
Utilities
MSI provides a
suite of software and utilities to enhance the user experience. The MSI Dragon
Center serves as a centralized hub for monitoring and managing various aspects
of the system, including performance tuning, fan control, and RGB lighting. The
Click BIOS 5 offers a user-friendly interface for accessing and adjusting BIOS
settings, with advanced options for overclocking, memory tuning, and power
management.
Specifications
- Socket: LGA 1700
- Chipset: Intel Z790
- Form Factor: ATX
- Memory Support: DDR5, up to 128GB, 4 DIMM
slots, up to 6400MHz (OC)
- Expansion Slots:
- 3x PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
- 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots
- Storage:
- 5x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 x4)
- 6x SATA 6Gb/s ports
- USB Ports:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A
- 2x USB 2.0
- Video Outputs:
- Network:
- 1x 2.5G Ethernet
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Audio:
- Realtek ALC4080 codec
- 7.1-channel surround sound
support
- Cooling:
- Extended heatsink design
- Multiple fan headers
- M.2 Shield Frozr covers
- RGB: Integrated RGB lighting,
multiple RGB headers
- BIOS: Click BIOS 5
- Software: MSI Dragon Center, Mystic Light
Review
Performance and
Overclocking
The MSI MPG Z790
CARBON MAX WIFI II excels in performance and overclocking capabilities. The
robust 19-phase VRM ensures stable power delivery, making it possible to push
Intel’s 14th gen processors to their limits. Users have reported significant
performance gains in both gaming and productivity tasks after overclocking
their systems. The Click BIOS 5 provides an intuitive interface for tweaking
settings, and MSI’s Dragon Center software allows for real-time monitoring and
control, ensuring that users can optimize their systems with ease.
Memory and
Storage
With support for
up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM and five M.2 slots, this motherboard offers ample
capacity for both memory and storage. Users have praised the board’s ability to
handle high-speed DDR5 memory, with many noting noticeable improvements in
application performance and responsiveness. The multiple M.2 slots, all
supporting PCIe 4.0, provide lightning-fast storage options, making it an
excellent choice for users with large game libraries or those working with
high-resolution video files.
Connectivity and
Expansion
The MPG Z790
CARBON MAX WIFI II offers extensive connectivity options, including USB 3.2 Gen
2x2 Type-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and more. The built-in Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G
Ethernet ensure that users have access to fast and reliable network
connections. Users have particularly appreciated the versatility of the rear
I/O panel, which caters to a wide range of peripherals and devices.
Cooling and
Aesthetics
Effective cooling
is a highlight of this motherboard, with its extended heatsink design and
multiple fan headers ensuring that components stay cool even under heavy loads.
Users have noted that the smart fan control system works well to balance
cooling performance and noise levels. The integrated RGB lighting and
additional RGB headers allow for a high degree of customization, enabling users
to create visually stunning builds. The Mystic Light software has been praised
for its ease of use and wide range of lighting effects.
Audio and
Software
The Realtek
ALC4080 codec delivers high-fidelity audio, providing an immersive sound
experience. Whether gaming, watching movies, or listening to music, users have
reported clear and rich audio quality. The suite of MSI software, including
Dragon Center and Mystic Light, enhances the overall user experience by providing
tools for performance tuning, system monitoring, and lighting control.
Warranty
Details
The MSI MPG Z790
CARBON MAX WIFI II comes with a 2-year limited warranty. This warranty covers
any manufacturing defects or failures under normal use conditions. MSI’s
customer service is known for being responsive and helpful, ensuring that any
issues are resolved promptly. For warranty claims, users should contact MSI’s
support team with proof of purchase and a detailed description of the problem.
The warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected.
Related
Products
1. MSI MPG Z790
EDGE WIFI DDR5 LGA 1700 Intel 14th Gen ATX Motherboard
- A slightly more affordable
alternative with many of the same features, including DDR5 support and
Wi-Fi 6E.
2. MSI MAG
CORELIQUID 240R V2 AIO Liquid CPU Cooler
- Complement your motherboard with
this efficient liquid cooler to ensure your CPU stays cool under heavy
loads.
3. MSI GeForce
RTX 4080 Gaming X Trio 16G Graphics Card
- Pair your high-performance motherboard
with a powerful graphics card for the ultimate gaming experience.
4. Corsair
Vengeance DDR5 32GB (2 x 16GB) 6400MHz C36 Desktop Memory
- High-speed DDR5 memory to
maximize the performance of your MSI motherboard.
5. Samsung 980
Pro 1TB PCIe NVMe Gen4 Internal Gaming SSD
- Take advantage of the multiple
M.2 slots on your motherboard with this fast and reliable NVMe SSD.
Conclusion
The MSI MPG Z790
CARBON MAX WIFI II DDR5 LGA 1700 Intel 14th Gen ATX Motherboard is a powerhouse
designed for those who demand the best in performance, connectivity, and
aesthetics. Whether you are a gamer, content creator, or tech enthusiast, this
motherboard provides the features and capabilities needed to build a
high-performance system. With its robust build quality, advanced cooling
solutions, extensive connectivity options, and support for the latest Intel
processors and DDR5 memory, it stands out as a top choice in the market. The
positive user reviews and comprehensive warranty further reinforce its
reputation as a reliable and high-quality product.