The MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI is a high-end motherboard designed to support 12th and 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, Pentium® Gold, and Celeron® processors, utilizing the LGA 1700 socket. With its impressive feature set and robust build, it aims to provide an excellent platform for enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals seeking top-tier performance and reliability.
One of the standout features of the PRO Z690-A WIFI is its support for DDR5 memory, with speeds of up to 6400+(OC) MHz. This allows for blazing-fast data transfer rates, ensuring smooth multitasking, and optimal performance even during resource-intensive tasks.
The motherboard offers a variety of connectivity options for lightning-fast data transfer. The PCIe 5.0 slots provide up to 128GB/s bandwidth, enabling maximum transfer speed for high-performance graphics cards and other PCIe devices. The Lightning Gen4 x4 M.2 slots and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports further enhance the overall data transfer capabilities.
For gamers and content creators, the 2.5G LAN with LAN Manager and Intel Wi-Fi 6E Solution provides a stable and fast network connection. The inclusion of Intel Turbo USB 3.2 Gen 2 ensures uninterrupted connections with enhanced stability and the fastest USB speeds, making data transfers a breeze.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Audio Boost feature, which delivers studio-grade sound quality, providing an immersive experience during gaming or media consumption.
MSI has given considerable attention to the motherboard’s thermal design, incorporating features like the Extended Heatsink Design, MOSFET thermal pads rated for 7W/mk, and M.2 Shield Frozr. This combination helps maintain low temperatures during extended usage, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for heavy workloads and gaming sessions.
The build quality is exceptional, with a 6-layer PCB made from 2oz thickened copper and server-grade level materials. This robust design ensures stability and longevity, even under intense operating conditions. Additionally, the Steel Armor PCI-E slots support AMD Crossfire™, allowing for multi-GPU configurations for those who require extra graphics processing power.
The motherboard’s VRM design, featuring 14 digital CPU power phases and Core Boost technology, enhances the overall stability and performance by providing sufficient power to the CPU, particularly during demanding tasks. This is especially beneficial for overclockers and power users who push their systems to the limits.
The use of SMT (Surface Mount Technology) welding process contributes to reduced defect rates in slot solder joints, minimizing electromagnetic interference, and increasing overall reliability. Paired with the Memory Boost technology, the motherboard can deliver clean and pure high-frequency DDR5 signals, optimizing memory performance.
The Wi-Fi 6E solution takes advantage of the 6GHz spectrum, offering improved network capacity and efficiency, making it ideal for high-density signal environments. With speeds up to 2400Mbps and features like Bluetooth 5.2, two-way MU-MIMO, and BSS color technology, it provides a robust wireless experience.
The Frozr AI Cooling feature automatically detects CPU and GPU temperatures and adjusts system fan duty accordingly. This intelligent cooling solution ensures that the system stays cool during demanding tasks, contributing to overall stability and performance.
Additionally, the MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI motherboard stands out for its exceptional build quality and attention to detail. The use of a 6-layer PCB made from 2oz thickened copper and server-grade level materials ensures durability and reliability, making it a long-lasting investment for users. The reinforced Steel Armor PCI-E slots provide added protection and stability for graphics cards in multi-GPU configurations.
For users who demand high-performance computing without compromising on cooling, MSI has integrated an array of thermal solutions. The Extended Heatsink Design, MOSFET thermal pads rated for 7W/mk, and M.2 Shield Frozr collectively contribute to effectively dissipate heat from critical components. The direct-touch Cross Heat-pipe further enhances the cooling capabilities, keeping the CPU and VRM temperatures in check during heavy workloads and overclocking.
M.2 Shield Frozr is an essential feature for users who utilize M.2 SSDs. It not only prevents thermal throttling but also protects the M.2 SSDs, ensuring they operate at optimal speeds for extended periods. This is particularly valuable for content creators and professionals who deal with large files and require high-speed storage.
The inclusion of Frozr AI Cooling and Frozr AI software demonstrates MSI’s commitment to providing smart and automated solutions for managing system temperatures. This proactive approach in fan control ensures that the system maintains an optimal temperature, promoting longevity and preventing performance degradation due to overheating.
Memory Boost is a noteworthy addition to this motherboard’s arsenal of features. This technology optimizes data signal delivery to memory modules, resulting in improved stability, compatibility, and overall memory performance. It ensures that the system can handle memory-intensive tasks with ease, making it ideal for content creation, rendering, and multitasking.
The Core Boost technology plays a significant role in delivering reliable power to the CPU, especially when dealing with high-core-count processors. By utilizing a premium layout and fully digital power design, the motherboard can effectively support the latest Intel Core processors, allowing users to push their CPUs to their maximum potential.
On the networking front, the PRO Z690-A WIFI motherboard offers cutting-edge features such as Wi-Fi 6E, which operates in the 6GHz spectrum, providing faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. With Bluetooth 5.2 support and two-way MU-MIMO, users can enjoy seamless connections and efficient data transfers, making it suitable for online gaming, streaming, and content sharing.
The motherboard’s Lightning USB 20G port offers an incredible 20Gbps transmission speed, making data transfers faster than ever before. This feature is particularly advantageous for users who deal with large files regularly and need a quick and reliable means of data exchange.
In conclusion, the MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI motherboard excels in every aspect that matters to power users, gamers, and content creators. Its support for the latest 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors, along with DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 slots, and ultra-fast USB ports, ensures that it remains relevant and powerful for years to come. The attention to detail in its thermal solutions, premium build quality, and advanced networking capabilities further solidify its position as a top-tier motherboard in the market. MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI price: $162.00
Whether you are a hardcore gamer looking to maximize your gaming performance, an overclocking enthusiast seeking the best power delivery, or a content creator requiring a reliable and efficient platform, the MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI is a motherboard that ticks all the right boxes and provides an unparalleled computing experience.
The MSI PRO Z690-A WIFI is an impressive motherboard that caters to power users, gamers, and content creators alike. Its support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 slots, lightning-fast USB ports, premium thermal solution, and cutting-edge networking features make it a top choice for those seeking unparalleled performance, stability, and efficiency. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, an overclocking enthusiast, or a professional content creator, this motherboard offers a feature-rich platform to unleash the full potential of your 12th or 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processor.
| SPECIFICATION | |
|---|---|
| SOCKET | LGA 1700 |
| CHIPSET | Intel® Z690 Chipset |
| DDR5 MEMORY | 6400+(OC) , 6200(OC) , 6000(OC) , 5800(OC) , 5600(JEDEC) , 5400(JEDEC) , 5200(JEDEC) , 5000(JEDEC) , 4800(JEDEC) MHz |
| MEMORY CHANNEL | Dual |
| DIMM SLOTS | 4 |
| MAX MEMORY (GB) | 192 |
| PCI-E X16 | 3 |
| PCI-E X1 | 1 |
| SATAIII | 6 |
| M.2 SLOT | 4 |
| RAID | 0/1/5/10 |
| TPM (HEADER) | 1 |
| WIFI & BLUETOOTH | Intel® Wi-Fi 6E module |
| USB 3.2 PORTS (FRONT) | 1(Gen 2, Type C), 4(Gen 1, Type A) |
| USB 3.2 PORTS (REAR) | 1(Gen 2×2, Type C), 1(Gen 2, Type A), 2(Gen 1, Type A) |
| USB 2.0 PORTS (FRONT) | 4 |
| USB 2.0 PORTS (REAR) | 4 |
| AUDIO PORTS (REAR) | Realtek® ALC897 Codec |
| DISPLAYPORT | 1 |
| HDMI | 1 |
| DIRECTX | 12 |
| CROSSFIRE | Y |
| OPERATING SYSTEM | Support for Windows® 11 64-bit, Windows® 10 64-bit |
| FORM FACTOR | ATX |
| DIMENSION | 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm) |
