MSI has released the Z890 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E motherboard, designed to offer powerful performance while remaining budget-friendly for consumers. The board features Intel’s Z890 chipset and supports the latest Core Ultra processors, including the recently released 200S Plus CPUs, making it suitable for gaming and AI workloads.
Key hardware specifications include a 14+1+1 Duet Rail Power System equipped with 55A DrMOS. This system operates on a robust 6-layer, 2oz Copper PCB manufactured with server-grade materials. Cooling is ensured through Heavy Plated VRM and Extended/Enlarged Chipset Heatsinks.
The memory architecture provides 4 DDR5 DIMM slots, supporting both XMP and EXPO memory modules with speeds up to DDR5-9200+. To enhance performance, MSI has incorporated Memory Boost and Memory Extension Mode.
Connectivity and expansion are robust. The board features 1 x PCIE 5.0 x16 slot, protected by Steel Armor II and EZ PCIE Clip II, alongside 2 x PCIE 4.0 x16 slots and 1 x PCIE 4.0 x1 slot. For storage, users benefit from 4 SATA ports, 1 x PCIE 5×4 M.2 slot, and 3 x PCIE 4×4 M.2 slots. Ease of installation is provided by the EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II and EZ M.2 Clip II.
The board maintains strong connectivity with a total of 17 USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C and Type-A. Additional features include a 5Gb LAN, WiFi 6E support, a flash BIOS button, and a retro PS/2 connector. A unique PCIE supplemental power connector is included, specifically for adding extra GPUs used in AI computing and gaming.
In a strategic move to address rising PC costs, MSI transitioned the design from Thunderbolt 4 to WiFi 6E. This reduction in high-end features makes the motherboard more accessible to the average consumer without sacrificing performance.
Despite the cost-conscious redesign, the Z890 Gaming Plus WIFI6E retains significant quality features, such as the Frozr Guard cooling system and a large chipset heatsink. It continues to offer a respectable 55A DrMOS and a 6-layer, 2oz copper PCB built with server-grade materials.
Performance testing yielded impressive results. Benchmarks recorded included a Cinebench 2024 score of 2,345 points (multi-core) and 134 points (single-core). Scores achieved were also noted for PCMark 10 (11,499), PassMark 11 (18,251), Procyon Video Editing Benchmark (57,146), AI Computer Vision Benchmark (218), 3DMark Steel Nomad (6,737), and Timespy (27,218).
When paired with an Intel Core Ultra 7 270K, the system achieved a Procyon AI Computer Vision Benchmark score of 218, nearly matching that of the Core Ultra 9 285K. The article notes that the combination of the Intel Core Ultra 7 270K and the Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi6E perfectly balances price, performance, and features.
Consumers can expect the Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi6E to be priced $25-$40 cheaper than the original Z890 GAMING PLUS (WiFi7 + TB4 Version), making it an affordable option for building a high-performance PC for both work and gaming.
Source: Funky Kit