New StockMSI Z790M POWER Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI DDR5 LGA 1700 Socket AM5 for Gaming Desktop Motherboard Support CPU
Here’s a detailed comparison table for the MSI Z790M POWER and Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI DDR5 motherboards:
| Feature | MSI Z790M POWER | MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI DDR5 |
|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX (mATX) | ATX |
| Memory Support | DDR5-7200+ (OC) | DDR5-7600+ (OC) |
| Power Delivery | 12+1+1 Phase (75A) | 14+1+1 Phase (80A) |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
1x PCIe 5.0 x16 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4) |
| M.2 Slots | 2x (1x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 3.0) | 3x (1x PCIe 5.0, 2x PCIe 4.0) |
| SATA Ports | 4 | 6 |
| Networking | 1G LAN | 2.5G LAN + Wi-Fi 6E |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 | Realtek ALC897 |
| USB Ports | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20G) 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5G) |
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20G) 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10G) |
| RGB Lighting | 1x 12V RGB header | Mystic Light (1x ARGB) |
| Cooling | Basic VRM heatsink | Extended VRM heatsink |
| Target Audience | Budget mATX builds | Mainstream gaming builds |
1. MSI Z790M POWER
Compact and Affordable DDR5 Micro-ATX Solution
The MSI Z790M POWER is a budget-friendly micro-ATX motherboard that brings DDR5 support and essential Z790 features to compact PC builds without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
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Micro-ATX Form Factor – Ideal for smaller cases while maintaining core Z790 functionality
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DDR5-7200+ (OC) Support – Entry-level DDR5 compatibility for future-proofing
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12+1+1 Phase VRM (75A Power Stages) – Handles mid-range CPUs like i5-13600K/i7-13700K at stock speeds
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Limited Expansion – 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 (GPU) + 1x PCIe 3.0 x1, 2x M.2 slots (PCIe 4.0 + PCIe 3.0)
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Basic Connectivity – 1G LAN, 4x SATA ports, and minimal USB 3.2 Gen1/Gen2 ports
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No Wi-Fi – Wired networking only (1G Ethernet)
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Simplified Design – Single 12V RGB header for basic lighting
Best For: Budget builders who need:
✅ DDR5 support in a small form factor
✅ Basic Z790 features at lowest cost
❌ Not ideal for high-end CPUs or extensive upgrades
2. MSI Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI DDR5
Mainstream ATX Gaming Board with Better Features
The Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI DDR5 offers significantly better expansion and connectivity while remaining affordable for gaming builds.
Key Features:
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Full ATX Size – More room for GPUs, storage, and upgrades
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DDR5-7600+ (OC) Support – Higher memory speeds than Z790M POWER
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14+1+1 Phase VRM (80A Power Stages) – Better power delivery for i7/i9 processors
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Enhanced Expansion – 3x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 5.0 + 2x PCIe 4.0), 6x SATA ports
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Superior Networking – 2.5G LAN + Wi-Fi 6E (vs. no Wi-Fi on Z790M POWER)
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Improved USB – More 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
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RGB Lighting – Mystic Light (1x ARGB header) for customization
Best For: Gamers who want:
✅ Better VRMs for overclocking
✅ Wi-Fi 6E and faster 2.5G Ethernet
✅ PCIe 5.0 M.2 for next-gen SSDs
❌ Larger ATX size (not for compact builds)
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
| Motherboard | Choose If You Need… | Avoid If You Need… |
|---|---|---|
| Z790M POWER | Cheapest DDR5 Z790 board, small mATX | Wi-Fi, lots of storage/expansion |
| Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI | Better gaming features, Wi-Fi 6E | A compact mATX build |
Upgrade Advice:
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For a budget SFF PC → Z790M POWER (save money, keep build small)
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For a gaming/streaming rig → Z790 GAMING PLUS WIFI (better Wi-Fi, storage, and power delivery)
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