The Intel Z690 Motherboard Overview (DDR4): Over 30+ New Models
by Gavin Bonshor on November 24, 2021 2:00 PM ESTMSI Pro Z690-A WIFI & Z690-A (DDR4)
The MSI Pro series of motherboards represent a more modest pathway to the Z690 chipset, with a lower entry-level price, more modest features when compared to the MPG series, but on a similar level to its MAG gaming-focused series. Both the MSI Pro Z690-A WIFI DDR4 and the Pro Z690-A DDR4 share the same aesthetic and core feature set, which includes a primarily black color theme with a professional-looking silver strip going along the rear panel cover. As the Pro series is aimed at professional users and functionality over style, MSI hasn't included integrated RGB LED lighting. The only difference between both models is the WIFI model includes a networking CNVi, while the standard Z690-A does not.
Looking at PCIe support, both models include one full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, two full-length PCIe 3.0 slots but MSI hasn't shared the configuration, and a smaller PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. Storage options include three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, with one PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot and six SATA ports, which support RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 arrays. In the top right-hand corner of the board are four memory slots that are capable of supporting up to DDR5-6400, with a maximum combined capacity of 128 GB.
Most of the input and output on the Pro Z690-A WIFI DDR4 and Pro Z690-A DDR4 is the same including one Intel I225-V 2.5 GbE controller, and the WIFI model does include an Intel AX210 Wi-Fi 6E CNVi. The rest includes one USB 3.2 G2x2 Type-C, one USB 3.2 G2 Type-A, two USB 3.2 G1 Type-A, and four USB 2.0 ports. For integrated graphics, there's one HDMI 2.1 and one DisplayPort 1.4 video output pairing, while an unspecified HD audio codec controls six 3.5 mm audio jacks. Finishing off the rear panel is a PS/2 combo port for legacy peripherals and a small BIOS Flashback button.
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ikjadoon - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
Why on Earth are you replying to someone...that has nothing to do with you?Start your piss-poor rant in a new comment thread.
12345 - Sunday, November 28, 2021 - link
Not everyone can have their desktop right next to their modem/router/switch, or run ethernet through the house.ikjadoon - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
I think you're right. Seemingly a typo or a brand-new revision already,>Supports MU-MIMO TX/RX, 2.4GHz/ 5GHz (160MHz) up to 2.4Gbps
On page 5 English, https://download.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/M7D25v...
12345 - Sunday, November 28, 2021 - link
I thought WIFI 6E was integrated into the CPU and just needs a physical interface.GreenReaper - Sunday, December 26, 2021 - link
Since 6E is basically a different frequency, they may not feel they can promote it until it is authorized to use in the jurisdictions they are selling it.sseemaku - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
Considering DDR5 memory is out of stock everywhere, everyone who want to buy Alderlake cpu have to go with a ddr4 board.James5mith - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
"Seemingly more affordable" ?Numbers shouldn't be presented as vague or uncertain. Is the cost of a 32GB DIMM of DDR4 cheaper than 32GB of DDR5? Then it's more affordable.
TristanSDX - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
which mobos support AVX 512 ? tested it ?bug77 - Friday, November 26, 2021 - link
Asus, AsRock and Gigabyte support AVX-512 (at least until the next firmware update, waiting to see whether Intel has anything to say about this). MSI can't enable it. Idk about the others.TeddyBaeeer - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - link
Are the ASRock mini itx boards, ddr4 or ddr5, ever going to come out in the US? They're still not at newegg, microcenter, best buy, amazon, anywhere!