MSI Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi 6E: DDR5-9200 and 5GbE for LGA1851
MSI is expanding its Z890 lineup with the introduction of the Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi 6E. This ATX motherboard is designed for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors on the LGA1851 socket, combining high-speed PCIe 5.0 and DDR5-9200 support with a more selective approach to wireless and USB standards.
High-Speed Memory and Power Delivery
A standout feature of this board is its support for overclocked DDR5 memory reaching speeds up to 9200 MT/s. According to MSI, these frequencies are achievable in a single-DIMM-per-channel configuration using single-rank modules. The board also supports Intel XMP 3.0 and CUDIMMs, aligning with the industry trend toward high-frequency modules equipped with their own clock drivers.
The power delivery system utilizes a 14+1+1+1 phase design with 55-A DrMOS components, supported by two 8-pin CPU power connectors. While this is more modest than the 20+ phase designs found on enthusiast-grade Z890 boards, it should be sufficient for the Core Ultra series. The VRMs are paired with enlarged heatsinks using 7 W/mK thermal pads, and the board itself features a six-layer PCB.
Storage and Networking Trade-offs
For storage, the board provides a robust selection: the primary graphics slot operates on PCI Express 5.0 x16, and one M.2 slot supports PCIe 5.0 x4. The remaining three M.2 slots are limited to PCIe 4.0 x4, alongside four SATA-6Gb/s ports.
The networking configuration is particularly noteworthy. Rather than sticking to the common 2.5GbE standard, MSI has opted for the Intel Killer E5000B, providing 5GbE connectivity. This offers a practical middle ground for users with NAS setups or those requiring faster local file transfers without the premium cost of 10GbE solutions.
However, there are visible compromises in other areas. Instead of the latest Wi-Fi 7, the board features Wi-Fi 6E (up to 2.4 Gbps) and Bluetooth 5.3. Additionally, there is no integrated Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 support; instead, users get a single 20 Gbps USB-C port among other standard USB ports. This positioning suggests that the Z890 Gaming Plus WiFi 6E is intended as a high-performance gaming board that prioritizes memory and LAN speeds over high-end multimedia and connectivity features.
The board launched in Japan on October 2, 2026, with a retail price of 45,980 yen (including tax).
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