EXPERT FEATURES

• Intel LGA1700 Platform : Supports Intel Core 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors, plus compatible Pentium Gold and Celeron CPUs, giving builders a broad upgrade path on the Z690 platform.
• DDR4 Performance Without DDR5 Tax : Four DDR4 DIMM slots support up to 128GB in dual-channel mode, with JEDEC speeds up to 3200MHz and overclocked speeds reaching 5333+MHz in a compatible 1DPC 1R configuration.
• PCIe 5.0 Graphics Slot : The primary CPU-connected PCIe x16 slot supports PCIe 5.0 x16 bandwidth and includes Steel Armor reinforcement to reduce graphics-card bending and electromagnetic interference.
• Dual PCIe 4.0 M.2 Storage : Two M-Key M.2 slots support PCIe 4.0 x4 SSDs, while the second slot additionally supports SATA M.2 drives and Intel Optane Memory.
• Four SATA 6Gbps Ports : Connect traditional 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch hard drives through four SATA ports, with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 support for SATA storage devices.
• Lightning USB-C 20Gbps : The rear USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port delivers transfer speeds up to 20Gbps, backed by additional rear and internal USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 connectivity.
• Realtek 2.5GbE Networking : The RTL8125BG controller provides wired networking at up to 2.5Gbps for faster local transfers, streaming, professional workloads, and low-latency gaming.
• Optional Wi-Fi Expansion : Includes an M.2 E-Key slot for a compatible Intel Wireless-AX CNVi or PCIe Wi-Fi module; wireless hardware is not integrated with the motherboard.
• Core Boost Power Design : An 8-pin plus 4-pin CPU power arrangement, digital PWM control, and optimized power layout help deliver stable power to compatible multi-core processors.
• Extended Thermal Solution : An enlarged VRM heatsink, 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads, M.2 Shield Frozr, and dedicated pump control are engineered for sustained performance without thermal drama.
• Six-Layer Copper PCB : Uses a six-layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper and server-grade material to strengthen signal integrity, durability, and electrical stability.
• Integrated Display Connectivity : HDMI 1.4b supports up to 4K at 30Hz, while DisplayPort 1.4 supports up to 4K at 60Hz when a processor with integrated graphics is installed.
• 7.1-Channel Audio : Realtek ALC897 audio provides 7.1-channel high-definition sound and optical S/PDIF output for compatible speakers, receivers, and audio equipment.
• Builder-Friendly Fan And Lighting Headers : Provides one CPU-fan header, one pump header, four system-fan headers, one 12V RGB connector, one 5V addressable RAINBOW connector, and EZ Debug LEDs.
• ATX Expansion Flexibility : Includes two physical PCIe x16 slots, three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, TPM and Thunderbolt add-in-card headers, and AMD CrossFire support for compatible configurations.

EXPERT SPECS

The specifications below follow MSI’s detailed official specification page; maximum memory overclocking speed varies according to DIMM count, rank, CPU memory controller, and installed memory kit.