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MSI Z690-A PRO DDR4

Motherboard • MSI • $ 92.44

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Overview

Power Your Intel Build with the MSI Z690-A PRO DDR4

The MSI Z690-A PRO DDR4 is a feature-rich ATX motherboard designed for Intel 12th and 13th Gen processors (LGA 1700). It strikes an ideal balance between performance, connectivity, and value, making it a top choice for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts who want to maximize their DDR4 memory investment while enjoying the latest platform features.

Key Features

Intel Z690 Chipset: Unlocks full overclocking support for both CPU and memory, with PCIe 4.0 and multiple M.2 slots for high-speed storage.
DDR4 Memory Support: Four DIMM slots support up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM, with overclocking speeds up to 5200 MHz. This allows you to use cost-effective DDR4 memory without sacrificing performance.
Extensive Storage Options: Four M.2 slots (three Gen4 x4, one Gen3 x4) and six SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0/1/5/10 support provide ample room for fast NVMe SSDs and traditional drives.
High-Speed Networking: Realtek 2.5G LAN ensures low-latency online gaming and fast file transfers.
Robust Power Design: A 14+2 phase digital VRM with extended heatsinks ensures stable power delivery for demanding workloads, even with high-end CPUs.
Convenient Connectivity: Rear I/O includes USB-C 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gbps), USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, and a BIOS Flashback button for easy updates.

Performance and Use Cases

Whether you're building a high-refresh-rate gaming rig, a workstation for video editing, or a general-purpose productivity PC, the MSI Z690-A PRO DDR4 delivers. Its PCIe 4.0 x16 slot supports the latest graphics cards, while the multiple M.2 slots allow for blazing-fast boot drives and game libraries. The board's support for both 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors (with a BIOS update) makes it a versatile foundation for future upgrades.

Why Choose the MSI Z690-A PRO DDR4?

This motherboard is perfect for users who want the performance of Intel's latest architecture without the premium cost of DDR5 memory. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including robust overclocking capabilities, extensive storage options, and reliable networking, all in a clean and professional design. With its solid build quality and MSI's trusted reputation, the Z690-A PRO DDR4 is a smart investment for any serious builder.

Key Specifications

Form Factor: ATX

Socket: LGA 1700

RAM Type: DDR4 (dual-channel, up to 5200 MHz OC)

Max. RAM: 128GB

RAM Slots: 4

Chipset: Intel Z690

Connectivity

1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (CPU),, 1x PCIe 3.0 x16 (Chipset),, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1,, 4x M.2 slots (3x Gen4 x4, 1x Gen3 x4),, 6x SATA 6Gb/s, RAID 0/1/5/10,, 1x Realtek 2.5G LAN,, 7.1-Channel HD Audio (Realtek ALC897)

Back Panel IO

1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort,, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen2x2 (20Gbps),, 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A,, 4x USB 2.0,, 1x RJ45 LAN,, 3x Audio jacks,, 1x BIOS Flashback button

Onboard USB Headers: 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C header, 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (4 ports), 2x USB 2.0 headers (4 ports), 1x SPI TPM header

Detailed Parameters

Platform:: Intel
Socket:: LGA 1700
RAM Type:: DDR4
Number of RAM Slots:: 4
Maximum RAM/slot:: 32
Maximum RAM Capacity in GB:: 128
PCI Express Version:: 4
Form Factor:: ATX
Maximum RAM Speed in MHz:: 5200

Where to Buy

Amazon

Pros

Supports both 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors
Four M.2 slots for extensive NVMe storage
DDR4 memory support saves cost while maintaining performance
2.5G LAN for fast and stable network connectivity
BIOS Flashback button for easy firmware updates

Cons

Only one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (second x16 is PCIe 3.0)
Audio codec is basic (Realtek ALC897)
No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the MSI Z690-A PRO DDR4 support Intel 13th Gen processors?

Yes, with a BIOS update, the MSI Z690-A PRO DDR4 supports Intel 13th Gen (Raptor Lake) processors. It is also compatible with 12th Gen (Alder Lake) CPUs out of the box.

Can I use DDR5 RAM on this motherboard?

No, the MSI Z690-A PRO DDR4 is designed specifically for DDR4 memory. It has DDR4 DIMM slots and does not support DDR5 modules.

How many M.2 slots does the MSI Z690-A PRO DDR4 have?

It has four M.2 slots: three support PCIe Gen4 x4 and one supports PCIe Gen3 x4. All support both NVMe and SATA SSDs, though some slots may share bandwidth with SATA ports.

Does the MSI Z690-A PRO DDR4 have Wi-Fi?

No, this model does not include built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. However, it has a 2.5G LAN port for wired networking, and you can add a Wi-Fi card via the PCIe slots or M.2 Wi-Fi slot if needed.