MSI X870E Gaming Plus Wi-Fi

Manufacturer: MSI

The MSI X870E Gaming Plus Wi-Fi is a feature-rich ATX motherboard designed to support high-performance gaming and computing. It offers Wi-Fi 7 for fast wireless connectivity and includes a range of expansion slots, including PCIe 5.0 x16, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a future-proof motherboard.

This motherboard is compatible with AM5 CPUs and supports up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM running at speeds up to 5600 MHz, with overclocking capabilities up to 8200 MHz. It also offers a range of connectivity options, including USB 4 40Gbps, Thunderbolt 4, and HDMI 2.1, along with robust RAID support and dual BIOS functionality for added reliability.

Pros

Supports multiple Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 7 for advanced wireless connectivity.
Offers 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, providing high-performance expansion options.
Includes RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0) support for flexible and reliable storage configurations.
Equipped with RGB lighting, allowing for customizable aesthetics.
Features dual BIOS for enhanced system stability and recovery.

Cons

Lacks support for S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output.
Does not include mSATA or U.2 sockets for certain storage configurations.
No support for ECC memory, limiting error-correction capabilities.

Who is this for?

The MSI X870E Gaming Plus Wi-Fi motherboard is ideal for users looking to build a high-performance gaming or content creation PC. With support for the latest Wi-Fi 7, PCIe 5.0, and RAID 10 (1+0), it excels in providing fast connectivity, expansion, and reliable storage options for power users. It is well-suited for those who need multiple expansion slots, including high-speed PCIe 5.0 x16 for graphics cards, and a solid dual BIOS system for enhanced stability and recovery during overclocking or system upgrades.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be the best choice for users who require high memory error correction capabilities, as it does not support ECC memory. It is also not ideal for users needing extensive legacy port support, as it lacks S/PDIF Out, mSATA, and U.2 sockets. Additionally, those who prioritize minimalistic builds may find the ATX form factor and RGB lighting unnecessary, adding bulk and complexity to their system.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	X870
form factor	ATX
release date	December 2024
supports Wi-Fi	✓
Wi-Fi version	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Has Bluetooth	✓
Bluetooth version	5.4
HDMI version	HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock	✓
has RGB lighting	✓
Easy to reset BIOS	✓
Has dual BIOS	✓
has aptX	✕
CPU sockets	1
Has integrated graphics	✕
warranty period	3 years
height	243.84 mm
width	304.8 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The MSI X870E Gaming Plus Wi-Fi motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and is compatible with the X870 chipset, making it suitable for high-performance processors. It has a standard ATX form factor and includes support for Wi-Fi 7, along with built-in Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity. This model also includes RGB lighting for customization, dual BIOS for added system reliability, and an HDMI 2.1 output for high-quality video. Additionally, it offers easy overclocking and a 3-year warranty period.

Memory:

maximum memory amount	256GB
RAM speed (max)	5600 MHz
overclocked RAM speed	8200 MHz
memory slots	4
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
Supports ECC memory	✕

The MSI X870E Gaming Plus Wi-Fi motherboard supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory across four memory slots, offering robust performance for demanding applications. It operates with a maximum RAM speed of 5600 MHz, and can be overclocked to an impressive 8200 MHz. With dual memory channels, it ensures efficient data transfer, although it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A)	2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A)	2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 2.0 ports	4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports	1
USB 4 40Gbps ports	1
USB 4 20Gbps ports	0
Thunderbolt 4 ports	1
Thunderbolt 3 ports	0
has an HDMI output	✓
DisplayPort outputs	0
RJ45 ports	1
Has USB Type-C	✓
eSATA ports	0
DVI outputs	0
has a VGA connector	✕
PS/2 ports	0

The MSI X870E Gaming Plus Wi-Fi motherboard offers a variety of connectivity options, including USB 4 40Gbps ports and a Thunderbolt 4 port, providing fast data transfer speeds. It features multiple USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and traditional USB 2.0 ports, along with a HDMI output for video. Additionally, it supports a USB Type-C connector and includes an RJ45 port for network connectivity, while lacking DisplayPort, VGA, and PS/2 ports.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion)	4
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion)	1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion)	6
SATA 3 connectors	4
fan headers	8
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion)	4
M.2 sockets	3
Has TPM connector	✓
U.2 sockets	0
Has mSATA connector	✕
SATA 2 connectors	0

The MSI X870E Gaming Plus Wi-Fi motherboard offers extensive connectivity options with 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 3 M.2 sockets, and 8 fan headers to support various expansion needs. It includes USB 3.0 ports and USB 2.0 ports for additional peripherals, along with SATA 3 connectors for storage devices. Additionally, the motherboard features a TPM connector for enhanced security, while lacking mSATA and U.2 sockets.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots	1
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots	1
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe x1 slots	2
PCI slots	0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe x4 slots	0
PCIe x8 slots	0

The MSI X870E Gaming Plus Wi-Fi motherboard is equipped with 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, offering flexible expansion options for high-performance graphics cards and other devices. Additionally, it provides 2 PCIe x1 slots for additional smaller expansion cards, while lacking PCIe 3.0 x16, PCIe x4, PCIe x8, and PCIe 2.0 x16 slots.

Audio:

audio channels	7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port	✕
audio connectors	3

The MSI X870E Gaming Plus Wi-Fi motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels, providing immersive sound quality for gaming and multimedia. It includes 3 audio connectors for various audio devices, although it does not have an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output.

Storage:

Supports RAID 1	✓
Supports RAID 10 (1+0)	✓
Supports RAID 5	✓
Supports RAID 0	✓
Supports RAID 0+1	✕

The MSI X870E Gaming Plus Wi-Fi motherboard offers versatile storage options with support for multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0) for data redundancy and performance. It also supports RAID 0 for speed, but it does not support RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The MSI X870E Gaming Plus Wi-Fi motherboard is a robust option for enthusiasts seeking a powerful foundation for a gaming or high-performance PC. With standout features like Wi-Fi 7 support, PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, and RAID 10 (1+0), it offers ample connectivity, expansion, and storage reliability. While lacking support for ECC memory and certain legacy ports, it excels in modern, high-speed capabilities, making it ideal for users looking for flexibility in their builds. Overall, this motherboard is a solid choice for users focused on cutting-edge technology and reliable performance.