MSI Introduces PRO Z890-S WIFI6E W and B860M Gaming Plus Motherboards

MSI revealed two new desktop motherboards built for Intel’s upcoming Core Ultra desktop processor platform. The new PRO Z890-S WIFI6E W and B860M GAMING PLUS WIFI6E expand MSI’s lineup of LGA1851 motherboards.

Both models support high-speed DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0 connectivity, and modern networking features designed for next-generation desktop PCs. Other Z890 boards are already appearing from vendors, including the Gigabyte Z890 AORUS Elite WiFi7 Plus.

The announcement comes as Intel prepares to release its next generation of Core Ultra desktop processors. Intel recently expanded the lineup with the Core Ultra 200S Plus processors, which target gaming and enthusiast desktop systems.

These chips are expected to use a hybrid architecture that combines performance cores with efficiency cores. Clock speeds are also expected to go beyond 5 GHz. The processors will run on the new LGA1851 socket and power systems built around Intel’s 800-series motherboards. Together, the platform aims to deliver stronger gaming performance, smoother multitasking, and better efficiency for modern desktop builds.

The PRO Z890-S WIFI6E W is aimed mainly at workstation systems, professional desktops, and productivity-focused builds. It uses the Intel Z890 chipset and supports Intel Core Ultra desktop processors through the LGA1851 socket. The motherboard also supports DDR5 memory with speeds exceeding 8000 MT/s when overclocked.

The board features four DIMM slots and supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory. The design uses a white PCB with black components suited for white-themed workstation builds.

It supports PCIe 5.0 expansion, which allows compatibility with next-generation graphics cards and ultra-fast NVMe SSD storage. Recent GPU designs include workstation-focused models like the ASUS ProArt RTX 5090 OC graphics card.

The motherboard also includes multiple M.2 slots, USB-C ports capable of up to 20Gbps transfer speeds, integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, and 2.5-gigabit Ethernet for fast and stable wired networking.

MSI also revealed the B860M GAMING PLUS WIFI6E alongside the Z890 model. The motherboard targets gamers building compact PCs but still wanting modern platform features. Based on Intel’s B860 chipset, it uses a Micro-ATX layout designed for smaller gaming systems.

Despite its compact Micro-ATX design, the B860M GAMING PLUS WIFI6E still supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 expansion. The board also includes multiple M.2 slots for fast NVMe SSD storage. MSI has added built-in wireless networking and high-speed LAN connectivity as well, helping maintain stable online gaming performance with low latency.

MSI also equips the board with a solid power delivery system designed to handle modern Intel processors. This helps maintain stable performance during gaming sessions or heavy multitasking. The Micro-ATX design allows builders to create powerful gaming systems inside smaller PC cases. Compact desktop systems built for modern processors are also appearing in products such as the ASUS NUC 16 Pro mini PC.

Both motherboards also include MSI’s EZ DIY design features, which aim to make building a PC easier. These improvements include tool-free M.2 SSD installation, a simplified Wi-Fi antenna setup, and improved PCIe release mechanisms for graphics cards. These features are designed to help both first-time builders and experienced enthusiasts assemble their systems more easily.

The new boards are built to support Intel’s upcoming Core Ultra desktop processors, which are expected to bring better performance, improved power efficiency, and stronger multitasking compared with previous desktop platforms. These chips will also mark Intel’s move to the new LGA1851 socket, replacing the long-running LGA1700 platform used by earlier Intel Core processors.

MSI has not announced official retail pricing for either motherboard. However, both models are expected to reach global retail markets as Intel prepares to launch its Core Ultra desktop processors and the broader Intel 800-series motherboard ecosystem.

PRO Z890-S WIFI6E W vs MSI B860M GAMING PLUS WIFI6E: Key Comparison

Source: MSI