This new MSI motherboard is an excellent solution for fans of white builds on the latest generation of Intel Core Ultra processors. It features advanced technologies and modern interfaces. This MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi review explores its features, performance, and value for enthusiasts.
MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi Review
Unboxing
The MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi motherboard box has rich printing pleasantly pleasing to the eye upon receipt. They did it well, and the first signs immediately appear on the packaging. Otherwise, we have MSI’s recognizable style with a measured product description and a colorful model image. The manufacturer emphasizes technological innovations and support for modern devices.
The package became complete after the packaging: the accessories set did not fit in one photo. The user will find an installation guide, a set of Lucky stickers and decals, a new Wi-Fi antenna, two SATA cables, four M.2 drive mounting kits, a key for their installation, an always helpful MSI flash drive, a special MSI EZ Conn connector-splitter, and an EZ Front extender-expander for easier connection of the front panel of the case.
Design and Aesthetics
The MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi motherboard belongs to the MSI Performance Gaming (MPG) line and occupies a privileged position in the model range. The aesthetically pleasing design features silver and white colors with the company’s recognizable dragon and includes customizable ARGB backlighting. The manufacturer built it on a white textolite in the ATX format (244 x 305 mm).
The MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi features the current Intel Arrow Lake platform, with the LGA1851 socket supporting current processors and associated microcode updates. An array of VRM zones with a stylized radiator surrounds the processor socket, while several mirror inserts enhance the motherboard’s design.
The popularity of white components has increased over the past few years. However, attention to detail still needs to be worked out. In terms of appearance, the manufacturer has chosen a partially dark design; for example, some slots remain black. However, the back of the MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi is painted in a neutral gray color.
Connectivity and I/O Ports
The number of USB ports also increases from generation to generation! On the I/O interface panel of the MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi, you can find two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, one USB Type-C 10G port, four USB Type-A 10G and Type-A 5G ports, a single USB 2.0 port for compatibility with older equipment, an RJ-45 LAN network port based on the Intel Killer E5000B 5G, two audio jacks, one SPDIF, a vertical HDMI video output, and a couple of buttons – firmware update and reset.
The MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi motherboard has USB Type-C ports to connect the case’s front panel, which can charge and power devices up to 27W, and the more familiar USB 3.0. A new technology from MSI is a special EZ Conn connector, which simultaneously supports 3-pin ARGB 5V, 4-pin PWM, and USB 2.0 connectors. To use it, you need to use the appropriate adapter from the kit. This port supports new modern equipment, particularly MSI MPG EZ120 ARGB fans.
The lower right corner of the MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi motherboard is home to a breathtaking array of ports and connectors. Firstly, there is the main connector for connecting the front panel and the sound speaker, a port for the TPM module, a jumper for resetting the BIOS, connectors for the temperature sensor and ThunderBolt 5, a pair of connectors for fans and ARGB lighting, and two USB connectors. There is also a switch to turn off the lighting.
Memory and Power Design
The MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi motherboard features full-size DDR5 DIMM slots with metal reinforcement in the center and latches on the bottom. The latest update increases the supported RAM capacity to 256 GB and supports speeds of 4800–6400 MHz according to the JEDEC profile and up to 9200 MHz in overclocking mode.
The usual place for the CPU power ports is empty. More precisely, a 4-pin PWM connector takes its place, which makes it convenient to connect the rear case fan. Thoughtful. However, it was impossible to determine the purpose of the J1 contacts.
For Intel Core Ultra 9 processors, two 8-pin EPU power connectors have moved directly above the DDR5 DIMM slots. A 24-pin connector provides additional power for the motherboard.
The MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi motherboard features the usual EZ LED light indicators, allowing you to determine the stage of the POST where the failure occurs. However, the motherboard’s primary source of information will be a panel with postcodes or, as the manufacturer calls it, EZ Digi-Debug LED, which will further simplify debugging.
Audio & Storage
To the left is the Realtek ALC1220P audio codec under an aluminum cover, an audio panel, a pair of backlight and fan connectors, an additional 8-pin GPU connector for increased power supply to the PCI Express slots, and a PWRLED port for demonstrating the backlight.
The video card’s main slot received a proprietary metal reinforcement to withstand the weight of modern graphics accelerators.
The slot also features Lightning Gen 5 PCI-E technology, and a special button opens the latch, making it easy to remove the graphics card.
In total, the MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi supports five M.2 SSD slots:
- M.2_1 (CPU lines): interface 2280/2260 PCIe 5.0 x4
- M.2_2 (CPU lines): interface 2280/2260 PCIe 4.0 x4
- M.2_3 (Chipset lines): interface 2280/2260 PCIe 4.0 x4
- M.2_4 (Chipset lines): interface 22110/2280 PCIe 4.0 x4
- M.2_5 (Chipset lines): interface 22110/2280/2260 PCIe 4.0 x4 & SATA
Hidden under the heatsinks of the Intel Z890 chipset and solid-state drives are two blocks of two SATA connectors.
Cooling and Wireless
The EZ M.2 Shield Frozr technology has also received a second update! The central radiators for solid-state drives have a simple mount, and a side button allows for easy removal of the cooling.
It also features Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 wireless communication technologies.
MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi PCB
Motherboard without cooling system and decorative elements. Matte white PCB textolite with a slight silver tint. The printed circuit board has 8 layers.
The ports for connecting fans and pumps are marked in orange. They support devices with the following current:
- CPU_Fan: up to 2A (24W)
- PUMP_Fan: up to 3A (36W)
- SYS_Fan1~6: up to 1A (12W)
The connectors for ARGB and RGB lighting are marked in green.
The model’s power subsystem has 19 phases, which are implemented according to the formula “2×8+1+1+1,” where sixteen phases are allocated to the processor, one each to SA, VNNAON, and integrated graphics. MOSFETs MPS M87692 with a current of 90A for the processor and MP87661 for the secondary are used. VRM is controlled by the PWM controller Monolithic Power Systems MP29005-A. The total power on the CPU is 1440A.
The MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi motherboard has serious armor and a complex cooling system. The power elements receive radiators with a heat pipe.
Software
With the update of the line, MSI has finally redesigned the graphical interface of its motherboards. The developers tried to make the control and search for settings more convenient and the control panel more user-friendly.
The MSI Click BIOS X interface of the MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi motherboard has become darker. By default, a simplified page with the main characteristics opens.
The extended BIOS version is accessible by pressing the F7 key. There are more settings with Intel Core Ultra processors, but the manufacturer increased the interface usability and moved some options to separate tabs. Overall, I enjoyed understanding the new MSI firmware.
MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi review test
Test Configurations:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- Motherboard: MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi
- Cooling system: XPG Levante X 360 White
- RAM: Team Group T-Force Xtreem ARGB DDR5-7600 2×16
- Graphics card: Radeon RX 6400
- SSD: Team Group T-Force Cardea Z540 1TB
- Power Supply: XPG Core Reactor II 850W White
- Monitor: AOC U2790PQU
Before the main testing, we updated the BIOS of the MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi motherboard to the latest available version (2.A50).
In the first stage, the behavior of the memory subsystem is studied: the system automatically sets the JEDEC-5600 profile.
Next comes testing with the second XMP-6000 profile.
Switch to the main XMP profile with a frequency of 7600 MHz.
CineBench R24 synthetic test results.
The disk subsystem was tested mainly on the Team Group T-Force Cardea Z540, which has a capacity of 1 TB and a PCIe 5.0 bus. It is installed in the first slot of the motherboard with processor lines. The indicators are slightly better than those of the previously tested Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Pro Ice model.
The VRM power section warmed up to 53°C without additional airflow, which is an excellent result. The chipset is up to 54°C, and the M.2 PCIe 5.0 x5 drive is up to 73°C.
Final Line
After this MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi review, we can safely say that the new generation of Intel Core Ultra is controversial only because it took one step forward and one step back: the IPC gain from the Arrow Lake architecture was offset by the rejection of multithreading. The processors have become faster and more energy efficient in some places but not in others. This generation reflected all this, although the products, particularly the motherboards, were flawless.
For example, the MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi motherboard looks like a noticeable step forward: an updated BIOS graphical interface, new binding of elements, the introduction of convenient and valuable technologies, such as a button for mechanically releasing the video card from the PCIe 5.0 x16 slot or the EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II latch, expanded functionality and a large number of USB ports. And as we can see, the list of snow-white components has been replenished quantitatively and qualitatively.
We cannot identify any significant shortcomings without discussing the disadvantages of the MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi motherboard. In general, there is nothing to find fault with. I would only like to leave out the entire pricing policy of the Intel Arrow Lake family. It costs $369.99 / £389 on Amazon.
Also see: MSI MAG CoreLiquid E240 Review
To sum up, the MSI MPG Z890 Edge Ti WiFi motherboard turned out to be an excellent product standard that we have wanted to see for a long time: stunning design, user-friendly interface, variety of connectors, and up-to-date innovations.
