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MSI MPG Z390 Gaming PRO Carbon Motherboard: features, specs and fit
An ATX LGA1151 gaming motherboard for Intel 8th and 9th Gen Core processors, with dual-channel DDR4, two Turbo M.2 slots and Mystic Light RGB.
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The MSI MPG Z390 Gaming PRO Carbon is an ATX motherboard built around Intel's Z390 chipset and the LGA1151 socket. It is made for Intel 8th and 9th generation Core processors, and it is aimed at gaming PCs where storage speed, lighting and room for expansion matter. Because it is an older platform, compatibility is the main thing to confirm.
Processor support
MSI lists support for 9th generation processors such as the Core i9-9900K, i7-9700K and i5-9600K, plus 8th generation Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors for the LGA1151 socket. Z390 is an enthusiast chipset, which typically means it allows overclocking on unlocked ("K") processors. The LGA1151 socket for these generations is not compatible with the earlier 6th and 7th generation chips, and it is not the same as newer Intel sockets. Some boards need a BIOS update to recognise a newer processor, so check MSI's support page for your chip.
Memory
The board supports dual-channel DDR4 memory, with speeds listed up to 4400MHz when overclocked. Dual channel means installing modules in matched pairs so the processor can read from two memory channels at once, which typically improves bandwidth. Check MSI's memory compatibility list for the exact kits it has validated.
Storage and connections
Two Turbo M.2 slots take fast NVMe solid-state drives, and an M.2 Shield Frozr heatsink is listed to help manage drive heat. The board is Intel Optane Memory ready and has Turbo USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports. The listing mentions HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs, which work with processors that have integrated graphics. A pre-installed I/O shield is already attached to the back plate, so there is no loose panel to fit.
Audio and lighting
Audio Boost 4 with Nahimic 3 is MSI's audio feature set, aimed at clearer game sound and headphone output. Mystic Light controls RGB lighting, with 16.8 million colours and 29 effects. The board has headers for RGB or addressable "rainbow" LED strips, and it can sync with other Mystic Light-enabled products.
Multi-GPU and size
As a full ATX board it is ready for multi-GPU setups, with SLI and CrossFire support listed in the title. It measures about 12.0 x 9.6 inches, weighs 3.3 lb (about 1.5 kg), and MSI lists Windows 10 64-bit as the supported operating system.
Who it suits
It suits builders upgrading or repairing an LGA1151 system, anyone who already owns a compatible 8th or 9th generation processor, and builders who want two M.2 slots and RGB control on a single board.
What to check before you buy
- Processor: confirm your exact model is on MSI's support list, and whether it needs a BIOS update.
- Case: an ATX board needs an ATX-compatible case.
- Memory: check DDR4 kit compatibility.
- Storage: confirm the M.2 slot types and lengths your drives need.
- Cooler: check that your cooler supports the LGA1151 socket.
- Operating system: the listing names Windows 10 64-bit; check driver support if you plan to use a different version.
The short version
- An ATX LGA1151 motherboard using Intel's Z390 chipset, built for 8th and 9th generation Core processors.
- Dual-channel DDR4 memory, listed up to 4400MHz overclocked.
- Two Turbo M.2 slots with M.2 Shield Frozr, Optane Memory ready, and Turbo USB 3.1 Gen 2.
- Audio Boost 4 with Nahimic 3 and Mystic Light RGB with 29 effects.
- Needs a compatible processor, DDR4 memory and an ATX case.
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