MSI Z390-A PRO motherboard: LGA1151 socket, M.2 and DDR4 explained

The MSI Z390-A PRO is an ATX motherboard for Intel's LGA1151 socket, built on the Z390 chipset. It supports 8th and 9th Generation Intel Core processors and is the base of a desktop PC that can range from an office build to a mid-range gaming system. Here is what its listed features mean.

Socket and processor support

LGA1151 is the processor socket, and the Z390 chipset covers Intel's 8th and 9th Generation Core chips. MSI names the Core i9-9900K, i7-9700K and i5-9600K, as well as 8th Generation Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors. One point to keep in mind is that LGA1151 sockets from earlier generations are not interchangeable with this one, so a 6th or 7th Generation processor will not fit or work.

The listing mentions "Core Boost" and an 8+4 pin CPU power connector. Extra power connectors help feed high-core-count processors under load, and MSI says the extended PWM heatsink and enhanced circuit design let high-end processors run at full speed.

Memory

The board supports dual-channel DDR4 memory with speeds up to 4400 MHz (overclocked). Dual-channel means installing modules in matched pairs for more memory bandwidth. Rated speeds above the standard defaults require enabling the memory profile in the BIOS, and results vary by processor and modules. Check MSI's memory support list for tested kits.

Turbo M.2 storage

The Turbo M.2 slot uses a PCI Express Gen3 x4 interface, which MSI says maximises performance for NVMe SSDs. In general, NVMe drives on that connection are several times faster than SATA SSDs. Your slot may share bandwidth with SATA ports on some boards, so read the manual's port chart before filling every connector.

USB 3.1 Gen 2

MSI describes Turbo USB 3.1 Gen 2, powered by an Intel USB 3.1 Gen 2 controller. USB 3.1 Gen 2 is rated at up to 10 Gbps, which is useful for fast external drives. The listing doesn't state how many ports or what connector types the board has, so check the specifications.

Graphics and expansion

Steel-armoured PCI-E slots support 2-way AMD CrossFire multi-GPU setups. Steel armour reinforces the slot against the weight of heavy graphics cards. Video output ports (HDMI and DisplayPort) in the listing title let you use the processor's integrated graphics where the chip has them, so you can start without a separate graphics card. Note that CrossFire is AMD's technology and is no longer widely supported in newer games.

Networking

The listing title mentions dual Gigabit LAN, two network ports, which is handy for connecting to two networks or for sharing a connection.

Operating system

MSI lists support for Windows 10 64-bit. Check MSI's support page for other operating systems and drivers.

Who it suits

• Builders using an 8th or 9th Generation Intel processor.
• Upgraders refreshing an older LGA1151 system.
• Home and small-office PCs that need NVMe storage and fast USB.
• Workstation-style builds that value a second network port.

What to check before you buy

• Processor: confirm your chip is on MSI's CPU support list and which BIOS version it needs. Some boards need an update first.
• Case: this is a full ATX board (about 12.0 x 9.6 inches), so make sure your case takes ATX.
• Memory: choose DDR4 modules, not DDR3 or DDR5.
• Power supply: confirm it has the 8+4 pin CPU connectors.
• Cooler: check the LGA1151 mounting is supported.
• Storage: count the M.2 and SATA connectors you need.

The short version

• An ATX Z390 motherboard for 8th and 9th Generation Intel processors in the LGA1151 socket.
• Dual-channel DDR4 up to 4400 MHz (overclocked).
• Turbo M.2 Gen3 x4 for NVMe SSDs and Intel USB 3.1 Gen 2.
• Steel-armour PCI-E slots with 2-way AMD CrossFire support, and dual Gigabit LAN.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.