MSI MPG Z690 CARBON WIFIÂ Overview
Streamline overclocking performance and connectivity with the MPG Z690 CARBON WIFI LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard from MSI. Featuring an LGA 1700 socket and Z690 chipset, this motherboard is compatible with Intel 12th Gen Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors. Install up to 128GB of dual-channel RAM across four DDR5 memory slots, with speeds up to 6666 MHz supported via overclocking. Five M.2 and six SATA III connectors accommodate storage drives, while two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot can be used to install various adapter cards. This board also supports AMD CrossFireX for boosted multi-GPU performance.
Connect accessories via a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port or via five USB 3.2 Gen 2 and four USB 2.0 Type-A ports on the rear I/O panel. Pair to wireless peripherals via Bluetooth 5.2 or go online with Wi-Fi 6E. An RJ45 port is also present, supporting wired 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connections. Connect to monitors via the DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 outputs. Internal headers provide connections for liquid or air cooling, dual CPU power, a TPM module, chassis intrusion alarm, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port on the front panel, and more. Relying on the Realtek ALC4080 Audio Codec, the MSI MPG Z690 CARBON WIFI supports 8-channel audio, sample rates up to 32-bit/384 kHz, and digital audio output.
LGA 1700 Socket
Utilizing the LGA 1700 socket and Z690 chipset, this motherboard is compatible with 12th Gen Intel Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors.
Extended PWM Heatsink
MSI’s extended PWM heatsink with 7W/mK thermal padding ensures even power-hungry processors run at full speed. Plus, a heavy plated MOS heatsink, heat pipe, enlarged chipset heatsink, single- and double-sided M.2 FROZRs, and extra choke thermal pads ensure your board stays cool under heavy loads.
M.2 Shield FROZR
Featuring an integrated design, this heatsink ensures your M.2 drive isn’t hampered by throttling due to high temperatures.
MSI AI Engine
Detect CPU and GPU temperatures and automatically adjust the system fans via MSI AI ENGINE. Take advantage of performance, silent, and manual modes for tailored operation.
Fully Controllable in BIOS and Software
MSI motherboards let you manage speeds and temperatures for all your system and CPU fans. Total Fan Control allows you check your primary system characteristics in a simplified graphical interface. You can also set up to 4 temperature targets for CPU and motherboard, with automatic adjustment of fan speeds.
Easy DIY Cooling
Connect and sync with a range of cooling components and cases thanks to strategically positioned header locations.
18+1+1 Rail Power Design
Utilizing a VRM design built with a total of 18 digital CPU power phases, this motherboard also features two 8-pin power connectors and Core Boost technology for heavy workloads.
Core Boost
Core Boost technology combines a streamlined layout with an optimized power design, allowing for faster and undistorted current delivery to the CPU for precise multi-core computing and overclocking.
Load Line Calibration
Load line calibration ensures CPU voltage remains stable under any load.
Overvoltage Protection
Overvoltage protection prevents potential short-circuit damage to the CPU and other critical components.
Digital Power Design
A fully digital power design allows for faster and undistorted current delivery to the CPU for precision and easy overclocking.
Dual Power Connectors
Two 8-pin connectors deliver adequate power, even for an overclocked multi-core CPU.
Game Boost
MSI Game Boost enables one-second overclocking, boosting performance so you can achieve more frames per second.
EZ M.2 Clip
Install an M.2 SSD quickly and effortlessly using the EZ M.2 clips.
Keep Out Zone
MSI motherboard circuitry ensures the case standoff keep out zones are clear of contacts, preventing shorts or damage to the motherboard. Plus, an avoid-collision notification is printed in protective paint around each screw hole to prevent parts from being scratched.
Preinstalled I/O Shield
The preinstalled I/O shield makes your installation process easy and safe. The design also prevents electrostatic discharge damage for a stronger gaming platform.
XL Clip
The enlarged PCIe clip helps you swap or remove your devices with ease while also keeping the PCIe slot stronger and safer.
EZ Debug LED
Onboard LEDs for key components will indicate the source of the problem so you know exactly where to look to get your machine up and running again.
EZ LED Control
This built-in LED button on the motherboard controls your lighting effect, allowing you to turn motherboard lighting on or off in a second.
PCB Design
The PCB design is optimized for higher bandwidth and faster transfer speeds, as well as reliable circuit transmission. Utilizing a six-layer PCB, this motherboard sports server-grade materials and two ounces of thickened copper.
PCIe Steel Armor
MSI PCIe Steel Armor slots are secured to the motherboard with extra solder points. In addition to supporting the weight of heavy graphics cards, these slots are also intended to shield the points of contact from electromagnetic interference.
Double ESD Protection
Double ESD protection increases the grounding layer around the mounting holes, preventing static discharge surges from damaging the motherboard.
Compatibility
In addition to being compatible with 12th Gen Intel processors, this motherboard is Windows 10 and 11 certified. Furthermore, this motherboard has been tested to work with a wide range of memory modules from manufacturers such as Corsair, Crucial, Kingston, G.Skill, and more.
DDR5 Memory
Ramp up performance with DDR5 memory and support for speeds up to 6666 MHz when overclocking.
SMT DDR5 Slot
The SMT welding process reduces the defect rate of slot solder joints, electromagnetism, and interference for a clean high-frequency DDR5 signal.
Easy Memory Overclocking
XMP memory profile support enables improved performance and efficiency for the Z690 chipset. Plus, use the MSI BIOS to access auto power settings and boost speed and stability.
PCIe 5.0
Get speeds up to 128 GB/s with the PCIe 5.0 x16 interface, which doubles the speed of the previous generation.
SMT PCIe 5.0 Slot
A Surface Mount Technology (SMT) PCIe 5.0 slot diminishes interference and electrical noise, while also fully supporting the higher bandwidth and faster transfer speeds of PCIe 5.0 signal.
Speed Up Storage
MSI PRO series motherboards support a range of storage standards, allowing you to connect any storage device for improved efficiency and unfettered productivity.
Intel Optane Support
PC Enthusiasts can now enjoy the performance of an SSD on their HDD by coupling it with an Intel Optane Memory device, available separately. Optane technology provides a combination of high throughput, low latency, quality of service, and optimized endurance.
MSI Center
MSI Center unifies a suite of MSI software utilities into a single centralized application. Take control of advanced motherboard features that include true color, live update, user scenario, hardware monitoring, profile setting, fan center, Mystic Light, and system diagnosis functionalities.
Click BIOS 5
Fine-tune your motherboard for gaming performance, efficiency, or overclocking in EZ or Advanced mode. Use the Creator Genie to overclock your CPU with the press of a button; employ XMP profiles or the Memory Try It feature to speed up compatible memory modules. Furthermore, M-FLASH conveniently flashes or upgrades the BIOS in a few minutes from the CMOS Setup Utility, and hardware monitoring lets you check on temperature, memory capacity, clock speed, and voltage. Finally, a permanent search and favorite option in the top right corner moves you through the BIOS menus quickly.
Re-Size BAR
Re-Size BAR is an advanced PCIe feature that enables the CPU to access the entire GPU frame buffer at once and improve performance.
2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
Get fast internet connectivity via an RJ45 port supporting 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet.
Wi-Fi 6E
Wi-Fi 6E supports the 6 GHz spectrum and offers two-way MU-MIMO and BSS color technology for up to four times the network capacity and efficiency of older Wi-Fi 5 standards.
Optimized for Lower Latency
MSI LAN Manager automatically classifies and prioritizes latency-sensitive applications, giving you the best online experience with low latency. Change an application’s traffic priority or customize the bandwidth for each application.
Hi-Res Audio Ready
Designed to tackle hi-res audio needs, this motherboard features the Realtek ALC4080 codec and supports up to 32-bit/192 kHz and 32-bit/384 kHz for uncompromised fidelity.
Analog and Digital Audio Outputs
Connect analog audio equipment via five 3.5mm jacks on the I/O panel, or use the digital S/PDIF output to connect digital audio equipment like a stand-alone DAC.
Onboard Headphone Amplifier
The integrated headphone amplifier can drive headphones with impedances of up to 600 ohms.
Isolated Audio Design
Like a dedicated sound card, audio components and circuits have been laid on a reserved motherboard section and electrically isolated.
Separate Audio Layers
Using separated layers in the PCB ensures accurate sound quality for both left and right audio channels.
De-Pop Protection
Audio Boost technology protects your ears by eliminating annoying loud popping sounds when you plug in or unplug devices or turn your computer on or off.
Maximize USB Performance
Use the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port on the rear I/O panel to take advantage of transfer speeds up to 20 Gb/s.
Front-Panel USB Type-C Port
Use the internal header to connect a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port on the front panel.
MSI Mystic Light
Splash on some color and vibrant RGB lighting effects using MSI Mystic Light. With 16.8 million colors and a plethora of LED effects, MSI Mystic Light provides complete control over your RGB lighting via a single program.
Extend RGB with Ease
The Mystic Light Extension pin header provides an intuitive way to control RGB strips and other RGB peripherals added to a system without needing a separate RGB controller. Wireless RGB devices are also controllable via MSI Center. Ambient Link synchronizes MSI Mystic Light and compatible lighting accessories with on-screen action for an immersive gaming experience.
USB 3.2 Gen 2
Doubling the speed of its predecessor, USB 3.2 Gen 2 features a maximum throughput of 10 Gb/s when used with compatible devices and is synonymous with USB 3.1 Gen 2.
