MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus vs MSI Z490-A Pro

Last Updated & Fact Checked:  March 25, 2026

Are you trying to decide between the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus and the MSI Z490-A Pro?

Product Versus will provide you with all the product details so you can quickly compare the facts to find which product is right for you – the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus or the MSI Z490-A Pro – and find out exactly what the differences are.

Both the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus and the MSI Z490-A Pro are quality products, so read on to find out which one is best for your needs!

MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus quick facts

MSI Z490-A Pro quick facts

MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus product details

Bestseller No. 2
MSI MPG Gaming Edge Intel Z490 LGA 1200 ATX DDR4-SDRAM Motherboard
  • Powerful Gaming Platform: Supports 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1200 socket, ensuring smooth gameplay and efficient multitasking
  • Updated BIOS: Compatible with 11th Gen Intel Core processors for seamless integration with the latest hardware
  • Enhanced GPU Performance: Supports AMD 2-Way CrossFire Technology for improved graphics processing
  • High-Speed Connectivity: Features 1x Realtek RTL8125B 2.5G LAN for lightning-fast network speeds
  • Versatile Expansion: Offers 4 PCI-E x16 slots and 2 PCI-E x1 slots for extensive hardware support

MSI Z490-A Pro product details

Bestseller No. 1
MSI MPG Gaming Edge Intel Z490 LGA 1200 ATX DDR4-SDRAM Motherboard
  • Powerful Gaming Platform: Supports 10th and 11th Gen Intel Core processors for LGA 1200 socket, ensuring smooth gameplay and efficient multitasking
  • Updated BIOS: Compatible with 11th Gen Intel Core processors for seamless integration with the latest hardware
  • Enhanced GPU Performance: Supports AMD 2-Way CrossFire Technology for improved graphics processing
  • High-Speed Connectivity: Features 1x Realtek RTL8125B 2.5G LAN for lightning-fast network speeds
  • Versatile Expansion: Offers 4 PCI-E x16 slots and 2 PCI-E x1 slots for extensive hardware support
Bestseller No. 2
Motherboard Fit for MSI LGA 1200 Z490-A PRO Motherboard 128GB Intel Z490 PCI-E 3.0 Desktop Mainboard M.2 Dual Channel DDR4 4000MHz Memory
  • Comprehensive connectivity: Unleash your gaming potential, the motherboard features upgraded power settings, high-level storage standards, and excellent connectivity, allowing you to optimize performance
  • Powerful power transmission: The proprietary wiring layout allows the memory kit to operate at higher frequencies and lower voltages, thereby maximizing system performance.
  • DIY friendly design: equipped with multiple temperature sensors and supporting intelligent fan control technology
  • Q-Flash Plus: Easily upgrade BIOS without installing CPU, RAM, or GPU
  • Network optimization: Integrated with 2.5G or 10G network cards, some motherboards are equipped with network optimization software, which can intelligently allocate bandwidth and reduce game latency.
Bestseller No. 3
MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi ProSeries Motherboard (Supports 12th/13th/14th Gen Intel Processors, LGA 1700, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, M.2, 2.5Gbps LAN, USB 3.2 Gen2, HDMI/DP, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, ATX) (Renewed)
  • Supports Latest Processors: Compatible with 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors, ensuring future-proof performance
  • DDR5 Memory Ready: Equipped with four DDR5 memory slots, supporting up to 128GB for enhanced multitasking and data-intensive applications
  • PCIe 5.0 Support: Experience blazing-fast data transfer rates with the latest PCIe 5.0 interface
  • Advanced Connectivity: Features 2.5Gbps LAN, USB 3.2 Gen2, HDMI, and DisplayPort for seamless connectivity
  • Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth 5.3: Enjoy high-speed wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring smooth streaming and low-latency gaming

New products & alternatives to the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus and the MSI Z490-A Pro

New
MSI PRO H810I WiFi Motherboard, ITX - Supports Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2), LGA 1851 - DDR5 Memory Boost (6400 MT/s MAX), PCIe 5.0 x16, M.2 Gen4, 2.5G LAN
  • ULTRA POWER - SUPPORTS THE LATEST INTEL CORE ULTRA PROCESSORS (Series 2) IN HIGH PERFORMANCE - The PRO H810I WIFI employs a Direct 6 Phase (55A DrMOS) VRM for the Intel H810 chipset with Core Boost architecture
  • FROZR GUARD - Excellent cooling features such as 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads, an Extended Heatsink, a chipset heatsink, and an M.2 Shield Frozr
  • DDR5 MEMORY, PCIe 5.0 x16 SLOT - 2 x DDR5 DIMM SMT slots enable extreme memory overclocking speeds (1DPC 1R, 6400 MT/s MAX); 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 SMT slot (128GB/s) with Steel Armor supports cutting-edge graphics cards
  • GEN4 M.2 CONNECTOR - Storage options include 1 x M.2 Gen4 x4 64Gbps slot
  • HIGH-SPEED CONNECTIVITY - Network hardware includes a 2.5Gbps LAN; Rear ports include USB 20Gbps Type-C with display output and 7.1 HD Audio with Audio Boost
New
MSI MEG Z890 ACE Motherboard, ATX - Supports Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2), LGA 1851 - 110A SPS VRM, DDR5 Memory (9200+MT/s OC), PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 x16, M.2 Gen5, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7, 10G
  • ULTRA POWER+ - SUPPORTS THE LATEST INTEL CORE ULTRA 9 processors in high performance - MEG Z890 ACE uses 24 Duet Rail Power System (110A, SPS) for Intel Z890 chipset (LGA 1851, Core Ultra Processors (Series 2) with Core Boost architecture. ecture
  • FROZR GUARD - Premium Cooling Features Such As Wavy Fin Design, Direct-touch Cross Heat Tube, 9W/mK MOSFET Thermal Pads, Extra Choke Thermal Pads, Double-Sided EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II and Combo Fan (for Pump and System) Head (3A)
  • EZ DIY Design - Multiple DIY friendly designs such as EZ Magnetic M.2 Shield Frozr II, EZ M.2 Clip II and EZ PCIe Release make assembly easier for fast SSD and GPU replacements. The smart button allows users to activate multiple functions with one finger.
  • QUINTUPLE M.2 CONNECTORS & DDR5 Memory - Storage options include 1 x M.2 Gen5 x4 128 Gbps and 4 x M.2 Gen4 x 4 64 Gbps slots with double-sided Shield Frozr. 4x DDR5 DIMM SMT slots allow extreme overclocking speeds (1DPC 1R, 9200+ MT/s OC)
  • ULTRA CONNECT - Network hardware includes a full-speed Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 5.4 and 10 Gbps Super LAN; Back ports include Thunderbolt 4 Type-C 40 Gbps with display output and 7.1 USB high-performance audio with Audio Boost 5 HD (supports S/PDIF output)
New
MSI PRO Z890-S WiFi PZ Motherboard, Back-Connect ATX - Supports Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2), LGA 1851 - DDR5 Memory Boost (8600+ MT/s OC), PCIe 5.0 x16, M.2 Gen5, Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G LAN
  • ULTRA POWER - SUPPORTS THE LATEST INTEL CORE ULTRA PROCESSORS (Series 2) IN HIGH PERFORMANCE - The PRO Z890-S WIFI PZ employs a 12 Duet Rail Power System (P-PAK) VRM for the Intel Z890 chipset with Core Boost architecture
  • FROZR GUARD - Excellent cooling features such as 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads, extra choke thermal pads and an Extended Heatsink; Includes chipset heatsink, M.2 Shield Frozr, a Combo-fan (for pump & system) header (3A)
  • DDR5 MEMORY, PCIe 5.0 x16 SLOT - 4 x DDR5 DIMM SMT slots enable extreme memory overclocking speeds (1DPC 1R, 8600+ MT/s OC); 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 SMT slot (128GB/s) with Steel Armor supports cutting-edge graphics cards
  • TRIPLE M.2 CONNECTORS - Storage options include 1 x M.2 Gen5 x4 128Gbps slot and 2 x M.2 Gen4 x4 64Gbps slots with M.2 Shield Frozr to prevent thermal throttling
  • HIGH-SPEED CONNECTIVITY - Network hardware includes a full-speed Wi-Fi 7 module with Bluetooth 5.4 & 2.5Gbps LAN; Rear ports include Thunderbolt 4 Type-C with display output and 7.1 HD Audio with Audio Boost
New
msi MEG Vision X AI Gaming Desktop: Intel Ultra 9 285K, Geforce RTX 5080, 64GB DDR5, 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD, Liquid Cooling, BT 5.4, VR-Ready, Window 11 Pro: 2NVV9-043US
  • Intel Ultra 9 285K
  • Power Your Passion: Intuitive navigation with faster performance, Windows 11 Pro is perfect for at home use or running a business.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
  • Liquid Cooling: With MSI's exclusive 360mm CPU liquid cooler, Aegis RS allows maximum heat dissipation and handles the most hardware-intensive games without breaking a sweat.
  • "Turn on the Bright Lights: With the built-in RGB lighting, take your gaming experience to the next level by pressing the MSI LED button to cycle through lighting options. Customize lighting even further with MSI Center software."
New
msi MPG 322URX QD-OLED 32-inch 3840 x 2160 (UHD) Computer Monitor, 240Hz, Adaptive-Synch, HDMI, DP Port, VESA Mountable, Tilt, Speaker, 0.03ms, Black
  • 3rd Gen QD-OLED Panel – With stunning image quality and fast response time
  • DisplayPort 2.1a (UHBR20) – Offering up to 80Gbps bandwidth, allowing gamers to enjoy native, lossless 4K at 240Hz for a smoother experience
  • Fastest 0.03ms GtG response time and 240Hz refresh rate
  • QD Premium Color – Ensures the color meets the market standard – Delta E≤2
  • Incredible HDR visual – VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400

Our conclusion on the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus vs MSI Z490-A Pro

Both the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus and the MSI Z490-A Pro are high quality products and we are sure you will be happy with either one. In the end it comes down to your budget and the value for money you are looking for.

Either way, the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Plus and the MSI Z490-A Pro are both excellent products that will more than do their job!