MSI PRO Z890-A Wi-Fi + Intel Core Ultra 5 245K CPU / Motherboard Bundle

MSI PRO Z890-A WIFI Motherboard

Designed for high-performance productivity, content creation, and modern PC builds, the MSI PRO Z890-A WIFI combines the Intel Z890 chipset with support for Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2) and DDR5 memory in a full-size ATX platform. With a 16+1+1+1 digital power design, PCIe 5.0 graphics and storage support, four M.2 slots, 5G LAN, Wi-Fi 7, dual Thunderbolt 4, and extensive USB connectivity, it provides a versatile foundation for demanding systems. Its silver-accented design is also intended to complement both black and white PC builds.

Built with MSI's EZ DIY features, the PRO Z890-A WIFI makes system assembly and maintenance easier through tool-less M.2 installation, EZ PCIe Release, a pre-installed I/O shield, EZ Debug LEDs, and EZ Antenna connectivity. Extended heatsinks, M.2 Shield Frozr II, 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads, and Frozr AI Cooling help maintain stable temperatures under demanding workloads, while MSI Click BIOS X provides accessible control over performance, memory, and system settings.

High-Performance Intel Core Ultra Platform

The Intel Z890 chipset and LGA 1851 socket provide support for Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2), giving the PRO Z890-A WIFI a modern platform for demanding desktop applications. Its 16+1+1+1 digital power design, including 90A Smart Power Stages for the Vcore phases and dual CPU power connectors, is engineered to provide stable power delivery for high-end processors.

High-Speed DDR5 Memory Support

Four DDR5 UDIMM slots support up to 256GB of memory, with speeds from 4800 to 9200+ MT/s through overclocking, depending on the memory and CPU configuration. Intel XMP 3.0, MSI Memory Boost, and Memory Extension Mode provide additional options for optimising memory performance, while support for CUDIMM and dual-channel operation gives the platform flexibility for high-performance memory configurations.

PCIe 5.0 and Flexible Expansion

The primary PCIe x16 slot supports PCIe 5.0 x16 directly from the processor, providing up to 128GB/s of bandwidth for compatible graphics and expansion hardware. Two additional PCIe 4.0 x16-length slots operate at up to x4 through the chipset, while Steel Armor II reinforces the primary slot and EZ PCIe Release provides a convenient physical release mechanism for removing large expansion cards.

Four M.2 Slots for Fast Storage

Four M.2 slots provide extensive NVMe storage expansion, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot with up to 128Gbps bandwidth and three PCIe 4.0 x4 slots with up to 64Gbps bandwidth. The slots support a range of M.2 drive lengths, while M.2 Shield Frozr II provides additional thermal protection. Four SATA 6Gbps ports are also available for conventional SATA storage, with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 support for both SATA and M.2 NVMe storage.

Wi-Fi 7 and 5G Wired Networking

Built-in Intel Wi-Fi 7 provides wireless networking with support for 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, including 320MHz channels, 4K-QAM, and Multi-Link Operation, with a specified maximum transmission rate of up to 5.8Gbps. A Realtek 8126 5Gbps LAN controller provides high-bandwidth wired networking, while MSI AI LAN Manager can automatically prioritise latency-sensitive applications and allow traffic and bandwidth priorities to be customised. Wi-Fi 7 functionality requires Windows 11, with 6GHz availability subject to regional regulations.

Dual Thunderbolt 4 Connectivity

Two rear Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports provide up to 40Gbps transfer speeds and support USB4 devices at up to 20Gbps. They also support up to 8K displays, DisplayPort connectivity, daisy-chaining, and up to 15W of power delivery per port, providing high-speed connectivity for external storage, docks, displays, and other professional peripherals.

Extensive USB Connectivity

The PRO Z890-A WIFI provides a broad selection of USB connections for modern peripherals and accessories. Rear connectivity includes USB 5Gbps Type-A, USB 10Gbps Type-A, and USB 10Gbps Type-C ports, while the front-panel headers support additional USB 2.0, USB 5Gbps Type-A, and USB 20Gbps Type-C connectivity. The front USB 20Gbps Type-C connection also supports 27W USB Power Delivery for compatible devices.

Enhanced Thermal Management

Designed to maintain stable performance under heavy workloads, the motherboard incorporates an extended heatsink, heavy-plated VRM heatsink, M.2 Shield Frozr II, enlarged chipset heatsink, and 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads. Multiple fan headers include a dedicated pump/fan connection, while MSI Frozr AI Cooling can monitor CPU and GPU temperatures and automatically adjust system fan duty to maintain appropriate cooling performance.

Immersive Audio and Easy System Management

The Realtek ALC1220P audio solution provides 7.1-channel High Definition Audio, with Audio Boost 4 incorporating high-quality audio components, an isolated audio structure, a dedicated headphone amplifier, and S/PDIF output. MSI Click BIOS X provides an accessible interface for system configuration, while one-click options support CPU optimisation, XMP memory profiles, and other performance adjustments. EZ Debug LEDs and an EZ Digit Debug LED provide convenient troubleshooting information during system setup and operation.

Intel Core Ultra 5 245K Processor

Designed for high-performance desktop PCs, the Intel Core Ultra 5 245K combines 14 processing cores, a maximum turbo frequency of 5.2GHz, Intel Smart Cache, integrated Intel Graphics, and a dedicated Intel AI Boost NPU. As part of the Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2) desktop family, the 245K uses the FCLGA1851 socket and supports DDR5 memory at up to 6400 MT/s, providing a modern platform for gaming, content creation, productivity, and AI-enabled applications.

With 6 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores, the 245K provides a hybrid architecture designed to balance demanding workloads with efficient background processing. Its unlocked design allows compatible systems to take advantage of processor overclocking, while Intel Thread Director helps optimise workloads across the different core types.

Hybrid 14-Core Processing

The Core Ultra 5 245K features 14 cores comprising 6 Performance-cores and 8 Efficient-cores, providing 14 processing threads for demanding desktop workloads. Performance-cores reach up to 5.2GHz, while Efficient-cores reach up to 4.6GHz, with base frequencies of 4.2GHz and 3.6GHz respectively.

High-Speed Intel Performance

With a 5.2GHz maximum turbo frequency, the 245K provides responsive performance for demanding applications and gaming. It features 24MB of Intel Smart Cache alongside 26MB of total L2 cache, helping keep frequently accessed data close to the processor cores for responsive system performance.

Integrated Intel Graphics

The processor includes Intel Graphics with four Xe-cores, a 300MHz graphics base frequency, and up to 1.9GHz dynamic frequency. Integrated graphics support includes DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, OpenCL 3, Intel Quick Sync Video, and hardware encoding and decoding for H.264, H.265, and AV1. Up to four displays are supported, with DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 and HDMI 2.1 FRL available on compatible motherboards.

Dedicated AI Processing

An integrated Intel AI Boost NPU provides up to 13 TOPS (Int8) of AI performance, with support for sparsity and Windows Studio Effects. The processor also provides Intel Deep Learning Boost and supports AI software frameworks including OpenVINO, WindowsML, DirectML, ONNX Runtime, and WebNN, enabling compatible applications to make use of dedicated and accelerated AI processing.

DDR5 Memory Support

The Core Ultra 5 245K supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory at up to 6400 MT/s, with two memory channels and ECC memory support. Compatible motherboards can therefore provide substantial memory capacity and bandwidth for demanding applications, multitasking, and content creation workloads.

PCIe 5.0 Connectivity

Providing up to 24 PCI Express lanes, the processor supports both PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0, with configurations including up to 1x16+2x4, 2x8+2x4, and 1x8+4x4. This provides a high-bandwidth foundation for compatible graphics cards, NVMe storage, and other PCIe expansion hardware. The processor also supports Thunderbolt 4 on compatible systems.

Unlocked for Overclocking

The K-series designation identifies the Core Ultra 5 245K as an unlocked desktop processor, allowing enthusiasts to adjust processor performance using a compatible motherboard and cooling solution. With a 125W processor base power and 159W maximum turbo power, an appropriate CPU cooler and motherboard are recommended for sustained demanding workloads.

Includes free MSI MAG CoreLiquid A13 240mm AIO Cooler worth upto £64.99!

MSI PRO Z890-A WIFI Motherboard

• Intel Z890 chipset with LGA 1851 socket.
• Supports Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2).
• 4 x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 256GB.
• PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics slot.
• 4 x M.2 slots, including PCIe 5.0 x4.
• Intel Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps LAN.
• 2 x Thunderbolt 4 ports.
• 7.1-channel Realtek ALC1220P audio.
• 16+1+1+1 digital power design.
• ATX form factor with MSI EZ DIY features.

Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 245K

• 14 cores: 6 Performance-cores + 8 Efficient-cores.
• 14 threads.
• Up to 5.2GHz max turbo frequency.
• 24MB Intel Smart Cache and 26MB total L2 cache.
• Intel AI Boost NPU with up to 13 TOPS.
• Integrated Intel Graphics with 4 Xe-cores.
• Supports DDR5 up to 6400 MT/s.
• PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 support with up to 24 lanes.
• Unlocked K-series processor for overclocking.