The Intel LGA 1700 platform was launched three years ago in 2021, and it has since seen a total of 3 generations of CPUs: Alder Lake (12th Gen), Raptor Lake (13th Gen), and Raptor Lake Refresh (14th Gen). We have seen at least three generations of motherboards, first with the 600-series, which had Z690 as the top SKU, and then two generations of 700-series based on the top Z790 chipset, which included a soft refresh for the 14th Gen lineup. In late 2024, Intel introduced its next-generation 800-series chipsets, and with the Core Ultra 200S CPU series, the company also […]

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MSI has updated its Intel-based 800-series motherboard portfolio ahead of the launch of the Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus series, a mid-generation refresh that focuses on efficiency gains, increased core counts, and improved memory compatibility.

Leading MSI's updated lineup is the MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II. Designed with a new black-and-green aesthetic, the board features a 16-phase Duet Rail Power System to handle the Ultra 7's sustained 5.5 GHz clocks. Connectivity is a major focus, with MSI integrating Thunderbolt 4, 5G LAN, and Wi-Fi 7. The board also serves as a showcase for MSI's EZ DIY innovations, including EZ PCIe Release, which allows one-click GPU removal, and EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II and EZ M.2 Clip II, which enable tool-free installation of PCIe drives. For those moving to the latest networking standards, the EZ Antenna design replaces traditional screw-on Wi-Fi antennas with a plug-and-play snap-on mechanism.

On the lower end, MSI also unveiled the B860M GAMING PLUS WIFI 6E and the PRO Z890-S WIFI 6E W. The B860M GAMING PLUS WIFI 6E is an mATX board featuring a 12-phase power system and silver-and-blue accents, bringing features like Killer 5G LAN and Wi-Fi 6E to the mid-range market. Meanwhile, the PRO Z890-S WIFI 6E W is tailored for professional workstations, opting for a simpler all-white PCB and a 12-phase Duet Rail system. It maintains the Z890 chipset benefits while prioritising a clean aesthetic and high-speed USB 20 Gbps connectivity. Existing MSI Z890 owners can rest easy, as the new processors are fully compatible with current 800-series boards via a BIOS update.

KitGuru says: If you were to build or upgrade a system and use one of the new Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus CPUs, which new MSI motherboard would you choose?