Choosing between motherboards is really choosing the CPU and memory path your build will follow. In cpus, motherboards & memory, the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E and MSI Z390-A PRO are both ATX boards, but they are built around distinctly different processor sockets and memory types. The right pick depends less on a generic feature race and more on matching the board to the components you intend to use.
Quick verdict
The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E has the lower listed price at $134.99, a $37.22 gap versus the MSI Z390-A PRO at $172.21. That makes the B850 the sensible starting point when its configuration matches your planned build. The shared ATX format does not settle the choice; the processor platform, memory type, storage arrangement, and connection needs do.
Compact comparison
| Detail | MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E | MSI Z390-A PRO |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | $134.99 | $172.21 |
| Processor platform | AMD AM5; Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series support | LGA 1151 for Intel 8th/9th Gen |
| Memory type | DDR5 | DDR4 |
| Form factor | ATX | ATX |
Where each motherboard wins
MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E: Pick this board for a storage plan that specifically calls for its one M.2 Gen5 x4 slot alongside one M.2 Gen4 x4 slot. The two M.2 slots are paired with M.2 Shield Frozr and EZ M.2 clips, making that exact combination a clear reason to lean toward the B850.
MSI Z390-A PRO: This is the direct match when the USB 3.1 designation and DisplayPort output are important parts of your connection plan. The board's description names DisplayPort output, while its title calls out USB 3.1, so those are concrete use-case reasons to choose the Z390-A PRO.
Product notes
MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E
The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E suits a planned AMD Ryzen 7000-, 8000-, or 9000-series build through its AM5 socket support. It also has four DDR5 DIMM slots with support for up to 256 GB, giving it a defined memory layout for a DDR5-focused system. The 12 Duet Rail Power System and dual 8-pin CPU power connectors are additional named hardware details for shoppers planning around that power arrangement. Its limitation is condition: this particular B850 is offered as open box, which is a meaningful distinction for anyone who specifically wants a new-condition motherboard.
MSI Z390-A PRO
The MSI Z390-A PRO is a direct fit for an Intel 8th- or 9th-generation processor plan, with LGA 1151 and DDR4 named in the title. That clear pairing is the main reason to select it when those components are already part of the build. The Msi Z390-A Pro model designation also gives shoppers a specific target when planning around that board model. The trade-off is equally clear: DDR4 is the memory format named here, keeping the Z390-A PRO tied to a DDR4 parts plan rather than serving as a broad, platform-agnostic motherboard choice.
Final choice by use case
Choose the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E if your build calls for the stated M.2 Gen5 x4 and M.2 Gen4 x4 arrangement, or if its 12 Duet Rail design and dual 8-pin CPU power connectors fit your parts plan. Choose the MSI Z390-A PRO when USB 3.1 and DisplayPort output are the connections you need to prioritize. The $37.22 listed-price difference favors the B850, but the intended component and connection setup should make the final decision.
