Intel's Z690 platform introduced DDR5 to the desktop market but the initial DDR5 modules were costly and not perfect as far as expectations are concerned regarding performance. But as high-speed DDR5 kits get cheaper, the new kind of memory catches the eyes of users that's why people expected most of Intel's Z790-based platforms to feature DDR5 instead of DDR4. But they were wrong. Now, MSI is prepping a host of Z790-based motherboards with good-old DDR4 memory. 

MSI is preparing Z790 Edge DDR4, Z790 Tomahawk DDR4 and also Z790 Pro DDR4 motherboards that will together combine Intel's newest chipset and DDR4 memory. These are the main boards that will support up to DDR4-5333+ memory modules in one DIMM per channel configuration and up to DDR4-4400+ sticks in two DIMMs per channel setup. But, a lot of things will depend on CPU capabilities and processor cooling systems too. 

MSI's Edge, Tomahawk and Pro motherboards are definitely not the company's top ranged offerings. Thus, the question is, whether they will be able to make best use of Intel's 13th Generation Core Raptor Lake processors or not as far as overclocking is concerned. 

Unlocked Raptor Lake CPUs will have 350W mode that enables turbo frequencies and thus require an advanced voltage regulating module to provide immaculate power to the CPU and also a good cooling system both for CPU and its VRM. This is one of the key features of unlocked Raptor Lake CPUs. Nowadays, budget motherboards are really good but not as good as flagship models having their expensive VRMs and advanced cooling systems for power circuitry. 

It sounds great to use good-old DDR4 with all-new Intel platform especially if one owns high-end DDR4-5333+ kits. Such memory would help to get amazing out-of-box performance. But cheaper motherboards won't let the users take full advantage of one of Raptor Lake's key features on the desktop; whether the trade-off is worth something, that has to be decided by everyone on their own.