I bought an Intel 250K Plus and I initially paired it with an MSI B860i motherboard. But I want to return this motherboard. It is ok, everything works except one thing, the sleep/shutdown states do not behave as I expected. (Wake from USB device wakes on all states S3, S4, and S5) So I don't want to wake from full shutdown, but it does anyway and there is no way to change it. Another issue was in sleep mode, when AC power is lost and restored, the power LED resumes flashing as if computer is still sleeping but it is not.

Anyway the choices remaining after eliminating others that are out of stock, price too high, or due to features, issues etc)

- Gigabyte B860i
- ASRock Z890i

I was considering just getting the Gigabyte B860i but then saw it uses the MediaTek for WiFi 7. When looking this up, it seems people prefer the Intel WiFi.

My alternative that is also available, is the ASRock Z890i which is only $25 more, so pretty close in price and it uses Intel WiFi. However it has VRM fan which is kind of a dealbreaker for me. I could probably make it work out by disconnecting the VRM fan.

Anyway what do you guys think? My choice right now is really is based on the WiFi. Is the brand of WiFi something to consider when choosing a motherboard. Or do they all work pretty much the same and I should focus on the other features?