MEG Z790 ACE
#5 in Motherboard · Rated 4.7
Premium Z790 MEG ACE with multiple M.2 slots and high-end features.
MEG Z790 ACE sits at the top of MSI’s mainstream to premium segment for Intel 13th/12th Gen CPUs. It blends a robust 24+1+2 phase power design with PCIe 5.0 connectivity, up to five M.2 slots, dual Thunderbolt 4, USB4/Gen2x2, and Wi‑Fi 6E plus 2.5G LAN. The board emphasizes cooling performance, high-quality components, and MSI’s software stack for tuning and monitoring. It targets power users who want a feature-rich platform without stepping into the ultra-flagship Godlike tier. Originally released during Intel’s Z790 window in 2022, the ACE remains a compelling option for those seeking premium performance with expansive storage and networking options. (Source: MSI Z790 ACE product page; 2022 launch context.)
Features
- 24+1+2 phase VRM with dual CPU power
- 5 x M.2 PCIe 4/5.0 combination with Shield Frozr
- Dual Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 and 2.5G LAN
- Wi‑Fi 6E and high-end audio
- M-Vision Dashboard and premium cooling
Pros
- Excellent storage expansion and power design
- Advanced connectivity options
- Premium dashboard and UI
Cons
- Premium price
- Overkill for casual builds