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MSI MEG Z390 Ace Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£260Avg. price in US:~$290CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z390Form factor:ATX

MSI MEG Z390 Ace Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

7.2

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components

90%

7.0

Technical Score

10%

9.0

User score

â–²Better than 62% of motherboards
7.0

Technical Score

Technical score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

8.1

Platform & Features

16%

7.7

Storage

15%

4.8

Network

13%

8.1

Ports & USB

8%

3.7

Expansion

8%

8.2

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

â–²Better than 60% of motherboards
9.0

User score

User score
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User reviews

30%

9.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(490)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(506)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

â–²Better than 88% of motherboards
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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Verdict

The MSI MEG Z390 ACE is a high-end ATX motherboard designed for 8th and 9th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1151 socket, featuring a robust 12+1 virtual phase VRM with dual 8-pin power connectors tailored for extreme overclocking. Key specifications include support for up to 128GB of DDR4 memory at speeds exceeding 4500MHz, three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots reinforced with Steel Armor for multi-GPU setups (SLI/CrossFire), and three M.2 slots for high-speed NVMe storage. Enthusiast-grade features include a unique Mystic Light Infinity mirror RGB panel, integrated Wi-Fi AC 9560 with Bluetooth 5.0, Killer E2500 Gigabit LAN, and high-fidelity Audio Boost HD with an ESS DAC. Main pros are its exceptional overclocking stability, a pre-installed I/O shield, and extensive connectivity options including multiple USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C headers. However, notable cons include the lack of onboard video outputs, only one included M.2 heatsink (Shield Frozr) for the three available slots, and a premium price point compared to other Z390 boards.

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI MEG Z390 Ace

Technical Score
Technical score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components:

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

8.1

Platform & Features

16%

7.7

Storage

15%

4.8

Network

13%

8.1

Ports & USB

8%

3.7

Expansion

8%

8.2

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

7.0
MSI MEG Z390 Ace has a technical score of 7 points, which is higher than that of 60.1% of products in this category.
User score
User score
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User reviews

30%

9.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(490)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(506)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.0
MSI MEG Z390 Ace has a user score of 9 points, which is higher than that of 87.6% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 83% of models
Popularity:
MSI MEG Z390 Ace has a popularity score of 9 points, which is higher than that of 83% of products in this category.
9.0
MSI MEG Z390 Ace has a popularity score of 9 points, which is higher than that of 83% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 60% of models
Score components:

60%

7.2

Overall score

40%

9.2

Price

7.8
MSI MEG Z390 Ace has a value-for-money score of 7.8 points, which is higher than that of 59.6% of products in this category.
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
LGA 1151
CPU socket
LGA 1151
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1151 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 70.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.8% of motherboards.
300-series / v2 revision.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel Z390
Chipset
Intel Z390
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z390 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 60% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Form factor
ATX
â–² Better than 48% of models
This motherboard has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
4,500 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
4,500 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,500 MT/s, which is lower than that of 51.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
3
N. of M.2 sockets
3
â–² Better than 65% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.2% of motherboards and equal to 18.8% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
3x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
3x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
This motherboard offers 3x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 57.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.9% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
â–² Better than 53% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
SATA only
NVMe RAID support
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
3
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
3
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.7% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 71.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.4% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
PCIe bifurcation support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.7% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.5% of motherboards and equal to 15.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
20
Total USB ports (including headers)
20
★ Better than 91% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 20 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 91.3% of motherboards and equal to 2.9% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
3
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
3
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 84.6% of motherboards and equal to 11% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
LAN speed
1 Gbps
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.2% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer E2500
LAN controller
Killer E2500
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
This motherboard uses the Killer E2500 LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 94% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than that of 49.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.7% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
â–² Better than 65% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 65.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.9% of motherboards.
with ESS DAC.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Audio SNR
120 dB
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 56% of motherboards and equal to that of 40.5% of motherboards.
via ESS DAC.
Headphone amp support
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
13
VRM phases
13
â–² Better than 63% of models
This motherboard has 13 VRM phases, which is more than 62.5% of motherboards and equal to 0.6% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
7
N. of fan headers
7
â–² Better than 72% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 7 fan headers, which is more than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 9.8% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Pump header max current
2 A
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI MEG Z390 Ace vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    5
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    5 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    10
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    3
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 5 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    20
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    20 vs 15
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 12.5% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    MSI MEG Z390 Ace
    the average motherboard
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    MSI MEG Z390 Ace has a higher user score than the average motherboard (9.00 vs 8.000).
    9 vs 8
  • 43.8% more popular
    MSI MEG Z390 Ace is more popular than the average motherboard (9 vs 6.3).
    9 vs 6.26
  • Integrated I/O shield
    Integrated I/O shield
    yes
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Includes onboard power button
    Onboard power button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    3
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    6
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    3
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    3
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    5
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    5 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    10
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 5 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    20
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    20 vs 15
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    3
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    2
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 0
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    4
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    4 vs 2
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1220
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    with ESS DAC.
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    120 dB
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    via ESS DAC.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 1.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    7
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    7 vs 5.5
  • 1 more RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    2
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    13
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (13 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    13 vs 10
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z390
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z390 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    3x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    3x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    0 vs 4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • No integrated graphics support
    Integrated graphics support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.5% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 62.5% more expensive
    MSI MEG Z390 Ace is more expensive than the average motherboard (£260 vs £160).
    £260 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z390
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z390 vs Intel B860
  • No integrated graphics support
    Integrated graphics support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.5% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • No TPM connector
    TPM connector
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This motherboard does not have a TPM connector, while the average motherboard does. 88% of motherboards include a TPM connector.
    Firmware TPM/PTT only.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    3x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    3x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    0 vs 4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    N. of HDMI outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.0
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    5.0 vs 5.4
  • More basic LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Killer E2500
    â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
    This motherboard has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2500 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Killer E2500 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    plus 1 Corsair-specific header
    1 vs 2

Graphic comparison of MSI MEG Z390 Ace and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
490 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
506 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI MEG Z390 Ace?

  • Excellent power delivery (12-phase) that handles high-end CPUs like the i9-9900K effectively
  • User-friendly for builders with a built-in I/O shield and well-placed fan headers
  • Robust overclocking features including a dedicated 'Game Boost' knob and BIOS flashback/clear CMOS buttons
  • Distinctive 'Mystic Light Infinity' mirror effect on the I/O shroud for unique RGB aesthetics
  • High-speed memory support, remaining stable even with XMP profiles up to 4500 MHz
  • Generous storage options with three M.2 slots and eight USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports

What customers dislike about MSI MEG Z390 Ace?

  • Only one of the three M.2 slots includes a heatsink (M.2 Shield Frozr)
  • Lacks any onboard video output (HDMI/DisplayPort), requiring a discrete graphics card even with CPUs that have integrated graphics
  • Relatively high price point compared to other Z390 motherboards
  • Some users find the M.2 mounting screws and heatsink design confusing or difficult to install
  • The 1Gbps Killer LAN is seen as a missed opportunity compared to 2.5Gbps options available on rival boards
  • Reported issues with Load Line Calibration (LLC) settings, making precise voltage leveling under load difficult for some overclockers

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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