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MSI MEG Z690 Ace Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price in UK:~£630Avg. price in US:~$600CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z690Form factor:E-ATX

MSI MEG Z690 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.

8.9

Overall score

Score
8.9/ 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
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

90%

8.9

Technical Score

10%

8.7

User score

★Better than 92% of motherboards
8.9

Technical Score

Technical score
8.9/ 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
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

19%

7.7

Memory

16%

9.6

Platform & Features

16%

9.4

Storage

15%

9.4

Network

13%

8.4

Ports & USB

8%

8.5

Expansion

8%

9.1

Power & Cooling

5%

9.8

Audio

★Better than 91% of motherboards
8.7

User score

User score
8.7/ 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 79% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User reviews

30%

8.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(314)
amazon
4.2
(38)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(136)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(21)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

â–²Better than 79% 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 Z690 ACE is a high-end E-ATX motherboard designed for 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1700 socket, featuring a robust 19+1+2 phase power design with 105A Smart Power Stages for extreme overclocking. Its flagship specifications include four DDR5 DIMM slots supporting speeds over 6666MHz (OC), dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, and quintuple M.2 connectors (four at Gen4 speeds) shielded by double-sided thermal pads. Main pros include its premium black and gold aesthetic, extensive connectivity with dual Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps), Wi-Fi 6E, and dual 2.5G LAN. However, potential cons include its large E-ATX footprint, high price point, and the notable absence of 10GbE LAN typically found on competing top-tier boards.

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI MEG Z690 Ace

Technical Score
Technical score
8.9/ 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
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components:

19%

7.7

Memory

16%

9.6

Platform & Features

16%

9.4

Storage

15%

9.4

Network

13%

8.4

Ports & USB

8%

8.5

Expansion

8%

9.1

Power & Cooling

5%

9.8

Audio

8.9
MSI MEG Z690 Ace has a technical score of 8.9 points, which is higher than that of 91.3% of products in this category.
User score
User score
8.7/ 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 79% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User reviews

30%

8.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(314)
amazon
4.2
(38)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(136)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(21)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.7
MSI MEG Z690 Ace has a user score of 8.69 points, which is higher than that of 78.6% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
8.5/ 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 78% of models
Popularity:
MSI MEG Z690 Ace has a popularity score of 8.5 points, which is higher than that of 77.7% of products in this category.
8.5
MSI MEG Z690 Ace has a popularity score of 8.5 points, which is higher than that of 77.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
8.4/ 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 77% of models
Score components:

60%

8.9

Overall score

40%

7.2

Price

8.4
MSI MEG Z690 Ace has a value-for-money score of 8.4 points, which is higher than that of 76.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
LGA 1700
CPU socket
LGA 1700
â–² Better than 55% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1700 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.6% of motherboards.
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 Z690
Chipset
Intel Z690
â–² Better than 69% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z690 chipset, which is more advanced than that of 68.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.8% of motherboards.
Form factor
E-ATX
Form factor
E-ATX
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
This motherboard has the E-ATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 92% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.8% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
DDR memory version
DDR5
â–² Better than 64% of models
This motherboard uses DDR5 memory, which is newer than that of 64.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 35.7% 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.
requires BIOS update for full capacity
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
4,800 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
4,800 MT/s
â–² Better than 51% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 51.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.1% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
5
N. of M.2 sockets
5
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 5 M.2 sockets, which is more than 94.8% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
4x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
4x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
â–² Better than 79% of models
This motherboard offers 4x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 78.7% 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.
some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
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.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
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
2
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
2
★ Better than 95% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 95.2% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.5% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
â–² Better than 63% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 62.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.4% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8/x4, x16/x0/x4.
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.
includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
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.
includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
3
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
3
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 3 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 96.6% of motherboards and equal to 2.7% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
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.
header only excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
dual 2.5GbE ports
LAN controller
Intel I225-V
LAN controller
Intel I225-V
★ Better than 90% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel I225-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 90.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
2
N. of RJ45 ports
2
â–² Better than 86% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.4% 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 6E (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
â–² Better than 72% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), which is newer than that of 72.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.6% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC4082
Audio codec
Realtek ALC4082
★ Better than 97% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC4082 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 96.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.1% 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.
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.
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
22
VRM phases
22
★ Better than 96% of models
This motherboard has 22 VRM phases, which is more than 96.4% of motherboards and equal to 0.3% 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
8
N. of fan headers
8
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% 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
3 A
Pump header max current
3 A
â–² Better than 78% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.1% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI MEG Z690 Ace vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    5
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    5 vs 2
  • 6 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    7
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (7 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    7 vs 1
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    2
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This motherboard has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Intel I225-V
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC4082
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4082 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    with ESS DAC.
    Realtek ALC4082 vs Realtek ALC897
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    22
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (22 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    22 vs 10
  • 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.
    includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
    10 vs 8
  • 8.6% higher user score
    User score
    8.7/ 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 Z690 Ace
    the average motherboard
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    MSI MEG Z690 Ace has a higher user score than the average motherboard (8.69 vs 8.000).
    8.69 vs 8
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1700
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • 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.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    Dual BIOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 23% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 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.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    Onboard reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR5
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    This motherboard has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    5
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    5 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.
    some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
    6 vs 4
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
    2
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    N. of PCIe x4 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 6 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    7
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (7 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    7 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.
    includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
    10 vs 8
  • 2 more rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    3
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
    3 vs 1
  • 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.
    includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
    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
  • 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.
    20Gbps Type-C header
    2 vs 0
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers (USB-C)
    2
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 0
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Intel I225-V
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 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 ALC4082
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4082 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    with ESS DAC.
    Realtek ALC4082 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.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    22
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (22 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    22 vs 10
  • 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
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    8
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    Pump header max current
    3 A
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 A – >3 A
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • 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
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z690
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • 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
  • 3.94x more expensive
    MSI MEG Z690 Ace is more expensive than the average motherboard (£630 vs £160).
    £630 vs £160
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    E-ATX
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (E-ATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    E-ATX vs ATX
  • 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
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    4x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (4x PCIe 4x4, 1x 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.
    4x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 3.94x more expensive
    MSI MEG Z690 Ace is more expensive than the average motherboard (£630 vs £160).
    £630 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z690
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    E-ATX
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (E-ATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    E-ATX vs ATX
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    4x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (4x PCIe 4x4, 1x 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.
    4x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 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.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    0 vs 2
  • 1 fewer RJ45 ports
    N. of RJ45 ports
    2
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.2
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    5.2 vs 5.4
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 33 mm wider
    Width
    277 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is wider than the average motherboard (277 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    277 mm vs 244 mm

Graphic comparison of MSI MEG Z690 Ace and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
314 Reviews
amazon
4.2
38 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
136 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
21 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI MEG Z690 Ace?

  • Premium build quality described as being 'built like a tank' with a rigid, heavy design and 24K gold foil accents.
  • Extensive storage options with five M.2 slots (four PCIe 4.0 and one PCIe 3.0), all featuring dual-sided thermal shielding.
  • Excellent connectivity including dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, two 2.5GbE LAN ports, and WiFi 6E support.
  • Strong VRM performance and power delivery (19+1+2 phases) capable of handling heavy overclocking on flagship CPUs.
  • Comprehensive fan and cooling support with 8 PWM headers and dedicated water pump controls.
  • Niche aesthetic appeal for those preferring a minimalist, 'non-glowy' look without integrated RGB lighting.
  • Useful enthusiast features like dual BIOS with a physical switch, BIOS flashback button, and EZ M.2 clips for tool-less SSD installation.

What customers dislike about MSI MEG Z690 Ace?

  • High retail price point (originally around $600), often considered overkill for the average user's needs.
  • Large E-ATX form factor makes it too wide for many standard cases and can cause cable management challenges.
  • Lack of integrated RGB lighting is a downside for users who prefer typical 'gaming' aesthetics.
  • Ethernet and network drivers are often not included in default Windows installation media, requiring a secondary device to download them.
  • Missing a 10GbE LAN port, which some users expect at this premium price tier.
  • Difficulties with product registration as the required CHK number is only located on a small sticker on the side of the 24-pin connector, often hidden after assembly.
  • Reported issues with VRM loadline calibration requiring specific 'socket sense' BIOS settings to prevent excessive CPU heating.

Video reviews

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

Compare MSI MEG Z690 Ace with other products in the Motherboards category

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