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MSI MEG Z790 Ace Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£430
  • Avg. price in US: ~$630
  • CPU socket: LGA 1700
  • Chipset: Intel Z790
  • Form factor: E-ATX

MSI MEG Z790 Ace review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

8.7

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

8.7

Technical Score

10.0%

8.3

User score

Excellent
8.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

8.7

Memory

16.0%

9.6

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.5

Storage

15.0%

9.6

Network

13.0%

8.1

Ports & USB

8.0%

7.0

Expansion

8.0%

9.5

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.8

Audio

Excellent
8.3

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

7.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(187)
amazon
4.2
(52)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(141)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 9.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.7

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    10

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    6.6

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    10

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best rankings

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

Verdict

The MSI MEG Z790 ACE is a high-end E-ATX motherboard designed for Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors on the LGA 1700 socket. It features a robust 24+1+2 phase power design with 105A Smart Power Stages, supporting DDR5 memory overclocked up to 7800+ MHz and offering five M.2 slots (including one PCIe 5.0). Connectivity is a major strength, providing dual Thunderbolt 4 ports (40 Gbps), dual 2.5G LAN, and Wi-Fi 6E/7 support alongside a flagship-class Realtek ALC4082 audio solution with an ESS DAC. Key pros include exceptional VRM cooling via a stacked fin array, premium aesthetics with gold accents, and extensive DIY-friendly features like tool-less M.2 installation. However, notable cons include its very high price point, the lack of a 10GbE networking port, and the fact that using the Gen 5 M.2 slot reduces the bandwidth of the primary PCIe x16 slot.

Technical Specifications of MSI MEG Z790 Ace

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

8.7

Memory

16.0%

9.6

Platform & Features

16.0%

7.5

Storage

15.0%

9.6

Network

13.0%

8.1

Ports & USB

8.0%

7.0

Expansion

8.0%

9.5

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.8

Audio

8.7
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has a technical score of 8.69 points, which is higher than that of 92.6% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

7.8

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(187)
amazon
4.2
(52)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(141)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.3
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has a user score of 8.34 points, which is higher than that of 72.1% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
7.8
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has a popularity of 7.8 points, which is higher than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

8.7

Overall score

40.0%

8.3

Price

8.5
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.5 points, which is higher than 85.7% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

MSI
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1700
MSI MEG Z790 Ace uses the LGA 1700 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.7% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z790
MSI MEG Z790 Ace uses the Intel Z790 chipset, which is more advanced than that of 77.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.5% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

E-ATX
MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR5
MSI MEG Z790 Ace uses DDR5 memory, which is newer than that of 64.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 35.3% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

192 GB
MSI MEG Z790 Ace supports up to 192 GB of memory, which is more than 72.6% of motherboards and equal to 10.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
MSI MEG Z790 Ace supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

5,600 MT/s
MSI MEG Z790 Ace supports memory speeds up to 5600 MT/s, which is higher than that of 68.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.7% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

5
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 5 M.2 sockets, which is more than 94.7% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

?
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

6
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
MSI MEG Z790 Ace supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI MEG Z790 Ace supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

2
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 2 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 95.2% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
secondary Gen5 slot runs at x8
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

1
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.3% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

0
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.5% of motherboards and equal to 40.5% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

x16/x4/x16
MSI MEG Z790 Ace uses x16/x4/x16 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 92.8% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI MEG Z790 Ace supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

10
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.6% of motherboards and equal to 15.7% of motherboards.
includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

20
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 20 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 92.1% of motherboards and equal to 2.9% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

3
MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

5
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 5 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 98.6% of motherboards and equal to 1% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

2.5 Gbps
MSI MEG Z790 Ace supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
dual 2.5GbE ports
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

2
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI MEG Z790 Ace supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC4082
MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
MSI MEG Z790 Ace offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
via ESS DAC.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI MEG Z790 Ace supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

24+1+2
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 24+1+2 VRM phases, which is more than 99.1% of motherboards and equal to 0.3% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.2% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI MEG Z790 Ace has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

3 A
MSI MEG Z790 Ace supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 76.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.2% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI MEG Z790 Ace vs the average motherboard

  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster USB-A ports for storage or accessories.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    secondary Gen5 slot runs at x8
    What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: DDR5

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR5 vs DDR4
  • More VRM phases
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (24+1+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
    When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=12

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (24+1+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.24+1+2 vs 10
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.10 vs 8
  • Newer CPU socket
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
    What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
    When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151
  • 2 more rear USB-C ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.3 vs 1
  • Newer CPU socket
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Integrated I/O shield
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Includes onboard power button
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • Newer DDR memory generation
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has newer DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 50% more maximum memory capacity
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (192 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • 21.7% higher maximum RAM speed
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (5,600 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 54.1% higher overclocked RAM speed
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (7,600 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • 3 more M.2 sockets
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (5 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x16 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
  • 6 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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.
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 2 more rear USB-C ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 5 more total USB connections
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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.
  • 4 more total USB-C connections
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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.
  • 2 more USB4 40Gbps ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more USB4 40Gbps ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 40Gbps port/s.
  • 2 more Thunderbolt 3 ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more Thunderbolt 3 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 3 port/s.
  • 2 more Thunderbolt 4 ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more Thunderbolt 4 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 4 port/s.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 headers
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4,082 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • More VRM phases
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (24+1+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 3 more fan headers
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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.
    rear USB-C is faster than Gen 1
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    other video outputs only
  • 2 fewer USB 2.0 ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has fewer USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • 60.8 mm wider
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace is wider than the average motherboard (304.8 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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.
    rear USB-C is faster than Gen 1
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more standard USB ports with faster transfer speeds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=4

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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
  • 2.69x more expensive
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace is more expensive than the average motherboard (£430 vs £160).
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace is more expensive than the average motherboard (£430 vs £160).£430 vs £160
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z790 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z790 vs Intel B860
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of PS/2 ports on the motherboard rear I/O.
    When it matters: When you want support for older keyboards or mice.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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 PCIe x1 slots
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe x1 slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want space for smaller add-in cards.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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 HDMI outputs
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    other video outputs only
    What it is: The number of HDMI outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to use integrated graphics with one or more HDMI displays.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.0 vs 1
  • 60.8 mm wider
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace is wider than the average motherboard (304.8 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    What it is: The physical width of the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you check case fit or compare board size.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace is wider than the average motherboard (304.8 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.304.8 mm vs 244 mm
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    MSI MEG Z790 Ace has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI MEG Z790 Ace 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
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Expansion
Ports & USB
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
187 Reviews
amazon
4.2
52 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
141 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI MEG Z790 Ace?

  • Premium aesthetics with a sleek black finish and gold/silver accents
  • Highly robust 24+1+2 VRM design with 105A power stages, ideal for extreme overclocking
  • Exceptional connectivity including dual Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) ports and dual 2.5 GbE LAN
  • Vast storage support with five M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 slot
  • Excellent thermal management featuring oversized heatsinks and a stacked fin array for cooling
  • Top-tier performance in gaming and productivity benchmarks, often leading the pack
  • User-friendly troubleshooting tools like a built-in code debugger and dual BIOS switch

What customers dislike about MSI MEG Z790 Ace?

  • High price point ($699 MSRP) making it a poor value proposition compared to rivals like the ASRock Taichi
  • Lack of 10 GbE networking, which is often expected at this premium price tier
  • Large E-ATX form factor can limit PC case compatibility and makes installation more challenging
  • Reported instability issues with the Intel I226-V 2.5Gbe network ports by some users
  • Potential memory stability issues when using 4 DIMMs with high-speed DDR5 (over 7000MT/s)
  • Difficulties with M.2 SSD recognition when attempting to run all five slots simultaneously in certain RAID configurations

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