OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Motherboards Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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MSI MEG Z790 Godlike Max Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,140CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z790Form factor:E-ATX

MSI MEG Z790 Godlike Max Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

9.1

Overall score

Score
9.1/ 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 97% of models
Score components

90%

9.3

Technical score

10%

7.5

User score

★Better than 97% of motherboards
9.3

Technical score

Technical score
9.3/ 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 98% of models
Score components

19%

9.6

Memory

16%

8.8

Platform & Features

16%

10

Storage

15%

10

Network

13%

8.6

Ports & USB

8%

7.7

Expansion

8%

9.8

Power & Cooling

5%

9.5

Audio

★Better than 98% of motherboards
7.5

User score

User score
7.5/ 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–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on 56 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 80% of motherboards
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Best prices

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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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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI MEG Z790 Godlike Max

Technical score
Technical score
9.3/ 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 98% of models
Score components:

19%

9.6

Memory

16%

8.8

Platform & Features

16%

10

Storage

15%

10

Network

13%

8.6

Ports & USB

8%

7.7

Expansion

8%

9.8

Power & Cooling

5%

9.5

Audio

9.3
User score
User score
7.5/ 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–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

5.4

Number of reviews

Based on 56 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.5
Popularity
Popularity
5.4/ 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–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Popularity:
MSI MEG Z790 Godlike Max has a popularity score of 5.4 points, which is lower than that of 58.8% of products in this category.
5.4
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 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 57% of models
Score components:

60%

9.1

Overall score

40%

4.5

Price

7.7
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 Z790
Chipset
Intel Z790
â–² Better than 77% of models
This motherboard 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
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
256 GB
Maximum memory capacity
256 GB
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 82.9% of motherboards and equal to 16.4% 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
5,600 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
5,600 MT/s
â–² Better than 69% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 5,600 MT/s, which is higher than that of 68.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.7% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
7
N. of M.2 sockets
7
★ Better than 100% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 7 M.2 sockets, which is more than 99.9% of motherboards and equal to 0.1% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 5x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 5x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
★ Better than 100% of models
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 5x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 for M.2 slot interfaces, which is faster than that of 100% 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.
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.
lane split supported
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)
18
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 18 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 5.3% of motherboards.
includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
â–² Better than 84% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 84.2% of motherboards and equal to 12.3% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
5
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
5
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 5 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 98.4% of motherboards and equal to 1.2% 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
10 Gbps
LAN speed
10 Gbps
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is higher than that of 95.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.2% of motherboards.
also includes 2.5GbE secondary port
LAN controller
Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Intel I226-V
LAN controller
Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Intel I226-V
★ Better than 99% of models
This motherboard uses the Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Intel I226-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 99.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
dual LAN
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 7 (802.11be)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
â–² Better than 89% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which is newer than that of 88.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.3% 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
2
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
2
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 2 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 88.6% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
26+2
VRM phases
26+2
★ Better than 100% of models
This motherboard has 26+2 VRM phases, which is more than 99.7% of motherboards and equal to 0.1% 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
11
N. of fan headers
11
★ Better than 99% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 11 fan headers, which is more than 99.5% of motherboards and equal to 0.3% 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 Z790 Godlike Max vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 5 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    7
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (7 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    7 vs 2
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    256 GB
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    requires BIOS update for full capacity
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Intel I226-V
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Intel I226-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    dual LAN
    Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Intel I226-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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.
    lane split supported
    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 VRM phases
    VRM phases
    26+2
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (26+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    26+2 vs 10
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS 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.
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    256 GB
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    requires BIOS update for full capacity
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • 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
  • 18.3% higher maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    5,600 MT/s
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (5600 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    5,600 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 58.1% higher overclocked RAM speed
    Maximum overclocked RAM speed
    7,800 MT/s
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <2.7k MT/s – >8.2k MT/s
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (7800 MT/s vs 4933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4933 MT/s.
    7,800 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s
  • 5 more M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    7
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (7 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    7 vs 2
  • Faster M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 5x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    This motherboard has faster M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 5x4, 5x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 5.0x4, 5x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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 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.
    lane split supported
    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
  • 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
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    2
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • 3 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    18
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    includes USB4 / Thunderbolt ports.
    18 vs 15
  • 4 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    5
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    5 vs 1
  • 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 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
    Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Intel I226-V
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Intel I226-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    dual LAN
    Marvell AQtion AQC113C + Intel I226-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Newer Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    This motherboard has newer Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 4x higher LAN speed
    LAN speed
    10 Gbps
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    also includes 2.5GbE secondary port
    10 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 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
    26+2
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (26+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    26+2 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
  • 5.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    11
    ★ Better than 99% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (11 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    11 vs 5.5
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    3
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    includes 1 hybrid ARGB/fan header
    3 vs 2
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    2 vs 5
  • 7.13x more expensive
    MSI MEG Z790 Godlike Max is more expensive than the average motherboard (£1,140 vs £160).
    £1,140 vs £160
  • 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
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z790
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard 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
  • 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
  • 7.13x more expensive
    MSI MEG Z790 Godlike Max is more expensive than the average motherboard (£1,140 vs £160).
    £1,140 vs £160
  • 6.1% lower user score
    User score
    7.5/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    MSI MEG Z790 Godlike Max
    the average motherboard
    MSI MEG Z790 Godlike Max has a lower user score than the average motherboard (7.54 vs 8.000).
    7.54 vs 8
  • 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.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z790
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard 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
  • 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 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
  • 3 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    2 vs 5
  • 66 mm wider
    Width
    310 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is wider than the average motherboard (310 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    310 mm vs 244 mm

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

Based on 56 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about MSI MEG Z790 Godlike Max

  • Exceptional build quality with a premium, heavy-duty feel
  • Robust power delivery (26+2 phase VRM) capable of handling heavy overclocking
  • Industry-first M-Vision Dashboard (4.5-inch touchscreen) for real-time monitoring and control
  • Top-tier connectivity including Wi-Fi 7, 10G Super LAN, and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
  • Extensive storage options with seven M.2 slots, including PCIe 5.0 support
  • User-friendly BIOS that is easy to navigate even for complex settings

What we don't like about MSI MEG Z790 Godlike Max

  • Extremely high price point makes it 'overkill' for most standard gaming builds
  • Large E-ATX form factor requires a very large PC case
  • Lane sharing issues: Using the Gen 5 M.2 slot can halve GPU lanes from x16 to x8
  • High idle power consumption compared to other Z790 boards
  • Massive physical weight (roughly 10 lbs) can make installation cumbersome
  • Requires high-end cooling solutions to prevent high-wattage CPUs from thermal throttling

Verdict

The MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE MAX is a flagship E-ATX motherboard designed for Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors, featuring an elite 26+2 phase power delivery system with 105A Smart Power Stages and support for DDR5 memory speeds exceeding 7800MHz (OC). Its standout characteristics include the unique M-Vision Dashboard—a 4.5-inch detachable IPS touchscreen for real-time hardware monitoring—and an extensive storage suite with seven M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 solution. Main pros include cutting-edge connectivity with Wi-Fi 7, 10G and 2.5G dual LAN, and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports (40Gbps), alongside a premium 'screwless' magnetic heatsink design for effortless M.2 installation. However, notable cons include its extremely high price point, high idle power consumption, and the fact that using the PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot will reduce the primary graphics card slot to x8 bandwidth.

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