OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£210CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z390Form factor:Mini-ITX

MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 3 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC
5.5/10

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

40%

4.7

Technical score

20%

4.7

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

4.7

User score

â–¼Worse than 95% of motherboards
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 97%
4.7

Technical score

Technical score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

19%

4.3

Memory

16%

7.2

Platform

16%

5.3

Storage

15%

4.4

Network

13%

2.4

Ports

8%

2.1

Expansion

8%

5.2

Power & Cooling

5%

6.9

Audio

â–¼Worse than 80%
4.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models

4.7

Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–¼Worse than 91%
4.7

User score

User score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models

4.7

Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.3

Rating

30%

7.8

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 88%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
  • msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
  • msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
  • msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
  • msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
  • msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
  • msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
msi-mpg-z390i-gaming-edge-ac
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC

Technical score
Technical score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components:

19%

4.3

Memory

16%

7.2

Platform

16%

5.3

Storage

15%

4.4

Network

13%

2.4

Ports

8%

2.1

Expansion

8%

5.2

Power & Cooling

5%

6.9

Audio

4.7
Reviews score
4.7
User score
4.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components:

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

6.7
CPU socket
LGA 1151
This motherboard uses LGA 1151, which is less up-to-date than 70.7% of Motherboards and the same as 13.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z390
This motherboard uses Intel Z390, which is less capable than 60.5% of Motherboards and as capable as 2.1% of Motherboards.
Form factor
Mini-ITX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.1% of motherboards and equal to 21.8% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
requires BIOS update for full capacity
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
4,800 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 51.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.1% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 34.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4, which is slower than 64.3% of Motherboards and the same as 3.2% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 6.1% of motherboards and equal to 46.8% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16, which is less generous than 81% of Motherboards and the same as 16.1% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 63.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
10
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 91.7% of motherboards and equal to 5.6% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 21.1% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8111H
This motherboard has a Realtek RTL8111H LAN controller, which is slower than 53% of Motherboards and equal to 7.3% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than 49.8% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC892
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC892, which is lower-end than 79.9% of Motherboards and the same as 8.8% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
95 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 95 dB, which is lower than that of 82.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
also has optical S/PDIF out
Show more
VRM phases
5+1
This motherboard has 5+1 VRM phases, which is fewer than 87.2% of motherboards and equal to 0.5% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
3
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 3 fan headers, which is fewer than 77.1% of motherboards and equal to 14.8% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.6% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111H vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8111H vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    also has optical S/PDIF out
    5 vs 3
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
    integrated Mystic Light support
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111H vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8111H vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    also has optical S/PDIF out
    5 vs 3
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
    integrated Mystic Light support
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z390 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 35.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models

    4.7

    Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    4.7 vs 7.3
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    requires BIOS update for full capacity
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 5 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    10 vs 15
  • 35.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models

    4.7

    Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    4.7 vs 7.3
  • 36.5% lower user score
    User score
    4.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models

    4.7

    Mark 8.1 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.3

    Rating

    30%

    7.8

    Popularity

    4.7 vs 7.4
  • 15.2% worse value for money
    MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC has worse value for money than the average motherboard (6.68 vs 7.7).
    6.68 vs 7.7
  • 40% more expensive
    MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC is more expensive than the average motherboard (£210 vs £150).
    £210 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z390 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Fewer BIOS update methods
    This motherboard offers fewer BIOS update methods than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app).
    UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    requires BIOS update for full capacity
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    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
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 5 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    10 vs 15
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    This motherboard has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    supports 2 USB 2 ports
    1 vs 2
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4).
    5 vs 5.4
  • 20 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (95 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    95 dB vs 115 dB
  • Less capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a lower-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897
  • Fewer VRM phases
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (5+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    5+1 vs 10
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • 2.5 fewer fan headers
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    3 vs 5.5

Video reviews

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

8.0
Actually Hardcore Overclocking
≈ estimated
09/04/2019
Hands-on review · VRM thermals and overclocking tests
Verdict
MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC is good for memory overclocking and tight budgets, but its six-phase VRM limits extreme overclocking.
9.0
Funkykit
≈ estimated
20/02/2019
Hands-on review · overclocking and memory tests
Verdict
MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC is a top pick for compact gaming builds that need overclocking headroom, with strong performance and features.
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
bit-tech.net
≈ estimated
11/12/2018
Lab test · Mini-ITX Z390 board
Verdict
The MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC is a budget board for small builds that reaches 5GHz all-core after tuning, but cuts features and holds boost poorly.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC

  • Excellent value for a Z390 Mini-ITX board compared to competitors
  • Solid overclocking performance, capable of pushing i9-9900K to 5GHz reliably
  • User-friendly BIOS (Click BIOS 5) that is easy to navigate for beginners
  • Integrated high-speed Intel AC Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 work well even without antennas
  • Ample connectivity for its size, including a USB Type-C port on the rear I/O
  • Aesthetic design is neutral and fits easily into various themed builds
  • Includes two M.2 slots, providing good storage expandability for a small form factor

What customers don't like about MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC

  • Lacks a dedicated M.2 heatsink, which can lead to thermal throttling on high-speed NVMe drives
  • No internal USB Type-C header for front-panel chassis connectivity
  • The Dragon Center software suite is frequently reported as buggy or conflicting with anti-cheat systems
  • SATA ports are disabled in pairs when M.2 slots are populated, limiting total drive capacity
  • Uses an older Realtek ALC892 audio codec compared to higher-end boards
  • WiFi signal stability issues reported by some users specifically on the 5GHz band during gaming
  • Tight layout can make it difficult to access PCIe clips when using large air coolers like the Noctua NH-D15

Verdict

The MSI MPG Z390I Gaming Edge AC is a high-performance Mini-ITX motherboard featuring the Intel Z390 chipset and an LGA 1151 socket, supporting 8th and 9th Generation Intel Core processors. It is equipped with two DDR4 DIMM slots supporting dual-channel memory up to 64GB at overclocked speeds of 4800MHz, dual Turbo M.2 slots (PCIe Gen3 x4), and four SATA 6Gb/s ports. Notable characteristics include integrated Intel Wireless-AC with Bluetooth 5.0, Realtek ALC892 7.1-channel HD audio with Audio Boost, and a comprehensive I/O that includes USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A ports and a DisplayPort/HDMI output. Main pros consist of its compact form factor with solid VRM cooling, excellent RAM overclocking potential, and competitive pricing for a Z390 ITX board. However, it has some drawbacks, such as the absence of dedicated M.2 heatsinks, a relatively dated audio codec compared to higher-end rivals, and a limited number of rear USB ports.

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