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MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£120CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z390Form factor:microATX

MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

6.6

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Score components

90%

6.3

Technical Score

10%

9.0

User score

â–²Better than 51% of motherboards
6.3

Technical Score

Technical score
6.3/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

7.5

Platform & Features

16%

6.3

Storage

15%

5.1

Network

13%

4.7

Ports & USB

8%

4.5

Expansion

8%

7.6

Power & Cooling

5%

9.5

Audio

â–¼Worse than 51% of motherboards
9.0

User score

User score
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 87% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User reviews

30%

8.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(445)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(457)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

â–²Better than 87% of motherboards
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Verdict

The MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC is a high-performance Micro-ATX motherboard designed for 8th and 9th Generation Intel Core processors on the LGA 1151 socket. It features the Intel Z390 chipset, four DIMM slots supporting dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 4500MHz (OC), and twin Turbo M.2 slots with PCIe Gen3 x4 for fast NVMe SSD performance. Main characteristics include an extended heatsink design for enhanced thermal management, integrated Intel Wireless-AC 9560 with Bluetooth 5.0, and Mystic Light RGB synchronization with 16.8 million colors. Pros include robust power delivery via an 8+4 pin CPU connector, high-quality Audio Boost 4, and multi-GPU support for both 2-Way NVIDIA SLI and 2-Way AMD CrossFire. However, cons include the absence of dedicated M.2 shields/heatsinks and limited rear USB connectivity compared to higher-end ATX counterparts.

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC

Technical Score
Technical score
6.3/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

7.5

Platform & Features

16%

6.3

Storage

15%

5.1

Network

13%

4.7

Ports & USB

8%

4.5

Expansion

8%

7.6

Power & Cooling

5%

9.5

Audio

6.3
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has a technical score of 6.3 points, which is lower than that of 51.1% of products in this category.
User score
User score
9.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 87% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User reviews

30%

8.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(445)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(457)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.0
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has a user score of 8.96 points, which is higher than that of 86.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
Popularity
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 82% of models
Popularity:
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has a popularity score of 8.9 points, which is higher than that of 81.7% of products in this category.
8.9
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has a popularity score of 8.9 points, which is higher than that of 81.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price
Value for money
7.6/ 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 54% of models
Score components:

60%

6.6

Overall score

40%

9.9

Price

7.6
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has a value-for-money score of 7.6 points, which is higher than that of 54.4% of products in this category.
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
LGA 1151
CPU socket
LGA 1151
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1151 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 70.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel Z390
Chipset
Intel Z390
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z390 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 60% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
Form factor
microATX
Form factor
microATX
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
This motherboard has the microATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 52.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
4,500 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
4,500 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,500 MT/s, which is lower than that of 51.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
N. of M.2 sockets
2
â–¼ Worse than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.4% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This motherboard offers 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 67.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.8% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 5.6% of motherboards and equal to 46.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
SATA only
NVMe RAID support
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0, x8/x8
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0, x8/x8
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x0, x8/x8 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 76.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.9% 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.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.3% of motherboards and equal to 32.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
15
Total USB ports (including headers)
15
â–² Better than 48% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 47.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
â–² Better than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% 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.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
LAN speed
1 Gbps
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.2% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Intel I219-V
LAN controller
Intel I219-V
â–² Better than 58% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 58.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 10% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than that of 49.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.7% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220P-VB2
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220P-VB2
â–² Better than 86% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1220P-VB2 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 85.6% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Audio SNR
120 dB
â–² Better than 56% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 56% of motherboards and equal to that of 40.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
10
VRM phases
10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
This motherboard has 10 VRM phases, which is fewer than 52.5% of motherboards and equal to 3.7% 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
5
N. of fan headers
5
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 5 fan headers, which is fewer than 50% of motherboards and equal to 14.6% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Pump header max current
2 A
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1220P-VB2
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220P-VB2 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC1220P-VB2 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 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
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Intel I219-V
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    N. of USB4 / Thunderbolt headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    JTBT1 header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    2
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 12% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC
    the average motherboard
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has a higher user score than the average motherboard (8.96 vs 8.000).
    8.96 vs 8
  • 41.7% more popular
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC is more popular than the average motherboard (8.87 vs 6.3).
    8.87 vs 6.26
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    2
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    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
  • 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
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    N. of USB4 / Thunderbolt headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    JTBT1 header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 headers (USB-C)
    1
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    2
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Intel I219-V
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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 ALC1220P-VB2
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220P-VB2 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC1220P-VB2 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
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    2
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 61 mm shorter
    Height
    244 mm
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    244 mm vs 305 mm
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z390
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z390 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    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
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOS flashback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x0, x8/x8
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    BIOS update methods
    UEFI utility, Windows app
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
    UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    1 vs 2
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z390
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z390 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOS flashback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    BIOS update methods
    UEFI utility, Windows app
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
    UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    microATX
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (microATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    microATX vs ATX
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x0, x8/x8
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    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
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    1.4
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    1.4 vs 2.1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.0
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    5.0 vs 5.4
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    1
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 0.5 fewer fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    5
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    5 vs 5.5

Graphic comparison of MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC and other products in the Motherboards category

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
445 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
457 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC?

  • Excellent value for a Z390 Micro-ATX board with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • Solid overclocking performance, capable of pushing i9-9900K CPUs to 5GHz+
  • Feature-rich for its size, including dual M.2 slots and reinforced PCIe slots
  • Extensive memory support with high frequency compatibility (up to 4400MHz+)
  • Clean, color-neutral aesthetic with customizable Mystic Light RGB
  • Plenty of fan headers and well-organized internal layout for easy cable management
  • Informative and well-organized physical manual helpful for first-time builders

What customers dislike about MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC?

  • Limited rear I/O USB ports compared to larger ATX alternatives
  • Installing M.2 drives disables two SATA ports per drive (up to 4 total)
  • Dragon Center software is often reported as buggy or conflicting with anti-cheat systems
  • The BIOS interface can feel clunky or less intuitive than competitors like ASUS
  • Only one M.2 thermal shield included despite having two slots
  • VRM cooling is adequate but may struggle under extreme overclocks in hot climates
  • Slow boot times reported by some users (up to 45 seconds to reach desktop)

Video reviews

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

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