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MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£120
  • CPU socket: LGA 1151
  • Chipset: Intel Z390
  • Form factor: microATX

MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

6.7

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.4

Technical Score

10.0%

9.3

User score

Good
6.4

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

19.0%

7.2

Memory

16.0%

6.7

Platform & Features

16.0%

5.9

Storage

15.0%

6.9

Network

13.0%

4.3

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.7

Expansion

8.0%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.4

Audio

Good
9.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

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

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 6.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.0

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    5.5

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    9.0

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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

Verdict

The MSI 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 MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC

Technical Score

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

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

Score components:

19.0%

7.2

Memory

16.0%

6.7

Platform & Features

16.0%

5.9

Storage

15.0%

6.9

Network

13.0%

4.3

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.7

Expansion

8.0%

8.6

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.4

Audio

6.4
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has a technical score of 6.43 points, which is higher than that of 52% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

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

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.3
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has a user score of 9.3 points, which is higher than that of 91.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
10
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 79.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.7
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 60.6% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1151
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC uses the LGA 1151 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 70.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z390
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC uses the Intel Z390 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 60.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

microATX
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 51% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

?
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

2
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.6% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC offers 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 67.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.8% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

4
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 5.6% of motherboards and equal to 46.3% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
SATA only
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Intel RST support
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.4% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

x16/x0, x8/x8
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC uses x16/x0, x8/x8 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 81.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.7% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

6
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

15
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 48.3% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

1
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.4% of motherboards and equal to 48.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

2
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

1 Gbps
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.1% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel I219-V
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC uses the Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 41% of motherboards and equal to that of 14.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

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

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC1220P-VB2
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC uses the Realtek ALC1220P-VB2 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 85.5% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

?
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

5
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has 5 fan headers, which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 14.5% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

2 A
MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 43.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 33.4% of motherboards.
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MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC vs the average motherboard

  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=2

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster rear USB-C connectivity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
    When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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
    What it is: The number of internal USB 3.2 Gen1 headers for front-panel Type-A ports.
    When it matters: When your case has front USB-A ports to connect.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.2 vs 1
  • Supports Bluetooth
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes built-in Bluetooth for wireless peripherals and accessories.
    When it matters: When you want to connect wireless peripherals without an adapter.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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
    What it is: The number of internal USB4 or Thunderbolt headers on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to add high-speed front USB-C or Thunderbolt connections.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.1 vs 0
  • 1 more RGB headers
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    What it is: The number of 4-pin RGB headers available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect more standard RGB lighting devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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.
    What it is: The number of internal USB 3.2 Gen2 headers for front-panel USB-C ports.
    When it matters: When your case includes front USB-C connectivity.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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 PCIe x1 slots
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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 more total USB-C connections
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 1 more RGB headers
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 61 mm shorter
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.

Total
Overall
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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.
  • Less versatile form factor
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (microATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z390 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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.
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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 M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). 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
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can update BIOS without needing a fully installed or supported CPU to boot first.
    When it matters: When you may need to update BIOS before the system can boot.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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.
    What it is: The available ways to update the motherboard BIOS.
    When it matters: When you want easier BIOS maintenance and recovery.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    What it is: The number of 3-pin addressable RGB headers available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect more ARGB lighting devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.1 vs 2
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    What it is: The HDMI standard supported by the motherboard video output.
    When it matters: When you plan to use integrated graphics with a monitor or TV.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: 2.1

    MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC 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
Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of MSI MPG Z390M Gaming Edge AC and

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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)

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