MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX GAMING MOTHERBOARD | WHAT IT OFFERS?

MSI has launched its new weapon in the high-end gaming motherboard arena – the MEG Z790 ACE MAX. This E-ATX board is a piece designed with untamed potential within your next gaming PC. MSI’s MEG series has long been synonymous with cutting-edge technology and innovation. The MEG Z790 ACE MAX continues this legacy by incorporating the latest advancements in hardware and design. It stands as the successor to the widely acclaimed MEG Z690 ACE, offering a significant leap forward in performance and features. By supporting the latest 14th/13th/12th Gen Intel processors, DDR5 memory, and cutting-edge connectivity options like Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5G LAN, this board ensures you’re prepared for the most demanding games and applications yet to come. Let’s have a close look on it:

Performance:

The MSI is a powerhouse built to deliver unparalleled performance. Here’s a closer look at the key components driving its raw power:

Power-Delivery:

24+1+2 Phase Power Design features 105A Smart Power Stage components, ensuring stable and efficient power delivery even under the most demanding workloads. Whether you’re pushing your CPU to its limits or running multiple demanding applications simultaneously, the MEG Z790 ACE MAX can handle it with ease.

Dual CPU Power Connectors provide ample and dedicated power to your CPU, crucial for overclocking stability and sustained performance.

Fast memory:

The MEG Z790 ACE MAX supports the latest DDR5 memory with speeds exceeding 7800+ MHz (OC). This translates to significantly faster data transfer rates compared to previous generations, leading to reduced loading times, improved responsiveness, and an overall smoother gaming experience. This proprietary technology optimizes memory performance by ensuring signal integrity and stability, further enhancing the benefits of DDR5 memory.

Advanced Cooling Solution:

Stacked Fin Array and Direct Touch Cross Heat-pipe ensure efficient heat dissipation from the CPU, allowing it to maintain optimal performance even under heavy loads. It also offers Aluminum Backplate which does not only add structural rigidity to the motherboard but also aids in heat dissipation.

Benchmark Credits: OC3D TV

Features:

MEG Z790 ACE MAX offers the following features.

Connectivity:

Dual Thunderbolt 4 Ports: Experience the future of connectivity with 40 Gbps transfer speeds, ideal for connecting high-resolution displays, external storage solutions, and other demanding peripherals.
Next-Gen Networking: The board boasts Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5G LAN capabilities, ensuring lag-free online gaming, seamless streaming, and lightning-fast file transfers.
Extensive USB Options: Numerous USB ports, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and USB 20G Type-C options, provide ample connectivity for all your peripherals and storage devices.
Clear CMOS and Flash BIOS Buttons: These buttons offer convenient troubleshooting and BIOS update options for maintaining system stability and performance.

Storage Flexibility:

Quintuple M.2 Connectors: With five M.2 slots, the MEG Z790 ACE MAX provides unmatched storage flexibility. This allows you to configure a blazing-fast NVMe SSD boot drive, store large game libraries, and create extensive creative workspaces, all on a single motherboard.
SATA III Ports: These additional ports cater to traditional storage needs, offering compatibility with HDDs and SATA SSDs.

Audiophile-Grade Sound:

This onboard audio solution utilizes high-quality components and dedicated audio processing to deliver immersive and crystal-clear sound. Whether you’re gaming, listening to music, or watching movies, Audio Boost 5 ensures a superior audio experience.

Customization and Aesthetics:

Pre-installed I/O Shield: This pre-mounted shield simplifies the installation process and adds a touch of sophistication to your build.
Magnetic & Screwless M.2 Shield Frozr Design: This innovative design allows for easy installation and removal of M.2 SSDs without the need for screws, improving aesthetics and simplifying maintenance.
Extensive RGB Lighting: Customizable RGB zones allow you to personalize the look and feel of your motherboard to match your style and create a truly unique gaming setup.
Mystic Light Software: This software suite provides intuitive control over your system’s RGB lighting, allowing you to create custom lighting effects and synchronize them with other RGB components.

Aesthetics:

The MEG Z790 ACE MAX boasts a sleek and elegant black finish that serves as the perfect canvas for its contrasting elements. This creates a bold and sophisticated aesthetic that complements any build style. The black base is adorned with subtle silver accents that add a touch of refinement and luxury. These accents are strategically placed on the heatsinks, chipset cover, and I/O shield, creating a cohesive and visually appealing design.

Beyond the base color scheme, the MEG Z790 ACE MAX features strategically placed RGB zones that allow you to personalize the look and feel of your motherboard according to your preferences. From underglow lighting to illuminated accents, you can create a dynamic and immersive visual experience that complements your gaming environment.

Taking customization a step further, the MSI Mystic Light software provides intuitive control over the motherboard’s RGB lighting. You can choose from a wide range of presets and effects, or create your own custom lighting profiles to match your style and other RGB components in your system. The MEG Z790 ACE MAX’s design goes beyond just the motherboard itself. The pre-installed I/O shield also features the same black and silver color scheme with subtle RGB lighting, ensuring a visually unified aesthetic within your PC case.

Who is it for?

The MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX, while undeniably impressive, isn’t for everyone. Its high-end features and price tag cater to a specific audience:

Hardcore Gamers:

For those who demand the absolute best performance in esports titles and other competitive games, the MEG Z790 ACE MAX delivers the power and stability needed to stay ahead of the competition. Its robust power delivery, advanced cooling, and overclocking capabilities ensure smooth, lag-free gameplay even in the most demanding titles.

If you enjoy experiencing the latest AAA titles with uncompromised visual fidelity and performance, the MEG Z790 ACE MAX allows you to push the graphics settings to the max and achieve breathtaking visuals and smooth frame rates.

Content Creators:

Content creators working with demanding software like video editing, 3D rendering, and animation will benefit from the unmatched performance and stability offered by the MEG Z790 ACE MAX. Its ability to handle heavy workloads efficiently allows creators to complete tasks faster and more efficiently.

Aspiring and established streamers can leverage the MEG Z790 ACE MAX’s powerful performance and robust connectivity to deliver high-quality streams without experiencing lag or dropped frames.

Enthusiasts and Overclockers:

For those who enjoy pushing the boundaries of their hardware and exploring the world of overclocking, the MEG Z790 ACE MAX provides the robust power delivery, advanced cooling solution, and user-friendly BIOS necessary to achieve stable and impressive overclocking results.

However, it’s important to consider the following factors before investing in the MEG Z790 ACE MAX:

This motherboard sits firmly in the high-end price bracket, making it a significant investment.
If you’re a casual gamer or content creator who doesn’t require the absolute top-tier performance, a more affordable motherboard might be a better fit.
While user-friendly, the MEG Z790 ACE MAX’s overclocking features and advanced BIOS might require some technical knowledge to utilize fully.

Pros:

Delivers top-tier performance for demanding games, content creation, and overclocking.
Ensures stable operation even under heavy loads, ideal for overclocking.
Keeps your system cool and stable for sustained performance.
Features Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5G LAN for high-speed networking and lag-free online experiences.
Supports multiple M.2 slots and SATA III ports for flexible storage configuration.
Delivers high-quality audio with dedicated audio processing.
Allows for personalized lighting effects to match your style.
Built with high-quality components for long-lasting performance.

Cons:

One of the most expensive motherboards on the market.
Offers more power than most casual gamers or content creators need.
Requires a larger case compared to standard ATX motherboards.
Might be difficult to find in stock due to high demand.
While user-friendly, unlocking its full potential might require some technical knowledge.

Specs Table:

Feature	Specification
Socket	LGA 1700
Chipset	Z790
Supported Processors	14th/13th/12th Gen Intel Core Processors
Memory Slots	4 x DDR5 DIMM
Max Memory Speed	DDR5 7800+ MHz (OC)
Storage	5x M.2 slots, 6x SATA III ports
Networking	Wi-Fi 7, 2.5G LAN
Connectivity	2x Thunderbolt 4 ports, multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 1
Audio	Audio Boost 5 with dedicated audio processing
RGB Lighting	Customizable RGB zones with Mystic Light software support
Power Delivery	24+1+2 Phase Digital Power Design with 105A Smart Power Stage
Cooling	Stacked Fin Array, Direct Touch Cross Heat-pipe, Frozr AI software, Double-sided M.2 Shield Frozr
Form Factor	E-ATX

Overall, The MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX is a top-of-the-line gaming motherboard that delivers exceptional performance, premium features, and a stunning design. However, its high price tag makes it an investment for serious gamers and enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a no-compromise motherboard to power your ultimate gaming experience, the MEG Z790 ACE MAX is definitely worth considering.