Introduction

In late 2022, Intel launched the 13th generation core processors codenamed Raptor Lake, compatible with the existing Z690 / B660 and LGA 1700 socket. Often accompanying most mid-cycle CPU refreshes comes new motherboards and chipsets. This gives motherboard manufacturers an opportunity to add any new technologies and features that were not available previously. While nothing new was introduced that wasn't already present in the Intel Z690 lineup, the Z790 chipset offers additional high-speed USB ports, PCIe lanes and better overall memory support compared to its predecessor.

MSI has come prepared with multiple new product refreshes, from the entry-level MAG PRO B760 to the flagship MEG Z790 Godlike. The MEG naming convention serves as MSI's upper-mid to high-end line of AMD and Intel motherboards. Generally offering expanded performance compared to the MPG series as well as some additional premium features, the MEG lineup typically comprises three models: the Unify, Ace, and Godlike. The MSI MEG Z790 ACE lands in the middle of the MEG family, catering to consumers wanting the best the platform has to offer, only to be outdone by the MSI flagship MEG Godlike motherboard.


In today review, we have the MSI MEG Z790 ACE to look at. Using the new Intel Z790 chipset, this motherboard features a 24+1+2 VRM (105 A) setup that gives the word overkill a new level of meaning. Featuring PCIe 5.0 for future graphics cards and DDR5, the ACE has more hidden below the black heatsinks, with five M.2 sockets allowing for massive storage and those large creative projects or extensive game libraries. It also offers dual 2.5G LAN, WiFi 6E and Thunderbolt 4 for those who need to transfer data quickly. There is a lot to cover in this review, so let's take a closer look at the MSI MEG Z790 ACE.

Specifications

Packaging and Contents

Taking a closer look at the box, we can see the MSI MEG Z790 ACE motherboard aesthetic is aiming for the sleek profile often associated with premium products. The front of the box keeps the information simple to understand, with the product name across the bottom and key bits of information placed in the corners.

Turning the box around, we see the box drops the entire minimalist approach and dives right into what is important from a consumer standpoint. Highlighted features of this motherboard are a 24+1+2 VRM setup, and high speed USB and thunderbolt ports for quick data transfers. Below the feature highlights is a diagram of the rear IO, with a specification table on the left. Overall, if you were to come across this box in the store, MSI does an excellent job in providing the consumer with all the information necessary to make a decision on the spot.


Being that the MSI MEG Z790 ACE is a premium tier motherboard, the accessories are fairly extensive. That being said, one notable absence here is a PCIe M.2 add-on card and a motherboard user manual. MSI has been criticized here before for the lack of a physical manual or including one digitally on the USB drive. It is possible MSI will start to include a digital copy in the future, but currently you must venture to the website and download a digital version.

The full list of accessories includes:

Documentation

• • 1x Quick installation guide
  • 1x European Union regulatory notice

Application

• • 1x USB drive with drivers & utilities

Cables

• • 2x SATA 6Gb/s cables
  • 1x Thermistor cable
  • 1x JRGB extension cable (1 to 2)
  • 1x JARGB extension cable
  • 2x DP to Mini-DP cable
  • 1x Front panel cable

Accessories

• • 1x Wi-Fi antenna set
  • 2x EZ M.2 Clip packages (1 set/pack)
  • 3x M.2 plate screw packages (1 set/pack)
  • 1x M.2 screw package (3 pcs/pack)
  • 1x Cable sticker

Board Layout

MSI MEG ACE refresh using the new Intel Z790 chipset has some minor changes to the presentation and overall layout. The gold trim along the VRM heatsinks and dragon logo has been removed altogether. We see MSI has aligned both AMD and Intel MEG ACE motherboards to look similar this time, as they have often not in the past few generations. RGB lighting is still present, but has been toned down, giving a more stylish presentation, with even a physical switch to disable it as well.

The MEG Z790 ACE keeps the larger footprint with an E-ATX form factor found also with the Z690 ACE. This size increase can help designers and engineers bring their visions to fruition, but can impact some consumers negatively when it comes to case compatibility. Installation of E-ATX motherboards often comes with challenges due to the extended width and therefore a smaller case selection to pick from.

Flipping it around, we can see that the entire back is covered by a backplate designed to relieve stress in a uniform manner, and provide additional cooling using thermal pads sandwiched in between. This isn't just for show, serving a purpose outside of being a hazard guard.


When it comes to CPU cooler compatibility, the MSI MEG Z790 ACE VRM heatsinks are tall, which will constrict some of the largest air-coolers depending on the orientation. Those who choose to use All-In-One CPU coolers or waterblocks will not be as constrained by the width restrictions.


The MSI MEG Z790 ACE offers three PCI Express x16 slots, which are reinforced for extra stress support. PCIe slot one and two are Gen 5 with x16 lanes coming from the CPU. Slot one can either operate at x16 or x8 and has spacing for a 3-slot graphics card. Slot two is wired for PCIe Gen 5 x8 and will split the available lanes with the first slot if populated. These are all backwards compatible, allowing older PCIe devices to work without issue. The third x16 slot is wired for PCIe Gen 4 x4 and is connected to the Intel Z790 Chipset.


One of the big changes that comes with the Z790 chipset is speed change in the PCIe lanes provided by the chipset. Z790 offers 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes from the chipset and 8 Gen 3 lanes, compared to 12 PCIe Gen 4 lanes and 16 Gen 3 lanes from Z690. Motherboard manufacturers can use these for extra USB ports, PCIe slots or M.2 sockets. While both 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors support PCIe Gen 5 with x16 lanes available from the CPU, these do not have additional dedicated lanes for M.2 Gen 5 socket(s) like AMD offers for its Ryzen 7000 series. Intel Z690 / Z790 motherboards that offer M.2 Gen 5 sockets, must take lanes away from the PCIe slots. In this case, MSI does just that. If the fourth M.2 socket is used, the second PCIe slot becomes disabled as the bandwidth is diverted to this M.2 Socket. This also lowers the first PCIe slot to x8. In addition, if the 5th M.2 Socket is populated, the 7th SATA port becomes disabled as well.


A quick look at the top M.2 heatsink. MSI has a contact connection for the RGB lighting and power instead of having wires that could potentially be ripped out of the connector If you are not careful during installation of an M.2 drive.


MSI has included a number of diagnostics for troubleshooting. The standard debug readout can be found at the top for the motherboard and provides codes based on what part of the boot sequence it is in. Below it is LEDs which also indicate which step the motherboard is on during the boot process. Lastly are the V-Check read points. These can be helpful for a quick diagnostics of the voltage for Vcore, VDD2 and VCCIN. It is not necessary to have these available when overclocking, but it is appreciated when software readings are inaccurate.


MSI is using a Intel JHL8540 PCIe x4 Gen 3 for the Thunderbolt 4 ports. These ports are attached to the motherboard via a daughterboard. It is unusual to see such a setup, but does allow for MSI to slot them into motherboards without any redesigns. This could translate into future MSI products using ASMedia with USB4 or a next gen Thunderbolt solution. None of this directly affects this product, but is certainly interesting from a design perspective.


Right in the middle at the bottom is the BIOS and LED Switches. This MSI MEG Z790 ACE is equipped with a dual BIOS setup. Since BIOS chips are soldered to the motherboard, this secondary BIOS can be used a fail-safe and also for testing new BIOS revisions before officially switching over. Since saved BIOS profiles / settings are not carried over, it can be a hassle to apply an update without a guarantee the BIOS patch fixes whatever problems you are having. Not liking a new layout, or missing settings? Simply switch back to the old one.

Next to those switches is a water flow meter and the thermal sensor headers to be used with the thermistor cable (included).


In the bottom right corner of the motherboard is the power and reset button. The reset button can be reprogrammed in the BIOS to turn off the MSI Mythic lighting, or as a safe boot instead of the default reset function.

Hidden within the many nondescript headers is a special one for a optional tuning controller. Unfortunately, this controller is not something you can buy separately, and only comes with select overclocking motherboards.


Close up of the Intel Z790 chipset.


The MSI MEG Z790 ACE uses a two 8-Pin EPS connector for higher power management. Next to the 24-Pin is an extra 6-Pin PEG to supply additional power to USB peripherals, M.2 sockets and PCIe slots.


Next to the SATA ports is two USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers and two internal USB 3.2 Gen 2 (20 Gbps) headers for connecting the USB ports the computer case has available. Additionally, two USB 2.0 headers can be found next to the power and reset buttons


The MSI MEG Z790 ACE motherboard has a total of six 6 Gbps SATA ports. Per the manual, these are split up with four connected to the Intel Z790 with RAID mode supported, while the remaining two are connected to an ASM1061 controller.


MSI has used the Realtek ALC4082 Codec + ESS ES9280AQ Combo DAC/HPA Codec for it's on-board audio solution. This supports up to 32-bit/384kHz playback.


Removing the WiFi card, we can see its an Intel AX211. This supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3


Behind the Rear IO panel the two Intel 2.5 GbE LAN chips can be found. One for each LAN port. Also the battery is hidden back here as well.


The MSI MEG Z790 ACE has three ARGB 5 V (3-pins) RGB headers placed throughout with a single RGB 12 V (4-Pins) header near the on-board audio.


MSI goes all out on the Rear IO. Offering seven USB 3.2 10 Gbps ports, one USB 3.2 10 Gbps (USB-C), Thunderbolt 4, analog outputs and Optical S/PDIF out supporting 7.1 audio. The only major upset here could be that there is no 10 GbE Ethernet. Instead the MSI MEG Z790 ACE is equipped with dual 2.5 GbE LAN. Options do exist like USB-LAN adapters, but that adds costs to the buyer.

The Thunderbolt 4 (TB4) ports can be used to display video via the Intel iGPU (if the CPU has it) and pass-through abilities as well. This pass-through can be used for certain tablets that need to be connected via USB-C for touch screen abilities instead of a DisplayPort. Simply route the DisplayPort cable to the TB4 Mini DP-in, connect the USB-C TB4 port to the device and enjoy.

Along with a Clear CMOS and BIOS Flash button, there is a Smart Button as well. This is a multi-key button that can be configured to Reset the system, turn Mystic Lights on/off, enable Turbo Fan Mode or as a Safe Boot button. The Safe boot is a great feature that works well on Intel motherboards and allows booting directly into the BIOS without losing settings that would be wiped if you cleared the CMOS instead.

• 1x Clear CMOS button
  1x Flash BIOS button
  1x Smart button
  2x LAN (RJ45) ports
  7x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10 Gbps Type-A ports
  1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10 Gbps Type-C port
  with DisplayPort Alt Mode
  2x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports
  2x Mini DisplayPort Inputs (TB4)
  2x Wi-Fi Antenna connectors
  5x OFC audio jacks
  1x Optical S/PDIF Out connector