ThePCEnthusiast is supported by its readers. Our articles usually contain affiliate links.
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. See our site disclosure here.

MSI MEG Z390 ACE Motherboard Review – Very Nice!

Price and Availability

The MSI MEG Z390 ACE motherboard is now available. It had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $289 when it was first released. But at the time this review was published, I’m positive that the price have already dropped or adjusted. You can check out the links below for the latest pricing and availability.

MSI MEG Z390 ACE Motherboard latest pricing and availability:
For US: Available at Amazon.com here
For UK: Available at Amazon UK here

MSI MEG Z390 ACE Motherboard Review: Conclusion

The MSI MEG Z390 ACE is the motherboard designed for enthusiasts and gamers alike. It’s not the company’s flagship motherboard, that would be the MEG Z390 GODLIKE. But it still have most of the bells and whistles that MSI could put into this motherboard. USB 3.1 and WiFi is native, as to all Z390 motherboards.

The MEG Z390 ACE supports DDR4 memory up to 4500MHz, and I think it can overclock overclockable DDR4 memory well. It can overclock a CPU pretty well; generally this motherboard does have a good OC potential. The Boost OC dial is a good addition, but I doubt experienced overclockers would want to use that. This motherboard has a 13-phase VRM and I think it’s really good.

There are three M.2 slots that supports SATA-based SSDs, NVMe and supports Intel Optane memory as well. By the way, only slots 1 and 2 supports both SATA-based and NVMe M.2 SSDs. The 3rd one, the one with an heatsink, only supports M.2 NVMe SSDs. As you have noticed, RGB lighting is not very dominant as well. There’s only the Mystic Light Infinity display over the rear I/O shroud, and that’s it. I don’t think RGB lighting would be a problem since most components nowadays have RGB lighting on them.

So the MSI MEG Z390 ACE looks like a great motherboard, what’s the catch then? While I couldn’t find any (major) issues or cons on this motherboard; this motherboard doesn’t have any display output on its rear I/O. You can’t utilize the CPU’s built-in graphics, or its iGPU. You can’t use QuickSync or troubleshoot the system in case your graphics card is not working properly. Other than this, I don’t find anything else to complain. Oh! perhaps no heatsink for M.2 slots 1 and 2; lack of Thunderbolt 3 and perhaps a 1Gbps network port?

The MSI MEG Z390 ACE isn’t a “budget friendly” motherboard. It’s one of the company’s top of the line motherboard. Competition is fierce; but if this motherboard has all the things that you need for your gaming machine or system, then we have no problems recommending this motherboard at all.

thepcenthusiast editor's choice award

Photo of author
Author
Peter Paul
Peter is a PC enthusiast and avid gamer with several years of hands-on experience in testing and reviewing PC components, audio equipment, and various tech devices. He offers a genuine, no-nonsense perspective, helping consumers make informed choices in the ever-changing world of technology.

Leave a Comment