MSI MEG Z790 Ace Max LGA 1700 E-ATX Gaming Motherboard

Key Points

• Robust 24+1+2 phase power design with 105A Smart Power Stages.
• Advanced cooling via stacked fin arrays, M.2 Shield Frozr, and 7W/mK thermal pads.
• PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with Steel Armor for heavy GPU support and signal integrity.
• DIY-friendly features including EZ M.2 Clips and pre-installed I/O shield.
• High-fidelity audio powered by Realtek ALC4082 and ESS ES9280AQ DAC.
• Comprehensive connectivity with dual 2.5Gbps LAN and Bluetooth 5.4.
• Mystic Light RGB integration with A-RAINBOW V2 headers.

The MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX is engineered for enthusiasts and power users who demand peak performance from their Intel-based systems. Built on an 8-layer PCB with server-grade materials and 2 oz. thickened copper, this E-ATX motherboard provides a stable foundation for the latest 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen Intel Core processors. Its 24+1+2 phase power design ensures consistent power delivery, allowing you to push your hardware to its absolute limits.

Thermal management is a priority, featuring an extensive cooling ecosystem that includes a stacked fin array, direct-touch cross heat pipes, and an aluminum backplate. The double-sided M.2 Shield Frozr keeps your high-speed NVMe drives cool during intense data transfers, while dedicated headers for liquid and air cooling provide granular control over your system's thermals.

Connectivity and expansion are handled with cutting-edge technology, including PCIe 5.0 support for future-proof graphics and storage performance. With dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, you can daisy-chain high-speed devices and drive 8K displays with ease. The integration of Wi-Fi 7 ensures your wireless connection is faster and more reliable than ever, making this motherboard a top-tier choice for modern gaming and workstation builds.

MSI has streamlined the building process with user-centric innovations like the EZ M.2 Clip for tool-free SSD installation and a pre-installed I/O shield. The board also features advanced diagnostic tools, including EZ Debug LEDs and a 2-digit debug code display, ensuring that troubleshooting is straightforward for both novice and experienced builders.