Published: October 10, 2024 | Source: MSI | Author: Tom Logan

MSI MEG Z890 Ace Preview

MSI MEG Z890 Ace Up Close

Normally we start at the top left in our Up Close pages. However, the amount of stuff included in our Intel care package means that this is the first real chance to look at the MSI MEG Z890 Ace in the flesh. MSI have either gained a new designer or changed their company philosophy as all the recent models we’ve seen are gorgeous. The Z890 Ace is no exception.

Those of you who regularly slice the skin off your fingers will appreciate the movement of the 12V CPU power inputs to above the DIMM slots. Chiefly that’s us, and we do.

As more and more USB ports become available, so the IO section eventually runs out of room. That probably explains why quite so many front panel USB ports are available on the Ace.

Pump headers sitting alongside Mystic Light headers are not unique to the Z890 Ace. However, the placement of the power and reset switches is perfect, especially if the Z890 proves as capable of overclocking goodness as Intel promise.

The bottom corner looks more tightly packed than a lot of recent MSI Motherboards. Perhaps the inclusion of thermal sensor headers and the movement of the 8pin extra power connector have just optically squeezed it all together. Still, you wont be left short if you want cooling and lighting.

Stripped Bare

Remember when having two M.2 slots seemed the heights of luxury? The MSI MEG Z890 Ace, as befits its positioning in their range, has five slots. Even if you’ve brought everything worth having in a Steam sale you shouldn’t be short of room.

We spoke in our review of the MSI X870E Carbon how much we adored their redesigned backplate. Our love for it there hasn’t diminished by seeing it here too. Indeed we love that MSI are committing to the idea. Everything is so well laid out and obviously labelled.

Although we don’t yet know the Ampage rating of the power phases on the Z890 Ace, it’s clear MSI have gone to town with the heatsinks. This is a new design as far as our memory can remember. Certainly if you’ve grown weary of a random stack of fins you’ll enjoy the looks of the newest high end MSI motherboard.