MSI MEG Z790 Ace Gaming Desktop Motherboard - Intel Z790 Chipset - Socket LGA-1700 - Extended ATX

Experience uncompromising performance with the MSI MEG Z790 Ace, a flagship motherboard engineered to unlock the full potential of the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors. Crafted for serious gamers and creators, this Extended ATX board blends premium aesthetics—a deep black finish with refined gold accents—with engineered durability, robust power delivery, and a feature-rich design that embraces the demands of extreme overclocking and demanding multitasking. From the moment you open the box, the Z790 Ace signals its commitment to top-tier engineering: premium components, meticulous layout, and a BIOS and software ecosystem designed to maximize every clock cycle, every frame, and every creative workflow. If your goal is a future-proof platform that handles high-speed memory, fast storage, and expansive expansion, this motherboard delivers with confidence and style.

• Premium aesthetics meet rugged performance: The MEG Z790 Ace presents a sophisticated dark black PCB with gold embellishments, delivering a premium visual theme that complements high-end GPUs and cooling blocks while retaining a clean, professional look in any gaming PC build. The design isn’t just cosmetic; the layout supports optimal airflow and accessible component placement for streamlined assembly and maintenance.
• Elite power delivery and thermal design: Built to sustain aggressive overclocking and long gaming sessions, this motherboard features a robust power delivery system paired with comprehensive cooling solutions. Large VRM heatsinks, strategic heat pipes, and carefully placed fan headers work together to keep voltage regulators cool under load, reducing thermal throttling and promoting stable performance during prolonged gameplay and content creation tasks.
• Next-generation connectivity and expansion: With PCIe 5.0 readiness for both graphics cards and storage devices, the MEG Z790 Ace positions your system to take advantage of cutting-edge data lanes and NVMe speeds. The board supports multiple high-speed USB options, fast networking capabilities, and ample PCIe slots and M.2 connectors to accommodate GPUs, capture cards, PCIe adapters, and blazing-fast NVMe storage for rapid game loads and working with large media files.
• DDR5 memory support and adaptive overclocking: Designed to mentor and maximize DDR5 performance, this board supports high-speed memory with robust tuning options and XMP profiles. This translates to quicker boot times, smoother multitasking, and improved frame pacing in modern titles, while enabling enthusiasts to push memory clocks safely using the BIOS and MSI software tools.
• Comprehensive features for enthusiasts and creators: Beyond core performance, the Z790 Ace is packed with features that empower tinkering and customization. This includes a rich set of audio options for immersive gaming and clear production workflows, integrated networking capabilities, a refined I/O layout for easy access, and a suite of MSI utilities designed to monitor temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, and system stability—making it easier to tune your rig to peak performance and reliability.

Technical Details of MSI MEG Z790 Ace

• Chipset: Intel Z790
• CPU Socket: LGA 1700
• Form Factor: Extended ATX (E-ATX)
• Memory Support: DDR5 memory with high-speed tuning and XMP profiles
• PCIe: PCIe 5.0 readiness for graphics and storage
• Storage: Multiple M.2 slots and SATA connectors for flexible storage configurations
• Networking: High-speed networking options with onboard connectivity and optional wireless modules depending on SKU
• Audio: Premium onboard audio solution for immersive gaming and clear content creation
• Cooling and Build: Advanced VRM cooling solutions, reinforced PCIe slots, and multiple fan headers to support complex cooling setups

how to install MSI MEG Z790 Ace

• Prepare your workspace and components: power down, unplug from mains, and discharge static. Gather your CPU, memory, cooling solution, case with compatible standoffs, and a quality power supply.
• Install the CPU: open the LGA-1700 socket lever, align the processor with the notches, and seat it firmly. Apply thermal paste as required if you’re mounting an air cooler, or ensure the AIO cooler block is secured per the cooler’s instructions.
• Install the memory: insert DDR5 modules into the recommended DIMM slots for best performance, applying even pressure until they click into place and the latches lock.
• Mount the motherboard: install the I/O shield into the case, align the motherboard with the case standoffs, and secure with screws. Connect power delivery cables from the power supply to the motherboard, along with essential front-panel connectors and cooling fans.
• Install cooling solutions and add-ons: if using an air cooler, mount it securely; for an AIO, attach the radiator and fans as specified by the cooler manufacturer, and connect the pump and fan headers to the motherboard.
• Power up and configure: boot into the BIOS, enable XMP profiles for memory, verify detected hardware, configure boot order, and apply any performance profiles. Install the latest chipset drivers and MSI utilities to optimize performance and monitor system health.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What CPUs are supported by the MSI MEG Z790 Ace?
  A: It is designed to support Intel 13th Gen Core processors on the LGA-1700 socket, with compatibility designed to take full advantage of the Z790 platform and its advanced features.
• Q: Does this motherboard support DDR5 memory?
  A: Yes, the MEG Z790 Ace supports DDR5 memory with high-speed tuning options for enhanced performance and efficiency in gaming and production workloads.
• Q: How many PCIe lanes and storage options does it offer?
  A: The board provides PCIe 5.0 expansion lanes for graphics and storage devices, along with multiple M.2 slots and SATA options to fit a range of configurations and redundancy needs.
• Q: Is wireless networking available on this board?
  A: Wireless connectivity varies by SKU; some configurations include onboard wireless modules or Wi‑Fi adapters, while others rely on wired ethernet. Check the specific SKU for exact networking options.
• Q: What software helps optimize performance and cooling?
  A: MSI provides a comprehensive software suite, including BIOS features and MSI Center utilities, to monitor temperatures, adjust voltages, manage fan curves, and apply performance profiles for stable overclocking and efficient tuning.