Final Thoughts and Conclusion

While "GODLIKE" may seem like a stretch, the MEG Z390 GODLIKE is indeed a contender for the title of "one board to rule them all". MSI pulled out all the stops for this one, and it shows everywhere you look. From the OLED screen to the included Streaming Boost card, the MEG Z390 GODLIKE exudes a premium vibe. Seriously, not only does the board have double-sided heatsinks on all three M.2 slots, but it even comes with an expansion card for two more slots! Did I mention the included Streaming Boost video encoder? The MEG Z390 GODLIKE has no less than three audio codecs and a built-in DAC and ten fan headers, not to mention all the RGB LED extension and adapter cables. The little details add up too, like the steel-reinforced DIMM slots or the infinity mirror RGB LED.

MSI did make some controversial choices, namely removing all video outputs from the rear I/O. The MEG Z390 GODLIKE requires a dedicated GPU to function even if the installed CPU has an iGPU. This move is not too surprising as no one would buy such a high-end board and not have any dedicated graphics. While troubleshooting problems may be harder without onboard graphics, between the postcode display and Easy Debug LED, very few, if any problems would be difficult to diagnose on the MEG Z390 GODLIKE. Additionally, the back panel only has five Type-A USB ports, which many will argue is too few. I disagree, and I commend MSI for implementing a greater number of Gen2 ports than Gen1 on the rear I/O.

When it comes to performance, I am afraid I will have to leave you in suspense. I promise that I will have a full and thorough look at how the GODLIKE performs with Intel's new 9th Generation Core Processors just as soon as the embargo lifts. If you are still hungry for more Z390 action, stay tuned for another preview that will be dropping later today.