After taking a detailed look at the MSI MEG Z790 ACE, it is once again time to consolidate everything into the major talking points. This provides a better understanding of what MSI is offering, special features it may have for this particular motherboard, and the shortcomings as well. We will first focus on what MSI could improve upon and potential drawbacks, before concluding this review on a positive note.

First let's place this product, which will allow for some direct comparison in the same market space. Generally this is done by looking at the MSRP cross-referenced with what the companies intended consumer is. Here we have the MSI MEG Z790 ACE, which falls under the MEG series. MEG is MSI's highest product tier that is focusing on the quality of components as well as providing users with a premium experience. This "premium" feature-set can be tangible integrated functions like a LCD touch panel found on the GODLIKE for example, or just costly aesthetics. Generally these flagship products have a mixture of both. The MSI MEG Z790 ACE is technically under the umbrella of flagship products, while the GODLIKE has the highest price and offers the most features between the two. When it comes to direct competitors, these are ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte and MSI. With BIOSTAR and Supermicro sometimes in the mix as well. Pricing and features put this with alongside the ASRock Z790 Taichi, Gigabyte Z790 Master, EVGA Z790 Classified and ASUS Z790 Hero. These all have different price points and overlapping features.

Now that the MSI MEG Z790 ACE is correctly placed among the competitors, we can discuss baseline expectations and where MSI falters a bit. First and foremost, those who are interested in novice level overclocking for both the CPU and memory, will be disappointed to hear that it is a bit complicated to say the least. It is not that this motherboard does not have the means to provide good results, rather it is slow-going with odd and unexpected results that often leaves a feeling of confusion and self-doubt. It was not the best experience, but it is possible to get a solid overclock without having to resort to using a XOC orientated motherboard instead. Those will always be better for overclocking due to being purpose built, but many sacrifice PCIe slots, M.2 sockets and USB ports, traded for onboard buttons and switches that are for XOC features.

Besides potential overclocking woes, the only thing that really should be included in this tier is 10 GbE LAN. Instead, we are given dual 2.5 Gb LAN. Dual LAN is usually for connection to multiple networks where they do not share the same domain and subnet. Ideal for work environments where computers do not all have access to the same networks for security or IP related restraints. For everyone else, that second LAN port adds little to no value overall. 10 Gb LAN adapters are cheap and even USB ones exist as well. Just understand that is more money out of your pocket, if it's something you need to have.

The next few things are less of a complaint, rather something to point out. The MSI MEG Z790 ACE is using the E-ATX form factor. This means case compatibility is something to be aware of. From a consumer prospective, it seems like MSI could have designed this for the standard ATX form factor. However, by doing so, one M.2 slot would have been removed. This could be remedied by including the M.2 Xpander Card, which would provide additional two M.2 sockets. It makes perfect sense thinking about it, but we as consumers are unaware of the difficulties in creating such a product behind the scenes. Would it have been better? Yes. Is it possible? Unknown.

What doesn't require a engineering degree to understand is how did MSI forget to include a user manual, digital or physical? This has been a polarizing topic for many. The move to digital is perfectly fine and understandable, as the goal to reduce waste is a global effort. Here we do get a quick start guide, which is good for the basic installation process, but does not help with troubleshooting. A physical manual is still ideal for those types of situations, but having a digital copy on the flash drive provided would be acceptable as well. Neither is provided and that is disappointing to see at this product tier.

Many of the complaints in this review are superficial in nature that overshadow everything that comes after. Though, the goal is to provide readers with information beyond what the marketing material or general user review could provide. Being that this is the Intel Z790 chipset, bandwidth allocations have changed from the Z690 that came before it. It is still exactly 28 PCIe lanes that the chipset provides, but now fewer PCIe Gen 3 and more Gen 4 instead. What this means for the end-user is motherboard vendors can add more M.2 sockets, high-speed USB and PCIe Gen 4 slots. Here we see that the MSI MEG Z790 ACE now has the third PCIe slot enabled when M.2 NVMe is installed instead of being lowered to x2 previously. When directly comparing to the MEG Z690 ACE the internal changes are minimal, with one PCIe M.2 socket being upgraded to Gen 5 and a increased power delivery system that is just overkill for a lack of a better word. The biggest meaningful change for most users would be increased support for higher frequency system memory.

The MSI MEG Z790 ACE offers a number of quality of life features that are often missing or poorly implemented on mid-tier products. While this review does not cover the on-board audio solution in-depth, MSI does it's due diligence to include an on-board solution that is the best currently on the market that isn't a external DAC or sound card. When it comes to troubleshooting, having a built-in code debugger for diagnostics helps track down issues with precision. This extends to having a dual BIOS solution with a physical switch. Once again it is another one of those things that can be quite helpful in troubleshooting, but also allows you to try out the newest BIOS without losing all those hours spent making adjustments for that perfect overclock. If that new BIOS is given unexpected problems, going back to a known working setup is easy as flipping a switch.

Overall, MSI has taken the MEG Z690 ACE and made some improvements, but shortcomings for this product tier will leave you disappointed. Brand loyalty goes a long way and those who are dedicated fans may still be pleased. Under the MEG umbrella, expectations are set high, and MSI unfortunately under delivers in that respect. If you are able to overlook what some would consider superficial complaints, you will still find that the competitors offer advantages in price and features that make this MSI MEG Z790 ACE hard to place as a top recommendation.