MSI MEG Z790 ACE Review

ir_cow

on Feb 24th, 2023,

in Motherboards.

Manufacturer: MSI

Board Software »

BIOS Overview

Clocks	Range	Interval
BCLK Frequency:	10–650 MHz	0.010 MHz
CPU P-Core Ratio:	4–120	1
CPU E-Core Ratio:	4–120	1
CPU Cache/Ring Ratio:	4-52	1
DRAM Frequency:	DDR5-1200 - DDR5-10333	N/A
CPU Voltages	Range	Interval
CPU Voltage:	0.6–2.155 V	0.005 V
CPU Input Voltage:	1.4–2.3 V	0.010 V
VCCSA Voltage:	0.06-1.60 V	0.005 V
VDD2 (IMC):	0.85–2.2 V	0.010 V
VDDQ_TX:	0.005–2.5 V	0.005 V
DRAM Voltages	Range	Interval
DRAM VDD:	0.800–2.50	0.010 V
DRAM VDDQ:	0.800–2.50	0.010 V
DRAM VPP:	1.5–2.135 V	0.010 V

Taking a look at the MSI MEG Z790 ACE BIOS, first impressions are good. Similar to other motherboard vendors, MSI uses the same layout and general placement for settings for the entire MSI lineup. This is great if you already are familiar with the brand. If you are new to MSI, lots of internet guides exist that help get you started. Upon first boot, you'll come across the "EZ Mode." This menu is designed for casual users, who do not want to dive deep into the BIOS settings. Here you can set the memory profile, drive boot priority and adjust the fans.

Those looking for a specific setting will find the search function at the top helpful. You only need to know part of the name, like for example "CPU." Anything that has CPU in the title will show up in this search.

After pressing F7 in the easy mode, you'll be greeted with the main menu that allows you to pick different categories. The obvious choice for many users is of course the OC Menu. This is where MSI has done an exceptional job at allowing the user to change almost every setting. It's very hands-off from MSI, in the sense that, if you want to change something that potentially could cause damage to your processor, you can make that change in this menu. That shouldn't be a deterrent for new users, just be aware that caution is advised when changing voltages if you're unsure what they do. For those more advanced users, there is a "Memory Try It!" function for memory overclocking / tuning. Load-Line Calibration and PWM CPU Switching Frequency control are also accounted for. There is a lot of overclocking options here as well, but most settings are packed into in a single long list, which can be tedious to sift through.

Overall this MSI MEG Z790 ACE BIOS gives both novice and power users control without prioritizing one group over another. If you are someone who just wants the CPU to be left alone, the only thing needed is to enable XMP on the EZ Mode page and that is it. Those who want to tinker with settings, have multiple ways to do so and the added bonus of a search tool to help find a specific setting.