MSI Z390

While "GODLIKE" may still be 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 monochromatic screen to the included Streaming Boost card, the MEG Z390 GODLIKE screams premium. This soon after a release, it can be difficult to gauge overclocking success as the CPU sample is as new as the boards. Still, I am confident that the numbers put forward by the MEG Z390 GODLIKE will prove to be quite good. Power consumption and temperatures were within reasonable bounds considering the monstrous nature of the 9th Gen Core processors, though cooling is going to be a bigger priority than with past generations.

MSI schickt mit dem MEG Z390 ACE ein Mainboard ins Rennen, das auf Intels neuem Z390-Chipsatz basiert. Wir haben geprüft, welche Funktionen das Mainboard bietet und es einem Leistungstest unterzogen.

We can't say definitively if this board is exceptional yet having not tested others, but with Z370 and Z390 being so similar and CPUs being backwards compatible, there's clearly a strong case for saving some cash and opting for a previous-generation motherboard - nearly £300 is a lot to pay for a mainstream motherboard, even if the Core i9-9900K is stepping on HEDT CPU shoes. However, for premium features such as USB 3.1 Gen 2, overclocking tools, M.2 heatsinks, RGB lighting and extensive power delivery, MSI doesn't have any options in the price range with Z370 instead leaping from the likes of the much cheaper Z370 GAMING M5 up to the hugely expensive Godlike Gaming. The MEG Z390 Ace, despite its price, actually has the Asus Maximus XI Hero in its sights with the latter costing a similar and sizeable £270. All we can say for now is that the MEG Z390 Ace is hugely impressive and the other manufacturers will have to pack a mighty sub-£300 punch in terms of features and aesthetics to beat it.