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MSI MEG Z690 ACE LGA 1700 Gaming Motherboard

Motherboard • MSI • $ 650.00

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Overview

Unleash Your Build with the MSI MEG Z690 ACE

The MSI MEG Z690 ACE is a flagship E-ATX motherboard engineered for Intel's 12th and 13th Gen processors on the LGA 1700 socket. It's designed for enthusiasts, overclockers, and content creators who demand uncompromising performance, cutting-edge connectivity, and premium aesthetics. With the Intel Z690 chipset, this board delivers the perfect blend of power and flexibility.

Key Features

Next-Gen Memory: Four DDR5 slots support up to 192GB of RAM with speeds reaching 6666+ MHz (OC), ensuring lightning-fast data access for gaming and productivity.
PCIe 5.0 Ready: Two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots (from CPU) support the latest graphics cards and NVMe SSDs, delivering double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0 for future-proof performance.
Massive Storage: Five M.2 slots (all PCIe 4.0 x4) and six SATA ports provide ample room for high-speed storage arrays. M.2 Shield Frozr keeps drives cool under load.
Robust Networking: Dual Intel 2.5G LAN ports and Wi-Fi 6E (with Bluetooth 5.2) ensure low-latency, high-throughput connections for online gaming and streaming.
Comprehensive Cooling: VRM heatsinks, M.2 Shield Frozr, and eight fan headers (CPU, water-pump, system) allow precise thermal management for extreme overclocking.
Premium I/O: Back panel includes USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, multiple USB ports, audio jacks, optical S/PDIF, Clear CMOS, and Flash BIOS buttons for easy maintenance.

Performance and Use Cases

Whether you're building a high-end gaming rig, a workstation for 3D rendering, or a content creation powerhouse, the MEG Z690 ACE excels. Its robust power delivery and advanced OC features make it a favorite among enthusiasts pushing their CPUs to the limit. The extensive storage options and high-speed networking cater to professionals handling large files and demanding workloads.

Why Choose the MSI MEG Z690 ACE?

This motherboard stands out with its premium build quality, comprehensive feature set, and MSI's renowned reliability. The E-ATX form factor provides ample space for expansion, while the sleek design with RGB accents adds a touch of elegance to any build. If you're seeking a top-tier foundation for your Intel LGA 1700 system, the MSI MEG Z690 ACE is an exceptional choice.

Key Specifications

Form Factor: E-ATX

Socket: LGA 1700

RAM Type: DDR5 6666+ OC (dual-channel, non-ECC unbuffered, XMP supported)

Max. RAM: 192GB

RAM Slots: 4

Chipset: Intel Z690

Connectivity

2x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots (from CPU, support x16 or x8/x8 mode), 2x PCIe 3.0 x4 slots (from Chipset, share bandwidth with M.2_4 & M.2_5), 5x M.2 NVMe slots (all Key M, supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 mode for all five, M.2_4 & M.2_5 share bandwidth with PCIe 3.0 slots), 6x SATA 6 Gb/s ports, 2x Intel 2.5 GbE LAN ports, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, VRM heatsinks, M.2 Shield Frozr, 8x fan headers (1x CPU, 1x water-pump, 6x system)

Back Panel IO

1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-A, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 2x Intel 2.5 GbE LAN ports, Wi-Fi / Bluetooth antenna connectors, 5x Audio Jacks, 1x Optical S/PDIF Out, 1x Clear CMOS Button, 1x Flash BIOS Button

Onboard USB Headers: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 front-panel Type-C connector 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers (support 4 ports total) 2x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 ports total)

Detailed Parameters

Platform:: Intel
Socket:: LGA 1700
RAM Type:: DDR5
Number of RAM Slots:: 4
Maximum RAM/slot:: 48
Maximum RAM Capacity in GB:: 192
PCI Express Version:: 5
Form Factor:: E-ATX
Maximum RAM Speed in MHz:: 6666

Where to Buy

Amazon

Manufacturer Check site for price

Pros

Excellent VRM design for overclocking high-end Intel CPUs
Five M.2 slots with individual heatsinks for massive storage expansion
Dual 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 6E provide versatile, high-speed networking
Premium E-ATX build quality with robust cooling solutions
Comprehensive rear I/O with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and BIOS flashback

Cons

E-ATX form factor may not fit in smaller cases
High price point compared to other Z690 boards
PCIe 3.0 slots share bandwidth with M.2 slots, limiting simultaneous use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MSI MEG Z690 ACE compatible with Intel 13th Gen processors?

Yes, the MSI MEG Z690 ACE supports both 12th Gen (Alder Lake) and 13th Gen (Raptor Lake) Intel processors on the LGA 1700 socket. A BIOS update may be required for 13th Gen CPUs, but the board features a Flash BIOS button for easy updates without a CPU installed.

What is the maximum RAM speed supported by the MSI MEG Z690 ACE?

The MSI MEG Z690 ACE supports DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6666+ MHz (OC) when using XMP profiles. The maximum total memory capacity is 192GB across four slots, with each slot supporting up to 48GB modules.

Does the MSI MEG Z690 ACE support PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards?

Yes, the motherboard features two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots that are powered directly by the CPU. These slots support the latest PCIe 5.0 graphics cards and can operate in x16 or x8/x8 mode for multi-GPU configurations.

How many M.2 slots does the MSI MEG Z690 ACE have and what speeds do they support?

The MSI MEG Z690 ACE has five M.2 slots, all supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 NVMe SSDs. Each slot is equipped with M.2 Shield Frozr heatsinks to keep drives cool. Note that M.2_4 and M.2_5 share bandwidth with the PCIe 3.0 x4 slots.