A couple of months ago, Intel officially released its latest platform: the Intel Core Ultra 200S series CPUs based on the Arrow Lake S architecture, alongside the Z890 chipset series motherboards. As expected from Intel, a new generation of CPUs with a different architectural design brings a lineup of new motherboards designed to support these processors.
Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of MSI‘s latest Z890 motherboards, designed specifically for the Core Ultra 200 CPUs—the MSI MEG Z890 ACE motherboard. This high-end, premium motherboard sits just below the flagship Godlike Z890. It is packed with features that the latest platform has to offer, complemented by striking, visually appealing aesthetics and design.
If you’re building a new Intel-based desktop PC and are searching for the best motherboard for the Core Ultra 9 285K CPU or simply the best Z890 motherboard in general, keep reading our MSI MEG Z890 ACE review below. This might just be the motherboard you’ve been looking for.
MSI MEG Z890 ACE Motherboard Features
With the new Z890 chipset series, MSI’s latest MEG Z890 ACE motherboard introduces several new features not found in previous motherboard generations.
Let’s start with the most obvious one: it supports Intel’s latest Core Ultra series 2 desktop processors, designed for the LGA 1851 socket. These motherboards are not backward compatible, so you cannot install older-generation CPUs, such as the 13th or 14th Gen Raptor Lake (Refresh) processors. However, you can use CPU coolers compatible with previous-generation motherboards, as the mounting holes remain the same on the new Z890 boards.
The MEG Z890 ACE motherboard supports DDR5 dual-channel memory with speeds of up to 9,200 MT/s (OC). It accommodates both traditional DIMM memory kits and the newer, faster CUDIMM options. Key features new to the Z890 platform include the PCIe 5.0 interface, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and WiFi 7 connectivity, which are standard on these latest motherboards.
As a high-end premium offering, MSI’s MEG Z890 ACE is equipped with a robust cooling solution for its VRM, featuring 9W/mK thermal pads to enhance heat transfer. It also includes EZ DIY features, offering an almost tool-free experience when building with this motherboard. While there are many more features to explore, I’ll cover them in greater detail when we take a closer look at the motherboard.
Intel Z890 Chipset Series
Not all Z890 motherboards are created equal. Some will have fewer features than others, but typically, high-end or flagship motherboards include all the features available. Below is the Intel 800 Series chipset diagram, highlighting the default features of the new platform.
MSI MEG Z890 Ace Motherboard Specifications
Here are the specs and features of the MEG Z890 ACE motherboard, positioned between the Godlike Z890 and MEG Unify-X. These three motherboards represent MSI’s top-tier Z890 offerings. Unlike the Godlike and ACE, which are built for all-around purposes, the MEG Z890 Unify-X is specifically designed for overclockers.
Check the latest pricing and availability: (#ad)
MSI MEG Z890 ACE is available on Amazon US here or Amazon UK here.
It is also available on Newegg here.
Intel Core Utlra 9 285K on Amazon here, or Newegg here.
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K on Amazon here, or Newegg here.
Packaging and Closer Look
The quality and presentation of the MEG Z890 ACE retail box are similar to previous MEG ACE motherboards. The box includes a carry handle at the top, a feature not found on mid- to lower-end motherboards like those in the MPG series. The box art is also different this time, with MSI making the photo of the motherboard larger and more prominent. It features the familiar triangle pattern logo, consistent with other MSI MEG series products. On the back of the box, you’ll find the highlighted features, specifications, and port details.
Included in the box are reading materials (a quick installation guide), stickers, a WiFi antenna, various cables, an extra EZ M.2 Clip II with its remover, and a USB drive containing drivers, which is very convenient, and stickers.
The MEG Z890 ACE Motherboard
The MEG ACE series has always been my favorite motherboard lineup. It’s not as expensive as the Godlike series, yet it’s packed with features and boasts a more aesthetically pleasing design compared to other lineups. If budget is a concern, the next best option is the Carbon series, though it offers fewer features in exchange for a more affordable price.
This motherboard feels heavy and sturdy in hand, thanks to its robust and thick heatsinks for the VRM, M.2 SSDs, chipset, and other components. It also features a backplate, which adds to its overall weight and durability. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about excessive RGB lighting—only the ACE on the first M.2 slot and dragon logo on the VRM area are illuminated with RGB.
The motherboard includes gold accents and highlights, which may or may not suit everyone’s taste. Personally, I think they enhance the premium look of the board. I wish MSI would release a “MEG” graphics card to match the aesthetics of this motherboard.
LGA 1851 Socket with new RL-ILM
In terms of CPU cooler compatibility, although the Z890 platform uses the newer LGA 1851 socket, CPU coolers compatible with the previous LGA 1700 can still be used on Z890 motherboards. However, due to the design differences of the Ultra Core 200S CPUs, the hot spot location has shifted slightly—positioned a bit to the upper-right of center. Offset brackets are available, and MSI provides one for its AIO coolers.
That said, I wouldn’t be too concerned about this, as the difference is minimal. The benchmark results below were obtained using the offset bracket, but when I later switched to the default uni-bracket, I found only a 2–3°C difference. In my opinion, this difference is negligible. However, the option to use an offset bracket is available if you want to achieve the best possible results.
Another improvement on this motherboard is the ILM (Independent Loading Mechanism) for the CPU socket. The older ILM design found on previous Z790 motherboards tended to bend or warp the motherboard, leading to slightly improper contact and affecting the CPU’s temperature.
The new RL-ILM (Reduced-Load ILM) resolves this issue. Unlike the older ILM, it doesn’t bend or warp the board. This results in better contact, improved thermal performance, and lower CPU temperatures. While it’s unclear if all Z890 motherboards will adopt the newer RL-ILM, MSI’s MEG Z890 ACE does use the updated design.
VRM, PCB Material and More
The MSI MEG Z890 ACE features a 24+1+2+1 power design and a NPG-170D server-grade 8-layer PCB with 2oz copper. Among MSI’s Z890 motherboard lineup, the MEG Z890 ACE boasts one of the most robust VRM and power designs, second only to the Godlike. However, this design is more than sufficient to handle even the Core Ultra 9 285K CPU.
The wavy fin design and thick aluminum heatsink help keep the VRM components’ temperatures under control. In fact, it runs remarkably cool even during prolonged stress tests. I’ll share some temperature data later in this review.
Buttons and Ports
At the bottom of the motherboard, you’ll find several headers, including dedicated power and reset buttons and a supplemental 8-pin PCIe power connector. According to MSI, the “supplemental PCIe Power connector provides dedicated power for the high-power demands of GPUs used in AI computing and gaming, ensuring stable, efficient, and sustained performance.”
This suggests that upcoming “AI GPUs,” such as NVIDIA’s next-gen RTX 5090, may be quite power-hungry. Running a multi-GPU setup for AI applications might require additional power to ensure stable operation.
The SATA ports are located on the side, along with other headers. There is also a POST code display and an EZ Debug LED situated right above the 24-pin motherboard power connector, along with RGB and fan headers. At the top, you’ll find CPU and pump headers, as well as two 8-pin CPU power connectors. The layout is very similar to most of MSI’s Z890 and even X870E motherboards.
This motherboard features a total of eight fan headers: one 2A header for the CPU, two 3A combo headers for a pump or system fan (Combo Fan, white), and five 1A headers for system fans.
Plethora of Connectivity Options
MSI’s MPG X870E Carbon WiFi offers plenty of USB ports on the back, but the MEG Z890 ACE has even more. The layout is similar, but instead of two USB4.0 ports, the Z890 ACE features two Thunderbolt 4 ports. While there’s only one Ethernet (LAN) port, it’s a 10G Super LAN port, a feature exclusive to the MEG ACE and Godlike motherboards. The rest of the lineup is limited to 5G LAN.
The Z890 ACE includes a total of 15 USB ports: 13 USB 10G ports and 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports. Additional rear I/O features include an HDMI output, physical buttons for flashing the BIOS, clearing CMOS, and a Smart Button, as well as audio ports and a WiFi 7 antenna connector.
WiFi 7
WiFi 7 offers significantly faster speeds compared to the previous WiFi version. However, to take full advantage of this speed, you’ll need a good WiFi 7 router. If your current router isn’t WiFi 7 capable, it will act as a bottleneck in the chain. I’m currently using a WiFi 6E router and don’t see the need to upgrade to WiFi 7 just yet, but your situation may differ—especially for larger homes or offices.
The new WiFi 7 antenna design doesn’t require screwing in. MSI calls it EZ Plug, as you simply need to plug in the WiFi antenna. However, grooves or threads are provided in case you prefer to use a non-EZ Plug antenna. I tested the old WiFi antenna from a 700-series motherboard, and it works with this new design. However, the new EZ Plug antenna isn’t compatible with older motherboards, as they require the antenna to be screwed in.
According to MSI, their WiFi 7 implementation is superior compared to other motherboards with WiFi 7. However, I currently have no way to test or validate this claim, as I don’t yet have other Z890 motherboards with “inferior” WiFi 7 speeds for comparison.
MSI EZ DIY Features PCIe Release
With the new 800-series motherboards, MSI has introduced several EZ DIY features to make building with their motherboards much easier. I only wish these features had been implemented in the previous generation as well, but as they say, better late than never.
We first saw ASUS introduce a “quick release” button for GPUs. Unfortunately, it was patented, so other motherboard manufacturers had to develop their own solutions. MSI now offers EZ PCIe Release, available on the latest Godlike, ACE, Unify-X, Carbon, Edge (ATX), Tomahawk, and Pro-A Z890 motherboards. This feature simplifies the process of removing graphics cards—especially large, bulky ones—making it far more convenient.
EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II and M.2 Clip II
Removing the heatsink for the M.2 SSDs is also a tool-less experience. There’s a “push and lift” label on the M.2 heatsink—simply push and lift it to access the M.2 slots. It’s that easy—no tools required.
One issue with previous motherboards was the hook used in the M.2 slots. These hooks were made of thin plastic and were very easy to break. MSI’s solution to this problem is the EZ M.2 Clip II.
The EZ M.2 Clip II is a small, metal clip that makes it easy to install or remove an M.2 SSD. It’s simple to use, and I wish motherboard manufacturers had implemented this feature sooner. The first M.2 slot still uses a plastic clip though.
Unfortunately, MSI didn’t label which M.2 slots support NVMe Gen 4 or Gen 5 SSDs. However, there is a label indicating which M.2 slots are connected to the CPU and which are connected to the chipset.
On the MEG Z890 ACE, the first M.2 slot (M.2_1) supports Gen 5, and the fourth M.2 slot (M.2_4) also supports Gen 5 SSDs. However, if you install a Gen 5 SSD in the fourth slot, the PCI_E1 slot (the primary PCIe slot for the graphics card) will operate at PCIe 5.0 x8 speeds instead of x16, while the PCI_E2 slot will operate at PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds.
New BIOS Look and Interface
MSI’s latest 800-series motherboards feature a revamped BIOS interface. I like the new design—it looks modern and stylish. However, you may need to explore it a bit to become familiar with it. Thankfully, it’s not difficult, as the sub-menus and options are similar to those found in the older BIOS interface of the 700-series motherboards.
Below are a few more screenshots of the new BIOS interface. Click the screenshots for a larger view.
Test Setup for the MEG Z890 Ace Review
I tested the MSI MEG Z890 ACE motherboard using an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU. The BIOS version at the time of testing was E7E22IMSI.1A13, and I used Windows 11 Pro 24H2 for all tests, including those conducted with other motherboards. Below are the rest of the system specifications.
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro 24H2 |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
| CPU Cooler | MSI MAG CORELIQUID i360 |
| Motherboard | MSI MEG Z890 Ace (review) |
| Memory | Kingston Fury Renegade DDR5 CUDIMM DDR5-8,600 MT/s CL40-52-52-137 |
| Graphics Card | MSI GeForce RTX 4090 SUPRIM X (review) |
| OS Drive | Seagate FireCuda 530 2TB SSD |
| Power Supply | MSI MPG A1000G PCIE5 (preview) |
| Chassis | Open Benchtable BC1 V2 |
| Monitor | MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED (review) |
MSI MEG Z890 Ace Benchmarks
Generally speaking, motherboards don’t directly impact system performance. Instead, the system’s performance depends on the CPU, GPU, memory, storage, and other installed components. The motherboard’s primary role is to connect and support these components, which directly affect the system’s overall performance.
The only time a motherboard might limit performance is if it’s a low-end or entry-level model with poor-quality components, inadequate VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules), or insufficient cooling. These shortcomings could potentially restrict the CPU and/or GPU’s performance.
I don’t currently have another Z890 motherboard for comparison, but I might test a different model or one from another manufacturer in the near future, once Intel refines its latest platform. There are still some bugs and performance issues that need to be addressed.
During testing, I was using an earlier BIOS version, which had several issues. While the latest BIOS version has resolved most of those problems, I haven’t observed any substantial performance improvements yet, particularly in gaming.
In the charts below, I’ve included results from MSI’s MPG X870E and X670E Carbon WiFi motherboards paired with AMD Ryzen 9 9900X, 7700X, and 7800X3D CPUs, as well as ASUS’ ROG Z790 Hero motherboard paired with an Intel Core i7 14700KF CPU.
PCMark 10 Full System and Productivity Benchmarks
In PCMark 10, the MEG Z890 ACE paired with the Core Ultra 9 285K slightly trailed the Ryzen 9 9900X in the total score. However, the Core Ultra 9 285K outperformed the other systems in the Content Creation test.
With 24 cores in total, the Core Ultra 9 285K had a clear advantage over the other CPUs in the charts, especially in Cinebench tests. It generally excels in productivity workloads. Meanwhile, the MSI X870E Carbon with the Ryzen 7 7700X and the X670E with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D lagged behind. Since these two CPUs are only 8-core, 16-thread models, it’s unsurprising that they fell behind in multi-threaded workloads.
In Geekbench 6, the MEG Z890 ACE paired with the Core Ultra 9 285K leads the pack, followed closely by the X870E with the Ryzen 9 9900X. However, while the Ryzen 9 9900X excels in the decompression test, it falls behind Intel’s CPUs in the compression test.
MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi Gaming Benchmarks
Gaming is where Intel’s latest platform shows some weakness. That said, all the motherboards listed above are highly capable for gaming. Ultimately, it is the CPU—and especially the GPU—that determines gaming performance, not the motherboard.
In Cyberpunk 2077, the Z890 platform paired with the Core Ultra 9 285K is underperforming. This is not due to a CPU bottleneck but appears to be related to system optimization for certain games. Looking at those FPS alone, one can tell that something is wrong with those numbers. However, in Red Dead Redemption 2, the Ultra 9 285K performed competitively. It’s no surprise that the Ryzen 7 7800X3D outperformed all other CPUs in the charts, as it is one of the best gaming CPUs on the market, second only to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
Intel has already acknowledged in their marketing materials that its new platform wouldn’t excel in gaming. In fact, they showed a slide where the Core i9-14900K was slightly faster in gaming than the new Core Ultra 9 298K. However, I didn’t expect the performance disparity to be this pronounced, especially in popular games like Cyberpunk 2077. Clearly, some fixes and optimizations are needed to address these issues.
MSI MEG Z890 Ace VRM Temperature
Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K might not excel in gaming, but the new CPU is significantly more power-efficient than its Raptor Lake (Refresh) predecessors. As shown in the screenshots, the CPU peaked at around ~80°C without throttling, and the system remained very stable. For cooling, I used MSI’s MAG CoreLiquid i360.
The MSI MEG Z890 ACE was equally impressive in terms of thermals. During the stress test, the motherboard maintained a temperature of around 51°C, while the VRM or MOS reached only about 65°C. The system ran quietly, as the fans weren’t operating at full speed either.
Pricing and Availability
The MSI MEG Z890 ACE motherboard is now available, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $659.99. For the latest pricing and availability, you can check the links below.
Shopping options: (#ad)
MSI MEG Z890 ACE is available on Amazon US here or Amazon UK here.
It is also available on Newegg here.
Intel Core Utlra 9 285K on Amazon here, or Newegg here.
Intel Core Ultra 7 265K on Amazon here, or Newegg here.
MSI MEG Z890 Ace Motherboard Review Conclusion
When I first received the MSI MEG Z890 ACE motherboard, I was immediately impressed by its design and the extensive set of features it offers. It boasts numerous fast connectivity options, and its aesthetics strike a perfect balance—not too aggressive or over-the-top. It’s sleek, clean, and still an eye-catcher.
However, my excitement quickly turned to frustration after the first BIOS update. The Kingston DDR5 CUDIMM no longer worked, and even a Corsair Dominator Titanium wasn’t recognized. I eventually used a Crucial Pro DDR5 kit with a reasonable 6,400MT/s speed, which worked. But after installing Windows, the system became nearly unusable. I experienced frequent stuttering and unresponsiveness, even on a fresh Windows installation.
Fortunately, with the latest BIOS update (7E22v1A3), many of the issues were resolved. That’s why, as I write this review, I am able to use the MEG Z890 ACE with the Ultra Core 9 285K as one of my daily drivers.
I really like this motherboard—its design and feature set are excellent. It’s built for power users and enthusiasts, offering high-end capabilities without the price tag of a Godlike motherboard. MSI’s MEG ACE motherboards are typically among the best you can get. While it is a premium high-end motherboard and priced accordingly, it includes many features that aren’t available in other motherboard series.
Pros:
Some of the pros I’ve found with this motherboard include the new BIOS interface, numerous USB ports (including Thunderbolt 4), faster WiFi 7 connectivity, robust VRM and power design, excellent thermals, and a fast 10G LAN port. The EZ features—such as the EZ M.2 Clip II, PCIe Release, M.2 Shield Frozr II, physical system command buttons, and POST and debug LEDs—are extremely useful and make building a complete system with this motherboard much easier.
Cons:
If there’s one drawback directly related to the motherboard, it’s the price. The MEG Z890 ACE is not a cheap motherboard—it’s even more expensive than Intel’s flagship Core Ultra 9 285K CPU (priced at $589). That’s the only disadvantage I can see with this motherboard.
The other issues I encountered aren’t due to the motherboard itself but rather Intel’s platform. The MSI MEG Z890 ACE is an excellent motherboard and one of the best Z890 options available. However, it’s currently held back by platform-related limitations, which will depend on Intel to address, refine, and improve the system’s performance.
At present, most of the issues have been resolved through the latest microcode (firmware) updates. Still, I expect Intel to roll out more updates—both in microcode and on the Windows side—in the near future.
Should You Upgrade to Intel Core Ultra 200S and Z890 Platform?
This depends on your current setup and needs. If you’re already on Intel’s 13th or 14th Gen Raptor Lake-S platform, there’s little reason to upgrade—unless you’re concerned about degradation issues, high temperatures, or power efficiency, or if you need the faster Thunderbolt 4, or WiFi 7 connectivity, or additional USB ports. However, if you’re coming from an older system and need a new, fast productivity PC, the Core Ultra 9 285K paired with the MSI MEG Z890 ACE is an excellent starting point.
That said, I specifically mentioned building a “productivity PC”. If you’re looking to build a gaming PC, especially a dedicated one, I cannot recommend Intel’s latest Arrow Lake-S platform. AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D is currently the fastest and best gaming CPU available, with the Ryzen 7 7800X3D as the second-best option. AMD provides a much better gaming experience overall. While Intel used to dominate gaming performance, that’s no longer the case. Perhaps Intel’s upcoming Panther Lake platform might reclaim the crown as the best for gaming, but we’ll have to wait and see.
At the end of the day, the MSI MEG Z890 ACE is an outstanding motherboard. It’s one of the best on the market, and you simply can’t go wrong with this choice.
