It's taken a while for Intel to fix their Core Ultra 200S processors and we are now finally able to take a proper look at matching motherboards. We are aiming high with this review as we check out the MSI MEG Z890 Ace which is packed with features but which also costs a scary £640.

Time stamps

00:00 Start
01:07 Accessories
02:30 The Z890 Ace – Close up
05:02 VRM’s / Memory support
05:31 Rear I/O / Headers
06:10 Test PC Setup
08:55 BIOS
10:02 Cinebench 2024 Multi Core
10:17 Cinebench 2024 Single Core
10:28 Geekbench 6 Multi Core
10:46 Geekbench 6 Single Core
10:57 CPU Power Consumption
11:59 7-Zip V24 Benchmark
12:22 AIDA64 Memory Bandwidth
12:47 3DMark Time Spy
13:09 Far Cry 6
13:22 Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora
13:37 Assassins Creed: Mirage
13:58 Cyberpunk 2077
14:12 Total War Pharaoh
14:36 Closing Thoughts

Key features

• Ultra Power +
  The ultimate power solution with 24+2+1+1 DRPS, 110A SPS, and OC Engine unleashes maximum CPU performance.
• Frozr Design
  Wavy Fin Design, Direct Touch Cross Heat-pipe, Aluminium Cover, Double-sided M.2 Shield Frozr, Metal Backplate and Frozr AI software ensure the utmost performance with low temp.
• Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports
  Thunderbolt 4 brings Thunderbolt to USB-C at true 40 Gb/sec speeds, 8K display support, Daisy-Chain, Multi-Port Accessory Architecture and USB 4.0 compliant.
• 10G Super LAN
  Next level network speed, secure networking with fastest data throughput to improve efficiency.
• Wi-Fi 7
  The latest wireless solution with a new 320MHz channel, achieving a maximum transmission speed of 5.8Gbps, which is 2.4 times faster than Wi-Fi 6/6E.
• Quintuple M.2 Connectors
  Onboard 5x M.2 connectors with one Lightning Gen 5 solution for the maximum storage performance.
• EZ Magnetic M.2 Shield Frozr II
  The patented design enables true “wire-less” RGB function, while the screwless design provides the easiest way for M.2 installation.
• EZ PCIe Release
  A simple press of a button to effortlessly lock or unlock the PCIe slot, simplifying the installation and removal of the graphics card.
• Lightning Gen 5
  The latest PCIe 5.0 solution with up to 128GB/s bandwidth for maximum transfer speed.
• Latest DDR5 Memory
  A huge step of DDR performance enhancement with the latest DDR5 memory and MSI Memory Boost technology.
• Audio Boost 5 HD
  Ultimate audio solution with premium audio processor combining ESS audio DAC and amplifier deliver the breath taking experience.

Specification

• Chipset: Intel Z890
• CPU Support: Intel Core Ultra 200 desktop processors
• VRMs: Renesas RAA229131 controller with 24+1+2+1x 110A Renesas Smart Power Stages for VCCore, VCCSA, VCCGT and VNNAON
• Memory support:
  • 4 DIMMs, Dual Channel DDR5, Maximum Memory Capacity 256GB
  • Max. overclocking frequency:
  • 1DPC 1R Max speed up to 9200+ MT/s
  • 1DPC 2R Max speed up to 7200+ MT/s
  • 2DPC 1R Max speed up to 6400+ MT/s
  • 2DPC 2R Max speed up to 5600+ MT/s
• Expansion slots:
  • 1x PCIe Gen 5.0 x16 slot (from CPU) or 2x PCIe Gen 5.0 x8
  • 1x PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 slot (from chipset)
• Storage:
  • 2x M.2 Gen 5 x4 (the M.2 powered by chipset requires PCIe lanes from expansion slot)
  • 3x M.2 Gen 4 x4
  • So effectively 1x Gen 5 and 4x Gen 4
  • 1x M.2 Gen 4.0 x4 SATA mode
  • 4x SATA 6Gbps
• USB support:
  • 2x Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps Type-C (Rear)
  • 1x USB 20Gbps Type-C (Front)
  • 2x USB 10Gbps Type-C (Rear)
  • 11x USB 10Gbps Type-A (Rear)
  • 4x USB 5Gbps Type-A (Front)
  • 4x USB 2.0 (Front)
• Ethernet: Marvell AQC113CS 10Gbps LAN
• Wireless: Intel Killer BE1750x Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Fan connectors: 8x PWM
• Audio: Realtek ALC4082 7.1-Channel Audio
• Form Factor: ATX 244mm x 305mm, 8-layer PCB

Before we dive into our testing of the MSI MEG Z890 Ace you might want to recap on our reporting about Intel Core Ultra 200S or Arrow Lake:

• The initial launch of the CPUs and Z890 platform went badly, as we reported HERE.
• Soon after, Intel admitted they did indeed have problems to fix, as we reported HERE.
• In the first few days of 2025 Intel rolled out their fixes for Arrow Lake and we were finally able to review the three CPU, as you can see HERE.

The post MSI MEG Z890 Ace Review – so many features! first appeared on KitGuru.