MSI MEG X670E ACE Review

Introduction

Some time has passed since the launch of AMD’s new platform and Ryzen processors. Being in fierce competition with Intel, AMD brings forth PCIe Gen 5 and DDR5 support to this new platform. Waiting a additional year after Intel gives AMD the benefit of a more mature product readily available to the consumer. With the new Ryzen processor series comes a number of changes that may upset some long time AMD fans, shaking up the market. The first noteworthy change is the socket. All previous desktop Ryzen processors (1000, 2000, 3000, 5000 series, minus Threadripper) used the AM4 PGA (Pin Grid Array) socket. AMD has made the transition to LGA (Land Grid Array) for this new AM5 (LGA 1718) socket. AMD has historically proven it uses the same CPU socket for multiple generations, starting a fresh cycle with the Ryzen 7000 series and beyond. What this means for consumers is that there is no Zen 4 upgrade path for AM4 based platforms. If you want these new processors, they require a brand new motherboard. The platform change also requires new memory too, since the AM5 socket exclusively uses DDR5 for its system memory. This new AM5 socket carries a host of options for connecting high speed devices that just weren’t previously available to AMD customers. As mentioned above, going forward, AMD Ryzen CPUs on this new platform will now support DDR5 memory, PCIe Gen 5.0 and M.2 Gen 5. With 24 PCIe Gen 5.0 lanes from the CPU available, motherboard manufacturers now have an opportunity to innovate and create products catered towards users with high bandwidth needs. Along with more PCIe lanes provided by the processors, are four different chipset configurations; B650, B650E, X670 and X670E. The “E” stands for Extreme and any motherboard carrying this title will have PCIe Gen 5 support. The ones without will forgo PCIe Gen 5 support in favor of the current PCIe Gen 4 standard. Moreover, the B series, like the previous AM4 iterations, feature fewer connections for USB, M.2 and PCIe lanes, designed to be more budget friendly. The X670 and X670E use the same chipset, with two X670 chips daisy-chained together, sharing a PCIe 4.0 x4 link to the CPU. X670E will offer the most high bandwidth lanes, storage options and external connections out of the available AM5 platform chipsets. With that, make sure to read TechPowerUp’s AMD Ryzen 7600X, 7700X, 7900X and 7950X reviews, for more in depth coverage.

MSI has come prepared with multiple product lines from the entry-level MAG Pro B650 to the flagship MEG X670E Godlike. The MEG naming convention serves as MSI’s upper-mid to high-end line for AMD and Intel motherboards. Generally offering expanded performance compared to the MPG series as well as some additional premium features, the MEG lineup typically comprises three models: the Unify, Ace, and Godlike. The MSI MEG X670E ACE lands in the middle of the MEG family, catering to consumers interested wanting the best the platform has to offer, only to be undone by the MSI flagship MEG Godlike motherboard. The MSI MEG X670E ACE features a robust VRM designed to handle any current and future Ryzen processor with a 22+2+1 setup. Using the X670E chipset, this motherboard is designed for PC enthusiasts and gamers alike. The E variation includes a PCIe Gen 5 ready solution for future graphics cards that will take advantage of the additional bandwidth. Additionally, the X670 Chipset offers eight additional PCIe Gen 4 lanes over the B650 Chipset, which in turn allows MSI to offer more external and internal connections in various configurations. The ACE features the newest WiFi 6E technology along with 10 Gb LAN for those who need to transfer data quickly across a network. Internally, six M.2 sockets are available for those large creative projects or extensive game libraries. There is a lot to cover in this review, so let’s take a closer look at the MSI MEG X670E ACE.

Specifications

Specifications
CPU Support:	Supports AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen 7000 Series Processors
Power Design:	CPU Power:22-phase (90 A)SoC Power: 2-phase (70 A) VDD_MISC: 1-phase (30 A)
Chipset:	AMD X670E
Integrated Graphics:	Dependent on installed CPUDisplayPort 1.4 over USB-C with HBR3 supports a maximum resolution of 4K 120Hz)
Memory:	Supports DDR5 memory up to 6600+(OC) 4x DDR5 DIMM Slots, supporting up to 128GB Support for non-ECC, un-buffered memory Support for AMD EXPO and Intel XMP Profiles • 1DPC 1R Max speed up to 6666+ MHz• 1DPC 2R Max speed up to 6000+ MHz• 2DPC 1R Max speed up to 6400+ MHz • 2DPC 2R Max speed up to 4000+ MHz
BIOS:	2x 256Mb Windbond
Expansion Slots:	1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot (Wired x8) 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot (x4 Mode)
Storage:	4x SATA 6 Gb/s ports (X670 Chipset)2x SATA 6 Gb/s ports (ASM1061)1x M.2 Sockets (PCIe Gen 5 x4)3x M.2 Sockets (PCIe Gen 4 x4)) 2x M.2 Sockets (PCIe Gen 5 x4) (Add-on Card)
Networking:	1x Marvell AQC113CS-B1-C 10Gb LAN 1x AMD Wi-Fi 6E
Rear Ports:	1x Clear CMOS button1x Flash BIOS button1x Smart button2x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20 Gbps Type-C port1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10 Gbps Type-C port (Display Alt)8x USB 3.2 Gen 2 10 Gbps Type-A ports1x 10GbE LAN (RJ45) port2x Wi-Fi antenna connectors5x OFC audio jacks 1x Optical S/PDIF out connector
Audio:	Realtek ALC4082+ ESS ES9280AQ Combo DACSupports up to 32-bit/384kHz playback on front panel Supports S/PDIF output
Fan Headers:	1x CPU 4-Pin 2x Pump_Fan 4-Pin 5x System Fan 4-Pin
Power Connectors:	1x 24-Pin ATX 2x EPS 8-Pin 2x PCIe PEG 6-Pin
Form Factor:	E-ATX Form Factor: 277 mm x 305 mm
Unique Features:	M.2 Xpander-Z Gen 5 Dual Card VRM Power Design (22+2+1 (DRPS)) K7 MOSFET thermal pad / Extra choke pad PCI-E Steel Armor 2oz Copper thickened PCB Lightning Gen 5 PCI-E / M.2 Slot Lightning Gen 4 M.2 Slot Mystic Light Memory Boost Click BIOS 5 EZ M.2 Clips