The Ultimate Z590 Motherboard Guide

MSI

MSI is yet to release a complete specification or features list for their upcoming motherboards. However, they’ve talked about them at length and even released some lovely pictures of them. We expect more information in the coming days though.

Obviously, the Z590 GODLIKE is still king. This is their flagship weapon, featuring Direct 20 Phases, 90A Smart Power Stages, and it should be the motherboard of choice for many of those seeking to break world records in overclocking. Of course, it’s likely to appeal to the gamers with deep pockets too, as this is likely to be one of the most expensive boards for this launch.

You get armoured heatsinks on everything, and then a full backplate, to ensure total stability. Of course, you get 4 x Gen 4 M.2, Dual Thunderbolt 4, and even dual 10 Gigabit LAN + 2.5 Gigabit LAN, and WiFi 6.

Next up, we have the MSI MEG Z590 ACE. Designed to be exceptionally robust and reliable. Even below the GODLIKE, it’s still better equipped than most. It features 19 (16+2+1) 90A Power Stages as well as an outstanding cooling solution. The result – a motherboard that can unleash the full potential of even the most demanding latest Intel processors without breaking a sweat. With an 8-layer PCB and 2oz of copper traces, it’s going to be heavy too. You get 2.5 Gb LAN and Wifi 6E, 2-way SLI/3-way CrossFire support, with full PCIe Gen 4.0. There are 4 x M.2 slots, again running on Gen4, and Dual Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports (USB 4.0).

The MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WIFI blends the matte black style with high-end gaming hardware. It features a 6-layer PCB with an excellent thermal solution to ensure this board can successfully harness the power of even the most powerful processors in Intel’s newest lineup. A Digital PWM solution with 18 (16+1+1) 75A Power Stages means it’s no slouch when it comes to overclocking. You even USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20Gbps) and 3 x M.2 slots.

For the MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk WIFI, MSI is trying to offer value for money while still offering next-gen features. It features a robust Digital PWM with 17 (14+2+1) 60A Power Stages to allow for excellent overclocking. To further help with stable memory and processor overclocking, the motherboard comes with a 6-layer PCB and thickened 2 oz Copper traces. Intel 2.5 Gigabit LAN and Wi-Fi 6E offer modern networking capabilities, while PCI-E 4.0 standard ensures GPUs and storage can reach their potential.

The MSI MAG Z590 Torpedo is a little bit of a mystery, with no pictures just yet. However, MSI says it’s “for those on the lookout for a more value-oriented solution.” While features like a robust VRM and digital power delivery remain the same, the networking is different. Instead of Wi-Fi, the MAG Z590 Torpedo comes with dual onboard LAN: Intel 2.5 Gigabit and 1 Gigabit LAN. You get PCIe Gen 4, allowing for dual SLI or 2-way CrossFire. The Torpedo also features 3 x M.2 slots and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C ports.

Check out the MSI Z590 official product page here.

MSI MEG Z590 GODLIKE

Features

• Supports 11th and 10th Gen Intel^® Core™ / Pentium^® Celeron^® processors for LGA 1200 socket
• Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports: Thunderbolt USB-C at true 40 Gb/s speeds, 8K display support, Daisy-Chaining and Multi-Port Accessory Architecture provide reliable connectivity and better user experience.
• Quadruple M.2 Connectors: Onboard 4x M.2 connectors for the maximum storage performance with one Lightning Gen 4 solution. Shield Frozr design keeps M.2 SSDs safe while preventing throttling, making them run faster.
• 20 (18+1+1) VRM power phases
• 90A Smart Power Stage
• More Details Coming Soon

MSI MEG Z590 ACE

Features

• Supports 11th and 10th Gen Intel^® Core™ / Pentium^® Celeron^® processors for LGA 1200 socket
• Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 5600(OC) MHz
• Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports: Thunderbolt USB-C at true 40 Gb/s speeds, 8K display support, Daisy-Chaining and Multi-Port Accessory Architecture provide reliable connectivity and better user experience.
• Quadruple M.2 Connectors: Onboard 4x M.2 connectors for the maximum storage performance with one Lightning Gen 4 solution. Shield Frozr design keeps M.2 SSDs safe while preventing throttling, making them run faster.
• Extreme Power Design: INTERSIL digital PWM, 16+2+1 phases with 90A Smart Power Stage, dual CPU power connectors and exclusive Mirrored Power Arrangement to unleash the true power of your processors.
• Outstanding Cooling Solution: Aluminum Cover, VRM Heat-pipe, 7W/mK thermal pads, M.2 Shield Frozr and Aluminum Backplate ensure the extreme performance with low temp.
• 2.5G LAN with latest Wi-Fi 6E: Onboard 2.5G LAN with LAN manager and latest Wi-Fi 6E solution which supports 6GHz spectrum delivering the best online gaming experience.
• Smart Button: One button with multiple hardware control. Reset Computer, Safe Boot, Turbo Fan and EZ LED control functions with just one click.
• 8 Layer PCB with 2oz Thickened Copper: Provides higher performance and long-lasting system stability without any compromise.
• Audio Boost 5 HD: Ultimate audio solution with latest premium ALC4082 audio processor combining ESS audio DAC and amplifier deliver the breathtaking experience.

MSI MPG Z590 Gaming Carbon WIFI

Features

• Supports 11th and 10th Gen Intel^® Core™ / Pentium^® Celeron^® processors for LGA 1200 socket
• Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 5333(OC) MHz
• Lightning Fast Game experience: PCIe 4.0, Lightning Gen 4 x4 M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2
• Enhanced Power Design: 16+1+1 Duet Rail Power System, dual 8-pin CPU power connectors, Core Boost, DDR4 Boost
• Premium Thermal Solution: Enlarged heatsink with heat-pipe, MOSFET thermal pads rated for 7W/mk, additional choke thermal pads and 3x M.2 Shield Frozr are built for high performance system and non-stop gaming experience
• MYSTIC LIGHT: 16.8 million colors / 29 effects controlled in one click. MYSTIC LIGHT EXTENSION supports both RGB and RAINBOW LED strip.
• 2.5G LAN with LAN Manager and Intel Wi-Fi 6E Solution: Upgraded network solution for professional and multimedia use. Delivers a secure, stable and fast network connection
• AUDIO BOOST 5: Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive gaming experience
• High Quality PCB: 6-layer PCB made by 2oz thickened copper and server grade level material
• Pre-installed I/O Shield: Better EMI protection and more convenience for installation

MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk WIFI

Features

• Supports 10th Gen Intel^® Core™, 11th Gen Intel^® Core™, Pentium^® Gold and Celeron^® processors for LGA 1200 socket
• Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 5333(OC) MHz
• Premium Thermal Solution: Extended Heatsink Design and M.2 Shield Frozr are built for high performance system and non-stop works
• 2.5G LAN and Intel Wi-Fi 6E Solution: Upgraded network solution for professional and multimedia use. Delivers a secure, stable and fast network connection
• Lightning M.2: Running at PCIe Gen4 x4 maximizes performance for NVMe based SSDs
• Lightning USB 20G: Powered by USB 3.2 Gen2x2 controller, offering never before seen USB speeds up to 20Gb/s with USB Type-C
• AUDIO BOOST 5: Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive gaming experience
• Multi-GPU: With Steel armor PCIe slots. Supports 2-Way AMD Crossfire™

MSI MAG Z590 Torpedo

Features

• Supports 10th Gen Intel^® Core™, 11th Gen Intel^® Core™, Pentium^® Gold and Celeron^® processors for LGA 1200 socket
• Supports DDR4 Memory, up to 5333(OC) MHz
• Premium Thermal Solution: Extended Heatsink Design and M.2 Shield Frozr are built for high performance system and non-stop works
• Latest Network Solution: Onboard 2.5G LAN plus Gigabit LAN with LAN Manager deliver the best online experience without lag
• Lightning M.2: Running at PCIe Gen4 x4 maximizes performance for NVMe based SSDs
• Lightning USB 20G: Powered by USB 3.2 Gen2x2 controller, offering never before seen USB speeds up to 20Gb/s with USB Type-C
• AUDIO BOOST 5: Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive gaming experience
• Multi-GPU: With Steel armor PCIe slots. Supports 2-Way AMD Crossfire™