Description
MSI Z490 Overview
The MSI MEG Z490 ACE LGA 1200 ATX Motherboard is built on the Intel Z490 chipset, supporting 10th generation Intel Core and Pentium Gold/Celeron processors with an LGA 1200 socket. It has four memory slots for up to 128GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM, which can be overclocked to up to 4800 MHz. For storage, it’s equipped with six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots. There are three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for graphics cards and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for other PCI-based hardware. Other integrated features include Realtek 8125B 2.5 GbE, Intel I219V Gigabit Ethernet, Intel AX201 Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and Realtek ALC1220 7.1-channel HD audio.
Intel Z490 Chipset
The Intel Z490 chipset is designed around 10th generation Intel processors. Along with multiple improvements and a socket change, it also features integrated Wi-Fi and increased PCIe lanes, which is beneficial for graphics cards, networking devices, NVMe drives, and more.
Cooling
The MEG Z490 ACE utilizes heavy duty heatsinks on the MOSFETs for reliable processor power delivery and on the chipset to ensure the system stays operational under intense workloads. It’s also equipped with multiple DC/PWM fan headers for users to connect additional cooling solutions. Users can set their cooling preference (Boost/Balance/Silence) as needed within the Dragon Center software or its UEFI BIOS. Moreover, MSI’s M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink helps to prevent SSD throttling.
CPU
A combination of an optimized circuit layout and MSI’s CoreBoost CPU power delivery system ensures performance and stability for high-end processors. Additional features include load-line calibration, overvoltage protection, a digital power deign, and double power connectors.
Memory
MSI motherboards feature an optimized memory circuit layout and extensive compatibility testing with major memory manufacturers. Users can also easily overclock their RAM with A-XMP profiles within BIOS.
Storage
This motherboard is equipped with three M.2 slots and six SATA III ports for traditional hard drives. Additional features include Intel Optane support and M.2 Genie for easily setting up RAID configurations.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 & Gen 2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 features a maximum throughput of 5 Gb/s. USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 1, and USB 3.0 are synonymous. Doubling the speed of its predecessor, USB 3.2 Gen 2 features a maximum throughput of 10 Gb/s when used with compatible devices and is synonymous with USB 3.1 Gen 2.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) & Bluetooth 5.0
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 enables users to wirelessly connect to the Internet and other compatible peripherals.
Audio
The MEG Z490 ACE is built with multiple hardware and software enhancements to improve sound quality, including:
- Realtek ALC1220 Audio Processor – Supports DSD Super Audio CD 120 dB SNR/32-bit playback and recording
- Golden Audio Jack & S/PDIF – Ensures a better connection from devices
- Isolated Audio Design & Separated Audio Layers – Audio components and circuits on separate PCB layers are located on a reserved spot on the motherboard and electronically isolated to preserve audio integrity
- Nahamic 3 – Enhances audio playback and provides users with multiple audio adjustments including virtual 7.1-channel surround sound
- VoiceBoost – Lowers game audio when users are speaking for improved clarity
- De-Pop Protection – Prevents loud popping noises when devices are plugged/unplugged or when the system is turned on/off
- Dedicated Headphone Amplifier – Automatically detects impedance up to 600 Ohms for studio-grade sound quality
MSI Mystic Light
MSI Mystic Light includes multiple color options and a variety of lighting effects for users to customizes their build. The motherboard also has multiple RGB headers for additional lighting components and LED strips. Users can also sync their compatible RGB components and peripherals for a unified theme.
Pre-Installed I/O Shielding
The pre-installed I/O shielding is designed to make installing the motherboard a bit easier. It’s also built to protect the I/O ports from potential electrostatic discharge damage.
User Friendly Enhancements
- XL Clip – A larger PCIe clip for easy installation and removal of PCIe devices.
- EZ Debug LED – Onboard LEDs for key components signifying the source of the problem
MSI Z490 Specs
CPU
| Chipset | Intel Z490 |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1200 |
Back Panel I/O
| USB | 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A 2 x USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 3 x USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C |
| Thunderbolt | None |
| Display | None |
| Audio | 5 x 3.5 mm 1 x S/PDIF |
| Ethernet / Controller | 1 x Realtek 8125B 2.5Gigabit 1 x Intel I219V Gigabit |
| PS/2 | 1 x PS/2 |
| Wi-Fi Antenna | 2 x Connector |
| Buttons | BIOS Flashback, Clear CMOS |
Memory
| Memory Slots | 4 x 288-Pin |
| Memory Support | DDR4 2133, 2666, 2933, 4000, 4266, 4400, 4800 MHz |
| Maximum Capacity | 128 GB |
| Channel Architecture | Dual Channel |
| ECC Support | Non-ECC, ECC (Non-ECC Mode) Unbuffered |
Storage Expansion
| SATA | 6 x SATA III |
| M.2 | 1 x M Key 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 (PCIe 3.0 x4, SATA III) 1 x M Key 2242, 2260, 2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4, SATA III) 1 x M Key 2242, 2260, 2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4) |
| U.2 | None |
| Optane Memory Support | Yes |
| RAID Support | RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 (SATA) RAID 0, 1, 5 (M.2) |
Internal I/O
| Expansion Slots | 3 x PCIe 3.0 x16 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| USB | 1 x USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 2 Header (Supports 1 USB Type-C Port) 1 x USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 1 Header (Supports 2 USB Type-A Port) 2 x USB 2.0 Header (Supports 4 USB Type-A Port) |
| Multi-GPU Support | 2-Way NVIDIA SLI 3-Way AMD CrossFireX |
| Air Cooling | 1 x 4-Pin CPU 6 x 4-Pin System |
| Liquid Cooling | 1 x 4-Pin Pump |
| Power Connectors | 1 x 24-Pin Mainboard 2 x 8-Pin CPU |
| Security | Chassis Intrusion |
| LED Header | 4 x RGB |
| Audio | None |
| Diagnostics | Power, Reset, Slow Mode |
Front Panel I/O
| I/O Connection Headers | AAFP, USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
Audio
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC1220 (7.1-Channel) |
| DAC | ESS SABRE 9018Q2C |
Wireless
| Bluetooth | 5.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) (MU-MIMO) |
| Module Support | 1 E Key M.2 |
Software
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows 10 (64-Bit) |
Physical
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Dimensions | 9.6 x 12″ / 243.84 x 304.80 mm |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | 5.15 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 13.5 x 10.75 x 3.5″ |
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