The AMD X570 Motherboard Overview: Over 35+ Motherboards Analyzed
by Gavin Bonshor on July 9, 2019 8:00 AM ESTMSI MEG X570 Ace
Our full review of the MSI MEG X570 Ace is currently live with many more X570 models set to be fully reviewed and analyzed over the next couple of months.
The MSI MEG X570 Ace motherboard represents its premium MEG range and as we've seen from its range on the Intel Z390 chipset, MSI has followed the same naming structure for users to easily identify which each range signifies. The X570 Ace benefits from an Intel Wi-Fi 6 wireless interface, a Realtek 2.5 G NIC, three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, and a 12+2 power delivery. Like all of MSI's X570 product stack with four memory slots, there is support for up to 128 GB of RAM.
The board has four DDR4 memory slots with support for up to DDR4-4600, three full-length PCIe 4.0 slots which operate at x16, x8/x8, and x8/x8/x4, with an additional two PCIe 4.0 x1 slots. Built into the X570 chipset heatsink is a cooling fan which uses MSI's Zero Frozr design as the X570 chipset has a rated TDP of up to 15 W. Providing power to the CPU is two 8-pin 12 V ATX power inputs, while the power delivery is using an extended 8 to 6.5 mm heat pipe which extends from the power delivery directly down to the chipset. The MEG X570 Ace has three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, each with its own individual Lightning Gen4 M.2 heatshield which amalgamates into the boards black and gold designed heatsinks. Like the MSI MEG X570 Godlike, MSI's RGB Infinity Mirror 2 is present on the rear panel cover to allow users to customize the look of the board.
On the rear panel of the MSI MEG X570 Ace motherboard, there's a clear CMOS, and BIOS flashing button which has its own dedicated USB 3.1 G1 Type-A slot highlighted with a red outline. There are three USB 3.1 G2 Type-A ports, a single USB 3.1 G2 Type-C, two USB 3.1 G1 Type-A ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. Networking capability consists of a Realtek RTL8125AG 2.5 GbE NIC with the other Ethernet port being controlled by an Intel I211-AT Gigabit NIC. This model also includes integrated Wi-Fi with an Intel AX200 Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax wireless interface which also offers users with Bluetooth 5 connectivity. The five 3.5 mm audio jacks and S/PDIF optical output are driven by a Realtek ALC1220 HD audio codec.
The MSI MEG X570 Ace in terms of price and feature set is quite impressive and with an MSRP of $369 which makes it a highly competitive when compared with other models in its price range. The need for MSI to upgrade its networking capabilities on desktop motherboards is something they have started to implement, and the rear panel on the X570 Ace is also without video outputs so users looking to use Ryzen based APUs will need to look elsewhere.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
225 Comments
View All Comments
Death666Angel - Wednesday, July 10, 2019 - link
There is a "print this article" function. And the easiest way to browse for specifically what you need are price comparison websites. In Europe, that would be "geizhals.eu" (English skinflint.co.uk) . I'm sure other regions have one as well. I don't think having a table with over 35 motherboards would give you the insight you are looking for. Browser for the 2 or 3 motherboards that suite your need and then compare those.konakcc - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
What I find disturbing is that they still put the x4 slots directly next ot the x16 slots. Most modern graphics cards are double wide meaning you can't use those slots so why include them? Think about how the slots will be used and lay them out appropriately.Dark42 - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Thanks for the overview, there seem to be a number of typos / errors though:Asrock Pro4: has only 3 3.5 mm audio jacks(picture), where the text says 5.
Asrock Steel Legend: only 1 USB 3.1 G2 Type-A (picture), text says 2.
Asrock Creator: picture looks like 2 USB 3.1 G2 Type-A + 4 G1, text says 6 G1.
APS: May I suggest a table (or several ones) with the connectivity information? Its not nice having to click through ~40 pages, parse the text and remember to find out how many M.2 slots, Sata ports, etc. the motherboards have.
Death666Angel - Wednesday, July 10, 2019 - link
There is a "print this article" function. And the easiest way to browse for specifically what you need are price comparison websites. In Europe, that would be "geizhals.eu" (English skinflint.co.uk) . I'm sure other regions have one as well.supremeMilo - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Where are you seeing that the ASUS ROG Strix X570-I Gaming has a S/PDIF output? I might get this board over the AsRock if this is true.eva02langley - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Hey Gavin, could you make a special table for Displayport 2.0, HDMI 2.0 and SPDIF?Also, which of these board offer the best audio technology.
Thanks
gavbon - Wednesday, July 10, 2019 - link
I will try and find some time to quickly knock one up. Just going through the comments now (just finished the Ryzen 3000 CPU re-testing)Kurosaki - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Sad that only the 700usd version from gigabyte was passively cooled. Let's just wait and see if any cheaper models with heatpipes comes by...PeachNCream - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Wait a generation if you aren't starved badly for performance with your current hardware. Given the outcry over chipset fans, this is probably a significant point of improvement on the next-gen chipset agenda.zzing123 - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Given that Ryzen is a brilliant replacement for edge server computing, I'd like to see workstation boards have an option card using the PCIe x1 slot to accommodate an IPMI solution for proper headless server duty. Donany vendors have plans for this?