[ INDIVIDUAL COMPONENT // MOTHERBOARDS ]
MSI MEG Z390 ACE
Intel Z390 / LGA1151 ATX enthusiast board with 128 GB DDR4 capacity, three PCIe x16-length slots and triple M.2. This is a dedicated model record; revision, CPU and firmware qualifications are documented below.
IDENTIFICATION: Verify the printed model and PCB revision against manufacturer support files before selecting a processor, memory kit, firmware image or replacement board. Similar names can describe electrically different products.
Specifications
| Catalog subcategory | Enthusiast Intel platforms |
|---|---|
| Exact board / revision | MEG Z390 ACE |
| Platform / era | Intel Coffee Lake / Coffee Lake Refresh enthusiast desktop platform, 2018 |
| CPU socket / compatibility | LGA1151; 8th- and 9th-generation Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors only as enumerated in MSI’s CPU support list and required BIOS. |
| Chipset | Intel Z390 Express |
| Memory | Four dual-channel DDR4 DIMM sockets, up to 128 GB non-ECC unbuffered memory; XMP and overclocked rates are CPU/BIOS/DIMM dependent. |
| Expansion slots | Three PCIe 3.0 x16-length slots with lane modes up to x16, x8/x8 or x8/x4/x4 and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. |
| Form factor | ATX, approximately 305 × 244 mm; confirm case/standoff support and PCB dimensions in the manufacturer manual. |
| Storage / I/O | Six SATA 6 Gb/s ports and three M.2 sockets; PCIe/SATA drive support and shared SATA ports depend on socket and device population. |
| Firmware and validation | Use only firmware for this exact model and revision. Confirm the selected CPU in the manufacturer CPU support table and satisfy its stated minimum BIOS; consult the board manual and memory QVL for DIMM placement, shared lanes and port limitations. |
Compatibility and revision notes
ATX (305 × 244 mm). Check the exact MEG Z390 ACE CPU table and minimum BIOS; other LGA1151 boards are not interchangeable despite socket appearance. Use DDR4 and follow MSI’s DIMM-order guidance. Review the manual for M.2 socket modes, SATA port sharing, PCIe lane allocation, case fit and CPU power connectors.
Physical socket fit, chipset family or a matching module notch does not independently guarantee compatibility. Confirm the exact CPU, BIOS release, memory type/capacity, slot wiring, device protocol and board dimensions in the manufacturer documentation before building or servicing a system.
Preservation and repair
Record the full PCB model, revision and BIOS identifier before maintenance. Inspect socket contacts, DIMM/PCIe connectors, VRM area and electrolytic components; document any corrosion, rework or missing hardware. Use ESD-safe handling and follow the manual’s clear-CMOS procedure.
For an archive record, photograph labels and connector condition before cleaning. Do not cross-flash firmware from a similar model or revision, and never power a board with loose conductive hardware beneath it.
Manufacturer sources
- MSI — MEG Z390 ACE specificationsOfficial manufacturer product/manual documentation for this exact model.
- MSI — MEG Z390 ACE manuals, BIOS and CPU supportOfficial manufacturer CPU/firmware/support reference; confirm the board marking and revision.
Specifications and compatibility can vary with PCB revision, regional SKU, processor stepping and BIOS. Consult the linked manufacturer support material for the exact board.