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MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE

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MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE Specifications Review

MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE by MSI is a E-ATX form factor motherboard based on the high-end Z790 chipset and LGA 1700 socket, offering the most advanced features and connectivity options. It is designed to support DDR5 memory, with 4 slots, a maximum capacity of 256 GB, and an overclocking speed of up to 7800 MHz.

VRM Quality

The MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE features an ultra high-end VRM configuration, delivering 105 A across 26 phases. This level of VRM quality is ideal for powering the most demanding high-TDP CPUs (200 W+), including overclocked flagship models, with exceptional voltage stability and thermal headroom. Perfect for extreme overclockers, high-refresh gamers, and professionals running heavy compute or rendering workloads.

See the VRM Appropriate CPU Specification Table at the bottom of this page for recommended CPU options.

Expansion and Storage Overview

The MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE offers a very extensive expansion and storage configuration with PCIe 5.0 support, meaning it uses PCI Express 5.0, the newest standard offering extremely high bandwidth for next-generation graphics cards and ultra-fast NVMe storage. It also includes 2 x16 slots . These PCIe slots are used to connect expansion cards — with the x16 slots typically reserved for graphics cards, while x8, x4, and x1 slots are used for devices like capture cards, sound cards, or network adapters.

For storage, this motherboard provides 7 M.2 slots and 6 SATA ports. M.2 slots are high-speed connectors for modern NVMe SSDs, which are much faster than older storage, while SATA ports are used for traditional hard drives and 2.5-inch SSDs. Together, they allow you to mix fast primary storage with larger, more affordable drives for bulk data.

Connectivity Overview

This motherboard provides extensive and premium connectivity options, including wireless networking with the Wi-Fi 6E standard, delivering fast and reliable internet speeds and wired Marvell® AQC113CS-B1-C 10Gbps LANIntel® 2.5Gbps LAN LAN support capable of speeds up to 10000 Gbps, ensuring ultra-fast network connections. Bluetooth 5.3 is included for seamless wireless connections to peripherals. Additionally, it features plenty of newer USB ports for high-speed and versatile device connectivity. Details about USB types and counts are listed in the specifications table. This comprehensive selection supports demanding networking and peripheral setups.

For video output, this motherboard includes HDMI , DisplayPort . These video outputs are intended for integrated graphics and will only function if your CPU includes integrated GPU capabilities.

Audio Quality

This motherboard features an ultra-premium audio solution — the Realtek® ALC4082 Codec + ESS ES9280AQ Combo DAC/HPA — rivaling professional-grade DACs. With its ESS Sabre-class DAC implementation, it delivers reference-quality sound featuring exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and near-zero distortion. This is the ultimate choice for audiophiles, professional audio work, and high-impedance headphones, eliminating the need for external amplification in most cases. Additional features include optical S/PDIF output for clean digital audio.

Overall Quality and Value

MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE represents the pinnacle of design and engineering with an outstanding overall quality score of 105.60. It features the absolute best components available and is built for extreme performance with no compromises—ideal for enthusiasts, overclockers, and professionals demanding flawless stability and cutting-edge features.

This motherboard shows a 29.1% value score indicating less favorable price-to-performance compared to mainstream models. This is typical for high-end motherboards, which prioritize premium features, durability, and advanced capabilities over raw value. It is an excellent choice for users who favor top quality, cutting-edge technology, and robust performance and are willing to invest more without focusing primarily on price.

General Information

ManufacturerMSI
Motherboard NameMSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE
Current Price Amazon $690❗N/A
Amazon Price Updated 6 months, 1 week ago.
Motherboard AvailableFalse
Chipset / SocketZ790 / LGA 1700
Form Factor E-ATX

VRM Configuration

CPU Power Phases (Amps) 26 (105 A)
Power Design26+2

Memory Information

Type / Slots DDR5 / 4 slots
Max Capacity / Max OC 256 GB / 7800 MHz

PCIe Slot Configuration

Supported Version PCIe 5.0
Slot Size Physical Slots Gen5
x16 2 2

Storage Configuration

M.2 Slot Count 7 slots
M.2 Supported Lengths 22110, 2280, 2260
SATA Ports 6

Onboard Audio Features

Audio Chipset Realtek® ALC4082 Codec + ESS ES9280AQ Combo DAC/HPA
Optical S/PDIF Output ✔️ Present

Motherboard Display Outputs

HDMI Output HDMI (Max: 4096x2160@60Hz)
DisplayPort Output DisplayPort (Max: 4096x2304@60Hz)

USB and Thunderbolt Connectivity

Rear USB Ports

USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps)7
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps)1
USB4 / Thunderbolt Type-C (40 Gbps)2
Power Delivery (W)15W

Front USB Ports

USB 2.0 Type-A (480 Mbps)4
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps)4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C (20 Gbps)2
Power Delivery (W)60W

Networking Information

Ethernet Chipset: Marvell® AQC113CS-B1-C 10Gbps LANIntel® 2.5Gbps LAN
LAN Ports: 2
Wi-Fi Version: Wi-Fi 6E
Bandwidth: 2.4Gbps
Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz
Bluetooth Version: 5.3

Button Features

Buttons BIOS Flashback
Clear CMOS
Smart Button

Quality & Features

Additional Information

RAMSupports un-buffered memory. Max overclocking frequency varies by configuration: 1DPC 1R up to 7800+ MHz, 1DPC 2R up to 6600+ MHz, 2DPC 1R up to 6400+ MHz, and 2DPC 2R up to 5600+ MHz.
DisplayGraphics specifications may vary depending on the CPU installed. Supports up to 2 displays simultaneously.
ExpansionPCI_E1 supports up to x16 (From CPU). PCI_E2 supports up to x8 (From CPU).
Storage M.2 Slot Details:
  • M.2_1 – 4.0 , Lengths: 22110, 2280, 2260 , Source: From CPU
  • M.2_2 – 4.0 , Lengths: 2280, 2260 , Source: From Chipset
  • M.2_3 – 4.0 + SATA , Lengths: 2280, 2260 , Source: From Chipset
  • M.2_4 – 5.0 , Lengths: 22110, 2280 , Source: From CPU
    PCI_E2 slot will be unavailable when installing an M.2 SSD in the M2_4 slot.
  • M.2_5 – 3.0 + SATA , Lengths: 2280, 2260 , Source: From Chipset
    SATA5~8 will be unavailable when installing an M.2 PCIe or M.2 SATA SSD in the M2_5 slot.
  • M.2_6 – 4.0 , Lengths: 2280, 2260 , Source: From Chipset
  • M.2_7 – 4.0 , Lengths: 2280, 2260 , Source: From Chipset
Audio 7.1-Channel USB High Performance Audio. Supports S/PDIF output. Supports up to 32-Bit/384 kHz playback on front panel.
Networking The Wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E) slot. Supports MU-MIMO TX/RX. Supports 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax. Wi-Fi 6E 6GHz may depend on every country’s regulations and will be ready in Windows 11. Bluetooth 5.3 will be ready in Windows 10 build 21H1 and Windows 11. Bluetooth supports FIPS, FISMA.
Buttons The text lists a 'Flash BIOS Button'. It also includes a 'Slow Mode Booting Jumper(JSLOW)' and a 'Tuning Controller connector(JDASH)'.
Dimensions 30.5 cm x 31 cm

Note: The specifications and descriptions above are extracted by AI to present the official manufacturer data in a clearer and more natural way for easier understanding. However, this AI-processed information may contain inaccuracies. Please verify all details by consulting the official manufacturer's information provided below.


MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE Compared to Motherboards with Similar Performance and Features

Motherboard Quality & Features per Price Table

Motherboard (Desc) Price (Desc) Overall_Q (Desc) VRM_Q (Desc) Chipset (Desc) Exp_Str (Desc) Connect (Desc) Audio (Desc) Q&F/Price (Desc)
MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE
$690❗ | 0.0%
105.6%
110.0%
100.0%
110.0%
110.0%
98.0%
29.1%
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master X
$500❗ | ↑ 1.5%
98.4%
105.0%
92.0%
89.0%
108.0%
98.0%
37.4%

Motherboard Comparison and Detail Specifications Table

Specification
MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE
MSI MEG Z790 GODLIKE
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master X
GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS Master X
Perf Chart
Price
$690❗ | 0.0%
$500❗ | ↑ 1.5%
Manufacturer MSI GIGABYTE
Chip/Socket Z790 / LGA 1700 Z790 / LGA 1700
Form E-ATX E-ATX
CPU Phases 26 (105 A) 20 (105 A)
PWR Design 26+2 20+2+1
Mem Slots 4 / DDR5 4 / DDR5
Max Mem 256 GB / 7800 MHz 256 GB / 8000 MHz
PCIe PCIe 5.0 PCIe 5.0
PCIe Slots 2x16 Gen5 1x16 Gen5 | 2x16 Gen3
M.2 7 5
SATA 6 4
Audio Realtek® ALC4082 Codec + ESS … Realtek® ALC1220-VB CODEC, ES…
S/PDIF ✔️ ✔️
HDMI ✔️ (None)
DP ✔️ (None) ✔️ (1.2)
LAN Marvell® AQC113CS-B1-C 1… (2 ports) Marvell® AQtion AQC113C … (1 ports)
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 6E
BT v5.3 v5.3
Rear USB
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps)7
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (10 Gbps)1
USB4 / Thunderbolt Type-C (40 Gbps)2
Power Delivery (W)15W
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps)4
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (5 Gbps)1
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (10 Gbps)7
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C (20 Gbps)2
USB Headers

USB 2.0 Header (480 Mbps)4
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Header (5 Gbps)4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Header (20 Gbps)1
Front USB
USB 2.0 Type-A (480 Mbps)4
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps)4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C (20 Gbps)2
Power Delivery (W)60W


VRM Appropriate CPU Specification Table

CPU Price App_Performance Game_Performance TDP/Max C/SC/T L2/L3 Cache Base/Boost Code Name GPU
Intel Core i9-14900K
$474 | ↓ -0.6%
83.3%
82.0%
125 W / 253 W 24 / 16 / 32 2048.0 kB / 36.0 MB 3.20 GHz / 6.00 GHz Raptor Lake-R UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i9-14900KF
$450 | ↓ -0.1%
83.3%
82.0%
125 W / 253 W 24 / 16 / 32 2048.0 kB / 36.0 MB 3.20 GHz / 6.00 GHz Raptor Lake-R None
Intel Core i9-13900K
$320 | 0.0%
81.0%
81.5%
125 W / 253 W 24 / 16 / 32 2048.0 kB / 36.0 MB 3.00 GHz / 5.80 GHz Raptor Lake-S UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i9-13900KF
$270 | ↓ -53.4%
81.0%
81.5%
125 W / 253 W 24 / 16 / 32 2048.0 kB / 36.0 MB 3.00 GHz / 5.80 GHz Raptor Lake-S None
Intel Core i7-14700K
$371 | 0.0%
74.3%
81.4%
125 W / 253 W 20 / 12 / 28 2048.0 kB / 33.0 MB 3.40 GHz / 5.60 GHz Raptor Lake-R UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i7-14700KF
$540 | 0.0%
74.3%
81.4%
125 W / 253 W 20 / 12 / 28 2048.0 kB / 33.0 MB 3.40 GHz / 5.60 GHz Raptor Lake-R None
Intel Core i9-14900
$633 | 0.0%
70.1%
80.7%
65 W / 219 W 24 / 16 / 32 2048.0 kB / 36.0 MB 2.00 GHz / 5.80 GHz Raptor Lake-R UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i9-14900F
$561 | 0.0%
70.1%
80.7%
65 W / 219 W 24 / 16 / 32 2048.0 kB / 36.0 MB 2.00 GHz / 5.80 GHz Raptor Lake-R None
Intel Core i9-13900
$640 | ↑ 11.1%
68.0%
81.0%
65 W / 219 W 24 / 16 / 32 2048.0 kB / 36.0 MB 2.00 GHz / 5.60 GHz Raptor Lake-S UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i9-13900F
$400 | 0.0%
68.0%
81.0%
65 W / 219 W 24 / 16 / 32 2048.0 kB / 36.0 MB 2.00 GHz / 5.60 GHz Raptor Lake-S None
Intel Core i7-13700K
$400 | ↓ -11.1%
66.4%
80.6%
125 W / 253 W 16 / 8 / 24 2048.0 kB / 30.0 MB 3.40 GHz / 5.40 GHz Raptor Lake-S UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i7-13700KF
$379 | 0.0%
66.4%
80.6%
125 W / 253 W 16 / 8 / 24 2048.0 kB / 30.0 MB 3.40 GHz / 5.40 GHz Raptor Lake-S None
Intel Core i7-14700
$379 | 0.0%
65.6%
81.1%
65 W / 219 W 20 / 12 / 28 2048.0 kB / 33.0 MB 2.10 GHz / 5.40 GHz Raptor Lake-R UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i7-14700F
$290 | ↑ 3.6%
65.6%
81.1%
65 W / 219 W 20 / 12 / 28 2048.0 kB / 33.0 MB 2.10 GHz / 5.40 GHz Raptor Lake-R None
Intel Core i9-12900K
$430 | 0.0%
60.5%
76.2%
125 W / 241 W 16 / 8 / 24 1280.0 kB / 30.0 MB 3.20 GHz / 5.20 GHz Alder Lake-S UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i9-12900KF
$344 | 0.0%
60.5%
76.2%
125 W / 241 W 16 / 8 / 24 1280.0 kB / 30.0 MB 3.20 GHz / 5.20 GHz Alder Lake-S None
Intel Core i7-13700
$400 | 0.0%
58.8%
79.9%
65 W / 219 W 16 / 8 / 24 2048.0 kB / 30.0 MB 2.10 GHz / 5.20 GHz Raptor Lake-S UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i7-13700F
$399 | 0.0%
58.8%
79.9%
65 W / 219 W 16 / 8 / 24 2048.0 kB / 30.0 MB 2.10 GHz / 5.20 GHz Raptor Lake-S None
Intel Core i5-14600K
$262❗ | ↑ 5.6%
55.4%
78.9%
125 W / 181 W 14 / 8 / 20 2048.0 kB / 24.0 MB 3.50 GHz / 5.30 GHz Raptor Lake-R UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i5-14600KF
$250❗ | ↓ -1.0%
55.4%
78.9%
125 W / 181 W 14 / 8 / 20 2048.0 kB / 24.0 MB 3.50 GHz / 5.30 GHz Raptor Lake-R None
Intel Core i9-12900F
$380❗ | ↓ -10.6%
54.1%
72.4%
65 W / 202 W 16 / 8 / 24 1280.0 kB / 30.0 MB 2.40 GHz / 5.10 GHz Alder Lake-S None
Intel Core i9-12900
$696 | 0.0%
54.1%
72.4%
65 W / 202 W 16 / 8 / 24 1280.0 kB / 30.0 MB 2.40 GHz / 5.10 GHz Alder Lake-S UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i5-13600K
$268 | 0.0%
52.3%
76.8%
125 W / 181 W 14 / 8 / 20 2048.0 kB / 24.0 MB 3.50 GHz / 5.10 GHz Raptor Lake-S UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i5-13600KF
$268 | 0.0%
52.3%
76.8%
125 W / 181 W 14 / 8 / 20 2048.0 kB / 24.0 MB 3.50 GHz / 5.10 GHz Raptor Lake-S None
Intel Core i7-12700K
$334 | ↓ -1.6%
50.9%
73.9%
125 W / 190 W 12 / 4 / 20 1280.0 kB / 25.0 MB 3.60 GHz / 5.00 GHz Alder Lake-S UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i7-12700KF
$273 | ↑ 1.8%
50.9%
73.9%
125 W / 190 W 12 / 4 / 20 1280.0 kB / 25.0 MB 3.60 GHz / 5.00 GHz Alder Lake-S None
Intel Core i7-12700
$448 | ↓ -0.3%
43.0%
72.7%
65 W / 180 W 12 / 4 / 20 1280.0 kB / 25.0 MB 2.10 GHz / 4.90 GHz Alder Lake-S UHD Graphics 770
Intel Core i7-12700F
$327 | ↓ -2.7%
43.0%
72.7%
65 W / 180 W 12 / 4 / 20 1280.0 kB / 25.0 MB 2.10 GHz / 4.90 GHz Alder Lake-S None
Intel Core i5-12600KF
$191 | ↓ -5.4%
40.4%
68.3%
125 W / 150 W 10 / 4 / 16 1280.0 kB / 20.0 MB 3.70 GHz / 4.90 GHz Alder Lake-S None
Intel Core i5-12600K
$203❗ | ↑ 13.4%
40.4%
68.3%
125 W / 150 W 10 / 4 / 16 1280.0 kB / 20.0 MB 3.70 GHz / 4.90 GHz Alder Lake-S UHD Graphics 770

Official Manufacturer Data

Memory:

4x DDR5 UDIMM, Maximum Memory Capacity 256GB
Memory Support 7800+(OC)/ 7600(OC)/ 7400(OC)/ 7200(OC)/ 7000(OC)/ 6800(OC)/ 6600(OC)/ 6400(OC)/ 6200(OC)/ 6000(OC)/ 5800(OC)/ 5600(JEDEC)/ 5400(JEDEC)/ 5200(JEDEC)/ 5000(JEDEC)/ 4800(JEDEC) MHz
Max. overclocking frequency:
• 1DPC 1R Max speed up to 7800+ MHz
• 1DPC 2R Max speed up to 6600+ MHz
• 2DPC 1R Max speed up to 6400+ MHz
• 2DPC 2R Max speed up to 5600+ MHz

Supports Intel® XMP3.0 OC
Supports Dual-Controller Dual-Channel mode
Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory

Graphics:

Storage:

7x M.2
M.2_1 Source (From CPU) supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4 , supports 22110/2280/2260 devices
M.2_2 Source (From Chipset) supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4 , supports 2280/2260 devices
M.2_3 Source (From Chipset) supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4 / SATA mode, supports 2280/2260 devices
M.2_4 Source (From CPU) supports up to PCIe 5.0 x4 , supports 22110/2280 devices
M.2_5 Source (From Chipset) supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4 / SATA mode, supports 2280/2260 devices
M.2_6 Source (From Chipset) supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4 , supports 2280/2260 devices
M.2_7 Source (From Chipset) supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4 , supports 2280/2260 devices
6x SATA 6G

*PCI_E2 slot will be unavailable when installing M.2 SSD in the M2_4 slot.
**SATA5~8 will be unavailable when installing M.2 PCIe SSD in the M2_5 slot.
***SATA5~8 will be unavailable when installing M.2 SATA SSD in the M2_5 slot.

Expansion Slots:

2x PCI-E x16 slot
PCI_E1 Gen PCIe 5.0 supports up to x16 (From CPU)
PCI_E2 Gen PCIe 5.0 supports up to x8 (From CPU)

USB:

Onboard Thunderbolt Thunderbolt chip JHL8540 Thunderbolt Resource JHL8540 2x Thunderbolt4 ports (Rear) 2x Thunderbolt4 (USB-C) ports Q’ty Supports up to 40Gbps transfer rate with Thunderbolt devices Supports up to 20Gbps transfer rate with USB4 devices Supports up to 10Gbps transfer rate with USB 3.2 devices Supports up to 5V/3A,15W power charging Each port can daisy-chain up to three Thunderbolt 4 devices or five Thunderbolt 3 devices Supports up to 8K display (need to connect the DisplayPort of the discrete graphics card to the Mini DisplayPort Input port on the back panel) USB 4x USB 2.0 (Front) 4x USB 5Gbps Type A (Front) 7x USB 10Gbps Type A (Rear) 1x USB 10Gbps Type C (Rear) 2x USB 20Gbps Type C (Front) *To achieve 60W PD fast charging for JUSB6, the PD_PWR1 connector needs to be connected to the power supply unit. **JUSB6 doesn’t support USB 2.0 and older USB devices.

Internal I/O:

1x Power Connector(ATX_PWR)
2x Power Connector(CPU_PWR)
1x Front Type-C Quick Charge Connector(PD_PWR1)
1x CPU Fan
2x Pump Fan
7x System Fan
2x Front Panel (JFP)
1x Chassis Intrusion (JCI)
1x Water Flow connector
1x Slow Mode Booting Jumper(JSLOW)
1x Front Audio (JAUD)
2x Thermal Sensor connectors(T_SEN)
1x Tuning Controller connector(JDASH)
3x Addressable V2 RGB LED connector (JARGB_V2)
1x RGB LED connector(JRGB)
1x TPM pin header(Support TPM 2.0)
V-check point
4x USB 2.0 ports
4x USB 5Gbps Type A ports
2x USB 20Gbps Type C ports

Back Panel I/O:

Clear CMOS Button
Flash BIOS Button
2.5G LAN
10G Super LAN
Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps (Type-C)
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Audio Connectors
Smart Button
USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps (Type-C)
USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps (Type-A)
Mini DisplayPort Input (for Thunderbolt passthrough)
Optical S/PDIF-Out

WiFi:

Intel® Wi-Fi 6E
The Wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E) slot
Supports MU-MIMO TX/RX, 2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz* (160MHz) up to 2.4Gbps
Supports 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n/ ac/ ax

Supports Bluetooth® 5.3, FIPS, FISMA

* Wi-Fi 6E 6GHz may depend on every country’s regulations and will be ready in Windows 11.
** Bluetooth 5.3 will be ready in Windows 10 build 21H1 and Windows 11.

Audio:

Realtek® ALC4082 Codec + ESS ES9280AQ Combo DAC/HPA
7.1-Channel USB High Performance Audio
Supports S/PDIF output
Supports up to 32-Bit/384 kHz playback on front panel

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