I purchased the MSI MEG Z390 Godlike for a personal computer build. I built my system, using the Godlike as my base component. My CPU of choice was the i9-9900k. I included an MSI 2080 RTX Gaming Trio Video Card, and 32 GB of Corsair Vengeance Pro RGB Memory. The cooler I used was a Corsair 150i RGB AIO. I was not disappointed.
The motherboard is black and grey, with silver highlights. It is a large E-ATX board (make sure you have a roomy case). It is presented nicely in the box, without the normal static bag protecting it. This allows for a window to view the motherboard, unobstructed. It is a sight to behold.
The Godlike earns it’s name. It is a beast when overclocking. It has 18 phase VRM and the voltage is stable as a rock. There are two CPU power 8 -pin connectors, and a 6-pin PCIe Power Connector (for overclocking Video Cards). included in the BIOS is management for voltage droop, as well as a myriad of other overclocking related functions. I am currently running my system at a 5.1 GHz overclock, using the Gaming Boost function on the Godlike. The Gaming Boost overclock is controlled via a dial on the mother board, BIOS, or MSI's Dragon Center Software (from within windows). I choose the easy route by using the Dragon Center Software. I was not disappointed. My system is stable as a rock at 5.1 GHz, with manageable heat dispersion (35c idle, 62c Gaming). I am sure I could run a higher overclock using Gaming Boost, as the included auto settings on the Gaming Boost overclock software are outstanding.
The Godlike has multiple LEDs on board telling the owner of the state of the motherboard, and other components, without the need to be in the BIOS or windows. This is very handy for diagnosing errors and other issues. These LEDs are a "Godsend" for hardcore overclockers and allow on the board monitoring while using Liquid Nitrogen or other extreme methods of overclocking. In fact, the board has multiple fan headers, and even a "Pump" header. It even has a liquid flow indicator header. Very handy, indeed.
The three (3) on board M.2 slots allow for a plethora of storage options. Besides the M.2 slots on the board itself, is a PCIe Card with two more M.2 slots. There are six (6) SATA ports, and a U2 connector as well. Note: Using the various M.2 slots will affect the SATA ports and the U2 Connector that are available to use. Using a NVMe is recommended over a SATA M.2, as this configuration will leave the most SATA ports open for use (as well as being much faster for accessing and read/write).
The Godlike has 4 PCIe slots and a Mini slot. It will run Crossfire or NVIDIA SLI and comes with an SLI Bridge in the box. Make sure you use the best slots for your cards, as instructed in the Motherboard manual.
The Godlike has an on-board Infinity RGP Mirror, a "MEG" RGB Tagline, a MSI "Lucky" Dragon RGB, and an amazing OLED Screen with Error/Temperature two number LED above OLED. The screen, and other RGB elements, can be controlled via the Dragon Center Software. The OLED Screen is called the "Dashboard". It can be used to display voltages, temps, and other hardware information. The "Dashboard" screen has a rather cute set of built in function indicators when using said functions; Gaming Boost, Fan and Temperature info, Sleep/Wake/Power On, and Errors. The screen is rather handy when monitoring the motherboard and system. It is also just plain fun. I love watching "Lucky" the Dragon battling Ninjas as a method of letting me know my system is running smoothly. It is just too cool.
If you love RGB lighting, the Godlike will not disappoint. Included with the on board RGB lighting and OLED Dashboard, are headers for plugging in ASUS Aura or Corsair Rainbow lighting accessories. I currently have my "Rainbow" accessories plugged into the board... and it is beautiful to behold. I love that I can control my RGB system lighting from the Dragon Center Software. The software is currently being improved, as it does have some issues. The RGB lighting sometimes has a mind of its own and requires some manipulation for Dragon Center to get the lighting to work properly. The software can also forget setting and revert to a neutral state. My research into these issues has led to my understanding that MSI is working to fix these problems. The 80% of the time the RGB Dragon Center lighting works is a sight to behold. I am sure MSI will sort out the issues, as they are responsive to their customers, as evident by the interactions MSI has on their Forums.
An accessory included with the board, is a Capture Card. I plugged it into the 4th PCIe slot, and it runs like a charm. It does not require driver updates and uses XSplit or OBS to control it. It works wonderfully, and the HDMI Port in the backs accepts ANY outbound Signal for broadcasting. This includes other Computers, Video Cameras, Phones, and Game Consoles. A very nice addition.
I love this board. It is an amazing piece of tech... but it is expensive! This is a premium enthusiast board, and it is not for beginners. If you want the latest and greatest hardware, get this wonderful board. It is amazing, fun, and if you want a challenge (overclockers listen up) it affords one. I cannot recommend this board any more highly, if you have the time and money.
PROS:
Great Overclocker
Two 8-pin CPU Power Connectors, and a 6-pin Power Connector to feed additional power for overclocking video cards
Many Storage Options
Dashboard Screen with Error/Temperature LED above
Multiple Fan Heads, a Pump Header, and Liquid Flow Indicator Header
LEDs displaying system status
Cool RGB Effects (Dragon, Meg, and Infinity Mirror)
Can control many current RGB options (Corsair Rainbow and ASUS Aura)
Beautiful
CONS:
Expensive!
Not for Beginners
Some issues with the Dragon Center Software
Rating: 95/100
| Processor | pentium |
|---|---|
| RAM | DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 2400 MHz |
| Wireless Type | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
