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MSI MEG Z390 ACE vs Gigabyte GA-Z270-HD3

Buy the MSI MEG Z390 ACE if you want a current-generation Z390 platform with overclocking headroom, SLI support and fast DDR4. The Gigabyte GA-Z270-HD3 only makes sense as a cheap replacement for an existing 100- or 200-series build. No prices were given for either board, so compare live store prices on Deal.ai before deciding.

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MSI
MSI MEG Z390 ACE LGA 1151 ATX Motherboard

MSI MEG Z390 ACE

MSI MEG Z390 ACE LGA 1151 ATX Motherboard

4.2(95 ratings)
See all prices and details

Choose the MSI MEG Z390 ACE if you are building around a 8th or 9th gen Intel CPU and want overclocking, dual M.2 and SLI.

Pros
  • Z390 chipset supports 8th and 9th gen Intel CPUs
  • Memory rated to 4500 MHz O.C. for fast DDR4 kits
  • 2-way SLI plus 3-way CrossFireX for multi-GPU builds
  • M.2 slots for NVMe drives
  • ATX layout with 4 DIMM slots and 64GB ceiling
Cons
  • No integrated graphics outputs, so a discrete GPU is required
  • LGA 1151 300-series only fits 8th and 9th gen chips
  • No ECC memory support
  • 4.2 out of 5 from 95 ratings, not stellar
Gigabyte
GA-Z270-HD3 Motherboard

Gigabyte GA-Z270-HD3

GA-Z270-HD3 Motherboard

See all prices and details

Choose the Gigabyte GA-Z270-HD3 if you already own a 6th or 7th gen Intel CPU and need a basic ATX board with onboard video outputs.

Pros
  • Onboard DVI, VGA and HDMI, so it runs without a graphics card
  • Accepts older 6th and 7th gen Intel CPUs
  • Four DIMM slots and 64GB max, same as the MSI
  • PCI slots for legacy cards
  • ATX form factor with room to expand
Cons
  • Z270 chipset is two generations behind Z390
  • CrossFire only, no SLI
  • No rated memory speed or M.2 slots listed
  • Older platform limits CPU upgrade options

What separates them

MSI MEG Z390 ACEGigabyte GA-Z270-HD3
ChipsetIntel Z390Intel Z270
CPU generation8th and 9th gen Intel Core (LGA 1151, 300-series)6th and 7th gen Intel Core (LGA 1151, 200-series)
Memory speedUp to 4500 MHz (O.C.), 4 slots, 64GBDDR4, 4 slots, 64GB, no rated speed given
Multi-GPU2-way SLI and 3-way CrossFireXCrossFire only
Display outputsNone; needs a discrete GPUDVI, VGA and HDMI onboard
M.2 storageM.2 slots listedNot listed
OverclockingZ390 with unlocked CPU support and high-speed memoryZ270 overclocking, but older platform
Legacy expansionPCI ExpressPCI and PCI Express

Price history

  • MSI MEG Z390 ACE: lowest $191.79 on Nov 2 at neweggbusiness.com.
  • Gigabyte GA-Z270-HD3: lowest $250.00 on Nov 2 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

MSI MEG Z390 ACE

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  • Newegg.comCheck price at Newegg.com
  • neweggbusiness.comCheck price at neweggbusiness.com

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Prices and history →

Gigabyte GA-Z270-HD3

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Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecMSI MEG Z390 ACEGigabyte GA-Z270-HD3
Form FactorATXATX
Socket TypeLGA 1151Socket LGA1151
RAM TypeDDR4DDR4
Expansion SlotPCI ExpressPCI, PCI Express
ChipsetIntelIntel
External PortsEthernet, USBEthernet, DVI, VGA, HDMI, USB
GamingYesYes
Multiple GPU SupportSLI, CrossfireCrossfire
Maximum RAM64 GB Max RAM64 GB Max RAM
Motherboard Socket TypeLGA 1151—
Motherboard ChipsetIntel Z390—
Motherboard Form FactorATX—
Show all 31 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMSI MEG Z390 ACEGigabyte GA-Z270-HD3
Motherboard ModelMEG Z390 ACE—
Motherboard SeriesMEG Z390 ACE—
ManufacturerMSI—
CPU CompatibilityIntel—
Motherboard CompatibilityATX—
RAM Maximum Capacity64GB—
RAM Speed4500 MHz (O.C.)—
RAM Number Of Slots4—
RAM ECC SupportNo—
Memory Type

What reviewers say

MSI MEG Z390 ACE

  • 4.2 / 595 ratings

Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 95 ratings. Owners generally praise the build quality, VRM and feature set for the price, while some report issues with the older platform and board-specific quirks.

What people mention
  • Build qualityPraisedOwners describe the board as sturdy with good heatsinks and a premium feel.
  • OverclockingPraisedThe VRM and memory support are cited as strong for pushing CPU and RAM speeds.
  • ConnectivityPraisedMultiple M.2 slots and built-in Wi-Fi are called useful for a clean build.
  • Platform ageCriticisedBuyers note the LGA 1151 socket only fits older Intel chips, limiting upgrades.

Questions and answers

Which board is better for gaming?
The MSI MEG Z390 ACE. It supports newer 8th and 9th gen CPUs, faster memory and SLI. The Gigabyte board is limited to older CPUs and CrossFire only.
Can I use the same CPU in both?
No. Both are LGA 1151, but the MSI Z390 takes 8th and 9th gen Intel Core chips while the Gigabyte Z270 takes 6th and 7th gen chips. They are not cross-compatible.
Do I need a graphics card with the Gigabyte board?
Not necessarily. The GA-Z270-HD3 has DVI, VGA and HDMI outputs, so it can run on a supported CPU's integrated graphics. The MSI board has no display outputs and needs a discrete GPU.
Which has better memory support?
The MSI. It is rated to 4500 MHz O.C. with 4 slots and 64GB. The Gigabyte also has 4 slots and 64GB but no rated speed is listed.
Is the MSI worth it over the Gigabyte?
Yes if you are buying a CPU now, since Z390 covers newer chips and faster memory. The Gigabyte only makes sense if you already own a 6th or 7th gen CPU.
Which supports two graphics cards?
The MSI supports 2-way SLI and 3-way CrossFireX. The Gigabyte supports CrossFire only, so no SLI.

More comparisons

  • MSI MPG Z390I GAMING EDGE AC Motherboard vs GA-Z270-HD3 Motherboard
DDR4
—
Max Memory Capacity64GB—
Memory Slots4—
Memory Speed4500 MHz (O.C.)—
ECC SupportNo—
Memory Channel SupportDual Channel—
Expansion Slot TypeM.2—
Integrated GraphicsNo—
Multi Card SupportNVIDIA 2-way SLI Technology Support, AMD 3-way …—
Number Of Memory Slots—4 Memory Slots