MSI Z890 Godlike Motherboard Review: All the features for all the money

Our standard benchmarks and power tests are performed using the CPU’s stock frequencies (including any default boost/turbo) with all power-saving features enabled. We set optimized defaults in the BIOS and the memory by enabling the XMP profile. For this baseline testing, the Windows power scheme is set to Balanced (default) so the PC idles appropriately.

Synthetic Benchmarks

Synthetics offer a valuable method for evaluating a board's performance, as identical settings are expected to yield similar results. Turbo boost wattage and advanced memory timings are areas where motherboard manufacturers can still optimize for stability or performance, and these settings can impact specific testing scenarios.

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The Z890 Godlike performed well across the synthetic benchmarks, leading the pack in some and landing around average in others. There’s nothing to worry about here.

Timed Applications

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The timed applications told the same story, with the board posting the lowest times in both Handbrake tests and LAME. Everything is in line with the timed applications.

3D Games and 3DMark

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Starting with the launch of Zen 5, we’ve updated our game tests. We’re keeping the F1 racing game but have upgraded to F1 24. We also dropped Far Cry 6 in favor of an even more popular and good-looking game in Cyberpunk 2077. We run both games at 1920x1080 resolution using the Ultra preset (details listed above). Cyberpunk 2077 uses DLSS, while we left F1 24 to native resolution scaling. The goal of these settings is to determine if there are differences in performance at the most commonly used (and CPU/system-bound) resolution with settings most people use or strive for (Ultra). We expect the difference between boards in these tests to be minor, with most falling within the margin of error. We’ve also added a minimum FPS value, which can affect your gameplay and immersion experience.

In the most crucial tests for some people, the board performed on the faster side of average in the actual games, and was merely average in the UL 3DMark benchmarks. In other words, the Godlike is a solid performer across a wide variety of applications.

Overclocking

The Godlike ran our DDR5-8200 memory without issue, but that was to be expected considering the 9200 MT/s peak listed. With the right memory kit (read: one on the memory QVL) and a good IMC, we have no doubt it can reach those speeds, and likely even further with exotic cooling.

Power Consumption / VRM Temperatures

We used AIDA64’s System Stability Test with Stress CPU, FPU, Cache, and Memory enabled for power testing, using the peak power consumption value from the processor. The wattage reading obtained is from the wall via a Kill-A-Watt meter, capturing the entire PC, excluding the monitor. The only variable that changes is the motherboard; all other parts remain the same. Please note that we have moved to using only the stock power use/VRM temperature charts, as this section aims to ensure that the power delivery can handle flagship-class processors.

Power usage on this motherboard peaked at 346W, with the CPU reaching a maximum of around 255W, averaging 225W. Idle use was on the high side at 75W, but still slightly lower than the Taichi OCF and its sibling, the MEG Z890 Ace. Power usage should be marginally higher, as the board features numerous components that require power.

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VRM temperatures from our probes peaked at just over 48 degrees Celsius, with the sensor reporting a slightly higher value of 52 degrees Celsius. The Frozr Design heatsink and wavy fin design effectively maintain the high-power components within specification. The only factor holding your CPU back is the cooling method, as the Godlike is capable of taking your scores to the promised land.

Bottom Line

The MSI Godlike boasts the fastest and most comprehensive features available on an E-ATX-sized motherboard. 10 GbE and Wi-Fi 7? Check. Eight M.2 sockets (4x 5.0 with the expansion card)? Check. Thunderbolt 5? Yes. EZ Features and AI Features? They’re in there, too. In terms of aesthetics, the clean design, tastefully implemented RGB lighting, and the Dynamic Dashboard III exude high-end vibes while still prioritizing functionality. It sounds perfect, and hardware-wise, it does have it all.

The competition, including the Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Xtreme AI TOP and the Asus ROG Maximus Z890 Extreme, are priced at $999.99. However, as of this writing, the Asus model is available for $799.99. I won't explore all the differences, but there aren’t many, as both offer 10 GbE, Thunderbolt 5, and overbuilt power delivery, and possess the characteristics of a flagship board.

In other words, the Godlike’s biggest (and maybe only) drawback is the price point. $1,329 is a substantial investment. And although it boasts a ‘Godlike’ feature list and specifications, it is overshadowed by competing companies who offer their competing wares for about $300 less. Still, many desire the best of the best, and the Godlike shares its throne with no one as one of the most capable motherboards on any consumer platform.

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