MSI has introduced its new flagship among motherboards with the MEG X870E Godlike. But the price is not without: MSI is charging around 1,500 euros for the model. What do you get for so much money, with which you could also afford a proper gaming PC?
What kind of motherboard is this? With the MEG X870E Godlike, manufacturer MSI will launch a new gaming motherboard for AMD processors in a few weeks. This is a high-end model, and accordingly, the model costs around 1,500 euros.
The feature set is very extensive, and the motherboard does not skimp on features: the board has 10 GbE, a Realtek 5 GbE, Wi-Fi 7, two USB 40 Gb/s ports with DisplayPort functionality, 13 USB 10 Gb/s ports consisting of five Type-C ports and eight Type-A ports, as well as a USB Type-C header on the front that supports up to 60 W power for fast charging. It also includes ports for case fans, liquid cooling, and RGB lighting.
A small feature is also promising for other gaming PCs
Especially clever is the EZ Control Hub: instead of having to connect each individual device and cable to the motherboard, you connect the motherboard to a hub. All cables that you would otherwise link directly to the motherboard then connect to the hub.
Other manufacturers are already using similar systems to eliminate cables from the motherboard or at least from the front:
- At MSI, this is called ‘Project Zero.’
- At Gigabyte, it is called Project Stealth.
- And manufacturer ASUS sells it as BTF Hidden Connector.
The idea behind the EZ Control Hub is, however, more skillful in this regard, because you can theoretically connect the cables outside the tight chassis. This eliminates the fiddling between the case wall and the motherboard.
Expensive motherboard for enthusiasts
Who is such hardware aimed at? With the Godlike series, MSI primarily targets enthusiasts and those who want to overclock their system: overclocking requires good ventilation and control of components. Otherwise, there is a risk that the computer will simply shut down at high temperatures or even components can be damaged.
With real-time hardware monitoring, numerous connections for system fans, and an extensive heatsink that covers almost the entire surface of the motherboard, the device fully focuses on optimized cooling.
Why is this not worth it for many users? Most gamers are likely to be happy with a ‘normal’ motherboard for 100 to 150 euros. Because here, most users get all the features they need for their gaming everyday life, as every processor of a specific socket type also works with all motherboards of the socket.
Generally, the rule is: the more expensive a motherboard, the more extensive the feature setup. The general functions, support for DDR4/DDR5, socket for CPU and connector for a graphics card, are usually always present.
Even with a motherboard for 100 or 150 euros, you already get enough connections that are completely sufficient for a normal
gaming PC. Only very inexpensive chipsets will offer you only an absolute minimum.
More on high prices: The new PS5 Pro is also cheaper than the new motherboard. But is it worth spending 800 euros on the new console? You can find more about this directly at MeinMMO, where we present the pros and cons in detail: PS5 Pro or gaming PC: What should you buy for 800 euros?
