MSI MEG X870E Godlike X Edition: A Luxurious but Limited Motherboard
The MSI MEG X870E Godlike X Edition is a special‑edition motherboard that celebrates the 10th anniversary of MSI’s Godlike series. With only 1,000 units available, it’s a rare find, but is it worth the hype and the hefty price tag?
Key Features
Designed for AMD Ryzen 7000/8000/9000 desktop processors, the board packs an impressive array of connectivity:
- 13 rear USB 10 Gbps ports
- 5 M.2 slots for high‑speed storage
- Robust VRM with a large heatsink
- Premium aesthetics with a unique heatsink for the primary M.2 slot and a USB‑powered display stand
What Sets the X Edition Apart?
Apart from the limited‑edition badge, the X Edition’s differences are mostly cosmetic. The primary M.2 slot receives a bespoke heatsink, and the board includes a USB‑powered display stand for added visual flair. Performance‑wise, there are no substantial upgrades over the standard MEG X870E Godlike or even many cheaper high‑end motherboards.
Performance
In real‑world testing the board is stable and user‑friendly, but it doesn’t deliver noticeably better benchmarks than less expensive competitors. MSI ships the BIOS with conservative CPU and memory settings, meaning enthusiasts may need to manually tweak voltages and timings to unlock the board’s full potential.
Thermal Behaviour
While the VRM heatsink is sizeable, the dedicated heatsink for the primary M.2 slot shows mixed results. Its design can trap heat, leading to higher temperatures under sustained loads compared with more conventional cooling solutions.
Conclusion
The MSI MEG X870E Godlike X Edition is undeniably luxurious and feature‑rich, but its premium price and limited production make it a niche product. For most builders, the standard MEG X870E Godlike provides nearly identical performance and functionality at a considerably lower cost, making it the more sensible choice.
