MSI X570 Godlike review: This all-powerful motherboard boasts rare features

Price When Reviewed

$699

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MSI’s X570 MSI Godlike motherboard doesn’t need you to confuse it for a mere pedestrian “Extreme” providing—judging by its title alone. If you’re planning to convey a high-end Ryzen CPU to worship at its altar, it can have loads of options to fulfill.  

With Z690 opponents already providing next-gen specs reminiscent of DDR5, does an X570 high-end motherboard reminiscent of this nonetheless make sense? We’ll talk about the specs which will entice you, must-have options, the design, and worth to your greenback.  

The specs 

The “Godlike” sequence of motherboards have been round a very long time, my favourite being the X99 model. The concept is easy: Pack as many options and design components that somebody may need into one killer bundle. We lately coated the Asus Z690 Extreme, which follows the identical mantra.  

Packing a $699 MSRP, listed here are among the fundamental specs to contemplate in your determination making: 

• It’s E-ATX, which means wider than a typical ATX motherboard, so ensure your case can assist the elevated width  
• You’ll get Wi-Fi 6, 1Gbe, and a pair of.5GGbe LAN on board. 10Gbe LAN comes by way of an included PCI-E “Super LAN” card 
• 4-slot NVLink is feasible for multi-GPU reminiscent of RTX 3090s 
• 3 onboard M.2 slots, and a pair of extra with the Xpander-Z PCI-E card  
• PCI-E Gen 4 for each M.2 drives and GPU 

• OLED display screen and RGB, together with 3-pin, 4-pin, and Corsair header 
• Limited USB ports, no Thunderbolt obtainable  
• 6.3mm audio adapter and ESS E9018 Sabre DAC 
• BIOS flashback and clear CMOS buttons 

The above specs symbolize what the Godlike is all about: options, options, and extra options! It’s a great choice for each workstation use and gaming use.  

Gaming use takes benefit of high-end CPUs such because the AMD Ryzen 9 5900x and 5950x, with nice VRMs and overclocking assist. You’ll additionally get loads of fan and water-cooling headers, plus temperature sensors. This is augmented by nice RGB choices—with headers for addressable RGB, 4-pin, and even Corsair-specific inputs. SLI and NVLink afficionados (I do know there’s nonetheless one or two of us left!) will respect the 4-slot spacing for multi-GPUs.  

You’ll get comparable gaming efficiency on cheaper X570 motherboards, so having additional options distinctive to your use case are the principle motive to choose this. Workstation use is the place you’ll actually see a distinction – loads of m.2 ports for quick PCIE Gen 4 storage, 10Gbe networking, and the cherry on prime – CPUs such because the 5950x which give phenomenal multi-core efficiency on a mainstream platform for cheap value.   

There are some downsides, nonetheless. You’ll have a paltry quantity of USB ports on the again: solely 5 USB-A and a single USB-C. There’s no Thunderbolt obtainable onboard, both.  

Thiago Trevisan / Foundry

With a reputation like Godlike, you guess the design should additionally impress. The first merchandise that catches your eye shouldn’t be the RGB, however the evenly spaced 4 PCI-E slots—you realize it means enterprise! The RGB and OLED panels are tastefully executed, and pretty understated for essentially the most half.  

You’ll be capable of customise the OLED panel and show system info and customized graphics. This “Dynamic Dashboard” seems to be very cool! The industrial, grayscale design of the M.2 and chipset covers are additionally a chic monochromatic look.  

Thiago Trevisan / Foundry

The X570 Godlike does have a chipset fan behind a grill, which might be RPM managed. It’s positioned decrease on the motherboard, so thick graphics playing cards are much less prone to hinder the airflow. Below it you’ll additionally discover bodily buttons for reset and energy, which look nice and are extremely practical design components.  

Thiago Trevisan / Foundry

Unique options

Such a plethora of distinctive options on a single motherboard is an enormous motive to go for the Godlike. The draw back: It’s dearer than a much less generously appointed choice. Here are a few of its extra distinctive promoting factors, to additional increase the spec rundown above: 

1. The 4 PCI-E slots may matter to some individuals—not many X570 choices supply this. It lets you run a multi-GPU configuration, reminiscent of an NVLink RTX 3090 with the 4-slot bridge, and provides more room for the assorted included PCI-E add-in playing cards.  

2. No want for an exterior DAC—the 6.3mm audio jack and onboard DAC will present nice audio for many customers, 6.3mm being a very distinctive function.

3. Not many X570 motherboards have the power to make use of 5 M.2 drives, and the Xpander-Z PCI-E card is a singular inclusion. 

4. 10Gbe LAN can be usually solely obtainable on the highest-end motherboards, and right here it’s with a singular add-in card as properly. (We’d desire it onboard for streamlining the construct, nonetheless.)  

5. Corsair header onboard—very helpful in case you use the Corsair RGB ecosystem and iCUE, providing you with entry to this proprietary header. 

6. Pre-installed I/O protect—this can be a small however appreciated function that extra motherboards ought to embody!  

You’ll additionally get entry to the MSI Center software program, which incorporates options reminiscent of system fan tuning, auto overclocking, and RGB mild configuration. This was beforehand referred to as Dragon Center however has since been upgraded and improved. Your mileage could range with this software program, as even on high-end motherboards included software program can typically be buggy and temperamental.  

Thiago Trevisan

Performance and BIOS

The X570 Godlike is most at residence with the highest-performing Ryzen 9 CPUs—such because the 5900x and 5950x. The lately launched 5800X3D is additionally an ideal match. With 14+1+1 section VRM, you’ll possible be restricted by different CPU bottlenecks earlier than the motherboard is ever a problem.  

Memory assist is nice right here, too. You’ll get MSI’s “DDR4 boost with Steel Armor,” which mainly separates the DIMN slots to maintain them shielded from any interference.  

You’ll get twin BIOS assist, which is important once you’re tinkering and crash the system. Having the bodily buttons, reminiscent of energy, can be a “godsend” on this motherboard, particularly for these on a take a look at  bench.  

The BIOS is simple to navigate, and provides you loads of deep tinkering instruments for individuals who need it. For others who simply wish to set it and neglect it, it can do this too, reminiscent of simply setting XMP profiles or auto overclocking. 

Thiago Trevisan / Foundry

Bottom line

$699 is pricey for a motherboard, however the MSI Godlike delivers on a very good steadiness of options and efficiency. It could even look like a discount when in comparison with the newer Z690 Godlike, which retails for properly over $1,000. (It does have newer PCI-E Gen 5 and DDR5, nonetheless.)  

Also remember that X570 might be quickly changed by the following AMD chipset, so your improve path ends with Ryzen 5000.  

If you snag a very good deal on it, it has some key promoting factors which are nonetheless extremely engaging. Very few choices available on the market gives you the right combination of options like this one has. 10Gbe networking, a lot of PCI-E slots, and strong M.2 assist, to call a number of.  

Another level to contemplate: Ryzen 5000 is extremely discounted proper now. While the motherboard remains to be costly, it’s possible you’ll offset a few of these prices by saving tons of of {dollars} on a CPU such because the 5950x or the 5900x. You’ll additionally be capable of use available DDR4, versus dearer DDR5 choices. Certainly, in case you’re sticking with Ryzen 5000, it is likely one of the greatest choices with its array of high-end options.