The gaming hardware landscape has dramatically evolved in the past four years, and MSI’s latest product lineup perfectly illustrates this transformation. After spending time with their newest offerings, it’s clear that while some innovations push boundaries in meaningful ways, others might be solutions searching for problems.
The centerpiece of this exploration is the jaw-dropping MSI Godlike X870 E motherboard, priced at an eye-watering $1,100. This isn’t just any motherboard – it’s a glimpse into what future motherboard design might look like, featuring several innovations that could reshape how we think about PC building.
Revolutionary Features That Could Change PC Building
The Godlike X870 E introduces three standout features that deserve attention. First is the EZ Link system, which consolidates all motherboard connectors in the top right corner. While this requires extra case space, it represents a fresh approach to cable management that could influence future designs.
The most intriguing innovation is the M.2 Expander Z Slider – a feature that allows access to additional M.2 slots from outside the case. Though not yet hot-swappable, this design hints at a future where storage expansion could be as simple as loading a magazine. While the practical applications might be limited now, the potential for future development is fascinating.
The motherboard’s I/O selection is nothing short of excessive, but it demonstrates what’s possible when engineers throw caution to the wind. Supporting memory speeds over 9,000 mega transfers per second (with specific configurations) shows both the potential and limitations of current technology.
The Price of Progress
This collection of hardware represents the absolute peak of consumer gaming technology, with a price tag to match. The complete system, featuring:
- AMD Ryzen 9 8100X3D CPU
- MSI Supreme LiquidX 4090 GPU
- MSI Spatium M580 4TB Gen 5 SSD
- MSI Maestro 700 LPZ Case
- MSI AI 1300P Power Supply
The total cost approaches the price of a decent used car. Yet, it’s not just about raw power – it’s about pushing boundaries and showcasing what’s possible. The Spatium M580 SSD, for instance, delivers stunning 14.1 GB/s read speeds, while the Supreme LiquidX 4090 maintains its power in a surprisingly compact form factor.
Where Innovation Meets Reality
Not everything in MSI’s lineup hits the mark. The included keyboard and mouse combo, while reasonable for their price point, feel out of place in a system of this caliber. It’s a curious choice that highlights the challenge of maintaining excellence across an expanding product range.
The MPG271QRX monitor, however, demonstrates MSI’s capability to compete at the highest level. With its 1440p 360Hz QD OLED panel and 1000 nits peak brightness, it delivers an exceptional gaming experience that matches the system’s capabilities.
Performance Reality Check
Testing with modern games revealed both the system’s strengths and the current state of PC gaming. Even with this level of hardware, achieving consistent high framerates at maximum settings isn’t guaranteed in the latest titles. The new Indiana Jones game, for instance, still requires DLSS for optimal performance, highlighting that even the most powerful consumer hardware has its limits.
This reality check serves as a reminder that while hardware continues to advance, software demands grow correspondingly. The endless chase for perfect performance continues, regardless of budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the MSI Godlike X870 E motherboard worth its $1,100 price tag?
For most users, no. While it offers innovative features like the EZ Link system and M.2 Expander Z Slider, these are luxury features that don’t justify the cost for typical gaming or productivity use. However, for enthusiasts or those building showcase systems, its unique features might be worth considering.
Q: What makes the M.2 Expander Z Slider special?
This feature allows users to access M.2 storage slots from outside the PC case, potentially making storage upgrades more convenient. While not currently hot-swappable, it suggests a future where storage expansion could be as simple as inserting a new drive without opening the case.
Q: How does the MSI Supreme LiquidX 4090 compare to air-cooled alternatives?
The water-cooled design allows for a slimmer 2-slot profile compared to air-cooled variants that can take up to 4 slots. This can be beneficial for systems where space is at a premium or when access to additional PCIe slots is needed.
Q: Can this system handle modern games at maximum settings?
While the system is extremely powerful, even it requires DLSS in some modern games to maintain optimal performance at high resolutions and settings. This demonstrates that even top-tier hardware has limitations with current gaming demands.
Q: Is MSI’s expansion into new product categories successful?
Results vary by category. Their high-end components like SSDs and power supplies show promise, while peripheral offerings like keyboards and mice may need refinement to match their premium component quality. Their monitor division has shown particular strength with products like the MPG271QRX.
Finn is an expert news reporter at DevX. He writes on what top experts are saying.
