MSI Z790 MAX optimized for 14th Gen Core series, not optimized for wallets
MSI is gearing up to launch a new wave of motherboards designed for Intel 14th Gen Core series in mind.
As per the pricing information provided by the reputable source chi11edog, who has a strong track record, particularly with MSI products, the forthcoming release of Z790 MAX motherboards will exhibit an increase in pricing compared to the original series. The MAX series boasts enhancements in cooling, power delivery, improved I/O, and compatibility with modern network standards like WiFi7. While these alterations may not be a crucial factor for most buyers when selecting a new motherboard, MSI believes that these improvements justify the higher price point.
The price hike becomes evident when we compare the new MAX series to the existing non-MAX models from the previous year. Many anticipated that MSI, like other popular motherboard manufacturers, would introduce Z890 motherboards at this point. However, due to changes in Intel’s roadmaps and the cancellation of Meteor Lake-S, this launch has been postponed to the following year. The updated Z790 motherboards primarily serve to provide a minor upgrade over the existing Z790 motherboards, which are still based on the LGA1700 socket.
MSI Z790 MAX pricing vs. non-MAX:
- MEG Z790 GODLIKE MAX: $1299 (+8.3%) over $1199
- MEG Z790 ACE MAX: $699 (+14.7%) over $609
- MPG Z790 CARBON MAX: $499 (+4.1%) over $479
- MPG Z790 EDGE TI MAX: $399 (+5.2%) over $379
- MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX: $329 (+13.8%) over $289
- Pro Z79-A MAX: $279 (+16.7%) over $239
Z790 MAX series, Source: MSI
On average, these boards are expected to cost approximately 10.5% more compared to their non-MAX counterparts. It’s worth noting that the Z790 MAX series will represent the final wave of LGA1700 motherboards from MSI, as this socket will be phased out next year with the introduction of the LGA1851 socket for Arrow Lake-S CPUs. Consequently, the higher launch prices for the Z790 motherboards, nearly a year after the initial Z790 series release, may be challenging for customers to accept, especially considering the alternative of the AMD AM5 platform, which will receive support for at least the next two years.
MSI Z790 Max series motherboards MSRP:
MSI Z790 GODLIKE MAX MSRP $1,299.
Carbon Max WiFi @ $499. 🧐🧐🧐 pic.twitter.com/Wdsuv9s93y— chi11eddog (@g01d3nm4ng0) September 1, 2023
The pricing escalates significantly, with the flagship Z790 GODLIKE MAX motherboards reaching a staggering $1,299 US, while the ACE MAX models are priced at $699. Notably, the latter represents a 14.7% increase over the launch price of the original ACE models.
According to reports, these boards are scheduled for release later this month, coinciding with Intel’s unveiling of the 14th Gen Core series, known as Raptor Lake Refresh. Importantly, all existing 600 and 700 series boards should remain compatible with the new CPU series. This means potential buyers still have the option to save a considerable amount of money by opting for older hardware, unless, of course, they require specific features like Wi-Fi 7 support and others.
Source: chi11eddog via Wccftech
