The ASRock X870E Taichi and the MSI MEG Z890 ACE reach an objective tie, as both motherboards secure an equal number of specification victories across the evaluated fields. The most impactful advantage for the ASRock X870E Taichi is its PCIe x1 slot configuration, which represents a 100% improvement over the alternative. Conversely, the MSI MEG Z890 ACE holds a significant lead in storage expandability, offering a 50% advantage in the total number of available M.2 slots.

Users prioritizing additional expansion cards should select the ASRock X870E Taichi to utilize its superior PCIe x1 slot count. Those who require extensive high-speed storage configurations should choose the MSI MEG Z890 ACE to take advantage of its higher M.2 slot capacity. Because both boards offer identical performance across the remaining metrics, the final decision rests entirely on whether your specific build requires more peripheral connectivity or increased internal drive support.