MSI Announces MPG Z490 Carbon EK X Motherboard

[btarunr]

MSI, the world-leading gaming components manufacturer, proudly announces its partnership with premium liquid cooling system company EK. Together, they will co-operate the new selection for the latest Intel Z490 motherboard for socket 1200 - MSI MPG Z490 CARBON EK X. "MSI and EK have worked closely for four years now. Always trying to push the limits, to set the bar higher… Our first collaboration was a liquid-cooled GPU, Sea Hawk EK X. This time around, we have partnered up to bring a liquid-cooled gaming motherboard to the mainstream market and truly change the game,"" said Edvard König, Founder of EK.

"It's a great and exciting moment for gamers seeking for the extreme performance with elegant and exquisite design," said Ted Hung, Vice President of MSI's CND Department. "We couldn't ask for a better opportunity than to partner with EK to co-launch the great combo product for gamers.



Update Jun 4th: The MPG Z490 Carbon EK X is priced at 449€ including VAT, a 170€ premium over the original MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon.

The Perfect Match with Motherboard and Monoblock Combo
Inspired by supercars, the latest CARBON iteration from MSI is more astonishing than ever. A monoblock that aesthetically blends with the motherboard, the iconic carbon fiber and matching engraved design shows its refined quality and distinctive looks. Mystic Light RGB on both motherboard and monoblock provides 16.8 million colors and 29 effects with unlimited customization options and offers a more attractive way to decorate your gaming rig.

Premium Power and Custom-Designed EK Cooling Solution
Unleash the maximum performance with an aggressive VRM design built with a digital CPU power system, dual power connectors, and exclusive Core Boost technology. To sustain the high performing for 10th gen Intel core processors, a custom-designed EK cooling solution that offers pristine cooling for both the CPU and VRM power delivery section is used to prevent thermal throttling, allowing gamers to sustain heavy gaming loadings without the noisy environment. It's ready for everything!

Advanced Connectivity Functions
MSI MPG Z490 CARBON EK X is built with a variety of connectors to satisfy gamers. Onboard 2.5G LAN with LAN manager and the latest Wi-Fi 6 solution which supports MU-MIMO and BSS color technology, delivers the best online gaming experience. The built-in USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port offers double bandwidth up to 20Gb/s when connecting the Rear USB Type-C. Audio Boost 4 provides studio grade sound quality for the most immersive gaming experience with high definition ALC1220 audio processor.

Product Content, Availability and Pricing
You can find tons of components in the MSI MPG Z490 CARBON EK X package

• MSI MPG Z490 GAMING CARBON WIFI Motherboard
• Motherboard Accessories
• EK Custom-Designed Monoblock Cooling Solution
• EK Leak Tester Kit

While other liquid-cooled motherboards will burn through your budget, this motherboard and monoblock combo solution starts at a reasonable $399.99. The MPG Z490 Carbon EK X motherboard is available for purchase through the EK Webshop and worldwide retailers.

For more information, visit the product page.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[Haile Selassie]

The pretentiousness and vanity of their press releases is getting out of hand.

Really, a $170 premium for this over regular motherboard?
Apparently this is not a prefabricated motherboard with water cooler, it is merely a bundle of motherboard, water block (~140$) and this air pump with pressure gauge (~ $40). User is required to strip the original air cooler beforehand.

They want to sell this as a next Aorus Waterforce or Asrock Aqua, when clearly it isn't.

 

[torera8247]

The pretentiousness and vanity of their press releases is getting out of hand.

Really, a $170 premium for this over regular motherboard?
Apparently this is not a prefabricated motherboard with water cooler, it is merely a bundle of motherboard, water block (~140$) and this air pump with pressure gauge (~ $40). User is required to strip the original air cooler beforehand.

They want to sell this as a next Aorus Waterforce or Asrock Aqua, when clearly it isn't.

Lots of misinformation in this post.

1) It's only a $130 premium over the standard Gaming Carbon WiFi: $399 vs $269
2) $130 includes an EK monoblock (usually $155) and the Leak Tester (retails for $40)
3) Motherboard ships without regular heatsink, so no need to strip the original cooler
4) Clearly this motherboard is positioned very differently from the $1,000+ waterforce and aqua. This board has CPU+VRM cooling whereas the Waterforce and Aqua are full cover blocks that cover also PCH

 

[Caring1]

Looks pretty, do I have to drill holes through that block to mount my Tower cooler with fans?

 

[Haile Selassie]

Lots of misinformation in this post.

1) It's only a $130 premium over the standard Gaming Carbon WiFi: $399 vs $269

Err you might want to check the news update:

Update Jun 4th: The MPG Z490 Carbon EK X is priced at 449€ including VAT, a 170€ premium over the original MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon.

The board costs €449 which is indeed a €170 premium over retail board which usually goes for €280. You can easily equate USD and EUR.

3) Motherboard ships without regular heatsink, so no need to strip the original cooler

Where does it say it doesn't come with VRM heatsinks pre-applied? According to the website and the manual it indeed does, check out page #5

 

[torera8247]

The board costs €449 which is indeed a €170 premium over retail board which usually goes for €280. You can easily equate USD and EUR

Why would you want to equate if you can compare the ACTUAL USD pricing? LOL

- $399 Carbon EK X https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-quantum-msi-mpg-z490-carbon-ek-x-d-rgb
- $269 Carbon WiFi https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144300

 

[Haile Selassie]

Why would you want to equate if you can compare the ACTUAL USD pricing? LOL

- $399 Carbon EK X https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-quantum-msi-mpg-z490-carbon-ek-x-d-rgb
- $269 Carbon WiFi https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144300

The news clearly states €170 price difference which still holds true. Good luck getting this into US for $399 from Europe without paying import fee & taxes.

Also, what about your bullet point #3?

 

[kapone32]

This is a bundle, you save about $60 (depending on the country) vs buying the components separately.

 

[Th3pwn3r]

The news clearly states €170 price difference which still holds true. Good luck getting this into US for $399 from Europe without paying import fee & taxes.

Also, what about your bullet point #3?

Assuming one does have to pay import fees and taxes that is always the case is it not? The price is still the price and the taxes and fees are separate.