Board Layout

The MSI MEG Z490 Unify features a black and silver PCB with black heatsinks. The whole aesthetic can be summed up as "aggressively neutral," and I like it quite a bit. The Unify will match with just about any dark build theme out there.



The CPU socket is open enough for most air coolers. The heatsink is large and extends over the rear I/O.


There is a small fan that pulls air in through holes in the rear I/O shield in order to add extra cooling to the Unify's VRM thermal solution.


There are three M.2 slots on the MSI MEG Z490 Unify; one above the first PCIe x16 slot, another below the first PCIe x16 slot, and the last between the second and third PCIe x16 slot.


The MSI MEG Z490 Unify offers 3 PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots, all of which are encased in Steel Armor, as well as two PCI Express 3.0 x1 slots. The top two x16 slots are PCIe 4.0 ready, featuring a clock generator to ensure a clear signal. While this feature is not supported by the 10th Gen Intel Core processors, it is expected to be supported in future launches. The board has a total of six SATA 6 Gb/s ports on the side, angled 90 degrees from the board.


The MSI MEG Z490 Unify has a decent I/O offering that includes an optical S/PDIF out port as well as a BIOS flashback button and a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port.

• 2x Antenna ports
• 2x USB 2.0 ports
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports
• PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port
• USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C port
• 1x RJ-45 LAN port
• Optical SPDIF out port
• 5x 3.5 mm audio jacks
• BIOS flashback button
• Clear CMOS button

Networking on the MSI MEG Z490 Unify is handled by a Realtek RTL8125 for 2.5 Gb/s LAN and an Intel 802.11ax for WiFi support.