Introduction

Ten months ago, AMD released the Ryzen 3000 series desktop processors in one of the most monumental hardware launches of the modern era. This final step completed the Red brand's ascent back into the forefront of the desktop processor market that began with the launch of the first generation of Ryzen CPUs. Today, Intel is finally firing back with the launch of the 10th Generation Intel Core processors, along with a new motherboard standard to drive them.

As should be no surprise, the focus will remain on the new motherboards. While the 10th Gen Intel Core processors will not support PCIe 4.0 connectivity because of signal integrity issues, many of the Z490 motherboards are designed to support the PCIe 4.0 specification. This is accomplished by adding clock generators to help clean up the signal. Generally speaking, when it comes to long-term platform support, AMD has been the trendsetter. Has AMD's long support of the AM4 socket on its newer generation processors inspired Intel to take similar steps?

So what is Z490 offering right now? For starters, there has been a large focus on VRM and VRM cooling design. With the top-level Intel i9 10900K featuring 10 cores along with HyperThreading, the ability to deliver clean, continuous power is going to be one of the primary factors that separates a good Z490 board from the competition. With the introduction of HyperThreading on Intel's mid-range line-up, power delivery is going to be vital in all segments.



The MEG Unify line from MSI is tailored for enthusiasts and overclockers, featuring an all black aesthetic and a focus on VRM thermal design and power delivery. The new Z490 Unify line aims to take this philosophy to the next level with active cooling that pulls in fresh air through the rear I/O panel to help maintain optimal VRM temperatures as well as top of the line 90 A power stages to help drive even the most power hungry of Intel's new 10th generation CPUs.

The MSI MEG Z490I Unify is PCIe 4.0 ready and features a 8-phase Vcore VRM on a 10 layer PCB. There is also 2.5 Gb/s LAN and built-in WiFi 6, even two M.2 slots. The MSI MEG Z490I Unify is especially interesting for memory overclockers, and rated at up to 5000 MHz.

Let's take a closer look at what the MSI MEG Z490I Unify has to offer.

Specifications