We have reached the end of the review, and it is once again time to consolidate everything into a few talking point. As with previous reviews, I will start with what I think MSI could improve upon before finishing on a positive note.

It is easy to see that the cost of entry for an Alder Lake based system isn't consistent across vendors. Pricing fluctuates as ongoing rare metals and chip shortages only inflate prices further. Supply chains are slowly returning to what they once where in 2019, but for the foreseeable future, a price slash is unlikely. This has many consumers looking for cheaper solutions. While these do exist, it isn't without limitations of its own. For example, Intel B660 based motherboards do not support traditional overclocking methods with the CPU multiplier limited to the installed CPU's Turbo frequency. Other cost-cutting tactics include less M.2 sockets, weaker power delivery solutions, and basic memory support.

These limitations are generally found in the cheaper sector, which brings forth the Z690 based motherboards that are often aimed at PC enthusiast, those into the newest trends and technologies. These motherboards tend to cost more in general, too. The MSI Z690 Unify fills a void by offering a little bit of everything compared to its contemporaries, but it equally lacking in some areas keeps it from undeniably standing out.

Lets pull the band-aid right off and get to the heart of the issue with this motherboard. Two big things stand out. First is the VRM heatsink. MSI's use of high-end 105 A power stages is offset by an incompetent heatsink design. While the VRM torture test is designed to stress the power stages, they were not the actual problem. The test is designed as a worse case scenario created by running Prime95 for 30 minutes. Results showed that this Unify heatsink cannot handle the heat buildup from a prolonged CPU overclock without some sort of airflow around the VRM section. This isn't a make or break situation; rather, because each Unify series has always been formulated towards the PC enthusiast crowd, it is disappointing to see.

Priced in the upper-range, I found the memory support sorely lacking. While I do not expect DDR5-6800 support on any 4-slot Z690 motherboard, I was left wondering why the website states 6666+ MHz since my lengthy testing showed that to be an unrealistic, unobtainable value. To stay in the clear of commenters, I will refer to DDR5-6400 as the highest value achieved without stability issues. DDR5-6666 refused to boot regardless of the voltages applied. Considering the memory kit and CPU used can run DDR5-6933 just fine on another motherboard, it leaves me to conclude that at least the motherboard sample I have is "soft-limited" to DDR5-6400 despite the QVL list certifying higher frequency memory.

On the flip side, the MSI MEG Z690 Unify has a great overclocking-rich BIOS and feature set, being that the limiting factor is actually the CPU voltage and cooling method instead of the overall power delivery setup. From casual overclockers to those using LN2, this motherboard has what it takes to set world records if you have the proper tools and know-how. However, it is more likely that the extreme overclocker will forgo the MSI MEG Z690 Unify for motherboards that are tailored specifically for overclocking with an XOC BIOS, and software to accompany it. In either case, whether you are a causal user looking to break into the realm of CPU overclocking or already well versed, this motherboard has a more than capable VRM setup and plenty of BIOS options, voltage readouts, and OC headers for different types of overclocking.

What may very well set this motherboard apart from the rest is NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire support. With two PCIe Gen5 slots designed with bifurcation, it allows both slots to operate in x8/x8 PCIe Gen5. Even though NVIDIA SLI is to a great extend unsupported today, NVIDIA still requires the motherboard to be "certified" by the company in order to have official support. This is why many vendors just do not put the time and money into it anymore.

The MSI MEG Z690 Unify is in many ways stuck in limbo, between motherboards entirely designed around overclocking and ones for casual users or light overclocking setups. Cheaper solutions like the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi with features only found on Z690 based motherboards are equally satisfactory for the more casual user. On the other spectrum, the MSI MEG Z690 Unify-X is priced so closely (in the US market) while near-identical in features that it is clearly the better choice for those looking for higher-frequency memory support.

Reflecting upon the MSI MEG Z690 Unify as a whole, it has the means to be a well-rounded product that includes a little bit of everything. With a total of five M.2 sockets, numerous fan headers, Wi-Fi 6E support, and high-fidelity audio, it is only lacking in a few key areas that would otherwise place it among the note-worthy. As it is, I believe MSI has under-delivered where it counts when targeting enthusiasts. The average user has cheaper options from MSI and will never notice the missing overclocking features. In contrast, the overclocking crowd should spend a little more to get the Unify-X or look elsewhere.

I often find it perplexing to dislike a product because it is trying to appease everyone, but MSI having so many options to choose from makes the MEG Z690 Unify a needless product in the sea of Z690 motherboards. It is an uninteresting, mundane product that doesn't need to exist—my most brutal and honest opinion to date. In the past, the Unify SKU has always been my go-to solution for MSI MEG Godlike level performance stripped of premium features at a fraction of the cost. It seems that legacy may now have been tarnished and overshadowed by none other than MSI itself.