The MSI MEG Z490I UNIFY LGA 1200 Mini-ITX Motherboard is built on the Intel Z490 chipset, supporting 10th generation Intel Core and Pentium Gold/Celeron processors with an LGA 1200 socket. It has two memory slots for up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM, with speeds up to 5000 MHz and above supported when overclocking. For storage, it's equipped with four SATA III ports and two M.2 slots. Intended for smaller builds, this motherboard only has a single PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for a graphics card. Other integrated features include Realtek 8125B 2.5 GbE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, and Realtek ALC1220 7.1-channel HD audio.
Intel Z490 Chipset
The Intel Z490 chipset is designed around 10th generation Intel processors. Along with multiple improvements and a socket change, it also features increased PCIe lanes, which is beneficial for graphics cards, networking devices, NVMe drives, and more.
Cooling
The MEG Z490I UNIFY utilizes heavy-duty heatsinks on the MOSFETs for reliable processor power delivery and on the chipset to ensure the system stays operational under intense workloads. It's also equipped with multiple DC/PWM fan headers for users to connect additional cooling solutions. Users can set their cooling preference (Boost/Balance/Silence) as needed within the Dragon Center software or its UEFI BIOS. Moreover, MSI's M.2 SHIELD FROZR heatsink helps to prevent SSD throttling.
CPU
A combination of an optimized circuit layout and MSI's CoreBoost CPU power delivery system ensures performance and stability for high-end processors. Additional features include load-line calibration, overvoltage protection, a digital power deign, and double power connectors.
Memory
MSI motherboards feature an optimized memory circuit layout and extensive compatibility testing with major memory manufacturers. Users can also easily overclock their RAM with A-XMP profiles within BIOS.
Storage
This motherboard is equipped with two M.2 slots and four SATA III ports for traditional hard drives. Additional features include Intel Optane support and M.2 Genie for easily setting up RAID configurations.
Thunderbolt 3
Thunderbolt 3 is a hardware interface that utilizes the reversible USB Type-C connector. Doubling the speed of its predecessor, Thunderbolt 3 features a maximum throughput of 40 Gb/s when used with compatible devices. The connector also transmits data via USB 3.1 at up to 10 Gb/s, and dual-bandwidth DisplayPort 1.2 allows you to connect up to two 4K displays simultaneously. Additionally, you can daisy chain up to six devices from a single Thunderbolt 3 port.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is the next-gen Wi-Fi standard, improving a variety of features including data rates, capacity, performance in dense environments, and power efficiency.
USB 3.2 Gen 1 & Gen 2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 features a maximum throughput of 5 Gb/s. USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.1 Gen 1, and USB 3.0 are synonymous. Doubling the speed of its predecessor, USB 3.2 Gen 2 features a maximum throughput of 10 Gb/s when used with compatible devices and is synonymous with USB 3.1 Gen 2.
Audio
The MEG Z490I UNIFY is built with multiple hardware and software enhancements to improve sound quality including a Realtek ALC1220 audio processor, ESS SABRE 9018Q2C DAC, high quality audio capacitors, HD audio connectors and an isolated left- and right-channel design.