MSI MEG Z890 Unify-X Preview

Introduction and Technical Specifications

Introduction

MSI have a lot of different names for their products. It appears that the MEG Z890 Unify-X continues the trend of Unify being brought out for just the even numbers. Either that or we only see the even numbered models. We’ve looked at the Z490 Unify and Z690 Unify. Both fell under the highest suite of products in the MSI range, the MEG. We’re pretty sure they don’t mean the risible shark film either.

With the new Intel Ultra 200S Series of processors on the horizon – full performance review coming later this month – there are also a ton of motherboards to support it. Normally we joke about how Intel bring out a new socket and chipset with each processor, but the LGA1700 held on for three generations. Kudos to Intel. Naturally such a state of affairs is untenable in the long term and so, with a heavy focus upon efficiency, the redesigned Intel Core Ultra processors need a new socket.

In this case it’s the LGA1851. Very similar to the 1700, but with some very careful adjustments by people far cleverer than us. Eventually, we imagine, there will be a finite number of extra pins you can include before we run out of space. Anyway, Intel have flexed their muscles with a new socket and so seen fit to finalise a lot of the elements that were in the most recent Z790 chipset motherboards. We love consistency, and the Z890s we’ve seen so far certainly have that. PCI Express 5.0 and Gen5 M.2 storage is just the beginning. Let’s take a look.

Technical Specifications

For the majority of people this table of specifications will be enough. It has all the key parts that matter to us. Naturally you can check out a fuller specification list if you wish.