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 four memory slots for up to 128GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM, which can be overclocked up to 4800 MHz and above. For storage, it’s equipped with six SATA III ports and three 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.
Specifications
CPU
| Chipset | Intel Z490 |
| CPU Socket | LGA 1200 |
Back Panel I/O
| USB | 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A 2 x USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A |
| Thunderbolt | 1 x Thunderbolt 3 |
| Display | 1 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI |
| Audio | 5 x 3.5 mm 1 x S/PDIF |
| Ethernet / Controller | 1 x Realtek RTL8125B 2.5Gigabit |
| Wi-Fi Antenna | 2 x Connector |
Memory
| Memory Slots | 2 x 288-Pin |
| Memory Support | DDR4 2133, 2666, 2933, 4500, 5000 MHz |
| Maximum Capacity | 64 GB |
| Channel Architecture | Dual Channel |
| ECC Support | Non-ECC Unbuffered |
Storage Expansion
| SATA | 4 x SATA III |
| M.2 | 1 x M Key 2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4, SATA III) 1 x M Key 2280 (PCIe 3.0 x4) |
| U.2 | None |
| Optane Memory Support | Yes |
| RAID Support | RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 (SATA) RAID 0, 1 (M.2) |
Internal I/O
| Expansion Slots | 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| USB | 1 x USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 2 Header (Supports 1 USB Type-C Port) 1 x USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 1 Header (Supports 2 USB Type-A Port) 1 x USB 2.0 Header (Supports 2 USB Type-A Port) |
| Multi-GPU Support | None |
| Air Cooling | 1 x 4-Pin CPU 1 x 4-Pin System |
| Liquid Cooling | 1 x 4-Pin Pump |
| Power Connectors | 1 x 24-Pin Mainboard 1 x 8-Pin CPU |
| Security | Chassis Intrusion, TPM Module |
| LED Header | 2 x RGB |
| Audio | None |
Front Panel I/O
| I/O Connection Headers | AAFP, USB 3.1 / USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
Audio
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC1220 (7.1-Channel) |
Wireless
| Bluetooth | 5.1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) (MU-MIMO) |
| Module Support | 1 E Key M.2 |
Software
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows 10 (64-Bit) |
Physical
| Form Factor | Mini-ITX |
| Dimensions | 6.7 x 6.7″ / 170.18 x 170.18 mm |
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