MSI MEG Z690 Unify Review: Back in Black

MSI’s Unify brings stealthy black appearance, five M.2 ports and other updated hardware to Alder Lake for $489.99.

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MSI MEG Z690 Unify
(Image credit: © MSI)

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Firmware

MSI’s Z690 BIOS layout, like the Asus Z690, is also strikingly similar to Z590. The main menu is informational up top, while the bottom two-thirds is where the adjustments happen. You select the section you want on the left or right sides, and the details show in the middle. You don’t have to dig down several screens to reach the overclocking options as they are mostly on the main page. Some digging is inevitable, but overall we find this BIOS full of options and easy to read and get around. For those who may find the advanced BIOS intimidating, there is an easy mode with limited functionality.

Joe Shields
Joe Shields
Staff Writer, Components

Joe Shields is a staff writer at Tom’s Hardware. He reviews motherboards and PC components.

6 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Co BIY
    I'm not in the market for a sub-$500 board. I'm in the market for a Sub-$200 board! Max $250.

    Please review at least one affordable board (Sub-$300?).

    What is the proportion between chipset cost and the remainder of the motherboard ?

    No video outputs during a time of GPU shortages seems like a bad move. "Fully loaded" boards need the basics and the bonuses.
    Reply
  • samopa
    Co BIY said:
    I'm not in the market for a sub-$500 board. I'm in the market for a Sub-$200 board! Max $250.

    Please review at least one affordable board (Sub-$300?).

    What is the proportion between chipset cost and the remainder of the motherboard ?

    No video outputs during a time of GPU shortages seems like a bad move. "Fully loaded" boards need the basics and the bonuses.

    Intel hasn't launched the value-centric B- and H-series chipsets yet, so platform pricing will be high for now and most manufactures still concentrate on high-end ($200 plus) motherboard.

    Wait few moments until B- and H-series chipset has been launched, the the market will be flooded with sub $200 motherboards.
    Reply
  • PapaCrazy
    Impressive they managed to fit all m2 sockets (with heat spreaders) on the mobo itself, rather than relying on a daughter board.
    Reply
  • samg381
    Anyone know when this board is set to arrive on shelves? I can't seem to find as many listings for it. Any advice to nab one would be appreciated.
    Reply
  • Alvar "Miles" Udell
    EVGA
    supplied our Supernova 850W P6 power supply (appropriately sized and more efficient than the outgoing 1.2KW monster we used) for our test systems

    Until next year when GPUs could possibly consume twice the power than they currently do.
    Reply
  • Co BIY
    I'd like to see a review of that power supply too!
    Reply