MSI MEG X570 Unify review

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Introduction

MSI MEG X570 Unify

In this review, we look at the MSI MEG X570 Unify. Priced at $280, MSI delivers an all dark X570 motherboard that has been loaded with features like 2.5 Gbit LAN and AX WIFI and looks that make this board seem like Batman himself. 

Although taste differs, MSI offers something fabulous with this X570 motherboard and meets the MSI MEG X570 Unify. We check out this piece of hardware stacked with features. In combination with a Ryzen 9 3900 XT processor, AMD prepped the X570 chipset, which offers a more fine-tuned experience for your Ryzen Generation 3 processors and the new Ryzen Series 5000. The MEG, however, is taking things to an entirely new level. Including PCIe Gen 4.0 and AX Wifi, and 2.5  Gbps Ethernet. The X570 motherboard is residing in a high-end motherboard spectrum for the 3rd generation AMD Ryzen processors. With this release, you will spot a breathtaking motherboard loaded with features, DDR4 A-XMP functions, PCIe 4.0 PCI slots, and multiple PCIe 4.0 connected M.2. slots, with a massive heatsink. 

AMD once again introduces a new line of processors starting at hexacore processors in the entry-level to mainstream segment (yeah, you read that right), eight and twelve cores for the mainstream high-end up to 16-core Ryzen processors for the enthusiast level. It is batpoop crazy when you think about what AMD has accomplished in, what has it been, three years? Sure, the initial ZEN Ryzen processors had a bit of a rocky launch with the inter-core latency discussion, 1080p gaming performance, and memory support. But the tide turned with each month that passed, and over time more and more people would actually consider an AMD processor-based PC for their next purchase. That shift in the paradigm is big when you think about Intel's monopolized position in the desktop processor market. When AMD launched the 12nm update of Zen, called Zen+, the memory compatibility issues were mostly all gone, of course. With the launch of Ryzen 5000, the 4th generation Ryzen products, AMD is about to rattle the cages once again with a massively strong and competitive processor lineup. A topic of discussion has been chipset compatibility. Basically, in short, if you have a Series 300 or 400 chipsets AMD motherboard, you should seek a BIOS/firmware update from your motherboard's manufacturer. Ryzen 3000 processors will (read: should) work fine, with one distinction, you have reverted to PCIe Gen 3.0, and that also goes for the x4 PCIe based interlink between the CPU and chipset. For Ryzen, series 5000 initially supported are series 500 chipsets, and in January 2021, the 400 series (if compatible). 

MSI MEG X570 Unify 
RGB has been a trend that has developed big time and got implemented into anything you can give some power. Now, I've been saying to graphics card and motherboard manufacturers for years, make a motherboard of graphics card that is completely black with no added RGB bling. I mean, just a stylish design motherboard all dark and not extra color tones, wouldn't that be cool? Well, it seems that MSI took that comment seriously. A feature-rich motherboard, I might add. The network connectivity is fitted with 2.5 Gigabit LAN by Realtek “8125CG” and wireless LAN function of Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) by Intel AX200, enabling high-speed network connection regardless of wired or wireless. It supports overclocking the 3rd generation Ryzen series by combining a 6+2 phase (IR35201 ) digital power circuit, 8pin x 2 auxiliary power connector, large MOSFET heat sink, server-grade PCB, and so on.
  • Socket: Socket AM4
  • Chipset: AMD X570
  • Form factor: ATX
  • Memory slot: DDR4-4600 + x 4 (supports up to 128GB / dual channel)
  • Expansion slots: PCI-Express4.0 (x16) x2, PCI-Express4.0 (x4 / x16 shape) x1, PCI-Express4.0 (x1) x2
  • Storage: SATA3.0 (6Gbps) x 4, Lightning M.2 x 3
  • LAN: 2.5 Gigabit LAN x 1 (Realtek 8125CG), Wi-Fi 6 wireless LAN
  • Sound: 7.1ch HD audio (Realtek ALC1220)
  • Interface: 2.5 Gigabit LAN x1, USB3.2 Gen.2 x4 (Type-A x3 / Type-C x1), USB3.2 Gen.1 x2, USB2.0 x2, Audio terminal x5, Optical audio terminal x 1, PS / 2 x 1
  • External dimensions: W305 × H244mm

This is a properly outfitted motherboard with three full PCI slots available. You can see two 8-pin power connectors and onboard power button and reset buttons, as well as a 2.5 Gbps ethernet jack and AX WIFI6. MSI has been focusing a lot on cooling, including the three M2 slots having heatsinks. The chipset fan is based on ZeroFrozer technology; ergo is passively cooling at normal load levels (to be honest, we haven't even seen the chipset fan spin up once. Combine this motherboard with the Ryzen 3000 or 5000 series six up-to sixteen-core processors, and you'll be pleasantly surprised as to what it offers. So if you go with a proper processor, you'll like want a proper motherboard loaded with the latest and greatest. Let’s start up the review, shall we?

Note: this review was written prior to the Ryzen 5000 release and got snowed under with all GPU releases. This review is based on a Series 3000 processor.

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