The AMD X570 Motherboard Overview: Over 35+ Motherboards Analyzed
by Gavin Bonshor on July 9, 2019 8:00 AM ESTMSI MEG X570 Unify
The MSI MEG X570 Unify combines sleek and uniformed all-black aesthetics without the swathes of RGB LEDs which some users find garish. With similar specifications to the MSI MEG X570 Ace which we reviewed at launch, the MEG X570 Unify takes a more direct approach with some very interesting features. Not only has MSI dropped all of the fancy plastic on the rear panel cover and removes the integrated RGB LEDs, but the power delivery heatsink is incorporated into the large aluminium rear panel cover to create a massive and robust cooling solution for power users; the X570 Unify is using a 14-phase power delivery design and two 8-pin 12 V ATX connectors for power. The Unify is more focused towards enthusiasts and represents MSI's higher-tier of X570 models.
Looking at the core feature set, the MSI MEG X570 Unify includes three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots which each come with individual heatsinks for improved cooling performance when used with NVMe based drives. Also included four SATA ports and for the networking, included is a Realtek RTL8125 2.5 G NIC with an Intel AX200 Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax wireless interface. On the rear panel, there is a Realtek ALC1220 HD audio codec with three USB 3.1 G2 Type-A, one USB 3.1 G2 Type-C, two USB 3.1 G1 Type-A, and two USB 2.0 ports. Also present is a clear CMOS button, a Flash BIOS button, and a PS/2 combo port. There are three full-length PCIe 4.0 slots which operate at x16, x8/x8, and x8/x8/x4, as well as two PCIe 4.0 x1 slots. Supported memory speeds allow for DDR4-4600 and up to 128 GB to be installed.
Everything about this model screams enthusiast, but without all of the bells and whistles of the MEG X570 Ace. The MSI MEG X570 Unify even managed to push a Ryzen 9 3900X to 5857.01 MHz which is the current highest frequency for this processor on HWBot. That sends a very clear message that this model is suited for overclocking, but still provides users with the same premium desktop motherboard features as other competitive models in its product segment. At present, there is no pricing information available, but it's likely to cost around the same as the MSI MEG X570 Ace ($370).
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Zibi - Wednesday, July 10, 2019 - link
Check over ASRock Rack X470D4U. Serverthehome have short review of it and it sibling.Eastrider - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
A quick mention, the Gigabyte Aorus Elite doesn't have an ALC1220, but ALC1200. Lovely write up otherwise!gavbon - Wednesday, July 10, 2019 - link
Thanks for that, updated!BloodyBunnySlippers - Friday, July 12, 2019 - link
I've had trouble finding the difference. I see references to the 1200 from 2008. Is it that old a chip?Zibi - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Thank you very much for the article. The feature comparison on the last page was especially valuable. I'm concerned with the longevity of the active cooling solution all these boards seems to require. Would it be possible for you to to write a sentence or 2 about the possibilities of the DIY replacing in case of the fault ?It would be bit of shame to have to throw away such expensive MoBo due to the faulty cheapo fan.
OTOH looking on those prices I start to lean about picking X470 Taichi Ultimate. I'm looking for the better network connection to my NAS and it looks like 270$ X470 Taichi Ultimate featuring 10 Gbe is the cheapest and the quietest option.
gavbon - Wednesday, July 10, 2019 - link
If in doubt, get a 10G NIC add-on cardZibi - Wednesday, July 10, 2019 - link
True this is an option as well.It's bit more expensive though, as there is limited amount of options in my country :-/
patrikor - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Question about the MSI x570 Godlike's m.2 slots:The manual says M2_3 is the slot provisioned by the CPU's pcie lanes. However, this is the farthest slot from the CPU. Moreover, on all the other MSI boards I've looked at, M2_1 (the closest to the CPU) is the one provisioned by CPU lanes.
Do I trust the manual here or trust my gut?
The_Assimilator - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Nothing about the fact that almost none of these boards, except the highest-end and most expensive ones, have no more than 8 USB ports on the back panel?TheUnhandledException - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
How many usb ports do you need on the back panel? Are you just spec shopping for the sake of spec shopping?