New MSI MEG X570 Unify: An All-Black Motherboard with no RGB!!

The concept and implementation of RGB can be a deal-breaker when buying a new motherboard. With many models to choose from, not many are brave enough to drop the rainbow lighting money spinning feature. The new MSI MEG X570 Unify takes a different approach with a unified all-black design and drops all integrated RGB LEDs and shares the same core feature set as the X570 Ace model with 2.5 gigabit Ethernet, a Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax wireless interface, and three PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots.

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, a Realtek RTL8125 2.5 GbE port, and 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.

The Ryzen 9 3900X at 5.85 GHz using the MSI MEG X570 Unify

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 for the MSI MEG X570 Unify, but it is expected to hit the shelves soon and it's likely the launch of this model was due to coincide with the launch of the 16-core 7nm AMD processor, the Ryzen 9 3950X which has been pushed back to November.

Related Reading

• In The Lab: ASRock X570 Aqua Motherboard Preview
• The GIGABYTE X570 Aorus Xtreme Motherboard Review: Fanless AM4
• Best Motherboards Q3 2019
• The MSI MEG X570 Godlike Motherboard Review: Thor's Flagship
• The ASUS Pro WS X570-Ace Review: x8x8x8 with no RGB