The announcement of Z890 motherboards by manufacturers is going strong. After Gigabyte with 17 models and ASUS with twelve, MSI has announced ten. The programme includes the return of certain series, such as the Unify-X model for overclockers.
Z890 : MSI announces ten motherboards!
From MSI, the brand’s spearhead is still represented by the GodLike series. This model, in E-ATX format, offers the very best and brings together all the features that the brand has to offer. As we’ve already mentioned, there’s a large power supply, an OLED screen for monitoring, and crazy connectivity with a well-stocked I/O system.
With the MEG Ace, we have another top-of-the-range model with a host of features and rich connectivity, notably via 10 GbE ethernet. The power supply is also impressive, with dual PCIe, one 8-pin and the other 6-pin (under the 24-pin), as well as offering a total of 24+2+1+1 power supply phases for the CPU.
The Unify-X is a series that is making a comeback in the brand’s catalogue, as it is a reference for overclocking. This card features two memory slots for greater OC in this area and, by default, management of 9600 MT/s RAM (!!!). The card also features a number of practical functions, such as a remote control that can influence the multiplier factor, for example. Otherwise, there are 24+2+1+1 power supply phases for the CPU, while the cooling section is not left out with a VRM heatsink with dual heat pipes.
Next, we take things down a notch with the Carbon, which offers a more than satisfactory level of functionality and connectivity. However, the CPU power supply is slightly less sophisticated: 20+1+1+1 phases. Connectivity is no longer 10 GbE Ethernet, but a 5 GbE + 2.5 GbE combo. Otherwise, there’s plenty of room to put together some nice configurations, with good RAM support and plenty of M.2 slots. Note that the Edge Ti is a Carbon copy *ba dum tss* of the Carbon, but in white.
Finally, we end with the mid-range Tomahawk, which has a military look. It’s got a full range of connectors, so you can put together some really nice configurations. However, the CPU power supply is taken down a notch: 16+1+1+1 phases. While there’s 5 GbE Ethernet and WiFi 7, there’s less USB type C with high data rates, and we’ll have to make do with two USB4s. However, we do get tool-free assembly for the M.2s and an easy-release button for the PCIe.
The entry-level range is represented by the Pro series with the -A WiFi, -P WiFi and -S WiFi. Once again, shrinking budgets = shrinking connectivity and functionality. On the -P and -S, we’ll have to make do with a prominent lever for unhooking the graphics card, and a tool-assisted assembly of the M.2 heatsink on the -S. Finally, the power supply has been taken over from the Tomahawk for the -A, the -P has 14+1+1+1 phases, while the -S has 12+1+1+1 power supply phases and the network is 5 GbE or 2.5 GbE, depending on the card.
Finally, we have the little Z790 Gaming Plus WiFi. In simple terms, it’s a Z790-S WiFi with a gaming skin and SSD heatsinks on all the M.2 slots. Apart from that, it has the same connectors and the same layout. Basically, it’s the perfect board for anyone who wants a pretty motherboard without spending too much.
Here are the MSI product sheets!