MSI Z690 without secrets in this indiscretion
Photo Credit: MSI 3Logic, one of Russia's largest hardware resellers, has listed 17 different Z690 motherboards from MSI that belong to the MEG, MPG, MAG and Pro series. Logically, these products are based on Intel's flagship Z690 chipset, while the budget models with the B660 and H610 chipsets are expected to arrive in January. There was no clue to the Godlike MEG Z690, suggesting that the flagship Z690 motherboard will arrive at a later date.
The MEG Z690 Ace has four DDR5 memory slots and up to five M.2 slots. 3Logic did not specify the number of SATA III ports, but we expect at least six to be present. As for connectivity, the MEG Z690 Ace will provide three PCIe x16 expansion slots. According to a recent Alder Lake leak, only the primary PCIe x16 slot can reach the full speeds of PCIe 5.0. There are also two USB 3.2 Gen 2 × 2 ports and seven USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports on board.
Motherboard Memory Slots M.2 Slot SATA III Ports PCIe x16 Slot PCIe x1 Slot USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports × 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Ports WiFi Form Factor MEG Z690 Ace 4 x DDR5 5? 3? 2 7? ATX MEG Z690 Unify 4 x DDR5 5 6 2 1 2 7? ATX MEG Z690 Unify-X 2 x DDR5 5 6 2 1 2 7? ATX MEG Z690I Unify 2 x DDR5 3 4 1 0 1 2? Mini-ATX MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi 4 x DDR5 5? 3 0 2 6 Yes ATX MPG Z690 Edge WiFi 4 x DDR5 4 6 3 0 0 5 Yes ATX MPG Z690 Edge WiFi DDR4 4 x DDR4 4 6 3 0 0 5 Yes ATX MPG Z690 Force WiFi 4 x DDR5 5? 3 1 1 6 Yes ATX MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi 4 x DDR5 4 6 3 1 1? Yes ATX MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 4 x DDR4 4 6 3 1 1? Yes ATX MAG Z690 Torpedo 4 x DDR4 4 6 3 1 1 3? ATX Pro Z690-A 4 x DDR5 4? 3 1 1 6 No ATX Pro Z690-A DDR4 4 x DDR4 4? 3 1 1 6 No ATX Pro Z690-A WiFi 4 x DDR5 4? 3 1 1 6 Yes ATX Pro Z690-A WiFi DDR4 4 x DDR4 4? 3 1 1 6 Yes ATX Pro Z690-P 4 x DDR5 3 4 2 3 0 0 No ATX Pro Z690-P DDR4 4 x DDR4 3 4 2 3 0 0 No ATX Avid overclockers and consumers who don't appreciate RGB lighting will be happy to know that the Unify series is back with the Z690. As usual, MSI will offer nearly identical specs for the X and non-X variant. The Z690 Unify-X should allow for better memory overclocking thanks to the dual-DIMM design. Other specs include five M.2 slots, six SATA III ports, two PCIe x16 expansion slots, and one PCIe x1 slot.
It appears that the only Z690 mini-ITX motherboard in MSI's line up is the MEG Z690I Unify-X. It should have the same, if not better, memory overclocking potential as the MEG Z690 Unify-X. Of course, given the size, the MEG Z690I Unify is less feature-rich. However, the mini-ITX motherboard provides three M.2 slots and four SATA III ports for storage. As usual, there is only one PCIe x16 expansion slot.
Photo Credit: MSI The Tomahawk model has been a favorite of traditional gamers for generations. On this occasion, the company will sell the Z690 model in both DDR4 and DDR5 variants. Aside from the memory slot difference, they both share specs, including four M.2 slots, six SATA III ports, three PCIe x16 expansion slots, and one PCIe x1 slot. Consumers who want a micro-ATX motherboard may have to wait until Intel officially launches the B660 and H610 chipsets. The 3Logic listing did not show any micro-ATX options, suggesting that MSI will reserve that form factor for cheaper chipsets.
We remind you that the Intel Innovation event will take place between 27 and 28 October, during which many believe Intel will announce the release of Alder Lake. MSI has confirmed its participation in “The Next Playground” for November 2nd, giving credit to the alleged launch of Alder Lake on November 4th.
