MSI MEG Z490 Motherboards based on Intel 400 series: Pre-Order Price, and More

After the availability of the GE66 Raider, Creator 17, and GS66 Stealth laptops, MSI announced the release of new motherboards based on the Intel 400 series logic chipset. These boards are designed for 10th generation Intel Core processors installed in the LGA 1200 socket. There are 12 new MSI motherboard models in total, which the manufacturer has divided into MEG, MPG, and MAG lines, covering different groups of users – from demanding enthusiasts to frugal gamers.

The general features of the Intel 400 series boards include an increase in the number of layers of the printed circuit board from the usual six to ten. Allegedly, this improved cooling and increased stability of high-speed interfaces. Another common feature is the availability of modern network interfaces 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 6. In addition, all MSI MEG Z490 series motherboards are decorated with full-color backlight.

The flagship MEG series includes the MEG Z490 Godlike and MEG Z490 Ace models. They are distinguished by a chipset cooling system with fans on double ball bearings, which are switched on only after exceeding the temperature threshold (Zero Frozr technology).

The MSI MEG Z490 Godlike motherboard has an outstanding cooling system that comes with Froze Heatsink Design with Zero Frozr technology. There is a dual side M.2 thermal solution for GODLIKE keeps M.2 SSDs safe while preventing throttling. There are Triple Turbo M.2 connectors and two extra M.2 slots with a smart fan cooling solution to increase storage capacity at maximum speed.

Exclusive features include an OLED screen, 10 GbE, and Thunderbolt 3 interfaces, an adapter for M.2 Xpander-Z Gen 4 SSDs, multi-layer PCB from 6 layers to 10 layers, 2.5G Ethernet LAN, and Wi-Fi 6 AX.

The power subsystem of the MEG series boards is built according to the 16-phase scheme. On the back of the MEG Z490 Godlike and MEG Z490 Ace boards, Chest Plate, a rigid metal backplate, to prevent potential bending or twisting damage during the installation process. The sound subsystem of both boards is based on the ALC1220 codec.

Price and availability

MSI MEG Z490 motherboard models of Intel 400 processors price $159.99 for the Pro model, which goes up to $749.99 for the Godlike model and it can be pre-ordered through the Bhphotovideo.com online store.