Ushering in a new chipset. Today marks and important day in the diary of desktop motherboard makers because Intel is releasing 24 processors based on 10th Gen Core technology. Important for the fortunes of motherboards makers because they require a new socket layout known as LGA1200 and, consequently, support from all-new 400-series chipsets, MSI is ready to go with 10 boards harnessing the Z490 chipset.

Intel hasn't divulged the performance Z490 chipset in any great detail, though we know it's very similar to incumbent Z390, and more details will be shared at a later date. Nevertheless, we've secured the MSI MPG Z490 Gaming Carbon WiFi for review and today represents the first opportunity for it to break official cover.

Whilst no performance numbers can be published for a while, we can still ascertain what changes MSI has made between generations, so let's take a closer look.