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MSI Z97 XPOWER AC Motherboard Review

Motherboards/Intel S1150 by leeghoofd @ 2014-09-26

MSI continues to update their range of Overclocking motherboards with each new major chipset release. When Intel released their brand new socket 1150 Z97 chipset MSI was ready with another three motherboards targeted at the OC crowd. The affordable Z97 MPOWER exists in two versions: the Z97 MPOWER and the Z97 MPOWER MAX AC and the ultimate flagship of all LGA1150 motherboards must be the Z97 XPOWER AC. The latter being the one and only Z97 based motherboard supporting out of the box 4-way SLI GPU setups. The included accessories are too numerous to list, most interesting for overclockers will be the inclusion of the Delid guard and the OC Fan stand. Time to unravel MSI's latest OC addition...

Bclocking and Memory Compatibility

BClocking is essential for overclocking, allowing to maximize your CPU/RAM frequency regarding the benchmark run. We tested the ASUS Maximus VI Formula versus the 3 other OC mainboards, however keep in mind this is done on air cooling and without going out of bounce on any of the voltages. The CPU was always around stock speed by lowering the CPU multiplier. The three available gear ratios were checked: 1.00x, 1.25x and 1.66x.

Note these are straight boot results from the Bios, no upping or whatsoever in the Windows operating system. The Bclock stability was verified via a 1024 WPrime run.

1.00 Bclock ratio:

One of the main critical points when MadShrimps reviewed the Z87 XPOWER was the limited BClocking ability at the 100 strap. Which Brain fart caused this unexplainable limitation is a total mystery to your humble reviewer. Nevertheless MSI rectified things with the Z97 XPOWER, clocking up to a nice 117 Bclock straight from Bios.

1.25 Bclock ratio:

1.66 Bclock ratio:

Memory Compatibility:

Even though the MHz records set by single sided 4GB Hynix MFR kits might seem impressive, it's not always that this means this is the most efficient for benching or even daily usage. Haswell's IMC is far superior to what Ivy Bridge ever could deliver and we see even older kits scale well with some added voltages. Since these boards are designed for overclocking, RAM compatibility can make or break a board. We test 3 of the more popular IC brands used.

Kits we used:

G.Skill 2000C7 Flare using PSC ICs 2 x 2GB

CORSAIR 2666C10 using Samsung ICs 2 x 4GB

CORSAIR 2800C11 using Hynix CFR 2 x 4GB

The vintage PSC sticks need to run SuperPI 32M at 2600MHz C8-12-8-28 1T to pass the test

The Samsung sticks need to be able to reach 2800MHz C10-12-12-24 1T

The Hynix CFR sticks have to run with tighter timings then XMP at 2800MHz C11-13-13-31 1T

PSC at 2600C8-12-8-28 1T: OK at 1.9Vdimm only with Dimm 1 & 3 populated

SAMSUNG at 2800C10-12-12-24 1T: OK at 1.82Vdimm

Hynix CFR at 2800C11-13-13-31 1T: OK at 1.75 Vdimm

(click image to enlarge)

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