The MSI MPOWER motherboard series is returning with a Z790 chipset version that is expected to launch at $199-$229. The MSI MPOWER motherboard series was last seen, and introduced, for the LGA1151 socket that debuted in 2015, the Z170/Z270 series. That being said it’s been the better part of a decade since MSI has used this branding and it’s thought that it could, for now, be replacing its Unity line. The folks over at Wccftech were lucky enough to get a little bit of time with the new Z790MPOWER ahead of its official reveal.
Specifications
MSI has made a very clean-looking, no RGB, Mini-ATX motherboard featuring a black and brushed steel motif aimed at emphasizing its capabilities. MSI clearly wants folks to know this board is made to be very capable of overclocking processors and memory with words like “overclocking, frequency, voltages, and similar terminology prominently displayed on its heatsinks and shrouds. Users should be able to expect support for DDR5 with whopping speeds of up to 8,000+ MT/s. The Dual DIMM board is also said to support up to 128 GB (2x 64 GB modules) of memory. Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th-generation processors are compatible via the LGA 1700 socket. Overlocking should be a breeze thanks to its 15-phase VRM design which includes some beefy-looking heatsinks. There are 2x 8-pin ports for power. At a glance, the Z790MPOWER does not seem to have any active cooling fans.
- 2x M.2 slots and both include heatsinks
- 4x SATA III ports
- 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot
- 2x PCIe 4.0 (X1/X4) slots
- Rear I/O Port: USB (4x 2.0, 3x 3.2 Gen1, 1x 3.2 Gen2 Type-C), WIFI 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 2.5 GbE LAN, 7.1 audio, SPDIF optical out, HDMI and DisplayPort out
MSI has yet to officially announce the Z790MPOWER but Wccftech reports that it could launch for as low as $199 or as high as $229, depending on region-specific taxes. This would make the Z790MPOWER very attractive for builders on a budget who are more concerned with performance than flashy colors. MSI is also said to be working with memory manufacturers to produce MPOWER-branded DDR5 kits. If any keep to MSI’s metallic-looking/black design for this motherboard they could further enhance its aesthetics.