MSI Big Bang XPower Review: X58, Military Style
Introduction and Specifications
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MSI Big Bang XPower
The XPower is as much a love letter to enthusiasts as it is a motherboard; the company's verbage occasionally dips into phrasing better suited to a trashy romance novel. Allow us to provide a few examples:
"Through long-standing development and with much energy, MSI formed the state-of-the-art gaming line inspired by the mighty Big Bang...[which] will deliver the shock and awe of unprecedented gaming experience and expand into its own collection of galaxies." The board's military-grade components (more on those in a moment) offer "incredible long...potential." QuantumWave Audio processing "delivers the most powerful and realistic performance" and offers "the fullest...experience."
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| Processor Support LGA1366 Socket for Intel Core i7 Processors Supports Intel TurboBoost Technology Chipset Intel X58 Chipset Intel ICH10R Southbridge Memory 6 x DIMM, Max. 24 GB, DDR3 2133(OC) 1600/1333/ 1066MHz Non-ECC, Unbuffered RAM Triple Channel memory architecture Expansion Slots 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x16 speed) 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x8 speed) 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (x4 speed) 1 x PCIe 1.1 x1 Multi-GPU Support: Supports NVIDIA Quad-GPU SLI Technology Suports ATI Quad-GPU CrossFireX Technology Storage Intel X58 Chipset 6 xSATA 3 Gb/s ports Intel Matrix Storage Technology Support RAID 0,1,5,10 JMicron JMB362 eSATA controller 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port 1 x eSATA/USB 2 Port Marvell PCIe SATA 6.0Gb/s Controller 2 x SATA 6.0 GB/s ports (gray) Audio QuantumWave Audio Card Realtek ALC889 LAN 2 x Realtek 8111DL Gigabit LAN Controller |
IEEE-1394 1 x IEEE1394a (VIA VT6315N) Internal 1 x IEEE1394a External USB 10 USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at back I/O, 4 ports onboard) 2 x USB 3.0 ports (blue)Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x PS/2 mouse port (green) 1 x Clear CMOS 1 x D-LED2 Panel Connector 1 x 1394 Port 5 x USB 2 Ports 1 x eSATA Ports 1 x eSATA/USB 2.0 Ports 2 x LAN RJ-45 Ports 2 x USB 3.0 Ports Internal I/O Connectors 2 x USB 2.0 Connectors 1 x 1394a Connector 1 x Chassis Intrusion Detector 1 x TPM Module Connector 1 x Reset Button 1 x Power Button 1 x GreenGenie Connector (Optional) 1 x Over-Voltage Switch 1 x Set Voltage Check Point 1 x OC Genie Button 2 x Base Clock Control Buttons 1 x Set Debug LED Panel Form Factor ATX Form Factor 12 inch x 9.6 inch ( 30 cm x 24.4 cm ) |
There's more. The Hi-c capacitors (used in lieu of solid capacitors) are "specially selected for those who want to bring their mainboard to the next level of...performance." They also ensure that a hardcore gamer's "rig" continues to operate "in extreme condition."
Tongues planted firmly in cheek, we move on to the motherboard's accessory bundle.
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