Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z270Form factor:ATX

MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 10 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

40%

6.3

Technical score

20%

8.7

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

9.0

Sentiment score

10%

6.3

User score

â–²Better than 63% of motherboards
7.8

Value for money

Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–²Better than 53%
6.3

Technical score

Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

19%

6.0

Memory

16%

7.8

Platform

16%

7.1

Storage

15%

4.3

Network

13%

5.9

Ports

8%

3.9

Expansion

8%

7.5

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

â–²Better than 54%
8.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

9.1

Popularity

Grades by review (10)
4 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–²Better than 88%
6.3

User score

User score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

6.3

Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.9

Rating

30%

6.8

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 71%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • msi-z270-xpower-gaming-titanium
msi-z270-xpower-gaming-titanium
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium

Based on 4 · 6

Reviewers praise the storage options, overclocking and power delivery, but most find the price far too high.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium

Technical score
Technical score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

19%

6.0

Memory

16%

7.8

Platform

16%

7.1

Storage

15%

4.3

Network

13%

5.9

Ports

8%

3.9

Expansion

8%

7.5

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

6.3
Reviews score
8.7
User score
6.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.8
CPU socket
LGA 1151
This motherboard uses LGA 1151, which is less up-to-date than 70.7% of Motherboards and the same as 13.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z270
This motherboard uses Intel Z270, which is less capable than 73.5% of Motherboards and as capable as 2.2% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
4,133 MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,133 MT/s, which is lower than that of 55.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
3
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.1% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
?
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
This motherboard has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
4
This motherboard has 4 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 93.9% of motherboards and equal to 3.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x0/x4, x8/x0/x8/x4, x8/x4/x4/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x0/x4, x8/x0/x8/x4, x8/x4/x4/x4, which is more generous than 76.7% of Motherboards and the same as 0.1% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8, x8/x4/x4.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
9
This motherboard has 9 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 70.9% of motherboards and equal to 4.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
This motherboard has 18 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 81.8% of motherboards and equal to 5.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
1
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 21.1% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT
This motherboard has a Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT LAN controller, which is faster than 68.2% of Motherboards and equal to 0.8% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1220, which is higher-end than 65.5% of Motherboards and the same as 12.9% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
VRM phases
10+4
This motherboard has 10+4 VRM phases, which is more than 63.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.6% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 3 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    18 vs 15
  • 19.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    9.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (10)
    4 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 6 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.7 vs 7.3
  • 20.0% higher sentiment score
    9.0 vs 7.5
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Broader Windows support
    This motherboard supports a wider range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more U.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • 3 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 3 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    18 vs 15
  • 1 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (9 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    9 vs 8
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I219-V + Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (10+4 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    10+4 vs 10
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z270 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z270 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • 14.9% lower user score
    User score
    6.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    6.3

    Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.9

    Rating

    30%

    6.8

    Popularity

    6.3 vs 7.4
  • 14.9% lower user score
    User score
    6.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    6.3

    Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.9

    Rating

    30%

    6.8

    Popularity

    6.3 vs 7.4
  • 73.3% more expensive
    MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium is more expensive than the average motherboard (£260 vs £150).
    £260 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z270 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z270 vs Intel B860
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 12.1% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (4,133 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    4,133 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 17.3% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (4,133 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    top speed depends on CPU and memory setup
    4,133 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Techspin
≈ estimated
10/02/2017
Build video · boot speed test and installation
Verdict
MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium impressed on boot time and ran very quietly in this build, and its silver finish looks good.
9.5
BonTech Labs
≈ estimated
02/02/2017
Hands-on review · overclocking and LN2 tests · feature walkthrough
Verdict
The MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium is a feature-rich board and a top overclocking pick for enthusiasts.
9.0
Tech YES City
≈ estimated
03/01/2017
Hands-on review · overclocking and feature tests
Verdict
The MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium is a feature-packed enthusiast board, though it is priced high.
9.0
Level1Techs
≈ estimated
03/01/2017
Hands-on review · overclocking, memory and bundle tour
Verdict
The MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium targets enthusiasts with an easy 5 GHz overclock from a single setting and a useful bundle.
9.0
CrazyTechLab
≈ estimated
03/01/2017
Hands-on review · M.2 heatsink test and accessories tour
Verdict
The MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium is a strong board with a premium finish, though the price is high.
9.0
OC aholic
≈ estimated
09/03/2017
Unboxing · features and design tour
Verdict
The MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium is one of the best-looking Z270 boards, with a strong power design but a high price.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video
Overview video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
allround-pc.com
≈ estimated
04/01/2017
Lab test · Overclocking flagship
Verdict
The MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium is a well-equipped overclocking board with three M.2 slots and a U.2 port, but it uses the most power under load.
8.0
conseil-config.com
≈ estimated
03/02/2017
Hands-on test · Overclocking enthusiast
Verdict
The MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium is aimed at overclockers and users needing lots of storage or several graphics cards, but only wealthy buyers can justify the price.
6.0
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
25/01/2017
Hands-on test · Premium Z270 board
Verdict
The MSI Z270 XPOWER Gaming Titanium suits storage-heavy overclocking builds with three M.2 slots and a U.2 port, but its price is very high.
9.6
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
07/02/2017
Hands-on test · Flagship Z270
Verdict
The MSI Z270 XPOWER Gaming Titanium is a flagship with 16 power phases and Audio Boost 4, but its price is very high and it has no Wi-Fi.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium

  • Exceptional overclocking capabilities with robust 16-phase power delivery and specialized OC Dashboard
  • Premium aesthetics featuring a unique 'Titanium' silver PCB coating and reinforced metal slots
  • Extensive storage options including triple M.2 slots with an included 'M.2 Shield' heatsink
  • User-friendly and polished UEFI BIOS with simple navigation and advanced fan control
  • High-end connectivity with dual Intel Gigabit LAN ports and USB 3.1 Gen 2 support
  • Practical features for enthusiasts like BIOS Flashback Plus and dedicated pump fan headers

What customers don't like about MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium

  • High price point that may be prohibitive for non-extreme users
  • Lack of integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which is often expected at this flagship price tier
  • Limited M.2 cooling as the 'M.2 Shield' is only provided for one of the three slots
  • Higher than average power consumption when overclocked due to extensive onboard controllers
  • Awkward placement of some headers, such as the horizontal USB 3.0 header which can be difficult to manage with rigid cables

Verdict

The MSI Z270 XPower Gaming Titanium is a flagship ATX motherboard designed for Intel 6th and 7th Gen processors, featuring a distinctive silver PCB and a powerful 16-phase VRM tailored for extreme overclocking. Key specifications include four reinforced DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB at 4133MHz (O.C.), four PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for 4-way CrossFire or 2-way SLI, and extensive storage options with three Turbo M.2 slots, a U.2 port, and eight SATA III ports. Its primary pros are the exceptional overclocking toolkit—including an external OC Dashboard, voltage checkpoints, and a physical Game Boost dial—alongside dual Intel Gigabit LAN and high-end Audio Boost 4. However, its significant cons include a very high premium price point, higher-than-average power consumption due to its complex circuitry, and the fact that only one of the three M.2 slots includes a protective thermal shield.

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