OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Motherboards Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v1.0

MSI Z87 Xpower Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£350CPU socket:LGA 1150Chipset:Intel Z87Form factor:XL-ATX

MSI Z87 Xpower Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

90%

5.3

Technical score

10%

6.7

User score

â–¼Worse than 74% of motherboards
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components

19%

3.9

Memory

16%

7.3

Platform & Features

16%

3.5

Storage

15%

4.4

Network

13%

5.4

Ports & USB

8%

5.2

Expansion

8%

8.0

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

â–¼Worse than 73% of motherboards
6.7

User score

User score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

User ratings

30%

4.5

Number of reviews

Based on 17 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 93% of motherboards
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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI Z87 Xpower

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components:

19%

3.9

Memory

16%

7.3

Platform & Features

16%

3.5

Storage

15%

4.4

Network

13%

5.4

Ports & USB

8%

5.2

Expansion

8%

8.0

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

5.3
User score
User score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

User ratings

30%

4.5

Number of reviews

Based on 17 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
6.7
Popularity
Popularity
4.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Popularity:
MSI Z87 Xpower has a popularity score of 4.5 points, which is lower than that of 66.8% of products in this category.
4.5
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

60%

5.5

Overall score

40%

8.7

Price

6.4
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
LGA 1150
CPU socket
LGA 1150
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1150 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 90.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.6% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel Z87
Chipset
Intel Z87
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z87 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 79.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 3% of motherboards.
Form factor
XL-ATX
Form factor
XL-ATX
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
This motherboard has the XL-ATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 98.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3
DDR memory version
DDR3
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
This motherboard uses DDR3 memory, which is older than that of 86.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.3% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
32 GB
Maximum memory capacity
32 GB
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 87% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
1,600 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
1,600 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 1,600 MT/s, which is lower than that of 93.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.3% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
0
N. of M.2 sockets
0
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.6% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
10
N. of SATA 3 connectors
10
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 10 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 96.6% of motherboards and equal to 3.4% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
no
NVMe RAID support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
5
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
5
★ Better than 97% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 5 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 97.4% of motherboards and equal to 2.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x8/x8/x8/x8/x8, x16/x0/x16/x0/x0, x16/x0/x0/x16/x0, x8/x16/x8/x0/x0
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x8/x8/x8/x8/x8, x16/x0/x16/x0/x0, x16/x0/x0/x16/x0, x8/x16/x8/x0/x0
★ Better than 95% of models
This motherboard uses x8/x8/x8/x8/x8, x16/x0/x16/x0/x0, x16/x0/x0/x16/x0, x8/x16/x8/x0/x0 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 94.8% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
â–² Better than 75% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.5% of motherboards and equal to 15.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 18 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 5.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.7% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
LAN speed
1 Gbps
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.2% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer E2205
LAN controller
Killer E2205
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
This motherboard uses the Killer E2205 LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 95.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.5% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is older than that of 50.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.2% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1150
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1150
â–² Better than 53% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC1150 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 52.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.2% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
115 dB
Audio SNR
115 dB
â–² Better than 48% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 48.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.6% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
â–² Better than 87% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 86.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
32
VRM phases
32
★ Better than 100% of models
This motherboard has 32 VRM phases, which is more than 99.9% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
10
N. of fan headers
10
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 10 fan headers, which is more than 97.9% of motherboards and equal to 1.5% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
Pump header
no
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 78.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Pump header max current
0 A
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76% of motherboards and equal to that of 24% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI Z87 Xpower vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    32
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (32 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    32 vs 10
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    10
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    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
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 4.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    10
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (10 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    10 vs 5.5
  • 3 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    18
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    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
  • Includes dual BIOS
    Dual BIOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 23% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    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
  • Includes POST code display
    POST code display
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    Dual BIOS
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 23% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Includes onboard power button
    Onboard power button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    Onboard power button
    yes
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This motherboard has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 6 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    10
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (10 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    10 vs 4
  • Supports mSATA
    mSATA connector
    yes
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This motherboard supports mSATA, while the average motherboard does not. 1.9% of motherboards support mSATA.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x8/x8/x8/x8/x8, x16/x0/x16/x0/x0, x16/x0/x0/x16/x0, x8/x16/x8/x0/x0
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    This motherboard has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x8/x8/x8/x8/x8, x16/x0/x16/x0/x0, x16/x0/x0/x16/x0, x8/x16/x8/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x8/x8/x8/x8/x8, x16/x0/x16/x0/x0, x16/x0/x0/x16/x0, x8/x16/x8/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 4 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    5
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (5 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    5 vs 1
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    2
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    10
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 3 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    18
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    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 USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    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
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    8
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    8 vs 4
  • 1 more HDMI outputs
    N. of HDMI outputs
    2
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports Bluetooth
    Bluetooth connectivity
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 48.9% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • Better audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC1150
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    6
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 5
  • More VRM phases
    VRM phases
    32
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (32 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    32 vs 10
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    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
  • 4.5 more fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    10
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (10 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    10 vs 5.5
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z87
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z87 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z87 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    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
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    32 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    32 GB vs 128 GB
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    NVMe RAID support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR3
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This motherboard has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOS flashback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 2.19x more expensive
    MSI Z87 Xpower is more expensive than the average motherboard (£350 vs £160).
    £350 vs £160
  • 19% lower user score
    User score
    6.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    MSI Z87 Xpower
    the average motherboard
    MSI Z87 Xpower has a lower user score than the average motherboard (6.72 vs 8.000).
    6.72 vs 8
  • 15.3% worse value for money
    MSI Z87 Xpower has worse value for money than the average motherboard (6.43 vs 7.4).
    6.43 vs 7.41
  • 39.8% less popular
    MSI Z87 Xpower is less popular than the average motherboard (4.48 vs 6.3).
    4.48 vs 6.26
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z87
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z87 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z87 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOS flashback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Older CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1150
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    This motherboard has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1150 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,150 vs LGA 1,151
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    Windows 11 ready
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 76.9% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • No debug LED indicators
    Debug LED indicators
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    This motherboard does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.7% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    XL-ATX
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (XL-ATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    XL-ATX vs ATX
  • Narrower Windows support
    Supported Windows versions
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 8 older release date
    Release date
    2013
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This motherboard is older than the average motherboard (2013 vs 2021). The average motherboard was released in 2021.
    June 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    32 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    32 GB vs 128 GB
  • Older DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR3
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This motherboard has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 66.2% lower maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    1,600 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (1600 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    1,600 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 39.2% lower overclocked RAM speed
    Maximum overclocked RAM speed
    3,000 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <2.7k MT/s – >8.2k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3000 MT/s vs 4933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4933 MT/s.
    top speed depends on CPU and memory setup
    3,000 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    NVMe RAID support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    1.4
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    1.4 vs 2.1
  • 1 fewer PS/2 ports
    N. of PS/2 ports
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer PS/2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PS/2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    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
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    4.0
    â–² Better than 49% of models
    This motherboard has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
    4.0 vs 5.4
  • Older Wi-Fi standard
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard has older Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average motherboard supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • More basic LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Killer E2205
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    This motherboard has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2205 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Killer E2205 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No pump header
    Pump header
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 78.1% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    Pump header max current
    0 A
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 A – >3 A
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    0 A vs 2 A
  • 20 mm wider
    Width
    264 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is wider than the average motherboard (264 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    264 mm vs 244 mm

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

Based on 17 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about MSI Z87 Xpower

  • 32-phase digital power design provides exceptional stability for extreme overclocking
  • Supports up to 4-way SLI and CrossFire configurations with optimized slot spacing
  • High-quality 'Military Class 4' components (caps, chokes) ensure durability under load
  • Generous I/O options including 10 SATA 6Gbps ports and nearly a dozen USB 3.0 ports
  • Extensive physical OC tools like V-Check points, debug LED, and dedicated base clock buttons
  • Includes a comprehensive accessory bundle with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules and OC fan stands
  • Enhanced 'Audio Boost' circuitry with EMI shielding for cleaner sound quality

What we don't like about MSI Z87 Xpower

  • Very high retail price compared to other Z87 motherboards with similar core performance
  • Large XL-ATX form factor requires a specialized case and may not fit standard ATX towers
  • Memory overclocking can be finicky; some users reported difficulty reaching 3000MHz+ speeds
  • Included Wi-Fi is often single-band (802.11n), which was slower than competitors' AC-standard cards
  • Higher than average power consumption due to the high number of integrated chips and controllers
  • The 32-phase VRM heatsinks are massive and can occasionally interfere with some extreme cooling setups
  • Single Gigabit Ethernet port is seen as a downgrade compared to some rival flagship boards

Verdict

The MSI Z87 Xpower is an enthusiast-grade flagship motherboard built on the Intel Z87 chipset for LGA 1150 socket 4th Gen processors, distinguished by its massive XL-ATX form factor and extreme 32-phase digital power design. It features four DDR3 DIMM slots supporting up to 32GB at 3000MHz (OC), five PCIe 3.0 x16 slots enabling 4-way SLI or CrossFire configurations, ten SATA 6Gb/s ports, and integrated Killer E2205 Ethernet alongside Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. Main pros include its unparalleled overclocking stability driven by Military Class 4 components, comprehensive onboard 'OC Essentials' (physical buttons for real-time BCLK and ratio adjustments), and high-quality Audio Boost technology with a 600Ω amplifier. Notable cons include its very high launch price, the need for a specialized large chassis to accommodate its XL-ATX dimensions, and a BIOS that some reviewers found less user-friendly compared to competitors.

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