OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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 Z97 XPower AC review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£330CPU socket:LGA 1150Chipset:Intel Z97Form factor:E-ATX

MSI Z97 XPower AC Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 7 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI Z97 XPower AC
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Score components

40%

5.3

Technical score

20%

8.6

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

5.3

User score

▼Worse than 66% of motherboards
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

▼Worse than 84%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

19%

4.1

Memory

16%

7.2

Platform

16%

4.1

Storage

15%

4.6

Network

13%

5.0

Ports

8%

4.2

Expansion

8%

7.1

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

▼Worse than 68%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

8.8

Popularity

Grades by review (7)
4 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 3 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.
▲Better than 78%
5.3

User score

User score
5.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 81% of models

5.3

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.2

Rating

30%

6.2

Popularity

▼Worse than 81%
?

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-z97-xpower-ac
msi-z97-xpower-ac
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 Z97 XPower AC

Based on 4 · 6

Reviewers praise the excellent overclocking, handy debug features, ports and cooling, but agree the board is expensive.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI Z97 XPower AC

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components:

19%

4.1

Memory

16%

7.2

Platform

16%

4.1

Storage

15%

4.6

Network

13%

5.0

Ports

8%

4.2

Expansion

8%

7.1

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

5.3
Reviews score
8.6
User score
5.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

7.2
CPU socket
LGA 1150
This motherboard uses LGA 1150, which is less up-to-date than 90.2% of Motherboards and the same as 6.5% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z97
This motherboard uses Intel Z97, which is less capable than 78.2% of Motherboards and as capable as 2% of Motherboards.
Form factor
E-ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR3
This motherboard uses DDR3, which is less modern than 86.9% of Motherboards and the same as 13.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
32 GB
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
Maximum RAM speed
3,300 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 3,300 MT/s, which is lower than that of 62.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.6% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 2.0 x2/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA, which is slower than 85.7% of Motherboards and the same as 1.7% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
10
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 10 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 96.6% of motherboards and equal to 3.3% 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
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
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
Market range: <0 – >1
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
5
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
x16/x0/x0/x16/x0, x16/x0/x0/x8/x8, x8/x0/x8/x8/x8, x0/x16/x0/x0/x0
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x0/x16/x0, x16/x0/x0/x8/x8, x8/x0/x8/x8/x8, x0/x16/x0/x0/x0, which is more generous than 92.9% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.7% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
Market range: <11 – >19
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)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 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 I218-V
This motherboard has a Intel I218-V LAN controller, which is faster than 55.5% of Motherboards and equal to 1.9% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
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
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than 49.8% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1150
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1150, which is higher-end than 53% of Motherboards and the same as 9.1% 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
115 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 47.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.6% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 13% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
16
This motherboard has 16 VRM phases, which is more than 79.6% of motherboards and equal to 3.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >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
7
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 7 fan headers, which is more than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 9.8% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 77.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.8% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

MSI Z97 XPower AC vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    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
    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 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.
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16 vs 10
  • 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 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
  • 6 more SATA 3 connectors
    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
  • 17.8% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 78% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    4 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 3 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.
    8.6 vs 7.3
  • 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 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 6 more SATA 3 connectors
    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
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x0/x16/x0, x16/x0/x0/x8/x8, x8/x0/x8/x8/x8, x0/x16/x0/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x0/x16/x0, x16/x0/x0/x8/x8, x8/x0/x8/x8/x8, x0/x16/x0/x0/x0 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 4 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I218-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I218-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 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 (16 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16 vs 10
  • 1.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    7 vs 5.5
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z97 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
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    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
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 28.4% lower user score
    User score
    5.3/ 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models

    5.3

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.2

    Rating

    30%

    6.2

    Popularity

    5.3 vs 7.4
  • 2.2x more expensive
    MSI Z97 XPower AC is more expensive than the average motherboard (£330 vs £150).
    £330 vs £150
  • 6.7% worse value for money
    MSI Z97 XPower AC has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.21 vs 7.7).
    7.21 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z97 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • More dated socket
    This motherboard uses a more dated socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1150 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,150 vs LGA 1,151
  • 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.
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    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
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 29.8% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,300 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    3,300 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 34% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,300 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    3,300 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    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
    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
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    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
    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
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4 vs 5.4).
    4 vs 5.4
  • 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
  • No pump header
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77.9% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    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
    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

Video reviews

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

9.0
Nicolas11x12 English
≈ estimated
07/02/2015
Hands-on review · features, overclocking and stability
Verdict
MSI Z97 XPower AC is a strong all-round board with stable overclocks, though its price-performance trails rivals.
9.5
HiTechLegion
≈ estimated
02/06/2014
Overview and benchmarks · accessories and board features
Verdict
MSI Z97 XPower AC performs excellently and earns an Editors' Choice award for its many connections and accessories.
9.5
Nicolas11x12 English
≈ estimated
11/02/2015
Hands-on review · overclocking tests with stability checks
Verdict
MSI Z97 XPower AC is strongly recommended for overclocking, with stable results at low core voltage.
8.0
WccftechTV
≈ estimated
13/06/2014
Unboxing and first look · feature walkthrough
Verdict
MSI Z97 XPower AC is decent overall and a good buy for Z97 buyers, though a cheaper sibling is nearly identical.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
wccftech.com
≈ estimated
13/06/2014
Full review · E-ATX overclocking board
Verdict
The MSI Z97 XPower AC is a large E-ATX overclocking board with 16 power phases and a heatsink that can carry liquid coolant, suited to high-end builds.
8.0
overclockers.com
≈ estimated
24/06/2014
Overclocking test · Flagship board
Verdict
The MSI Z97 XPower AC is a flagship overclocking board that reached 5.1GHz easily, though its XMP memory profile failed and the price may sting.
7.0
hardwarezone.com.sg
≈ estimated
20/06/2014
First look · Overclocking flagship
Verdict
The MSI Z97 XPower AC is a yellow-and-black overclocking flagship with liquid-cooling mounts on its VRM heatsinks and a PLX chip for four-way multi-GPU setups.
10
nexthardware.com
✓ explicit
19/06/2014
BIOS walkthrough · Overclocking board
Verdict
The MSI Z97 XPower AC's Click BIOS 4 is a clear, colorful, easy-to-use interface, though its faster native UEFI mode needs a fresh OS install.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Z97 XPower AC

  • Extreme overclocking potential with dedicated onboard buttons (BCLK, Ratio) and voltage checkpoints
  • Comprehensive accessory bundle including OC Fan Stand, Delid Die Guard, and Wi-Fi AC/Bluetooth module
  • High-end aesthetics featuring a matte black and yellow color scheme with illuminated accents
  • Robust power delivery with a 12-phase PWM and high-quality 'Military Class 4' components
  • Advanced cooling options including a hybrid VRM heatsink supporting water cooling
  • Excellent connectivity with support for 4-way SLI/CrossFire via a PLX chip and 10 SATA ports
  • Superior onboard audio utilizing Audio Boost 2 with a 600-ohm headphone amplifier

What customers don't like about MSI Z97 XPower AC

  • High premium price point compared to other Z97 motherboards
  • E-ATX form factor may not fit in standard ATX PC cases
  • Inconsistent stability with high-clocked XMP memory profiles (above 2666-2800 MHz)
  • Non-intuitive BIOS/UEFI interface for certain advanced monitoring features
  • Lacks support for regulating 3-pin CPU fans
  • Front panel audio can be prone to electrical interference compared to the shielded rear output
  • Using the M.2 slot disables certain SATA ports (SATA5/6)

Verdict

The MSI Z97 XPower AC is a high-end E-ATX motherboard designed for extreme overclocking on the Intel LGA 1150 socket, supporting 4th and 5th Gen Core processors. It features a robust 16-phase DigitALL power design, an 8-layer OC PCB, and a hybrid thermal solution with built-in water cooling channels for the VRMs. Key specifications include four DDR3 slots supporting speeds up to 3300MHz (OC), five PCIe 3.0 x16 slots with a PLX PEX8747 chip for 4-way SLI/CrossFire, and ten SATA 6Gbps ports alongside a 10Gb/s M.2 slot. Major pros consist of its extensive 'OC Essentials' toolkit—including V-Check Points 2, onboard voltage/BCLK buttons, and a Delid Die Guard—plus integrated 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. Notable cons include its premium price point, the oversized E-ATX form factor that requires a large chassis, and the fact that using the M.2 slot disables two SATA ports.

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