Computer hardware firm MSI is set to revive its formerly discontinued MPOWER range, targeting enthusiasts. The revival seems to explain why the manufacturer has not yet launched UNIFY series motherboards based on the Intel Z790 chipset.
According to Wccftech, MSI is preparing to launch the Z790 MPOWER motherboard equipped with an LGA 1700 socket for Intel Alder Lake, Raptor Lake, and Raptor Lake Refresh chips. The news site also revealed images and specifications of the motherboard.
Upon its initial release, MSI marketed the MPOWER series motherboards as the first “overclocking certified” products. This entailed that the series products underwent 24-hour stress-tests for overclocking and stability. The series quickly became popular among enthusiasts for its reliability and relative affordability.
The return of the MPOWER series is surprising, considering the last motherboards from this series were launched almost seven years ago during the era of Intel Z170 and Z270 chipsets. It’s also surprising that the company chose to revive the series now, given that the Intel LGA 1700 platform is in its twilight year. By the end of 2024, Intel will introduce a new generation of processors that will utilize an entirely new CPU socket.
Regardless, MSI is set to release the compact Z790 MPOWER board for Micro-ATX format systems. Key features of the new product include two RAM slots with support for DDR5-8000+ modules up to 128 GB in total, two PCIe x16 connections, and one PCIe x1 port. The board’s design features terms like “overclocking”, “frequency”, “MHz”, “voltage”, etc., printed in English, seemingly alluding to its purpose. It also features a 15-phase VRM power subsystem and is equipped with two 8-pin connectors for CPU power.
The Z790MPOWER board will reportedly hit the market “soon”. Initially, it will hit Asian markets before reaching other regions. The expected recommended cost is between $199 and $229, tax inclusive. In China, the board will retail for 1599 yuan.
