MSI Z97 MPower MAX AC Motherboard Review
Bundled Software
The MSI Z97 Mpower MAX bundled software spans two DVD discs containing applications and drivers. Each driver or utility is sectioned so that it is easier to sort through and find out which ones should be installed. The main disc setup page also shows whether the driver or software has already been installed or not. The Google tab is for installing the Google Chrome web browser while the Security tab installs a trial version of Norton Security Essentials.
MSI Command Center
MSI Command center is the hub for all motherboard tweaking functions for the desktop. While it shares some capabilities with other applications included in the bundle (such as monitoring and overclocking), it is the most feature-packed. Like the UEFI, the Command Center for the Z97 MPower MAX follows the black and yellow color scheme of the OC series. The top right hand corner displays the operating system, BIOS version, CPU installed and motherboard model while also displaying the CPU temperature live in both Celcius and Fahrenheit. Five main functions are separated into tabs which slide in the middle section.
The CPU section is separated into two sub-sections: CPU Frequency and CPU Fan. The CPU frequency and the Base Clock can be adjusted directly with the plus and minus sign and the graph displays the result. Users can also choose per core or all core adjustment. Increased CPU speed of course means increased temperatures so CPU fan control is not far with options for Smart mode and Manual mode, similar to the fan control graph in the UEFI. In Smart Mode, users can set a fan curve with temperature vs fan speed percentage. In Manual Mode, users can set the constant RPM speed they want the fans to run at.
Voltages can be adjusted in the Advanced sub-menu at the bottom which opens up a child window allowing users to adjust advanced voltage settings. Under the Advanced section is also another fan control option for the system fans with Fan Tune feature. The third option is the DRAM timings with a comprehensive timing adjustment list.
Under the Settings sub-section are three options: Record, Warning and Mobile control. Record allows users to monitor in graph form, the history of voltages, temperatures and fan speed so they can keep track of system behaviour. The Warning sub-option, allows users to set alarms for a variety of voltage, fan speed and temperature limits. For obvious reasons, all the options are disabled by default. The Mobile Control page is for use with the MSI Command Center Android App which allows users to access Command Center functions (and even overclock) remotely. Users can set the SSID and password for the remote server in this page.
The next tab is a dedicated to the DRAM and IGP where users can set the DRAM and GT voltage as well as adjust IGP frequency. If you are using a discrete card and not using the IGP, this option will be grayed out.
The RAMDisk tab allows users to use their memory as storage. This function is usually available as a retail software (such as the one AMD is selling), but MSI provides it for free when you install MSI Command Center. Users can set the size and format type and even automatically set it as browser cache for IE, Chrome or Firefox or even for Windows temporary files. Since RAM storage resets during a system reset or shutdown, the MSI RAMDisk lets users to backup the image to a physical drive and also provides an option to automatically restore the RAMDisk contents on boot. As you can see in the benchmark that RAMDisk is much faster than any desktop SSD storage available.
The last tab in Command Center is the OC Genie tab which is a desktop version of the same feature accessible on the UEFI or through the physical onboard button. Two “Gear” options are available: Gear 1 basically just set the Vcore to 1.2, disabled EIST, set the multiplier ratio to 40 (all cores) for a 4GHz clock. Gear 2 however, set the CPU to “per core” dynamic, ratio set to 44, set CPU Vcore to 1.225 and locked other voltages.
Live Update 6
As the name suggests, this tool lets users keep their MSI Z97 MPower MAX up to date in terms of drivers, BIOS and software. Scheduled reminders can also be set periodically. Auto-install did not seem to work in this version of Live Update 6 as it just downloaded the updates but never launched the installer after.
MSI Intel eXtreme Tuning Utility
The Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) is a comprehensive desktop overclocking tool that also includes built-in stress testing, HWBot submission and profile management. The bottom section monitors CPU temperature and frequency live while advanced settings at the main window are adjusted. If using the built-in Intel IGP, options for graphics overclocking show up as well.
MSI Smart Utilities
The MSI Smart utilities App is a one-stop launching pad for Intel responsiveness features, showing each feature status or installing them if necessary. Intel Rapid Start enables the system to quickly resume from deep sleep, Intel Smart Response manages datablocks and application cache between SSD and HDD, and Intel Smart Connect updates the system at a lower power state.
MSI Fast Boot
Enables all MSI Fast Boot options in UEFI and also provides direct UEFI access from the desktop hands-free without mashing the DEL or F2 key after a restart.
MSI Eco Center
An extremely handy utility, especially for overclockers who need to terminate power to key areas from the desktop. For obvious reasons, CPU power cannot be terminated but all the extra ASMedia USB and SATA ports can be terminated, as well as all the expansion ports, WiFi, M.2 SSD, and fan headers.
MSI Realtek HD Audio Manager
This software provides sound device management for the Realtek ALC1150 codec including output and recording devices with optional sound effects, room correction and profile management.
Good job, liked the attention to detail in your review like the electronic components used, allost noone is doing that these days they are most show off marketing than proper reviews. Thx
Thank you very much for reading. We are always trying to improve our reviews so reader feedback is always welcome. Cheers, –Ron
Great review!, love that you put time into looking what the power delivery system is on this board. They downgraded from the 20 to 12 and changed the components of it, my question is; Is this worse or better than the old power delivery system of the Z87 MPOWER (MAX)?
Hello, thanks for reading. I am fairly conservative when it comes to economics and design so I don’t fault them completely for doing that. Also, MSI is not the only one who scaled back with the design on their boards, which I think is much efficient anyway given current and upcoming CPUs. Hybrid plus less capacitors understandably is harder to accept after seeing the last model but I have a feeling we will see less and less monster VRMs from all manufacturers. I am not an LN2 overclocker so unfortunately I cannot speak with authority on how grossly this is affected but on air, I don’t think it is an issue IMO. The Z87 Mpower MAX AC is still the better deal of the two currently ($239 on NewEgg) hence I did not give the Z97 version an Editor’s Choice award.
Technically is a kinda of an upgrade since previous generation used a 5 true phases design with quadruples (5×4=20 hybrid phase design) and it was controlled by a digital high quality IR3563B PWM, now they use 6 true phases with doublers/drivers package (6×2=12 hybrid phase design) but with a ISL6388 PWM witch is a new product with no much info about it and products from ISL usually are hybrid analog/digital controler witch is not better than fully digital and for that is also a kinda of downgrade but still needs confirmation. The rest of the components mosfets and inductors seems to be as equal quality as from previous generation. In real world this only appears to affect price that seems pretty good for the features and power delivery is more efficient no doubt on that. MSI is pretty solid manufacturer and a lot bigger than most people think.
It seems to be that ISL6388 is Intersil’s first fully digital controller. I have no clue if it is in indeed an upgrade.
Is there any difference on mpower and mpower max? For a average game/media use? maybe some slight overclocking too? Hows the PWM or such compared to each other?
The PWM design is the same, judging by photos from XFastest’s Review: http://www.xfastest.com/thread-135126-1-1.html
Looks like the difference is just a few features: fewer USB 2.0 and 3.0, lack of fixed MOSFET heatsink barbs, WiFi, e-SATA and additional HDMI for Intel graphics.
I hope this won’t go unnoticed
On the Intel Chipset heatsink, with the big M, is that thermal paste? Or is it some kind of thermal compound?
It is solid (albeit soft), flat and very thin tape at room temperature. It is closer to thermal compound in terms of moisture than the drier pink thermal tape used on other chipset heatsinks which leaves harder to remove residue (ASUS Z87 RoG chipsets).
Oh, good. If i take off the heatsink, do i have to replace or change it? I intend to paint the heatsink, but i dont know what to do with the thermal compound/pads.
You can scrape it off completely and just replace it with thermal paste or a thin thermal pad. The chipset itself has a very low TDP ~5W so cooling it is not really going to be difficult.