MSI Z97 MPOWER MAX AC Review

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The box leaves you in no doubt as to the name, and indeed the colour scheme, of the MPOWER MAX. A giant yellow M dominates proceedings, and the feature highlights and specifications on the rear only enhance this identity.

There is a good selection of included accessories with the MSI board. We have a Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi adaptor which comes complete with a well made pair of aerials. As well as those there is the standard selection of SATA cables and power adaptors. It’s worth noting the IO Shield though, as it not only is solely black and yellow, but it’s smooth on the reverse to remove those endless cuts one gets from the thin aluminium.

Finally the Z97 MPOWER MAX AC itself. We think you’ll agree that it’s a great looking board. Black is definitely the dominant colour, but the yellow highlights on the edges of the heatsinks are tasteful without overpowering. The only thing we don’t particularly like is the giant yellow M, which reminds us of an upside down Wario. We’re all for ensuring that your branding is obvious, but we think the M shaped power-phase heatsink is enough.