We couldn't go to Computex, the latest PC Component Expo in the world, and not pop in to see MSI. In fact, MSI were gracious in sponsoring us on this visit, so without them we literally couldn't make this video happen.
Both motherboards and graphics cards of the Taipei-based manufacturer have been repeat visitors to our humble test benches over the years, not to mention the odd peripheral, and it's not an understatement to say that we're looking forward to seeing that they have to offer for the rest of 2016. In our video David spoke to Tom from MSI, who took us through the new X99 motherboard designs that are part of the refresh for Intel's Broadwell-E launch.
A definite highlight is the X99A XPOWER TITANIUM, which follows on from the Z170A XPOWER TITANIUM for Skylake that was so well received last year. Unsurprisingly it's designed for high-end overclocking, but the most striking aspect is obviously the silvered Titanium look.
As well as the X99 TITANIUM motherboard, MSI are also releasing a Z170 motherboard to complement the previously mentioned Z170A XPOWER TITANIUM. Whilst still a premium motherboard, Z170A MPOWER TITANIUM isn't quite as specced out as its XPOWER sibling and hence comes in at a more aggressive price point. Nonetheless it still features M.2, U.2 and SATA storage, USB 3.1 Type-C front and rear panel I/O, and high end overclocking capabilities.
More detail on both designs are discussed in the video, so check it out.
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The newest range of NVIDIA graphics cards with partner cooling designs were also on display for the world to see, and MSI highlighted their own upcoming flagship in the GTX 1070 range: the GeForce GTX 1070 GAMING X8G.
Immediately you can see that MSI have one again re-purposed the excellent Twin Frozr cooler that's been a stable of their high performance GPU range over a number of years. Now into it's 4th iteration and featuring TROX Fan 2.0, double ball-bearing for improved durability, and improved air flow. Plus, the cooler naturally makes use of some meaty heatpipes.
Tech Specs are on the face of it broadly reference, although MSI will have packed the card to the gills with high quality components. Also, expect it to have a significant overclock beyond the reference 1506MHz base and 1683 MHz Boost clocks, whilst also keeping the GPU core cool enough to prevent throttling.
The card also has a taller than usual PCB and cooler, so measure-up beforehand to ensure that your system is fully compatible if you're utilising a SFF case.
NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 1070 Founder's Edition cards officially go on sale at the end of the week, and the partner designs with improved cooling and factory overclocks will follow soon after.