MSI Big Bang Xpower 3-Way SLI & CrossfireX X58 Motherboard Unboxing & First Look Linus Tech Tips
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Description
ncix.com This board has all the bells and whistles. Military Class components, USB 3.0, SATA3 6.0Gb/s, and a wicked colour scheme. It's also got the most complete accessory package I've ever seen in a motherboard box!
The video opens with Linus introducing the MSI Big Bang Xpower motherboard as part of the refreshed X58 lineup, highlighting new features that address modern needs for speed and connectivity. He emphasizes USB 3.0 support and SATA 6 Gb/s, framing these as essential upgrades over older boards. The presenter then delves into MSI exclusive technologies, starting with Military Class components that use high quality chokes and capacitors designed for lower temperatures, higher efficiency, and longer lifespans. He also notes the inclusion of solid capacitors and tantalum cores, and he teases a self-repair capability in the capacitors, which adds an unusual layer of reliability. The discussion then pivots to the audio solution and the board layout, including the Quantum Wave audio card on a riser and the quad- or triple-monitor-ready PCIe configurations that support up to three-way SLI or Crossfire. The unboxing continues with a very large accessory package, where he explains the purpose of voltage checkers, SLI and Crossfire bridges, backplane adapters, and various power adapters, pointing out thoughtful touches like black SATA cables to match builds. Finally, Linus walks through the motherboard itself, describing the LGA 1366 socket, the dual 8-pin power connectors, the 16-phase CPU power design with LED indicators, triple-channel RAM support, and the complex PCI Express lane topology that governs multi-GPU setups, including how lane distribution changes with up to six graphics cards and the need for supplemental power when loading many GPUs. He concludes with a quick tour of the IO panel, back-plate features, a reminder about the included OC dashboard, and his impression that this is a premium, feature-packed motherboard that stands out in both design and potential for enthusiasts and overclockers.
Topics · technology · hardware · computer-components · unboxing · overclocking · graphics-cards · motherboard
Questions answered
- What are the standout features of the MSI Big Bang Xpower X58 motherboard?
- Key standout features include USB 3.0, SATA 6 Gb/s, Military Class components, 16-phase CPU power with active LED indicators, dual 8-pin power connectors, support for up to three-way SLI or Crossfire, a Quantum Wave audio solution, and the OC Dashboard for real-time BIOS/voltage control and post codes.
- How does the PCI Express lane arrangement affect multi-GPU setups on this board?
- The board supports up to six PCIe x16 slots, but not all run at full 16x simultaneously. The exact lane distribution depends on how many GPUs are installed, with performance remaining largely unaffected for most cards up to four GPUs; six GPUs require careful planning and a supplemental power connection to ensure sufficient GPU power.
- What included accessories make this motherboard particularly appealing for enthusiasts?
- The package includes voltage probes, a front panel connector, various SLI and Crossfire bridges, black SATA cables, backplane adapters, a comprehensive user guide, and the OC Dashboard with its own USB connection for monitoring and tuning, plus a full set of cables and power adapters for flexible building and testing.