MSI Z87-G43 Gaming Motherboard Review

We measured the power consumption with the system resting at the Windows 7 desktop, representing idle values.

The power consumption of our entire test system is measured at the wall while loading only the CPU using Prime95′s Small FFTs setting. The rest of the system’s components were operating in their idle states, hence the increased power consumption values (in comparison to the idle figures) are largely related to the load on the CPU and motherboard power delivery components.

Stock power consumption levels for the Z87-G43 Gaming are strong, positioning it near the chart-topping Z87M Gaming in total system draw. The power delivery system's efficiency drops when a 4.5GHz overclock, and subsequent voltage boost, is applied.

The increased difference in power draw over MSI's Z87M Gaming is likely to be related to the Z87-G43 Gaming's lower number of power delivery phases. Each of the G43 Gaming's six power phases is forced to operate at a higher current output and potentially lower efficiency level than the eight equipped with its mATX counterpart.

Become a Patron!