MSI Z77A-GD65 Gaming (Z77) Motherboard Review

Power Consumption

To test power consumption, we monitor the overall power of the system through a plug-in electricity usage monitor at an idle and load state. This allows us to show the fluctuation between how much power draw the system takes at idle and at load. By monitoring the overall usage of the whole system, it gives an easy comparison if you wish to do the same yourself as opposed to buying very expensive individual testing equipment.

With this board sitting between the GD65 and the MPower in MSI’s lineup of boards, the preconception is that the power ratings are going to be of a similar affair. To no surprise this is just what is seen with an idle consumption of just under 100W, whilst under full load the board uses just under 260W – a little closer to the MPower than a standard GD65, but still very acceptable, although actual consumption is variable from build to build due to individual component draws.

Overclocking saw a good idle consumption with only a 10W gain whilst overclocking saw the meter tip over the 300W barrier.