Throwback Time: MSI X79 Big Bang XPower ii

Back in Early to Mid 2012 I took on a grand adventure to qualify for the MOA 2012.  The competition was arraigned such that different regions around the world would hold a qualifier and winners from each region were invited to attend the Grand Final.  Sadly I didn't qualify but didn’t come in last either so I call that a failed success.

The thing with overclocking competitions is that you have to balance three basic things.  Hardware selection - LN2 Skills (overclocking ability) - Money/Time.  If you fail at one of these, then you might fail the competition. 

For the 2012 MOA I choose to use the MSI 7970 Lighting and X79 Big Bang XPower II.  It wasn't a requirement to use such an over the top motherboard however there was a worldwide shortage of MSI X79 motherboards at the time and I really needed one.  In the end I bought a rather expensive hardware bundle that included the Big Bang with a vanilla 7970 and Battlefield 3.

The motherboard is massive and one of the few using the XL-ATX form factor meaning that the board is quite a bit taller than a standard ATX but, supports 4-way SLI and Crossfire, comes with two 8-pin CPU power sockets, PCI Express power sockets, oversized heatsinks, hardware overclocking controls, voltage test points. some fancy LED activity lights and a ton of other stuff.

2012 was also during the height of the military "theme" motherboards and the Big Bang featured a mini gun VRM heatsink and ammo belt over the South Bridge.  Some say the heatsink in the middle is a grenade though I just used it as a carry handle to move the motherboard around so, whatever.

I will admit, I fell in love with overclocking during the MOA 2012 Americas Qualifier and this motherboard helped seal the deal.