MSI Breaks DDR4 World Record on an ITX Motherboard!

The advent of DDR4 memory has given consumers the option to enjoy huge memory speeds beyond 4000MHz. Various high-end kits offer great overclocking potential and employ lower voltages compared to their DDR3 counterparts. Of course, the majority of users simply enable the default XMP profile and focus on multiplier overclocking. Nevertheless, a large number of kits easily reach 3200MHz in a single click. While this is able to achieve unbelievable bandwidth numbers especially on the X99 platform which supports quad channel configurations, professional overclockers are always aiming to set new records.

When the ITX form factor was initially conceived, some people had a negative outlook and believed the new format couldn’t offer the overclocking ability of ATX and eATX motherboards. Thankfully, this isn’t the case for modern platforms as the majority of performance stems from the silicon lottery and chipset. In theory, additional power phases, 10K capacitors and premium MOSFETs could help matters. However, it’s only in extreme usage scenarios when opting for liquid nitrogen. Despite this, it’s always fascinating to see the constant battle from various overclocking experts to set a new world record.

MSI motherboards are particularly strong in terms of memory overclocking due to the company’s DDR4 Boost technology. Recently, overclocker Toppc set an astounding new overclocking world record of 4093.6MHz. Even more ridiculous, this was achieved on MSI’s Z170I PRO GAMING AC, an ITX motherboard which retails at a very affordable price point. Here we can see the result in full:

This really showcases how much performance you can acquire from an ITX motherboard and product which doesn’t cost an absolute fortune. Clearly, this is a superb victory for MSI and we’re edging closer to breaking the 5000MHz barrier. Only time will tell if this is possible, and I can’t wait to see the best overclockers in the world fighting it out to remain on top.