MicroStar International has demonstrated its first prototype Intel Z87-based mainboard behind closed doors at CeBIT trade-show this week. When released later this year, the new motherboard will be aimed at traditional performance enthusiasts as well as extreme overclockers, who use liquid nitrogen, as the platform will feature components certified to operate in sub-zero temperatures.

The prototype of MSI Z87A-GD65 mainboard features 16-phase CPU power supply circuitry based on solid-state NexFET Power Block MOSFETs (which have significantly higher current capability of any low RDS_On MOSFETs and feature very high efficiency at typical currents) and utilizes Nichicon FPCAP GT-series functional polymer aluminum solid electrolytic capacitors capable of running in sub-zero conditions. The mainboard even features LN2 switch and is therefore clearly designed for enthusiasts planning to set up overclocking records, reports Lab501.ro.

The mainboard comes with LGA1150 socket for Intel Core i-series “Haswell” microprocessors, four DDR3 memory slots, three PCI Express x16 slots for graphics cards, four PCI Express x1 slots for add-on cards, eight Serial ATA-6Gb/s ports and so on.

Although the mainboard is not yet completely ready, it looks like the major design works have already been completed. Therefore, MSI Z87A-GD65 motherboards should hit the market around the time when Intel Corp. releases its Core i-series 4000-family “Haswell” central processing units in mid-2013.

The mainboard will likely belong to OC Certified series and is projected to be military class 4-certified, which means that the motherboards will have their component quality tested in rigorous tests to ensure all-round stability. Given that current MSI mainboards are already military class 3-certified and undergo severe 24 hours testing in overclocked conditions, the new platforms will face even tougher testing.

MSI did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: MSI, Intel, Core, Haswell