MSI launched the Z77IA-E53 mini-ITX motherboard, which was first pictured in July. Based on a markedly different PCB as the recently-launched B75IA-E33, the Z77IA-E53 is based on the feature-rich Intel Z77 Express chipset, and packs a formidable CPU overclocking muscle thanks to its 7-phase CPU VRM. The board draws power from 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS connectors, and packs overclocker-friendly features such as OC Genie II, one-touch OC, and ClickBIOS UEFI firmware utility.

The LGA1155 socket is wired to two DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 16 GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory; and a PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slot. The only other expansion slot is an mPCI-Express 2.0, wired to the Z77 PCH. Storage connectivity includes two SATA 6 Gb/s, two SATA 3 Gb/s, and an eSATA 3 Gb/s. The Z77 PCH gives out four USB 3.0 ports, two of which are on the rear panel, and two available via headers. There are several other USB 2.0 ports, including a high-current header that charges mobile devices faster.Display outputs include D-Sub (VGA) and HDMI. Other connectivity includes 6-channel HD audio with 8-channel optical (TOSLINK) SPDIF output, gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth, and a mouse/keyboard combo PS/2 port. Given its feature-set and OC capabilities, MSI's Z77IA-E53 could charge a premium price.