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The networking is all powered by Killer products. The Z97 Gaming 9 ACK has two main selling points, its audio and networking capabilities. An MPS MPQ8675 is a point of load converter for the PCH power. The MOSFETs are the same as the CPU VRM, but double in quantity, which makes for a single powerful phase for better thermals. The memory VRM is driven by a single phase UPI Semiconductor UP1504 which probably has integrated drivers. The high-side MOSFET is a PK616BA is rated for 13A at 2.2W, which means I should see cool operation and good overclocking performance. The PK632BA is the low-side MOSFET capable of 20A at 2.6W. The MOSFETs are from NIKOS in the PowerPAK packaged. It's Intersil's most advanced VRD12.5 PWM featuring up to 1.5MHz switching frequency, onboard NVM, and Advanced Linear EAPP Digital (Intersil's patented PWM scheme technology, but with a digital twist). This is the first time I have seen Intersil call their PWM digital outside of their Ziker Lab's parts, so it is safe to assume it's a fully digital PWM. The PWM is an Intersil ISL6388, and I haven't seen any other brand use this PWM yet, but I think it is Intersil's most advanced VRD 12.5 PWM. MSI provides 12 Super Ferrite Chokes and 10x 330uF tantalum capacitors for a total of 3300uF output capacitance.
#Msi z97 gaming 7 onboard sound drivers#
There are no backside MOSFETs, but the doublers/dual drivers are located on the back. Each phase is then made up of one high-side and one low-side MOSFET. Since the PWM is a 6 phase, each of those phases are doubled through 6x Intersil ISL6611A doublers/dual drivers.