MSI introduces Hi-c cap mainboards

100 per cent tantalum caps are the way of the future!

Motherboard maker MSI is calling an end to the solid capacitor era with the announcement that it will use 100 per cent highly-conductive polymerised capacitors (Hi-c caps) in its mainboards.

Today the firm said that the Hi-c caps will enable the best stability, reliability, overclocking and lifespan possible for mainboards, and added that it is the first firm to move to use only Hi-c caps. MSI said that the Hi-c caps have a long component lifespan and extremely high conductivity thanks to use of a rare metal called tantalum.

Tantulum's temperature handling capabilities mean that it can be overclocked without affecting its core temperature, the firm explained, adding that this makes it stand out against solid capacitors.

"The first thing you notice when you see a MSI Big Bang mainboard is that it has no solid capacitors at all. After a closer look (and checking the backside of the PCB to be sure) you will notice that MSI is using a different type of capacitor called Hi-c caps", the firm said. "Hi-c caps are the next generation solid capacitors and are specially selected for those who want to bring their mainboard to the next level of overclocking and gaming performance."

According to MSI the HI-c caps can last as long as 16 years when running at a constant high temperature of 85C in a high loading environment. Overall it reckons that its mainboards will have a lifetime up to eight times longer than the competition.