Based on the Intel QM57 chipset, the MS-C72 supports the desktop 64-bit 32nm Intel Core i5/i3 processors with HD graphics and the 45nm i7/i5 without HD graphics, both in the LGA1156 socket. Up to 16GB of DDR3 1066/1333 system memory is available, and in the HD graphics versions, the graphics core on the processor die gives a two-chip system architecture that requires less power than alternative three-chip platforms. Intel turbo boost and hyper-threading technology optimise performance to match the system workload, increasing the efficiency of processor-intensive tasks.
The platform provides extensive I/O and mass storage capability. Six SATA II 300MB/s interfaces support RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 at up to 3GB/s; I/O includes 10 x USB2.0 ports, two Gigabit LAN ports, an RS232/422/485 and 5 x RS232 ports. Extended interface capability includes two PCI slots, one Mini-PCI and one Mini-PCIe socket, one PCIE x 16 and a PCIE x 4slots. A 24-bit dual channel LVDS interface is also provided, as are a programmable 8-bit GPIO interface and a 256-level watchdog timer.