OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£210CPU socket:AM4Chipset:AMD X470Form factor:ATX

MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 14 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 67% of models
Score components

40%

6.1

Technical score

20%

8.8

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

8.5

Sentiment score

10%

8.6

User score

â–²Better than 67% of motherboards
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–²Better than 66%
6.1

Technical score

Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Score components

19%

6.8

Memory

16%

7.7

Platform

16%

4.9

Storage

15%

4.3

Network

13%

5.4

Ports

8%

4.3

Expansion

8%

8.1

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

â–²Better than 51%
8.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

9.4

Popularity

Grades by review (14)
9 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
★Better than 95%
8.6

User score

User score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models

70%

8.6

Rating

30%

8.5

Popularity

â–²Better than 61%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • msi-x470-gaming-m7-ac
  • msi-x470-gaming-m7-ac
msi-x470-gaming-m7-ac
msi-x470-gaming-m7-ac
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC

Based on 9 · 5

Reviewers praise the strong power delivery and solid compatibility, but criticise the lighting and high cost, and split over layout and storage.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC

Technical score
Technical score
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Score components:

19%

6.8

Memory

16%

7.7

Platform

16%

4.9

Storage

15%

4.3

Network

13%

5.4

Ports

8%

4.3

Expansion

8%

8.1

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

6.1
Reviews score
8.8
User score
8.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 66% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

8.0
CPU socket
AM4
This motherboard uses AM4, which is more up-to-date than 38.2% of Motherboards and the same as 13.3% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
AMD
Chipset
AMD X470
This motherboard uses AMD X470, which is less capable than 54.7% of Motherboards and as capable as 0.6% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
no
This motherboard does not support integrated graphics. 89.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.1% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
3,600 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 3,600 MT/s, which is lower than that of 59.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.5% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of M.2 sockets
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 34.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 2.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 2.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 61.4% of Motherboards and the same as 0.4% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/10, which is less flexible than 67.6% of Motherboards and the same as 23.6% of Motherboards.
SATA only
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, x8/x0/x4, x4/x0/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, x8/x0/x4, x4/x0/x4, which is more generous than 76.4% of Motherboards and the same as 0.1% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
17
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 71.3% of motherboards and equal to 10.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer E2500
This motherboard has a Killer E2500 LAN controller, which is slower than 94% of Motherboards and equal to 1% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than 49.8% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1220, which is higher-end than 65.5% of Motherboards and the same as 12.9% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
12+2
This motherboard has 12+2 VRM phases, which is more than 64% of motherboards and equal to 2.5% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.6% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (AM4 vs LGA 1151).
    AM4 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 20.5% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 95% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (14)
    9 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.8 vs 7.3
  • 16.2% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 61% of models

    70%

    8.6

    Rating

    30%

    8.5

    Popularity

    8.6 vs 7.4
  • 13.3% higher sentiment score
    8.5 vs 7.5
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (AM4 vs LGA 1151).
    AM4 vs LGA 1,151
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS button.
  • Broader Windows support
    This motherboard supports a wider range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    17 vs 15
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    10Gbps Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    12+2 vs 10
  • 1 more RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD X470 vs Intel B860).
    AMD X470 vs Intel B860
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4, 1x PCIe 2x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 2.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Fewer RAID options
    This motherboard offers fewer RAID levels than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10).
    SATA only
    0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    no onboard video outputs
    0 vs 1
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4.2 vs 5.4).
    4.2 vs 5.4
  • 40% more expensive
    MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC is more expensive than the average motherboard (£210 vs £150).
    £210 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD X470 vs Intel B860).
    AMD X470 vs Intel B860
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • 23.4% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,600 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    3,600 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 28% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,600 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    3,600 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4, 1x PCIe 2x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 2.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Fewer RAID options
    This motherboard offers fewer RAID levels than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10).
    SATA only
    0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    no onboard video outputs
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4.2 vs 5.4).
    4.2 vs 5.4
  • Less capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a slower LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2500 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Killer E2500 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    1 vs 2

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Level1Techs
≈ estimated
17/05/2018
Hands-on review · memory, IOMMU and Linux tests
Verdict
The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC is solid so far, with good memory performance and IOMMU results, though a few quirks remain.
9.0
optimum
≈ estimated
19/04/2018
Hands-on review · overclocking, VRM temps and features
Verdict
The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC looks plain, but it is a top-tier board for overclocking and heavy VRM loads.
9.0
OC3D TV
≈ estimated
19/04/2018
Hands-on review · overclocking, thermals and benchmark results
Verdict
The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC is unattractive, but it is very strong for overclocking and a good pick if looks do not matter.
8.0
PC Bauer
≈ estimated
03/06/2018
First look · setup and BIOS overclocking test
Verdict
MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC has a solid build and up-to-date features, though BIOS overclocking to the target clock stayed unstable.
Brand video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
23/10/2018
Comparison test · X370 vs X470
Verdict
The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC is a high-end AM4 board with easy overclocking and a cleaner design, though its performance gain over the X370 is small.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
29/08/2018
Lab test · Gaming motherboard
Verdict
The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC is a well-equipped overclocking board for Ryzen 2000 CPUs, but its shared M.2 heatsink and lack of onboard video hold it back.
7.0
hexus.net
≈ estimated
01/05/2018
Lab test · Wi-Fi motherboard
Verdict
The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC is a well-built Ryzen board with easy Game Boost overclocking, though its bottom M.2 slot is slow and its Wi-Fi is dated.
8.0
rockpapershotgun.com
≈ estimated
18/05/2018
Hands-on test · Ryzen+ motherboard
Verdict
The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC is a fast Ryzen+ board with easy overclocking and sensible slots, though its I/O cover is fiddly and its lighting is faint.
9.0
vortez.net
≈ estimated
19/04/2018
Lab test · Enthusiast motherboard
Verdict
The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC is a well-powered enthusiast board with clear fault LEDs, though its Game Boost knob was not tested with the 2700X.
9.0
bit-tech.net
≈ estimated
27/04/2018
Lab test · Power and overclocking
Verdict
The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC is a power-efficient board with better M.2 cooling and more power phases, but it costs more than the Gigabyte rival.
9.5
pcmasters.de
✓ explicit
Not Dated
Lab test · AM4 motherboard
Verdict
The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC is a solid Ryzen board for gaming and workstations, but it has no CPU voltage offset and its Game Boost knob crashed.
9.5
tweakpc.de
≈ estimated
Not Dated
Lab review · Ryzen 2000 board
Verdict
The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC is a well-cooled Ryzen board for multi-GPU gaming and overclocking, but it ranks among the market's priciest and has sparse lighting.
9.5
elchapuzasinformatico.com
≈ estimated
19/04/2018
Hands-on test · AM4 motherboard
Verdict
The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC suits Ryzen 2000 builders who want easy overclocking and strong networking, though it froze at 4.30GHz with 1.45V.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC

  • Excellent overclocking capabilities with strong VRM performance and heat management
  • Feature-rich with dual M.2 slots, built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and a high-end audio solution
  • Convenient onboard tools including BIOS Flashback and Clear CMOS buttons
  • Optimized power consumption, drawing significantly less power under load than some competitors
  • Strong accessory package and reinforced PCIe and DDR4 slots for durability
  • Effective M.2 Shield Frozr heatsink that cools both M.2 slots

What customers don't like about MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC

  • Premium pricing that may exceed tighter budgets
  • Management software and BIOS interface can feel underwhelming or outdated compared to competitors
  • Subtle or 'plain' aesthetic with minimal onboard lighting that may not appeal to all users
  • Mixed performance results in specific benchmarks like Geekbench and Realbench
  • Physical layout quirks, such as some non-dimmable red LEDs and an 'OC knob' considered by some to be useless
  • Older Intel Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module results in lower theoretical speeds than some rival boards

Verdict

The MSI X470 Gaming M7 AC is a premium ATX motherboard designed for AM4-socket AMD Ryzen processors, featuring a robust 14-phase VRM and dual 8-pin power connectors optimized for extreme overclocking. Key specifications include support for up to 64GB of DDR4 memory at 3600MHz (OC), twin Turbo M.2 slots with M.2 Shield Frozr cooling, and high-end networking via Killer E2500 Gigabit LAN and integrated Intel Wi-Fi AC. Its main pros are excellent overclocking stability, a sleek black aesthetic with customizable Mystic Light RGB, and a comprehensive rear I/O including USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A/C and BIOS Flashback+ buttons. However, some cons include its high initial price point, the limitation of the second M.2 slot to PCIe 2.0 speeds, and a lack of onboard video outputs for Ryzen APU users.

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