OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

MSI Z170A G43 Plus Review | 107 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$100
  • CPU socket: LGA 1151
  • Chipset: Intel Z170
  • Form factor: ATX

MSI Z170A G43 Plus review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

4.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.8

Technical Score

10.0%

6.5

User score

Poor
4.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.0

Memory

16.0%

5.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.5

Storage

15.0%

5.0

Network

13.0%

2.7

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.3

Expansion

8.0%

4.4

Power & Cooling

5.0%

6.1

Audio

Poor
6.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(30)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(29)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Good
  • 3.6
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.5

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    3.3

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    3.8

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • msi-z170a-g43-plus
  • msi-z170a-g43-plus
  • msi-z170a-g43-plus
  • msi-z170a-g43-plus
  • msi-z170a-g43-plus
  • msi-z170a-g43-plus
msi-z170a-g43-plus
msi-z170a-g43-plus
msi-z170a-g43-plus
msi-z170a-g43-plus
msi-z170a-g43-plus
msi-z170a-g43-plus

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The MSI Z170A G43 Plus is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z170 chipset, supporting 6th Generation Intel Core processors via the LGA 1151 socket. It features four DDR4 memory slots supporting up to 64GB with overclocked speeds reaching 3600MHz, and high-speed storage via a 32Gb/s Turbo M.2 slot and six SATA III ports with RAID 0/1/5/10 support. Key pros include its robust 'Military Class 4' component durability, USB 3.1 Gen2 connectivity for 10Gb/s transfer speeds, and AMD Crossfire support for multi-GPU setups. However, it lacks NVIDIA SLI support, and some users have reported potential memory compatibility issues or black screens when enabling certain high-speed XMP profiles.

Technical Specifications of MSI Z170A G43 Plus

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.0

Memory

16.0%

5.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.5

Storage

15.0%

5.0

Network

13.0%

2.7

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.3

Expansion

8.0%

4.4

Power & Cooling

5.0%

6.1

Audio

4.8
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has a technical score of 4.77 points, which is lower than that of 84% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.0

User reviews

30.0%

3.1

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(30)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(29)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

6.5
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has a user score of 6.54 points, which is lower than that of 87.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
3.1
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has a popularity of 3.1 points, which is lower than 58.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.4
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 81.8% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

MSI
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1151
MSI Z170A G43 Plus uses the LGA 1151 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 70.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z170
MSI Z170A G43 Plus uses the Intel Z170 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 75.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.5% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

ATX
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
MSI Z170A G43 Plus uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 51% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
MSI Z170A G43 Plus supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 62.6% of motherboards and equal to 24.3% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
MSI Z170A G43 Plus supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

3,600 MT/s
MSI Z170A G43 Plus supports memory speeds up to 3600 MT/s, which is lower than that of 59.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.6% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

1
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.2% of motherboards and equal to 19.1% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
MSI Z170A G43 Plus offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 73.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.4% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

6
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
MSI Z170A G43 Plus supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

no
MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.4% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

x16/x4
MSI Z170A G43 Plus uses x16/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 50.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.6% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not support PCIe bifurcation. 61% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

6
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 32.9% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

10
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 10 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 92.1% of motherboards and equal to 5.6% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

0
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

0
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.4% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

1 Gbps
MSI Z170A G43 Plus supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.1% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek RTL8111H
MSI Z170A G43 Plus uses the Realtek RTL8111H LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 74.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

N/A
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC892
MSI Z170A G43 Plus uses the Realtek ALC892 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 80.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.5% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
MSI Z170A G43 Plus offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

97 dB
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has an audio SNR of 97 dB, which is lower than that of 67.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.8% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

no
MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not support a headphone amp. 63% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

4+2
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 4+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 88.6% of motherboards and equal to 5.8% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

1
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 1 CPU power connectors, which is equal to 54.5% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

5
MSI Z170A G43 Plus has 5 fan headers, which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 14.5% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not have a pump header. 77% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

?
Show more

MSI Z170A G43 Plus vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more PCI slots
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    What it is: The number of legacy PCI slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need compatibility with older expansion cards.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.2 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus 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
    What it is: The number of internal USB 3.2 Gen1 headers for front-panel Type-A ports.
    When it matters: When your case has front USB-A ports to connect.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus 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.2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster USB-A ports for storage or accessories.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.2 vs 1
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe x1 slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want space for smaller add-in cards.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.3 vs 1
  • Supports ECC memory
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can work with ECC memory on supported CPU and platform combinations.
    When it matters: When stability and error correction matter in your system.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    What it is: The number of internal USB4 or Thunderbolt headers on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to add high-speed front USB-C or Thunderbolt connections.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.1 vs 0
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
    DVI-D output
    What it is: The number of DVI video outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to use older compatible monitors.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.6 vs 4
  • Supports ECC memory
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 2 more PCI slots
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x4 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus 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.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.

Total
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z170 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Not suitable for gaming
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus is not suitable for gaming, while the average motherboard is. 86.3% of motherboards are suitable for gaming.
    business/productivity-focused
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
  • Narrower Windows support
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • 6 years older release date
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus is older than the average motherboard (2,015 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • 21.7% lower maximum RAM speed
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,600 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 27% lower overclocked RAM speed
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,600 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • No NVMe RAID support
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 5 fewer total USB connections
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    supports 2 USB 2.0 ports
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus 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.
  • More basic LAN controller
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,111H vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • More basic audio codec
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 18 dB lower audio SNR
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (97 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • No headphone amp support
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 63% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (4+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No pump header
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 60 mm wider
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus is wider than the average motherboard (304 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z170 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z170 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z170 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus 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.
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus 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 LAN controller
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,111H vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
    What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,111H vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.Realtek RTL8111H vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
    What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
    When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.6 vs 8
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
    When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 5 fewer total USB connections
    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
    When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=14

    MSI Z170A G43 Plus has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.10 vs 15
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of MSI Z170A G43 Plus and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
30 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
29 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI Z170A G43 Plus?

  • Sleek and clean all-black design that fits well in most builds
  • Excellent value for the price compared to other Z170 motherboards
  • Solid overclocking performance, even when using air cooling
  • Includes legacy PCI slots for users with older hardware
  • Comprehensive connectivity including USB 3.1, M.2 support, and 7.1 audio with optical out
  • Robust VRM and military-grade components for long-term stability
  • User-friendly BIOS with dedicated modes for beginners and advanced users

What customers dislike about MSI Z170A G43 Plus?

  • BIOS interface can be cluttered and difficult for some users to navigate initially
  • Potential memory compatibility issues when using four RAM sticks simultaneously
  • Mouse navigation in the BIOS can feel clunky due to sensitive clicking/scrolling behavior
  • Missing some premium accessories like a Wi-Fi card bracket or extra SATA cables
  • Lack of onboard power or reset buttons for easier testing
  • Some internal connections, like CPU fan headers, can be awkwardly placed near large heatsinks

Video reviews

Compare MSI Z170A G43 Plus with

VS
VS

Compare