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 Z170A Gaming M5 review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£170CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z170Form factor:ATX

MSI Z170A Gaming M5 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 Z170A Gaming M5
6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 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–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Score components

40%

5.3

Technical score

20%

8.5

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

5.3

Sentiment score

10%

8.7

User score

â–¼Worse than 59% of motherboards
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 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–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 61%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 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–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components

19%

5.9

Memory

16%

7.0

Platform

16%

5.4

Storage

15%

2.9

Network

13%

4.6

Ports

8%

3.2

Expansion

8%

5.8

Power & Cooling

5%

9.0

Audio

â–¼Worse than 67%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 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
â–² Better than 68% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

9.4

Popularity

Grades by review (14)
10 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 4 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.
â–²Better than 68%
8.7

User score

User score
8.7/ 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 67% of models

70%

8.5

Rating

30%

9.2

Popularity

â–²Better than 67%
?

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-z170a-gaming-m5
  • msi-z170a-gaming-m5
  • msi-z170a-gaming-m5
  • msi-z170a-gaming-m5
  • msi-z170a-gaming-m5
msi-z170a-gaming-m5
msi-z170a-gaming-m5
msi-z170a-gaming-m5
msi-z170a-gaming-m5
msi-z170a-gaming-m5
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 Z170A Gaming M5

Based on 10 · 6

Layout, BIOS and networking get praise, but video outputs and CPU support disappoint, and overclocking splits opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the MSI Z170A Gaming M5

Based on 47 owners sharing their experience in online comments

30%positive0%mixed70%negative

Owners value reliable CPU performance and high overclocks, while BIOS confusion, startup failures, and tuning problems dominate.

What owners dislike

  • Overclocking and XMP fail for some owners: the CPU stays at stock speed, the board refuses core voltage above certain values, and XMP at 3000 MHz causes blue screens.8
  • The BIOS layout is hard to follow, and some owners say enabling Game Boost or changing settings caused a no-boot until they reset it.5
  • Some owners get no display or no power on startup, and one reports a blue LED near CMOS staying lit with no boot after a failed overclock.4
  • Some owners find the i7-6700K stuck at around 800 MHz, even in games, while overclocking attempts show stock speed in CPU-Z.3
  • Some owners have drives disappear or show as disabled, and the AMD RAID XPert2 tool can corrupt Windows or leave SSDs off the boot priority list.3
  • Fans stop and restart repeatedly, some front fans do not spin, and turning on Game Boost makes the fans run loudly.3
  • The Nahimic audio software is buggy, with some owners removing it, and one reports a constant background hiss through the microphone input.3
  • Some owners cannot get gigabit speeds from the onboard LAN, and one reports a Killer E2400 LAN port showing as disconnected with native drivers failing on Windows 7.3
  • Some owners say MSI support and BIOS design feel weak next to ASUS, and a few say they would buy ASUS next time.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI Z170A Gaming M5

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 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–¼ Worse than 67% of models
Score components:

19%

5.9

Memory

16%

7.0

Platform

16%

5.4

Storage

15%

2.9

Network

13%

4.6

Ports

8%

3.2

Expansion

8%

5.8

Power & Cooling

5%

9.0

Audio

5.3
Reviews score
8.5
User score
8.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 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–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.6
CPU socket
LGA 1151
This motherboard uses LGA 1151, which is less up-to-date than 70.7% of Motherboards and the same as 13.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z170
This motherboard uses Intel Z170, which is less capable than 75.7% of Motherboards and as capable as 2.4% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DVI.
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
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% 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
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
2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 67.6% of Motherboards and the same as 3.8% 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.
some ports shared with SATA Express
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
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
3
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.7% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4, which is more generous than 62.6% of Motherboards and the same as 12.4% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
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)
14
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 52.3% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% 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)
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 21.1% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
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
What reviewers say
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 E2400
This motherboard has a Killer E2400 LAN controller, which is slower than 95.1% of Motherboards and equal to 0.7% 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
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1150
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1150, which is higher-end than 53% of Motherboards and the same as 9.1% 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
What reviewers say
VRM phases
10+2
This motherboard has 10+2 VRM phases, which is more than 53.4% of motherboards and equal to 0.9% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
5
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 5 fan headers, which is fewer than 50% of motherboards and equal to 14.6% 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

MSI Z170A Gaming M5 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 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.
    2-digit debug display.
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    4 vs 1
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 16.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 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
    â–² Better than 68% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    9.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (14)
    10 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 4 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.
    8.5 vs 7.3
  • 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 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.
    some ports shared with SATA Express
    6 vs 4
  • Broader Windows support
    This motherboard supports a wider range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 16.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 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
    â–² Better than 68% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    9.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (14)
    10 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 4 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.
    8.5 vs 7.3
  • 17.6% higher user score
    User score
    8.7/ 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 67% of models

    70%

    8.5

    Rating

    30%

    9.2

    Popularity

    8.7 vs 7.4
  • 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.
    2-digit debug display.
  • Broader Windows support
    This motherboard supports a wider range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, 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.
    some ports shared with SATA Express
    6 vs 4
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 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
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1150 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
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (10+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    10+2 vs 10
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z170 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z170 vs Intel B860
  • 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
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard 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
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 29.3% lower sentiment score
    5.3 vs 7.5
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z170 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z170 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard 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
  • 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 (2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    14 vs 15
  • 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
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • Less capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a slower LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2400 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Killer E2400 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 0.5 fewer fan headers
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    5 vs 5.5

Video reviews

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

9.0
RedGamingTech
≈ estimated
04/10/2015
Hands-on review · benchmarks and memory tests
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is stable and good value for money, recommended for upgrades, though Intel's X99 platform is a strong rival.
8.0
youtube.com
✓ explicit
30/09/2015
Hands-on review · overclocking, audio and NIC tests
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is worth the money for overclocking, with a strong VRM, though the mic input lets it down.
9.0
lionheartx10
≈ estimated
11/09/2015
Hands-on review · overclocking and benchmark tests
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is a very good board for Skylake builds, with easy overclocking and a reasonable price.
9.5
Nicolas11x12 English
≈ estimated
11/09/2015
Hands-on review · overclocking, features and build tests
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is strongly recommended, with good price-performance and solid overclocking, though a step below the M7.
7.0
Nicolas11x12 English
≈ estimated
13/09/2015
Overclocking test · measured clocks and voltages
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is a good match for overclocking, with easy-to-reach speeds, though the M7 handles it better.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
bit-tech.net
≈ estimated
11/09/2015
Lab test · Skylake gaming board
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is a sharp-looking Skylake board with two M.2 slots that support RAID, but it has no power or reset buttons.
7.0
tomshardware.com
≈ estimated
25/11/2015
Lab test · Mid-range gaming board
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 suits buyers who want its bundled software, but its overclocking is second-tier, so serious overclockers should look elsewhere.
9.0
lanoc.org
≈ estimated
07/08/2015
Hands-on test · Software tour
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is a good-looking mid-range board with two M.2 slots and a Type-C port, but it lacks a power button.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
05/08/2015
Lab test · Overclocking board
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 suits buyers planning to install M.2 SSDs, with roomy M.2 slots and good overclocking, though it is not the best we have seen.
9.0
bagogames.com
✓ explicit
07/01/2026
Hands-on review · Skylake gaming board
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is a good-looking Skylake board with twin M.2 slots and reinforced PCIe slots, best for builders who plan to overclock with water cooling.
9.0
pcgamesn.com
≈ estimated
06/07/2016
Real-world test · Skylake overclocking
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is a dependable board for Skylake overclockers, with a clear BIOS and quiet running, though its one-click Game Boost preset proved unstable.
9.0
geektech.ie
≈ estimated
25/09/2015
Review · Mid-range Skylake board
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is a mid-range board with Killer LAN, USB 3.1 and dual M.2 slots, delivering a stable overclock without a high price tag.
7.0
hardwarepilot.de
≈ estimated
31/03/2016
Personal review · Overclocking focus
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is a solid, good-looking board with plenty of features, but without Load Line Calibration its overclocking potential is limited.
7.0
tomshw.it
≈ estimated
02/01/2016
Layout review · Gaming Z170 board
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 has a tidy layout and a Killer LAN port, but its 64 Gbps claim for two M.2 drives is misleading.
9.0
xgn.nl
✓ explicit
16/12/2016
Review · Gaming board for multiple GPUs
Verdict
The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is a gaming board with room for multiple graphics cards and a Killer LAN port, suited to gamers planning to expand.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Z170A Gaming M5

  • Excellent value for the price and features offered
  • Dual M.2 slots (32 Gb/s) for high-speed storage configurations
  • Includes USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, including a Type-C connector
  • User-friendly BIOS with both EZ and Advanced modes for overclocking
  • Strong audio performance with Audio Boost 3 and Nahimic enhancer
  • Durable design featuring metal-reinforced PCIe slots for heavy GPUs
  • Helpful LED POST code display that also shows CPU temperature after boot

What customers don't like about MSI Z170A Gaming M5

  • Lacks built-in Wi-Fi
  • Missing physical onboard power, reset, and clear CMOS buttons
  • Mic input software has noise suppression that can affect recording quality
  • Limited number of USB 3.0/3.1 ports on the rear I/O compared to higher-end boards
  • Software utilities are not unified into a single management suite

Verdict

The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is an ATX motherboard built for 6th Gen Intel Core processors on the LGA 1151 socket, featuring the Intel Z170 chipset and support for up to 64GB of DDR4 memory at speeds up to 3600MHz (OC). Its core characteristics include a 12-phase power delivery system with Military Class 5 components, twin Turbo M.2 slots (32Gb/s), and advanced connectivity via USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C ports. Main pros consist of robust overclocking stability, reinforced Steel Armor PCIe slots for heavy GPUs, and enhanced audio through Audio Boost 3 with Nahimic software. However, some cons include the lack of built-in Wi-Fi, the absence of onboard physical power/reset buttons for bench testing, and no DisplayPort output on the rear I/O.

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