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 Z170I Gaming Pro AC review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£140CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z170Form factor:Mini-ITX

MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 3 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC
6.1/10

Overall score

Score
6.1/ 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 85% of models
Score components

40%

4.3

Technical score

20%

8.4

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

4.3

User score

â–¼Worse than 85% of motherboards
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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 84% of models
Score components

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 84%
4.3

Technical score

Technical score
4.3/ 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 88% of models
Score components

19%

3.7

Memory

16%

6.8

Platform

16%

4.0

Storage

15%

4.6

Network

13%

2.1

Ports

8%

2.1

Expansion

8%

4.1

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

â–¼Worse than 88%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 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 57% of models

80%

8.5

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
3 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–²Better than 57%
4.3

User score

User score
4.3/ 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–¼ Worse than 93% of models

4.3

Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.0

Rating

30%

7.3

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 93%
?

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-z170i-gaming-pro-ac
  • msi-z170i-gaming-pro-ac
  • msi-z170i-gaming-pro-ac
  • msi-z170i-gaming-pro-ac
msi-z170i-gaming-pro-ac
msi-z170i-gaming-pro-ac
msi-z170i-gaming-pro-ac
msi-z170i-gaming-pro-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.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC

Technical score
Technical score
4.3/ 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 88% of models
Score components:

19%

3.7

Memory

16%

6.8

Platform

16%

4.0

Storage

15%

4.6

Network

13%

2.1

Ports

8%

2.1

Expansion

8%

4.1

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

4.3
Reviews score
8.4
User score
4.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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 84% of models
Score components:

70%

6.1

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

7.2
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
Mini-ITX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort.
Show more
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
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.1% of motherboards and equal to 21.8% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
32 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 87% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
4,200 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,200 MT/s, which is lower than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 74.3% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 6.1% of motherboards and equal to 46.8% of motherboards.
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
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% 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
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16, which is less generous than 81% of Motherboards and the same as 16.1% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
7
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 7 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 59.4% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
11
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 11 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 88.7% of motherboards and equal to 3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% 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.
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
Intel I219-V
This motherboard has a Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is faster than 58.2% of Motherboards and equal to 10% 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
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
115 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 47.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.6% 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
5
This motherboard has 5 VRM phases, which is fewer than 94% of motherboards and equal to 1.2% 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
2
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 2 fan headers, which is fewer than 92% of motherboards and equal to 8% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 77.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.8% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 15.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 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 57% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    3 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.4 vs 7.3
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 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 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
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 15.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 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 57% of models

    80%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    3 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.4 vs 7.3
  • 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.
  • 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
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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 ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 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
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 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 (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    32 GB vs 128 GB
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 4 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (11 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    11 vs 15
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • 41.9% lower user score
    User score
    4.3/ 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–¼ Worse than 93% of models

    4.3

    Mark 7.8 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.0

    Rating

    30%

    7.3

    Popularity

    4.3 vs 7.4
  • 7.3% worse value for money
    MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.17 vs 7.7).
    7.17 vs 7.7
  • 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.
  • Fewer BIOS update methods
    This motherboard offers fewer BIOS update methods than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app).
    UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    32 GB vs 128 GB
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/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.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 4 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (11 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    11 vs 15
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (7 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    7 vs 8
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    This motherboard 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 ports
    1 vs 2
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    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
  • Fewer VRM phases
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (5 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    5 vs 10
  • 3.5 fewer fan headers
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    2 vs 5.5
  • 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
  • No pump header
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77.9% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • 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
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    0 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

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

9.0
HARDTECHNET.TV
≈ estimated
27/09/2015
First look · overview of ports, layout and audio
Verdict
The MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC gets a full recommendation from the creator, mainly for its audio section and signal stability.
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
bit-tech.net
≈ estimated
21/10/2015
Hands-on review · Mini-ITX board
Verdict
The MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC is a clean, well-laid-out Mini-ITX board with Wi-Fi and good audio, but it has few overclocking buttons and limited M.2 options.
9.0
conseil-config.com
≈ estimated
07/12/2015
Lab test · Mini-ITX board
Verdict
The MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC is well built, with hi-fi audio and Wi-Fi parts and good overclocking, but it isn't for every budget and its gaming software adds little.
9.0
gameit.es
≈ estimated
08/04/2016
Unboxing · Mini-ITX overview
Verdict
The MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC packs gaming features, built-in Wi-Fi and up to 32GB of memory into a small Mini-ITX board, but it has few fan headers.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC

  • Excellent overclocking opportunities and user-friendly EFI/BIOS interface
  • High-quality onboard audio due to physical separation of the audio section
  • Strong wireless performance via the included Wi-Fi module
  • Great software ecosystem, including the MSI Gaming App and Command Center
  • Thoughtful PCB layout with SATA ports positioned near DIMM slots for better cable management
  • Competitive performance that matches or exceeds some full ATX boards

What customers don't like about MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC

  • Lack of USB 3.1 support, which was a common feature on competing Z170 boards at the time
  • M.2 slot is not full-length, preventing the use of some high-speed SSDs like the Samsung 950 PRO
  • Intel NIC performance issues observed with certain network switches
  • Overclocking ceiling can be lower (around 4.6GHz) compared to high-end rivals
  • Aggressive default power and current limits in early BIOS versions may cause throttling

Verdict

The MSI Z170I Gaming Pro AC is a high-end Mini-ITX motherboard built for 6th Generation Intel Core processors (LGA1151) and the Z170 chipset. Key specifications include support for up to 32GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory with OC speeds reaching 4200MHz, an M.2 slot located on the back of the PCB supporting 32Gb/s PCIe Gen3 x4 speeds, and integrated 802.11ac Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4.2. Its main pros are the isolated Audio Boost 3 technology with a dedicated headphone amplifier, specialized gaming LAN for low latency, and a thoughtful layout that places SATA ports near memory slots for easier cable management. However, notable cons include an M.2 slot limited to 60mm length, which excludes common 80mm NVMe drives, a lack of USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C connectivity, and slightly more modest overclocking headroom compared to larger full-sized ATX boards.

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