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 Z270 Gaming M7 review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£150CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z270Form factor:ATX

MSI Z270 Gaming M7 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 Z270 Gaming M7
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 68% of models
Score components

40%

5.9

Technical score

20%

8.8

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

9.6

Sentiment score

10%

8.7

User score

â–²Better than 68% of motherboards
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

â–²Better than 73%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 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 54% of models
Score components

19%

6.0

Memory

16%

7.8

Platform

16%

6.6

Storage

15%

2.9

Network

13%

5.2

Ports

8%

3.2

Expansion

8%

7.4

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

â–¼Worse than 54%
8.8

Reviews score

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

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

9.4

Popularity

Grades by review (14)
6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
★Better than 95%
8.7

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%

8.8

Rating

30%

8.5

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-z270-gaming-m7
  • msi-z270-gaming-m7
  • msi-z270-gaming-m7
  • msi-z270-gaming-m7
  • msi-z270-gaming-m7
msi-z270-gaming-m7
msi-z270-gaming-m7
msi-z270-gaming-m7
msi-z270-gaming-m7
msi-z270-gaming-m7
Where to buy
    N/A~ £150
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 Z270 Gaming M7

Based on 6 · 10

Overclocking earns strong praise, while the RGB lighting disappoints many and storage gets a split reaction.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the MSI Z270 Gaming M7

Based on 53 owners sharing their experience in online comments

55%positive11%mixed34%negative

Owners praise strong, cool overclocking and smoother gaming, while startup failures, instability, and hardware defects cause frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Many owners say overclocks are unstable at 4.8 GHz or higher, sometimes crashing within minutes or requiring 1.27 to 1.37 V, and some chips cannot reach 5 GHz at all.11
  • Some owners report the board pulses red and fails to POST, or shows no display after boot, with no error code shown.6
  • Owners report board and accessory failures: boards arriving dead, a plastic M.2 shield or shroud breaking, and a board dying after a small drop.5
  • Some owners report CPU temperatures reaching 80 to 100°C under load at 5 GHz, with one saying a liquid cooler's pump stopped after overclocking.4

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

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI Z270 Gaming M7

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 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 54% of models
Score components:

19%

6.0

Memory

16%

7.8

Platform

16%

6.6

Storage

15%

2.9

Network

13%

5.2

Ports

8%

3.2

Expansion

8%

7.4

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

5.9
Reviews score
8.8
User score
8.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

8.1
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 Z270
This motherboard uses Intel Z270, which is less capable than 73.5% of Motherboards and as capable as 2.2% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
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
4,133 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,133 MT/s, which is lower than that of 55.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
3
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.1% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 56.7% of Motherboards and the same as 0.1% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
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
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
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)
16
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 16 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 61.3% of motherboards and equal to 10% of motherboards.
includes onboard internal USB port.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
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
Qualcomm Atheros + Killer
This motherboard has a Qualcomm Atheros + Killer LAN controller, which is slower than 93.4% of Motherboards and equal to 0.3% 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 ALC1220
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1220, which is higher-end than 65.5% of Motherboards and the same as 12.9% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on rear port.
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
11
This motherboard has 11 VRM phases, which is more than 51.4% of motherboards and equal to 0.6% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.6% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

MSI Z270 Gaming M7 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 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.
  • 1 more U.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 20.5% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 95% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    9.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (14)
    6 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.8 vs 7.3
  • 28.0% higher sentiment score
    9.6 vs 7.5
  • 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%

    8.8

    Rating

    30%

    8.5

    Popularity

    8.7 vs 7.4
  • Includes dual BIOS
    This motherboard has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 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.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS button.
  • Broader Windows support
    This motherboard supports a wider range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 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
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more U.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 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
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (16 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    includes onboard internal USB port.
    16 vs 15
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
    integrated Mystic Light support
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z270 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z270 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, 1x PCIe 3x4, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x 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 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.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard 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.
    2 vs 4
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z270 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z270 vs Intel B860
  • 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
  • 12.1% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (4,133 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    4,133 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 17.3% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (4,133 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    4,133 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3x4, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x 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.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard 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.
    2 vs 4
  • 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 (Qualcomm Atheros + Killer vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Qualcomm Atheros + Killer 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

Video reviews

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

9.0
UFD Tech
≈ estimated
23/02/2017
Hands-on review · overclock dial and feature check
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 is a feature-packed board, highly competitive in its price bracket, with few LED options.
9.0
Nicolas11x12 English
≈ estimated
15/02/2017
Overclocking test · stress tests and temperature checks
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 ran cooler at lower voltage than a rival, showing how much the motherboard matters for overclocking.
8.0
Hardware Unboxed
≈ estimated
07/02/2017
Hands-on review · temperature, overclock and audio tests
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 is a great motherboard with striking looks, held back by cooling compromises and basic lighting.
9.5
Nicolas11x12 English
≈ estimated
28/01/2017
Hands-on review · overclocking tests and features
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 is the best board in its price range, and it overclocks very well.
9.0
TechteamGB
✓ explicit
05/01/2017
Hands-on review · overclocking and BIOS tests
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 is an easy, functional board with a very good BIOS and overclocking dial, though it lacks voltage protection.
9.0
TheTanelChannel
✓ explicit
03/01/2017
Hands-on review · cooling, ports and build quality
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 is a very good Z270 board, one of the better ones, though its price is the main drawback.
9.5
SilencedTech
≈ estimated
03/01/2017
Hands-on review · overclocking and temperature tests
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 is great overall, with a platinum award for its features, design and M.2 storage options.
9.0
Bitwit
≈ estimated
31/01/2017
First look · a week of use and 5 GHz overclock
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 is mostly positive: its solid build and storage options should suit most enthusiasts, though it costs more than some rivals.
7.0
PC Bauer
≈ estimated
22/01/2017
First look · unboxing and dial overclock check
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 sounds promising so far, with full testing to follow later.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Not graded
Brand video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
kitguru.net
✓ explicit
27/02/2017
Full review · Gaming M7 vs M5
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 adds an M.2 port, second audio codec and 11-phase power over the M5, but the M5 arguably offers a better balance of features and price.
10
techpowerup.com
✓ explicit
27/06/2017
Overview · High-end gaming board
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 is a high-end board with automatic overclocking and wide memory compatibility, aimed at buyers with bigger budgets.
9.0
guru3d.com
≈ estimated
24/01/2017
Hands-on review · Kaby Lake board
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 is a good-looking Kaby Lake board with three M.2 slots at a competitive price, but it lacks Wi-Fi and Thunderbolt.
9.0
hardwarepilot.de
≈ estimated
14/03/2017
Hands-on test · Overclocking focus
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 is a good pick for overclockers thanks to its extra 12V CPU connector, though stock speed barely beats the older Z170 board.
8.0
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
03/01/2017
Full review · High-end Z270 board
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 suits storage-heavy builds with easy overclocking, though its Killer network chip and blocked M.2 slots are weak spots.
10
projectnerd.it
✓ explicit
09/02/2017
Feature review · Overclocking focus
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 is a high-end board with solid build quality, an overclock dial and good temperatures, though its M.2 heat shield traps heat.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Z270 Gaming M7

  • Excellent storage options with three M.2 slots supporting RAID
  • Robust overclocking features including a physical Game Boost knob and voltage read points
  • High-quality dual audio controllers (Audio Boost 4 Pro) for front and rear panels
  • Easy troubleshooting with diagnostic LEDs and a debug display
  • User-friendly UEFI Click BIOS 5 with intuitive navigation
  • Sleek black/gray aesthetic with reinforced steel armor on PCIe and DIMM slots

What customers don't like about MSI Z270 Gaming M7

  • Limited RGB customization with only seven preset colors and inaccurate color tones
  • Lack of integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Limited number of rear I/O USB ports once peripherals are connected
  • System fan headers cannot be set below 50% speed, limiting silent operation
  • Use of Killer E2500 LAN instead of more widely preferred Intel networking
  • Higher price point compared to entry-level Z270 motherboards

Verdict

The MSI Z270 Gaming M7 is a high-end ATX motherboard designed for 6th and 7th Generation Intel Core processors on the LGA 1151 socket, featuring the Intel Z270 chipset for robust overclocking. It stands out with triple Turbo M.2 slots (32 Gb/s) supporting NVMe RAID, a dedicated U.2 port, and four DIMM slots for up to 64GB of DDR4 memory clocked at 4133MHz+(OC). Its main pros include exceptional storage expandability, reinforced Steel Armor on PCIe and memory slots, and enthusiast-grade features like the Game Boost overclocking dial and Audio Boost 4 PRO with dual ALC1220 processors. However, it has been noted for a limited number of rear USB ports, high-voltage presets on automatic overclocking modes, and system fan headers that cannot be adjusted below a 50% speed threshold.

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