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 Pro Carbon review: 109 specs compared

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

MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 13 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 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 55% of models
Score components

40%

5.4

Technical score

20%

8.7

Reviews score

20%

?

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

10%

5.4

Sentiment score

10%

9.0

User score

â–¼Worse than 55% of motherboards
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 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 54% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 54%
5.4

Technical score

Technical score
5.4/ 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 64% of models
Score components

19%

5.8

Memory

16%

6.7

Platform

16%

5.4

Storage

15%

3.2

Network

13%

5.1

Ports

8%

3.2

Expansion

8%

6.1

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

â–¼Worse than 64%
8.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.7/ 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 88% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

9.4

Popularity

Grades by review (13)
8 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–²Better than 88%
9.0

User score

User score
9.0/ 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 79% of models

70%

8.8

Rating

30%

9.5

Popularity

â–²Better than 79%
?

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-pro-carbon
msi-z270-gaming-pro-carbon
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 Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon

Based on 8 · 5

RGB lighting, rear ports and slot armour are well liked; storage connectors draw complaints, while overclocking and cooling split opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon

Technical score
Technical score
5.4/ 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 64% of models
Score components:

19%

5.8

Memory

16%

6.7

Platform

16%

5.4

Storage

15%

3.2

Network

13%

5.1

Ports

8%

3.2

Expansion

8%

6.1

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

5.4
Reviews score
8.7
User score
9.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 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 54% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

7.7
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.
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
2,400 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 2,400 MT/s, which is lower than that of 84% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.2% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of M.2 sockets
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 34.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
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.
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.
ASMedia controller not included in main RAID set
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
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.
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.
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
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
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
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.
supports up to 600Ω.
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
8+2
This motherboard has 8+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 57.4% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% 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
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 Pro Carbon 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 19.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 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 88% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (13)
    8 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.7 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.
    6 vs 4
  • 19.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 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 88% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (13)
    8 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 6 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.7 vs 7.3
  • 21.6% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 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 79% of models

    70%

    8.8

    Rating

    30%

    9.5

    Popularity

    9.0 vs 7.4
  • 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 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.
    16 vs 15
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 (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.
  • 28.0% lower sentiment score
    5.4 vs 7.5
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z270 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z270 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.
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 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
  • 48.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    2,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 24% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,800 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    3,800 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
  • 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.
  • 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
RedGamingTech
≈ estimated
02/07/2017
Hands-on review · overclocking and benchmark tests
Verdict
MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a stable, well priced board with excellent overclocking tools, though a few port and layout limits remain.
9.0
Vortez
≈ estimated
03/01/2017
Full review · unboxing, features and overclock test
Verdict
MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a stylish, well-equipped board and a sensible upgrade choice, though overclocking is limited by temperatures.
7.0
OC3D TV
≈ estimated
03/01/2017
Hands-on review · extended testing and performance discussion
Verdict
MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is worth a shortlist spot, but not a top pick until its BIOS issues are fixed.
10
TechteamGB
✓ explicit
06/02/2017
Hands-on review · BIOS, overclocking and features
Verdict
MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a strong budget board with easy overclocking, a solid BIOS and a bundled RGB strip.
9.0
BonTech Labs
≈ estimated
27/01/2017
First look · board walkthrough and feature overview
Verdict
MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a solid mid-range board with strong features and good value, held back by a few layout details.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Brand video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
hexus.net
≈ estimated
03/01/2017
Hands-on test · Z270 mainboard
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a solid mid-range Z270 board with fast USB 3.1 ports and easy slot spacing, though most gains over Z170 are modest.
9.0
guru3d.com
≈ estimated
03/01/2017
Hands-on test · Z270 mainboard
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a budget-friendly Kaby Lake board with steel-armour slots and a subtle look, but it has no Wi-Fi.
8.0
bit-tech.net
≈ estimated
03/01/2017
Hands-on test · Z270 mainboard
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a well-connected Z270 board with two M.2 ports and an M.2 Shield cooler, though it costs noticeably more than its Z170 predecessor.
8.0
tweakpc.de
≈ estimated
12/01/2017
Hands-on test · Z270 mainboard
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a dark, RGB-lit Z270 board with dual M.2 slots for fast RAID and reinforced slots, aimed at Kaby Lake builders.
9.5
elchapuzasinformatico.com
≈ estimated
09/01/2017
Hands-on test · Z270 mainboard
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a well-balanced Z270 board, strong at overclocking and connectivity, though its price is a little high.
9.2
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
03/01/2017
Hands-on test · Z270 mainboard
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a minimalist Kaby Lake board with reinforced slots and 11 power phases, which the review calls one of MSI's best.
8.8
techgaming.nl
✓ explicit
08/03/2017
Hands-on review · Overclocking and value
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a good-looking, feature-rich board with surprisingly strong overclocking at a keen price, but its Game Boost auto-overclock was unstable.
8.0
techtesters.eu
≈ estimated
03/01/2017
Hands-on review · Build and connectivity
Verdict
The MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is a solid mid-range board with a second M.2 slot, USB 3.1 Type-C and a sturdy finish, but it lacks DisplayPort.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon

  • Excellent RGB lighting system with high-quality physical implementation and extensive software control via Mystic Light.
  • Strong overclocking capacity with intuitive BIOS (Click BIOS 5) and solid LLC (Load Line Calibration) settings.
  • Effective M.2 Shield that helps dissipate heat and prevent thermal throttling for high-performance SSDs.
  • Durable build quality featuring 'Steel Armor' reinforcements on PCIe and DDR4 slots for added rigidity and EMI shielding.
  • Comprehensive software bundle, including Audio Boost 4 and Nahimic audio enhancements.
  • Great value for money, offering high-end features at a mid-range price point.

What customers don't like about MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon

  • Limited fan control in BIOS/software, with some users reporting a minimum fan speed threshold of 50% on certain headers.
  • Small bundled accessory kit, typically only including two SATA cables and a standard SLI bridge instead of a high-bandwidth one.
  • Lacks advanced connectivity features found on more expensive boards, such as built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or U.2 ports.
  • Potential high 'Auto' voltage settings for high-speed memory (above 3200MHz), which may require manual tweaking for safety.
  • Limited rear display outputs for users not utilizing a dedicated graphics card.

Verdict

The MSI Z270 Gaming Pro Carbon is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z270 chipset, supporting 6th and 7th Gen Intel Core processors (LGA 1151) and up to 64GB of DDR4 memory overclockable to 3800MHz+. Key technical features include twin Turbo M.2 slots (32Gb/s) with Intel Optane support—one featuring an 'M.2 Shield' thermal solution—alongside six SATA 6Gb/s ports and reinforced Steel Armor for both PCIe and DIMM slots. Connectivity is highlighted by USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C ports, Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN, and the Audio Boost 4 system utilizing the Realtek ALC1220 codec. Main pros include its extensive Mystic Light RGB customisation, solid overclocking headroom supported by a 10+1 phase PWM, and a user-friendly Click BIOS 5. Notable cons include the lack of built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, limited SATA connectivity when both M.2 slots are populated, and some user reports of restricted fan control settings in early BIOS versions.

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