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ALTERNATIVES
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MSI Z370 Gaming M5 Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180CPU socket:LGA 1151Chipset:Intel Z370Form factor:ATX

MSI Z370 Gaming M5 Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

90%

5.9

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 65% of motherboards
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 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 67% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 67%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components

19%

5.8

Memory

16%

8.2

Platform & Features

16%

6.4

Storage

15%

3.2

Network

13%

5.5

Ports & USB

8%

3.9

Expansion

8%

6.1

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

â–¼Worse than 60%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £180
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI Z370 Gaming M5

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components:

19%

5.8

Memory

16%

8.2

Platform & Features

16%

6.4

Storage

15%

3.2

Network

13%

5.5

Ports & USB

8%

3.9

Expansion

8%

6.1

Power & Cooling

5%

9.2

Audio

5.9
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
MSI Z370 Gaming M5 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 79.1% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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 67% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.0
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
LGA 1151
This motherboard uses the LGA 1151 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 70.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.8% of motherboards.
300-series / v2 revision.
CPU platform
Intel
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel Z370
This motherboard uses the Intel Z370 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 62.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.8% of motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
This motherboard has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% 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 62.6% of motherboards and equal to 24.3% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
2,667 MT/s
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 2,667 MT/s, which is lower than that of 78% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% 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 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.4% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 67.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 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 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% 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 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% 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 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% 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 uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 62.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.4% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.7% 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 40.2% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
15
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 47.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% 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 35.5% of motherboards and equal to 48.7% 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 30.4% of motherboards and equal to 21.3% 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 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
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 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.2% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer E2500
This motherboard uses the Killer E2500 LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 94% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% 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 the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 65.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.9% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% 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 56% of motherboards and equal to that of 40.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% 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 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% 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 45.5% of motherboards and equal to 54.5% 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. 21.9% 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 45.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI Z370 Gaming M5 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 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
  • Better audio codec
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    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
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS button.
  • 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
  • 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
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% 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. 26.7% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS button.
  • 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
  • Better audio codec
    This motherboard has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    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
  • 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
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z370 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z370 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    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% 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
  • 6.26x less popular
    MSI Z370 Gaming M5 is less popular than the average motherboard (1 vs 6.3).
    1 vs 6.26
  • 5.8% worse value for money
    MSI Z370 Gaming M5 has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7 vs 7.4).
    7 vs 7.41
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z370 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z370 vs Intel B860
  • 4 older release date
    This motherboard is older than the average motherboard (2017 vs 2021). The average motherboard was released in 2021.
    October 2017
    2017 vs 2021
  • 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
  • 43.7% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,667 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,733 MT/s.
    2,667 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    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.
  • 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
  • Older HDMI version
    This motherboard has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    1.4 vs 2.1
  • 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% 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.
  • More basic LAN controller
    This motherboard has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2500 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Killer E2500 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
Level1Techs
≈ estimated
04/01/2018
Hands-on review · Linux compatibility, IOMMU and overclocking
Verdict
MSI Z370 Gaming M5 draws few complaints and is a solid Z370 board for i7 builds, though it lacks an Intel NIC.
9.0
optimum
≈ estimated
06/10/2017
Hands-on review · overclocking tests and board features
Verdict
MSI Z370 Gaming M5 is a sweet-spot Z370 board that lets most users make good use of its main features.
9.0
Jarrod'sTech
≈ estimated
31/01/2018
Hands-on review · overclocking and feature tour
Verdict
MSI Z370 Gaming M5 is well built and suits overclocking, at a mid to high price.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

hardwareinside.de
15/03/2018
Hands-on test · Overclocking
Verdict
The MSI Z370 Gaming M5 is an enthusiast board that reaches a stable 5GHz at 1.336 V, but its CPU power is four-phase despite being advertised as 8-phase.
hd-tecnologia.com
22/02/2018
Feature overview · Enthusiast board
Verdict
The MSI Z370 Gaming M5 is a well-equipped enthusiast board with dual M.2, Killer LAN and 10 power phases, but it stops at 2-way multi-GPU.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI Z370 Gaming M5

  • Excellent overclocking capabilities, reaching 5.1GHz - 5.3GHz on Coffee Lake CPUs
  • User-friendly Click BIOS 5 with easy-to-navigate UEFI
  • Premium aesthetic with neutral gunmetal/black scheme and subtle RGB lighting
  • Robust build quality including reinforced Steel Armor on RAM and PCIe slots
  • Effective thermal management with M.2 Shield to prevent SSD throttling
  • Convenient diagnostic features like onboard Clear CMOS and POST code LED
  • Solid I/O selection including USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C ports

What customers don't like about MSI Z370 Gaming M5

  • Killer E2500 LAN reported by some users as having stability or latency issues
  • Higher price point compared to other Z370 boards with similar core performance
  • Lacks integrated Wi-Fi, requiring a separate PCIe or USB adapter
  • Removal of U.2 port compared to previous generation 'M5' models
  • Minimalist onboard lighting might disappoint fans of heavy RGB effects
  • M.2 slots share bandwidth with SATA ports, leading to disabled SATA headers when in use

Verdict

The MSI Z370 Gaming M5 is an ATX enthusiast-level motherboard built on the Intel Z370 chipset, designed to support 8th and 9th Generation Intel Core processors via the LGA 1151 socket. Key technical specifications include four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 64GB of dual-channel memory with overclocking speeds reaching 4000+ MHz, three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (configured for x16/x0/x4 or x8/x8/x4 modes) with 2-way NVIDIA SLI and 3-way AMD CrossFire support, and dual Turbo M.2 slots with M.2 Shield V2 thermal protection. Its primary advantages are its robust overclocking potential, high-fidelity Audio Boost 4 with Nahimic 2+ technology, ultra-low latency Killer E2500 Gigabit LAN, and customizable Mystic Light RGB with 16.8 million colors. Notable drawbacks include the lack of integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which requires separate expansion cards, and the fact that using M.2 slots will disable certain SATA ports due to shared bandwidth.

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