OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Motherboards Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v1.0

MSI Z77A G45 Gaming Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130CPU socket:LGA 1155Chipset:Intel Z77Form factor:ATX

MSI Z77A G45 Gaming Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

4.4

Overall score

Score
4.4/ 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 94% of models
Score components

90%

4.1

Technical score

10%

7.2

User score

â–¼Worse than 94% of motherboards
4.1

Technical score

Technical score
4.1/ 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 94% of models
Score components

19%

3.9

Memory

16%

6.8

Platform & Features

16%

3.4

Storage

15%

3.2

Network

13%

2.0

Ports & USB

8%

3.9

Expansion

8%

4.6

Power & Cooling

5%

7.2

Audio

â–¼Worse than 94% of motherboards
7.2

User score

User score
7.2/ 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 87% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

6.2

Number of reviews

Based on 56 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 87% of motherboards
  • msi-z77a-g45-gaming
msi-z77a-g45-gaming

Best prices

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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 Z77A G45 Gaming

Technical score
Technical score
4.1/ 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 94% of models
Score components:

19%

3.9

Memory

16%

6.8

Platform & Features

16%

3.4

Storage

15%

3.2

Network

13%

2.0

Ports & USB

8%

3.9

Expansion

8%

4.6

Power & Cooling

5%

7.2

Audio

4.1
User score
User score
7.2/ 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 87% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

6.2

Number of reviews

Based on 56 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.2
Popularity
Popularity
6.2/ 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 51% of models
Popularity:
MSI Z77A G45 Gaming has a popularity score of 6.2 points, which is lower than that of 50.2% of products in this category.
6.2
Value for money
Value for money
6.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components:

60%

4.4

Overall score

40%

9.8

Price

6.1
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
LGA 1155
CPU socket
LGA 1155
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1155 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 88.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
â–² Better than 32% of models
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 Z77
Chipset
Intel Z77
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel Z77 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 83% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.5% of motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Form factor
ATX
â–² Better than 48% of models
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
DDR3
DDR memory version
DDR3
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
This motherboard uses DDR3 memory, which is older than that of 86.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.3% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
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
32 GB
Maximum memory capacity
32 GB
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
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
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
1,600 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
1,600 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 1,600 MT/s, which is lower than that of 93.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.3% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
0
N. of M.2 sockets
0
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.6% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
2
N. of SATA 3 connectors
2
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 2 SATA 3 connectors, which is fewer than 95.3% of motherboards and equal to 3.9% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
no
NVMe RAID support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
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
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
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
2
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
â–² Better than 63% of models
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
PCIe bifurcation support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.7% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.3% of motherboards and equal to 32.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
14
Total USB ports (including headers)
14
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 52.5% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.7% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
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.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
LAN speed
1 Gbps
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
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 E2205
LAN controller
Killer E2205
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
This motherboard uses the Killer E2205 LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 95.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.5% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
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
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
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 ALC892
Audio codec
Realtek ALC892
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC892 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 79.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 9% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
108 dB
Audio SNR
108 dB
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 108 dB, which is lower than that of 59.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
Headphone amp support
no
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 59.3% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
â–² Better than 87% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 86.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
6
VRM phases
6
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
This motherboard has 6 VRM phases, which is fewer than 84.5% of motherboards and equal to 2.7% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
N. of CPU power connectors
1
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
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
5
N. of fan headers
5
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 5 fan headers, which is fewer than 50% of motherboards and equal to 14.6% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
Pump header
no
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 78.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Pump header max current
0 A
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76% of motherboards and equal to that of 24% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI Z77A G45 Gaming vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    4
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    4 vs 1
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    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.
  • 1 more USB 2.0 headers
    N. of USB 2.0 headers (USB-A)
    3
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    N. of DVI outputs
    1
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
    DVI-D output
    1 vs 0
  • Includes VGA connector
    VGA connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This motherboard has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 24.7% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    4
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    4 vs 2
  • Includes coaxial S/PDIF out
    Coaxial S/PDIF out (RCA)
    yes
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    This motherboard has coaxial S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does not. 2.8% of motherboards include coaxial S/PDIF out.
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    6
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 5
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    yes
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    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.
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    4
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 2.0 headers
    N. of USB 2.0 headers (USB-A)
    3
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    N. of DVI outputs
    1
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
    DVI-D output
    1 vs 0
  • Includes VGA connector
    VGA connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This motherboard has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 24.7% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    4
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    6
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 5
  • Includes coaxial S/PDIF out
    Coaxial S/PDIF out (RCA)
    yes
    ★ Better than 97% of models
    This motherboard has coaxial S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does not. 2.8% of motherboards include coaxial S/PDIF out.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z77
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z77 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z77 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    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
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    32 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    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 M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    NVMe RAID support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • Older DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR3
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This motherboard has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    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
  • 22.3% worse value for money
    MSI Z77A G45 Gaming has worse value for money than the average motherboard (6.06 vs 7.4).
    6.06 vs 7.41
  • 11.1% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 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
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    MSI Z77A G45 Gaming
    the average motherboard
    MSI Z77A G45 Gaming has a lower user score than the average motherboard (7.20 vs 8.000).
    7.2 vs 8
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel Z77
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z77 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel Z77 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOS flashback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    Windows 11 ready
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 76.9% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • No debug LED indicators
    Debug LED indicators
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    This motherboard does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.7% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • Older CPU socket
    CPU socket
    LGA 1155
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    This motherboard has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1155 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,155 vs LGA 1,151
  • Fewer useful accessories
    Included accessories
    2x SATA cables, front-panel adapter
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (2x SATA cables, front-panel adapter vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable). The average motherboard comes with 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable.
    2x SATA cables, front-panel adapter vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • 8 older release date
    Release date
    2013
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This motherboard is older than the average motherboard (2013 vs 2021). The average motherboard was released in 2021.
    2013 vs 2021
  • Narrower Windows support
    Supported Windows versions
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This motherboard has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    32 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    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
  • Older DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR3
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This motherboard has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 66.2% lower maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    1,600 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (1600 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    1,600 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 39.2% lower overclocked RAM speed
    Maximum overclocked RAM speed
    3,000 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <2.7k MT/s – >8.2k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3000 MT/s vs 4933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4933 MT/s.
    maximum depends on CPU configuration
    3,000 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    NVMe RAID support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    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
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    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
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    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
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    14
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    14 vs 15
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    1.4
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    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
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    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
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    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
    Wi-Fi antenna included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    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
    LAN controller
    Killer E2205
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    This motherboard has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2205 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Killer E2205 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • No headphone amp support
    Headphone amp support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 59.2% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • More basic audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC892
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This motherboard has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 7 dB lower audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    108 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (108 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    108 dB vs 115 dB
  • Fewer VRM phases
    VRM phases
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (6 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    6 vs 10
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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
    Pump header
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 78.1% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    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
    Pump header max current
    0 A
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 A – >3 A
    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
  • 0.5 fewer fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    5
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    5 vs 5.5

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

Based on 56 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about MSI Z77A G45 Gaming

  • Great value for money, offering a solid feature set for a mainstream price
  • Aesthetically pleasing red and black gaming theme with high-quality 'Military Class III' components
  • Includes specialized gaming features like the Killer E2200 network chip for traffic prioritization
  • Offers decent overclocking performance with simple tools like OC Genie II
  • Includes Sound Blaster Cinema software to enhance onboard audio quality
  • Stable performance in both stock and overclocked conditions

What we don't like about MSI Z77A G45 Gaming

  • Lacks some physical features found on higher-end boards, such as on-PCB power or reset buttons
  • UEFI BIOS interface can feel cluttered and confusing to navigate
  • Limited to only two SATA 6Gbps ports, which may restrict users with multiple high-speed SSDs
  • Design choices like the CMOS battery and reset jumper placement can be hard to reach when using large GPUs
  • Onboard audio relies on a standard Realtek ALC892 chip despite the 'Gaming' branding
  • Fiddly front-panel pin connections with no easy-to-read color coding or Q-connectors included

Verdict

The MSI Z77A-G45 Gaming is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z77 Express chipset, supporting 2nd and 3rd Generation Intel Core processors via the LGA 1155 socket. Key specifications include four DDR3 DIMM slots supporting up to 32GB of RAM (overclocked up to 3000MHz), three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots with support for NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire, and a storage array consisting of two SATA 6Gb/s and four SATA 3Gb/s ports with RAID 0/1/5/10 capability. It features gaming-centric characteristics like the Killer E2200 Gigabit Ethernet controller for traffic prioritization, Sound Blaster Cinema audio (Realtek ALC892), and Military Class III components for enhanced stability. Main pros include a user-friendly ClickBIOS II UEFI interface, a 1-second auto-overclocking tool via OC Genie II, and a robust aesthetic with dragon-themed heatsinks. Potential cons include limited power phases compared to higher-end models, which may restrict extreme overclocking, and a lack of newer standards like Thunderbolt or extra SATA 6Gb/s ports found on premium competitors.

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