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MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£240
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • CPU socket: LGA 1150
  • Chipset: Intel Z97
  • Form factor: ATX

MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

5.4

Technical Score

10.0%

5.2

User score

Good
5.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

3.8

Memory

16.0%

6.9

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.5

Storage

15.0%

6.5

Network

13.0%

5.0

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.9

Expansion

8.0%

6.0

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.0

Audio

Good
5.2

User score

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 components:

70.0%

6.6

User reviews

30.0%

1.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.3
(9)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Good
  • 3.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.5

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    3.3

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    1.0

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC is a high-end LGA 1150 ATX motherboard supporting 4th/5th Gen Intel processors, featuring a 12-phase power design, 32GB DDR3-3300(OC) memory, and extensive connectivity including 8 SATA 6Gb/s ports and an M.2 slot. Key strengths include the high-fidelity Xtreme Audio DAC, integrated 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Killer E2205 LAN, and robust overclocking features such as OC Genie 4 and a debug LED display. Potential drawbacks include a higher price point, restricted PCIe spacing for multi-GPU configurations, and a delicate, user-installed Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module.

Technical Specifications of MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

3.8

Memory

16.0%

6.9

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.5

Storage

15.0%

6.5

Network

13.0%

5.0

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.9

Expansion

8.0%

6.0

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.0

Audio

5.4
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has a technical score of 5.43 points, which is lower than that of 70% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

6.6

User reviews

30.0%

1.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.3
(9)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

5.2
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has a user score of 5.2 points, which is lower than that of 98.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
1.9
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has a popularity of 1.9 points, which is lower than 69.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

5.4

Overall score

40.0%

9.3

Price

6.6
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.6 points, which is lower than 75.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

MSI
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1150
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC uses the LGA 1150 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 90.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.6% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z97
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC uses the Intel Z97 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 78% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

ATX
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC 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.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC uses DDR3 memory, which is older than that of 86.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.4% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 87% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

1,600 MT/s
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports memory speeds up to 1600 MT/s, which is lower than that of 93.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.4% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

1
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.2% of motherboards and equal to 19.1% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

1x PCIe 2.0 x2/SATA
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC offers 1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 85.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.7% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

no
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
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N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

3
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.8% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC uses x16/x0/x0, x8/x8/x0, x8/x4/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 78.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.7% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
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Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

10
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.6% of motherboards and equal to 15.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

18
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 18 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 82.9% of motherboards and equal to 4.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

0
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC 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)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

0
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.4% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

1 Gbps
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.1% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Killer E2205
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC uses the Killer E2205 LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 94.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than that of 49.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.7% of motherboards.
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC1150
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC uses the Realtek ALC1150 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.3% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

6
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 86.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.4% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

12
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 12 VRM phases, which is more than 53.6% of motherboards and equal to 4.3% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

5
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has 5 fan headers, which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 14.5% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC does not have a pump header. 77% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

0 A
MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 74.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 25.7% of motherboards.
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MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC vs the average motherboard

  • 2 more rear USB ports
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.10 vs 8
  • Includes POST code display
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    What it is: Shows whether the board includes a diagnostic POST code readout for boot troubleshooting.
    When it matters: When you troubleshoot boot issues and want clearer error information.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=2

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC 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
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes two BIOS chips for redundancy or recovery.
    When it matters: When BIOS safety and recovery matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 3 more total USB connections
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
    When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=14

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.18 vs 15
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
    When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC 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
    What it is: The number of internal USB 3.2 Gen1 headers for front-panel Type-A ports.
    When it matters: When your case has front USB-A ports to connect.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC 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.2 vs 1
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.8 vs 4
  • Includes POST code display
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • More BIOS update options
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
  • Includes onboard power button
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 3 more total USB connections
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC 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.
  • 4 more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • More VRM phases
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.

Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Older CPU socket
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,150 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Narrower Windows support
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • 7 years older release date
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC is older than the average motherboard (2,014 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    May 2014
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 65.2% lower maximum RAM speed
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (1,600 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 33.1% lower overclocked RAM speed
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,300 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
  • No NVMe RAID support
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC 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.
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • More basic LAN controller
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2,205 vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC 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.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No pump header
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC 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.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z97 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z97 vs Intel B860
  • More basic LAN controller
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2,205 vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
    What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2,205 vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.Killer E2205 vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.1x PCIe 2.0x2/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC 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.
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC 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
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
    When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC 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
  • No NVMe RAID support
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
    What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
    When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: DDR5

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.1 vs 2
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.3
9 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC?

  • Striking black and red aesthetic with integrated red LED lighting and Dragon-themed heatsinks.
  • Comprehensive feature set including high-speed Wireless-AC (802.11ac) and Bluetooth support.
  • Superior onboard audio solution featuring Audio Boost 2 and a dedicated Extreme DAC for clear, high-quality sound.
  • Intuitive and user-friendly Click BIOS 4 that simplifies system configuration and monitoring.
  • Robust overclocking capabilities supported by a 12-phase VRM and the physical OC Genie button for quick performance boosts.
  • Excellent networking performance provided by the Killer E2200 Ethernet controller.
  • Abundant connectivity options, including a high number of USB 3.0 ports and an M.2 slot for fast SSDs.

What customers dislike about MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC?

  • Premium price point that makes it significantly more expensive than mid-range alternatives like the Gaming 5 or 7.
  • Cramped PCIe slot spacing can lead to high temperatures in multi-GPU (SLI/CrossFire) configurations.
  • The physical installation of the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module is described as cumbersome, often requiring the removal of the I/O shroud.
  • Potential software frustrations, specifically regarding 'bloatware' or conflicting audio and network (Killer) drivers.
  • The M.2 slot shares bandwidth with SATA ports 5 and 6, disabling them when an M.2 drive is in use.
  • Noticeable 'clicking' noise during the power-on sequence (though reported as normal by the manufacturer).

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