OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

MSI Z97I Gaming ACK Review | 107 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£140
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • CPU socket: LGA 1150
  • Chipset: Intel Z97
  • Form factor: Mini-ITX

MSI Z97I Gaming ACK review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

4.7

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%

4.4

Technical Score

10.0%

7.3

User score

Poor
4.4

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%

2.0

Memory

16.0%

6.0

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.4

Storage

15.0%

6.6

Network

13.0%

2.8

Ports & USB

8.0%

2.7

Expansion

8.0%

5.2

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.6

Audio

Poor
7.3

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%

9.6

User reviews

30.0%

1.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
(8)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(8)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 4.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.0

    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

  • msi-z97i-gaming-ack
  • msi-z97i-gaming-ack
  • msi-z97i-gaming-ack
  • msi-z97i-gaming-ack
  • msi-z97i-gaming-ack
msi-z97i-gaming-ack
msi-z97i-gaming-ack
msi-z97i-gaming-ack
msi-z97i-gaming-ack
msi-z97i-gaming-ack

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is a high-performance mini-ITX motherboard featuring the Intel Z97 chipset and LGA 1150 socket, supporting 4th and 5th Gen Intel processors. It is equipped with two DDR3 DIMM slots supporting up to 16GB at 3300MHz (OC), a single PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and a storage suite including four SATA 6Gb/s ports and a 60mm M.2 slot. Key characteristics include Killer DoubleShot Pro networking—combining Killer E2200 Gigabit LAN and 802.11ac Wi-Fi—along with Audio Boost 2 featuring a dedicated 5V USB port for DACs. Its main pros are excellent overclocking stability, a feature-rich UEFI BIOS, and a comprehensive connectivity layout for its small form factor. However, notable cons include its limited M.2 compatibility restricted to 60mm drives, the presence of only two fan headers, and the unconventional placement of the 24-pin power and SATA connectors at the top of the board.

Technical Specifications of MSI Z97I Gaming ACK

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%

2.0

Memory

16.0%

6.0

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.4

Storage

15.0%

6.6

Network

13.0%

2.8

Ports & USB

8.0%

2.7

Expansion

8.0%

5.2

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.6

Audio

4.4
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has a technical score of 4.45 points, which is lower than that of 89.9% 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%

9.6

User reviews

30.0%

1.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
(8)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(8)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.3
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has a user score of 7.28 points, which is lower than that of 70.8% 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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%

4.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

6.2
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 88.9% 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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

Mini-ITX
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has the Mini-ITX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 84.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.3% of motherboards.
Show more
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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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

2
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.6% of motherboards and equal to 21.4% 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

16 GB
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK supports up to 16 GB of memory, which is less than 98.2% of motherboards and equal to 1.6% 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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.
Show more
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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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

4
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 5.6% of motherboards and equal to 46.3% 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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

1
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 26.7% of motherboards.
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
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK uses x16 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 86.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.3% 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 Z97I Gaming ACK supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8, x4/x4/x4/x4.
Show more
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

8
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.3% of motherboards and equal to 30.7% 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

12
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has 12 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 16.6% 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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

115 dB
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 46.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.2% 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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

?
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

1
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has 1 CPU power connectors, which is equal to 54.5% of motherboards.
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

2
MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has 2 fan headers, which is fewer than 91.7% of motherboards and equal to 8.3% 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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.
Show more

MSI Z97I Gaming ACK vs the average motherboard

  • Supports Wi-Fi
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    What it is: A rear I/O button used to clear BIOS or CMOS settings quickly.
    When it matters: When you overclock or troubleshoot and want an easier reset method.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes built-in Bluetooth for wireless peripherals and accessories.
    When it matters: When you want to connect wireless peripherals without an adapter.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 2 more eSATA ports
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has more eSATA ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 eSATA port/s.
    What it is: The number of eSATA ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you still use compatible external SATA storage.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has more eSATA ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 eSATA port/s.2 vs 0
  • 135 mm shorter
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    What it is: The physical height of the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you check case fit or compare board size.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.170 mm vs 305 mm
  • 1 more HDMI outputs
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has more HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
    What it is: The number of HDMI outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to use integrated graphics with one or more HDMI displays.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has more HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.2 vs 1
  • 74 mm narrower
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is narrower than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    What it is: The physical width of the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you check case fit or compare board size.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is narrower than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.170 mm vs 244 mm
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 2.0 ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many basic USB peripherals.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK 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
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 2 more eSATA ports
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has more eSATA ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 eSATA port/s.
  • 1 more HDMI outputs
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has more HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does not. 49.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 47% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
  • 135 mm shorter
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
  • 74 mm narrower
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is narrower than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.

Total
Platform & Features
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • Older CPU socket
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • No debug LED indicators
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.8% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • Narrower Windows support
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • 7 years older release date
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK is older than the average motherboard (2,014 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    December 2014
  • 87.5% less maximum memory capacity
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (16 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • No multi-GPU support
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 3 fewer total USB connections
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (12 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK 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.
  • 1 fewer USB 2.0 headers
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4.1 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No pump header
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • 3 fewer fan headers
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK 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
  • 87.5% less maximum memory capacity
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (16 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 Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (16 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.16 GB vs 128 GB
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    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

    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.2 vs 4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    MSI Z97I Gaming ACK 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 Z97I Gaming ACK has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR3 vs DDR4
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of MSI Z97I Gaming ACK and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.8
8 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
8 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI Z97I Gaming ACK?

  • High-end feature set for a mini-ITX form factor, including Killer E2200 Ethernet and Audio Boost 2
  • Excellent overclocking potential and stability for its size
  • Comprehensive connectivity options with 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and eSATA ports
  • User-friendly and intuitive Click BIOS 4 with a helpful 'Board Explorer' feature
  • Premium build quality using Military Class 4 components
  • Effective power efficiency at both idle and load

What customers dislike about MSI Z97I Gaming ACK?

  • Awkward component layout, specifically the 24-pin power and SATA ports located at the top of the board
  • Limited to only two fan headers, which can be restrictive for complex cooling setups
  • The initial 'AC' model lacks an M.2 slot (addressed in the later 'ACK' revision)
  • Higher price point compared to some other mini-ITX Z97 motherboards
  • Potential clearance issues with larger CPU coolers due to the dense mini-ITX layout
  • WIFI module installation on early units was reported to be fiddly with easily damaged pins

Video reviews

Compare MSI Z97I Gaming ACK with

VS
VS

Compare