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MSI Z97M Gaming Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£110
  • CPU socket: LGA 1150
  • Chipset: Intel Z97
  • Form factor: MicroATX

MSI Z97M Gaming review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

5.2

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%

4.7

Technical Score

10.0%

9.1

User score

Good
4.7

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%

6.7

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.5

Storage

15.0%

4.9

Network

13.0%

3.2

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.7

Expansion

8.0%

4.3

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.6

Audio

Poor
9.1

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%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(361)
amazon
4.1
(37)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(36)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 3.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.2

    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-z97m-gaming
msi-z97m-gaming

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 Z97M Gaming is a high-performance Micro-ATX motherboard built on the Intel Z97 chipset, supporting 4th and 5th Generation Intel Core processors via the LGA 1150 socket. It features four DDR3 DIMM slots supporting up to 32GB of overclocked memory at speeds reaching 3300MHz, dual PCIe 3.0 x16 slots for 2-Way SLI or CrossFire configurations, and a high-speed M.2 slot offering up to 10Gb/s throughput. Main pros include its premium Audio Boost 2 technology with isolated circuitry, a dedicated Killer E2205 Gigabit LAN for prioritized gaming traffic, and robust Military Class 4 components designed for stability and overclocking. However, a notable con is that using the M.2 slot disables two of the six available SATA 6Gb/s ports, and it lacks integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules found on higher-tier models.

Technical Specifications of MSI Z97M Gaming

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%

6.7

Platform & Features

16.0%

4.5

Storage

15.0%

4.9

Network

13.0%

3.2

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.7

Expansion

8.0%

4.3

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.6

Audio

4.7
MSI Z97M Gaming has a technical score of 4.74 points, which is lower than that of 84.6% 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%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(361)
amazon
4.1
(37)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(36)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.1
MSI Z97M Gaming has a user score of 9.11 points, which is higher than that of 85.2% 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.
10
MSI Z97M Gaming has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 79.9% 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%

5.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

6.6
MSI Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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

MicroATX
MSI Z97M Gaming has the MicroATX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 52.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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.
maximum depends on CPU configuration
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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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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

6
MSI Z97M Gaming has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
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 Z97M Gaming supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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

2
MSI Z97M Gaming has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.4% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% 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/x0, x8/x8
MSI Z97M Gaming uses x16/x0, x8/x8 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 81.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.7% of motherboards.
Depends on slot/M.2 population.
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 Z97M Gaming supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
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 Z97M Gaming 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

14
MSI Z97M Gaming has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 12.9% 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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

no
MSI Z97M Gaming does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% 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)

N/A
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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
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 Z97M Gaming 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

8
MSI Z97M Gaming has 8 VRM phases, which is fewer than 71.9% of motherboards and equal to 6.3% 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

1
MSI Z97M Gaming 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

4
MSI Z97M Gaming has 4 fan headers, which is fewer than 64.3% of motherboards and equal to 12.3% 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming vs the average motherboard

  • Includes POST code display
    MSI Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    MSI Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI Z97M Gaming has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming has more eSATA ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 eSATA port/s.2 vs 0
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI Z97M Gaming has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    some SATA ports disabled with certain M.2 use
    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 Z97M Gaming has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.6 vs 4
  • Includes onboard power button
    MSI Z97M Gaming has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a built-in power button on the PCB itself.
    When it matters: When you test or troubleshoot the board outside a case.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI Z97M Gaming has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    MSI Z97M Gaming has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe x1 slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want space for smaller add-in cards.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    MSI Z97M Gaming has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.2 vs 1
  • 61 mm shorter
    MSI Z97M Gaming is shorter than the average motherboard (244 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 Z97M Gaming is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.244 mm vs 305 mm
  • Includes POST code display
    MSI Z97M Gaming has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes dual BIOS
    MSI Z97M Gaming has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI Z97M Gaming has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Includes onboard power button
    MSI Z97M Gaming has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI Z97M Gaming has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    MSI Z97M Gaming has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 2 more eSATA ports
    MSI Z97M Gaming has more eSATA ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 eSATA port/s.
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    MSI Z97M Gaming has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
  • 61 mm shorter
    MSI Z97M Gaming is shorter than the average motherboard (244 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Older CPU socket
    MSI Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.8% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    MSI Z97M Gaming has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
  • Less versatile form factor
    MSI Z97M Gaming has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (MicroATX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
  • 7 older release date
    MSI Z97M Gaming is older than the average motherboard (2,014 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    May 2014
  • Narrower Windows support
    MSI Z97M Gaming has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    MSI Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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.
    maximum depends on CPU configuration
  • 33.1% lower overclocked RAM speed
    MSI Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    MSI Z97M Gaming has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    MSI Z97M Gaming has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    Depends on slot/M.2 population.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    MSI Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 total USB connections
    MSI Z97M Gaming has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    MSI Z97M Gaming does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    MSI Z97M Gaming has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No pump header
    MSI Z97M Gaming does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    MSI Z97M Gaming has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    MSI Z97M Gaming does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    MSI Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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.
  • 1 fewer fan headers
    MSI Z97M Gaming has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (4 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    MSI Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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 Z97M Gaming 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
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
361 Reviews
amazon
4.1
37 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
36 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI Z97M Gaming?

  • High build quality with a sturdy, heavy feel and aesthetically pleasing red/black design
  • Excellent feature set for a micro-ATX board, including M.2 support, SLI/CrossFire compatibility, and Killer LAN
  • High-quality onboard audio (Audio Boost 2) featuring Japanese capacitors and EMI shielding
  • User-friendly UEFI (Click BIOS 4) and helpful software suite for system monitoring and overclocking
  • Convenient physical buttons for power, reset, and CMOS clear, plus an LED POST code readout
  • Reliable long-term stability reported by users for multi-year operation

What customers dislike about MSI Z97M Gaming?

  • Using the M.2 slot disables two of the six available SATA ports
  • Heavier voltage (vCore) requirements reported to achieve high stable overclocks compared to some competitors
  • Limited expansion space; multi-GPU setups often block the remaining PCIe x1 slots
  • Slow POST/boot times compared to other motherboards in the same class
  • The 8-pin power connector placement near the top heatsink can make cable installation tight

Video reviews

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