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Automatic CPU Overclocking:
We ignored the option to activate OC Genie via the onboard button (which doesn't exist) and applied MSI's automated overclocking profile via the UEFI graphic.
The OC Genie setting applied a 4.00GHz CPU frequency to our 4770K and opted for a 1.20V VCore. Other settings remaining untouched, with our memory operating at its XMP setting of 2400MHz CL10 at 1.65V.
MSI could have been more generous with its OC Genie configuration. A 100MHz speed bump over the MCT setting isn't really a compelling boost that will fill gamers with gratification.
As MSI did with some of its Z87 Gaming series motherboards (and perhaps higher-end Z97 Gaming series parts), the company could have pushed the boat out a little and provided a secondary profile that operates at 4.2-4.4GHz. Even poor overclocking ‘K' chips should be able to reach those frequency levels.
A maximum core voltage of 1.2V is used for the 4GHz frequency. We confirmed this recording with a multimeter reading from MSI's onboard voltage check points.
Manual CPU Overclocking:
To test the MSI Z97 Gaming 5 motherboard’s CPU overclocking potential, we first increased the CPU VCore to 1.325V, Ring voltage to 1.275V, and CPU Input Voltage to 1.900V. The ‘CPU Ring' ratio was set to 39x. These settings represent levels which we would consider safe for 24/7 usage with a mid-range, or better, CPU cooler.
Despite having some irritating layout styles, overclocking a processor via MSI's UEFI is incredibly easy. We simply increased the CPU ratio, opted for a fixed multiplier mode, and tweaked some frequency settings.
All of the fundamental overclocking parameters were displayed on the same page, meaning that we did not have to sift through a number of sections looking for the relevant setting. Gigabyte's UEFI team ought to take note.
Coloured writing also helps novice overclockers understand when desired operational voltages are reaching high levels.
We can confidently say that voltage accuracy of MSI's Z97 Gaming 5 motherboard was not great. We applied a 1.325V VCore, with automatic LLC settings, but our chip was fed 1.36V during load. We certified this value with a multimeter reading and through MSI's software.
A sub-20mV offset when using automatic LLC modes is typical for many LGA 1150 motherboards. However, 35mV extra is a sizeable overshoot, especially in comparison to our increase of only 125mV from the 1.2V stock MCT VCore level.
This issue is almost certainly related to an early BIOS iteration used by our Z97 Gaming 5 sample. We informed MSI's engineers who confirmed that they were working on correcting the overshoot for future BIOS iterations.
Especially when manually overclocking, we must emphasise the point of using MSI's Command Center software to obtain and certify voltage readings. We can already envisage the influx of forum complaints when users record a startlingly high (and wrong) voltage level through third party software.
