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With its attractive appearance, strong feature set, and alluring price tag, the MSI Z97 Gaming 5 is a strong prospect for gamers wanting a low-cost route to a feature-heavy system.
As we would expect from an LGA 1150 motherboard, performance of MSI's Z97 Gaming 5 is right up there with competing Z97 parts. Overclocking results are strong too, despite inaccuracies in applied voltage levels set by our early UEFI implementation.
Feature-wise, there's not a lot for gamers to dislike about the Z97 Gaming 5. Killer's E2205 NIC and accompanying software are useful for online gaming. Audio Boost 2 delivered strong performance numbers and features optimisations, such as USB Audio Power, specifically intended for gamers. SLI and CrossFire support and a 6-month XSplit Gamecaster premium license are further positives.
There are some not-so-likeable points too. No optical port makes connecting surround sound speaker systems, such as those typically used alongside a TV, a more difficult task. M.2 connectivity, only, may be considered an issue by some gamers. And the 10Gbps connector's needlessly difficult installation procedure was infuriating.
Thankfully MSI's layout choices are excellent. The angled USB 3.0 header is great for cable management, as is the apt distribution of fan headers, and expansion slot spacing couldn't be better.
The MSI UEFI is simple to use but it still has a number of layout choices which affect its appearance and begin to create a sense of cluttering. Feature-wise the UEFI is very good, especially the method of setting fan speeds and the convenient Board Explorer. A more generous OC Genie overclock would have been welcomed by many.
And then we reach the topic of appearance. There's not much to say in this section; a quick look at the pictures of MSI's Z97 Gaming 5 will implement a respect for just how attractive the board's red and black theme is. Whoever MSI's designers are, they deserve credit for doing an excellent job with the company's recent Gaming series motherboards.
MSI has informed us that the Z97 Gaming 5 will be available for £114.95 including VAT. We think that is an attractive price tag for a board of this calibre, although it does give MSI some very stiff competition in a fiercely contested marketplace. Quite frankly, the sub-£150 gaming motherboard market is a battlefield.
With its strong gaming-orientated feature set and gorgeous styling, MSI's Z97 Gaming 5 definitely has the potential to form the foundation of a cost-effective gaming system.
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Pros:
- Very attractive style.
- Good set of features – Killer NIC, Audio Boost 2, gaming device ports, USB audio power.
- Wise layout decisions.
- XSplit Gamecaster premium 6-month license.
- Debug LED and voltage check points.
Cons:
- Frustrating M.2 installation method.
- No optical port.
- Some competing models offer M.2 and SATA Express support.
KitGuru says: A well-balanced gaming motherboard with a striking appearance and solid feature set.
