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The MSI Z87I Gaming AC is a very good Mini-ITX motherboard that has no problem competing with full-ATX alternatives. With its Killer NIC, Audio Boost sound system, and wealth of storage connections, MSI's Z87I Gaming AC is able to serve as the foundation of a high performance gaming system which isn't forced to accept compromises.
Irrelevant of its mITX form factor, MSI's Z87I Gaming AC was able to offer competitive performance against an array of Z87 contenders. Overclocking performance was as strong as we have come to expect from a Z87-powered motherboard; the Z87I Gaming AC took our 4770K to 4.5GHz with ease.
Making a Mini-ITX gaming system a possibility for many users are the controllers and functionality that MSI gives its Z87I Gaming AC. The high performance audio system lessens serious gamers' preference towards an add-on sound card. And with a lag-reducing NIC built directly onto the board, the only add-on device that most users will require is a graphics card.
Factor in the strong 802.11ac wireless networking adapter, and it is clear that the vast majority of gamers will be happy with the onboard devices. While this point sounds like it is being over-stressed, the limited expansion options of motherboards from previous generations have typically dissuaded gamers from opting for a mITX system. By that logic, it is crucial that a gaming-caliber, Mini-ITX motherboard comes equipped with all of the features that a user will desire. MSI's Z87I Gaming AC ticks this box.
Layout decisions for the Z87I Gaming AC are a little hit-or-miss. MSI was wise to place the 24-pin and 8-pin power connectors in locations where they would not cause interference. Opting for single-latch DIMM slots was another smart move.
But placing the cluster of front panel and USB headers in a location where they are difficult to access is frustrating. Equally irritating is the fact that the Z87I Gaming AC does not feature on-PCB writing to direct users when connecting the front panel cables. MSI would have been wise to include its M-connector in an attempt to eliminate such issues.
The number of fan headers that MSI provides is borderline insufficient. Allocate one header for the CPU cooler and that leaves users with just one route for controlling the speed of a chassis fan. Even the popular gaming-caliber Mini-ITX cases of today (such as the BitFenix Prodigy and Corsair 250D) typically come equipped with at least two fans. This forces users to resort to untidy splitters or less effective low noise adapters which provide a poorly-optimised, constant fan speed.
I would be telling lies if I didn't admit that MSI's Click BIOS 4 UEFI interface has grown on me since I first used its Z87 implementation. I wouldn't put the interface at the top of the pile in regards to layout, style, or ease-of-use, but the sheer number of adjustable parameters that it provides are welcomed once the UEFI becomes easier to navigate. I still stand firmly by my primary feedback point, though; I am certain that separating the OC section's readouts from its adjustable settings will make the interface easier on the eye and simpler to use effectively.
Priced at £134.99 from OverclockersUK, the MSI Z87I Gaming AC represents very good value for money. It manages to squeeze gaming-orientated features into a Mini-ITX form factor, and does so will maintaining a competitive price tag. Asus' ROG Maximus VI Impact costs around £40 more, while ASRock's comparable Z87E-ITX is also slightly more expensive.
While MSI's Z87I Gaming AC offers strong performance, a wealth of worthwhile features, and an attractive design, it also features some slightly disappointing factors such as limited fan speed control and some inconvenient layout choices. The fact of the matter is that many users will be able to overlook the awkward header connection procedure due to it being an infrequent task. The insufficient number of fan headers is far more likely to cause headaches, though.
MSI really has done a lot of things right with its Gaming Series of Z87 motherboards. The company's Mini-ITX variant is no different. Provided you can work around the issue of fan connections, the MSI Z87I Gaming AC motherboard is an excellent option if you're looking to downsize your gaming system without sacrificing usability and brute performance.
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Pros:
- Strong performance with good overclocking potential.
- Excellent networking connectivity – Killer NIC and Intel 802.11ac WiFi.
- High performance audio system.
- Plenty of storage connections.
- Attractive design.
- Very good value for money.
- Wise OC Genie 4 settings.
Cons:
- Only two fan headers.
- Connecting front panel headers is needlessly challenging – MSI should include M-connector.
- UEFI BIOS layout can be confusing at first.
KitGuru says: An impressive motherboard that can provide a strong foundation for powerful Mini-ITX gaming systems.
