MSI Z87M Gaming mATX Motherboard Review

To test the MSI Z87M Gaming, we partnered it with an Intel Core i7 4770K processor and 8GB of 2133MHz CL9 memory from the G.Skill RipjawsX (F3-2133C9Q-16GXL) kit. We will be outlining the MSI Z87M Gaming motherboard's performance with the Core i7 4770K CPU at its stock frequency of 3.5GHz (3.9GHz due to forced turbo). Overclocked performance will be outlined later in the review.

We will be comparing the MSI Z87M Gaming motherboard’s performance to that of ASRock's Fatal1ty Z87 Killer. All motherboards are partnered with identical hardware and software, so the results are directly comparable.

By default, the MSI Z87M Gaming motherboard forces the 4770K to a constant 3.9GHz when XMP is enabled. This will be displayed as the ‘stock’ setting (and outlined in the charts' brackets after the non-turbo stock speed is displayed).

Z87 Motherboard Test System:

• Processor: Intel Core i7 4770K (3.9GHz forced turbo).
• Memory: 8GB (2x 4GB) G.Skill RipjawsX (F3-2133C9Q-16GXL) 2133MHz 9-11-11-31.
• Graphics Card: Asus R9 280X Matrix Platinum 3GB.
• System Drive: 500GB Samsung 840 Series SSD.
• CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i.
• Case: NZXT Phantom 630.
• Power Supply: Seasonic Platinum 1000W.
• Operating System: Windows 7 Professional with SP1 64-bit.

Settings:

• MSI Z87M Gaming BIOS v1.00 (latest).
• Catalyst 13.11 Beta9.2 VGA drivers.
• Intel 9.4.0.1026 chipset drivers.

Software Suite:

• 3DMark
• 3DMark 11
• SiSoft Sandra 2013 SP4
• Cinebench R11.5 64 bit
• WinRAR
• HandBrake 0.9.9
• ATTO
• RightMark Audio Analyzer
• Bioshock Infinite
• Metro 2033
• Metro: Last Light

Become a Patron!