MSI Z97A Gaming 6 Motherboard Review

1. Introduction2. MSI Z97A Gaming 6: Packaging and Bundle3. MSI Z97A Gaming 6: Board Layout and Features4. MSI Z97 Gaming: BIOS5. MSI Z97 Gaming: Software6. Testing Methodology7. Tests: System-related8. Tests: Processor-related9. Tests: Gaming-related10. Tests: Motherboard-related11. Overclocking: Frequencies12. Overclocking: Performance13. Technical: Power Consumption14. Closing Thoughts15. View All Pages

The MSI Z97A Gaming 6 motherboard is a well-balanced component which aims to provide users with a solid level of future-proofing through use of a 10Gbps USB 3.1 Type-C connector.

Performance levels fall in line with our expectations for a Z97 motherboard. Overclocking results were solid, even if the Z97A Gaming 6’s relatively basic power delivery solution wanted a little more voltage than our 4790K can typically hit 4.7GHz at.

Overall motherboard layout is smart, with users of two graphics cards being rewarded with a cooling gap between the boards.

The inclusion of a USB 3.1 Type-C connection is excellent for compatibly with future devices using the connector. Despite there being no clear speed differences between the standard Type-A and the Type-C connector, the latter is far more user-friendly.

MSI’s Click BIOS 4 UEFI interface is equipped with useful functions and is easy to use, although its layout could be tweaked to seem a little less cluttered.

Priced at £135 from OverclockersUK, MSI’s Z97A Gaming 6 is a good value proposition to users who want their gaming and general usage system to last a long time. The motherboard is somewhat ‘future-proofed’ to a good degree thanks to the USB 3.1 Type-C connector and also features a number of enhancements that gamers can enjoy today.

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Pros:

• USB 3.1 Type-C connector,
• Smart motherboard layout.
• Good audio solution.
• Easy to use UEFI.
• Competitive price for a mid-range USB 3.1-equipped motherboard.

Cons:

• UEFI can seem a little cluttered to beginners.
• Power delivery system requires a little more voltage for a 4.7GHz CPU frequency than some other Z97 motherboards.

KitGuru says: A smart option for users looking to build an LGA 1150-based gaming system that will last them many years.

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