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

Bioshock Infinite

We used the Bioshock Infinite demanding ‘Ultra’ setting and a 1920 x 1080 resolution to push today’s gaming hardware. Our data was recorded using a section of the game, not the built-in benchmark.

Metro: Last Light

We used a 1920 x 1080 resolution and the Metro: Last Light built-in benchmark set to ‘High’ quality to offer an intense challenge for the gaming hardware while also making playable frame rates a possibility.

Tomb Raider

We used a 1920 x 1080 resolution and the Tomb Raider built-in benchmark set to ‘Ultimate’ quality.

Despite two bottom-place finishes, there is no cause for concern by the MSI Z97A Gaming 6 motherboard's frame rate performance. The narrow defeat in Bioshock Infinite is by no more than a few tenths of a frame. Tomb Raider performance is about half a frame behind the majority of our comparisons, although this could be related to subtle differences in the test system's operation.

Middle-of-the-ground performance is delivered from the Metro: Last Light benchmark, so no worries about frame rate performance from that demanding title.

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