MSI Z97I Gaming AC and R9 270X Gaming ITX review

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Product Showcase MSI Z97I AC Gaming Motherboard

Product Showcase

The MSI Z97I AC Gaming is a Mini ITX motherboard, typically intended for entry level to mainstream products. This however is a high-end class product. It has as much features as its 17x17CM surface area allows it to mount. This gaming AC version comes equipped with that Killer Bigfoot NIC, AC/b/g/n WIFI and also has an optimized audio solution run over the ALC 1150 Realtek audio codec. Let's have a quick peek at the box first shall we? Below is the packaging and bundle. As you'll notice the motherboard is certainly a good looking motherboard alright, in that gaming black/red style.
 

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Included with the Z97I Gaming AC are the regulars including manuals, driver CDs, SATA cables and a rear IO plate. This motherboard comes with a Bluetooth and WIFI adapter that you will need to install manually onto the motherboard

  • CPU support: 4th Gen Intel Core™ / Pentium / Celeron processors
  • Chipset: Intel Z97 Express Chipset
  • Killer E2205 Gigabit Ethernet
  • Intel 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, BT 4.0, Intel Wi-Di
  • Storage: 4x SATA 6Gb/s, 2x eSATA 6Gb/s
  • Display Interface: 1x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI 
  • Connectivity: 1x PCI-e 3.0 x16, 6x USB 3.0, 6x USB 2.0
  • 8-channel Audio ALC1150 Realtek

 

 

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Well look at that small and good looking. And really, as powerfull as an enthusiast setup really. The motherboard AND the R9 270X reviewed today follow the ITX form factor that menas that the motherboard is 17x17 cm, and that graphics card is only 17 cm in length.

 

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Basically if you are watching the above photo on a full HD screen of say 24", that's roughly the actual size of the product. The I/O back panel reveals two USB 2.0 ports with another six USB 3.0 ports. A Realtek ALC1150 high definition audio codec is the source for audio and we spot one 10/100/1000 fast Ethernet jack (KillerNIC E2205) There is even a single PS/2 combo port that can be used for either a keyboard or a mouse, optical SPDIF in/out port and six audio jacks.

Then monitor connectors wise:

  • 1 x DisplayPort with max. resolution up to 4096x2160@24Hz, 24bpp/ 3840x1600@60Hz, 24bpp
  • 2 x HDMI ports  with max. resolution up to 4096x2160@24Hz, 24bpp/2560x1600@60Hz, 24bpp/ 1920x1080@60Hz, 36bps.

Can you see the small grey buttons roughly a CM away from the lower right ? That is a clear CMOS button. The integrated audio comes from Realtek combined with a Cinema 2 software suite. The audio unit has special capacitors and EMI shielding. Also, you can spot gold plated audio connectors for better signal output with less chance of distortion.

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The Z97I Gaming AC has a 6 Phase CPU Digital Power Design. The board features one full PCIe x16 Gen 3.0 expansion slot. MSI applied their Military Class IV components on the motherboard with updated DrMOS MosFETs and aluminum colored dark caps that are going to increase the motherboards lifespan.

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