MSI released their entire range of Z97 motherboards. A few flagship motherboards stand out really, the Z97 XPower AC, which I am reviewing as we speak, but just look at MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC for a minute okay ? I hadn't seen this one just yet and it is flabbergasting nice. The Gaming series really is supposed to be the mainstream model bit man ... I'd tag this is enthusiast class alright.

This 'mainstream' MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC will come with nice PC options like 8-pin EPS connectors, a 12-phase VRM design for the processor, three PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots (x8/x4/x4  three cards / x8/x8/x0 when two cards and x16/x0/x0 with one card). An actual EMI shield covers the rear-panel I/O on-board audio is shielded as well. The board comes with a Killer E2205 gigabit NIC and 802.11 AC WLAN. Storage wise you can expect eight SATA 6 Gb/s and an M.2 slot. Overclocking features include voltage measurement points, and POST LED display.

Other keywords: V-Check Points 2, OC Engine, Military Class IV components, Delid Die Guard (XPOWER AC), M.2 interface, Audio Boost 2. The 9-Series gaming series is merged under that large Dragon/Dragoon style Gaming G-Series heatsink. Have a peek below and realize that this board will probably sell under $200 USD