Z97 GAMINGMotherboards

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MSI GAMING successIn 2013, our GAMING series won a record breaking 200+

awards and numerous Product of the Year 2013 awards.

With this, MSI’s motherboard market share skyrocketed.

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“MSI have upped the

ante with Z87-GD65

Gaming – other

vendors ought to be

worried”Vortez.net – June 2013

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InspirationWith the red color-scheme and MSI GAMING logo, we

inspired many casemodders.

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Complete assortmentIn 2014 we completed our GAMING line-up covering

not only Intel & AMD but also ATX, mATX and ITX segments.

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Momentum continues…

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Our 3rd generation of custom built GAMING

motherboards come with a new product name.

Z97-GD65 GAMING

Z97-G45 GAMING

Z97-G43 GAMING

2nd Gen GAMING

Z87-GD65 GAMING

Z87-G45 GAMING

Z87-G43 GAMING

Z87M GAMING

Z87I GAMING AC

H87-G43 GAMING

3rd Gen GAMING

H97 GAMING 3

Z97M GAMING

Z97I GAMING AC

Z97 GAMING 7

Z97 GAMING 5

Z97 GAMING 3

Same features, heatsink, and packing as Z87.

Dragon Claw heatsink

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The heatsinks on the 3rd Gen MSI GAMING

motherboards are inspired by the Dragon Claw.

Available in all sizes

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We have Z97 and H97 3rd gen

GAMING motherboards

available in ATX, micro ATX

and mini-ITX.

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Sound

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High Fidelity SoundGamers know that sound makes the difference between

winning or losing. Online gamers mostly use a headset to

communicate. With the help professional eSports team

Fnatic, we pushed the audio on MSI GAMING motherboards

to new limits

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USB Audio PowerPerfect solution for USB headsets & audio DACs:

• Unstable USB voltage output results in distorted audio

• MSI USB Audio Power delivers stable 5V for perfect audio

quality on USB headsets and audio DACs

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Audio Boost 2

The ultimate audio solution for

gamers, powered by Creative

Sound Blaster Cinema 2.

• Isolated Audio PCB

• Direct Audio Power

• Creative Sound Blaster Cinema 2

• EMI Shielding

• Dual AMPs

• Nichicon Audio Capacitors

• Golden Audio Connectors

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Isolated Audio PCBWith traditional onboard audio

the signal is distorted by electro

magnetic signals from the rest of

the PCB.

Audio Boost 2 acts like a dedicated

soundcard by physically isolating the

audio circuitry which is separated by

a red LED path. Less interference gives

a more clear audio signal.

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A dedicated power input to

Audio Boost 2 allows for a more

powerful and stable power

delivery, resulting in a more

explosive and pure sound

experience.

Direct Audio Power

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Thanks to Creative Sound

Blaster Cinema 2, you're getting

amazing surround sound with just

stereo headphones or speakers.

Sound Blaster Cinema 2

Creative Sound Blaster Cinema 2 enables you to clearly hear

specific sounds in gaming environments. Hear your enemies

perfectly, make your ears a decisive tool to finish on top.

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To shield the audio core from

EMI distortion caused by other

add-in cards the audio chip is

protected by a special designed

EMI cover for isolation.

This way gamers experience crystal

clear sound with Audio Boost 2.

EMI Shielding

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Prepare for an eargasm with

the built-in front & rear dual

OPA1652 headphone amplifiers.

Reward your high-end headphone

with the most amazing studio level

sound quality. Featuring:

Dual Amplifiers

• Completely independent circuitry for

lowest crosstalk and freedom from

interactions between channels.

• Low 4.5 nV/√Hz noise density with an

ultralow distortion of 0.00005% at 1 kHz.

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Nichicon Japanese high quality

audio capacitors are specially

designed for audio purposes;

• Providing the highest possible

audio signal filtering.

• Delivering high fidelity crystal

clear sound with exceptional

acoustics and realism.

Audio Capacitors

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With the golden audio jacks

you get the best possible signal

output with less chance of

distortion.

• Superb signal conductivity and

will not wear over time.

• Dedicated amplified output

(red) optimized for studio-grade

headgear

• Up to 600Ω crystal clear sound

with exceptional acoustics.

Golden Connectors

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Speed

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M.2 is superfast storage based on a PCI-E Gen2 x2

interface and with speeds up to 10 Gb/s, much faster

than SATA 3.0 (6 Gb/s). M.2 SSDs are widely available

and all 3rd Gen MSI GAMING motherboards come with

M.2 interface.

Superfast storage: M.2

SATA-Express is PCI-E Gen2 x2 storage with similar speeds

(10Gb/s) like M.2. Because the SATA-Express ECO system is

not ready MSI offers flexible M.2 to SATA-Express cards.

– SATA-E SSDs sampling in Q2, for sales in Q3, affordable in Q2 2015

– No Intel support for SATA-Express

– 3rd party host solutions delayed

Superfast storage: SATA-Express

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Gaming Port Device

Optimized for high-rate gaming keyboards and mice, MSI

Gaming Device Port is built to last thousands of plug inserts

and ejects at gaming events while offering maximum

performance each and every time.

• Triple gold plating for extreme lifetime

• 1000 Hz USB polling Support

• PS/2 supports N-Key rollover Gaming keyboards

Multi GPU optimized

NVIDIA® SLI™ certified and &

AMD CrossFire compliant

and optimized PCI Express

3.0 configuration ensures

plenty of airflow to your

graphics cards to keep

your gaming rig at the

highest level of

performance.

• NVIDIA® SLI™ certified

• AMD® CrossFire™ compliant

• Fit for MSI® GAMING cards

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Gaming APPOverclocking made easy:

• Control both MSI Graphics Cards and Motherboard

• Easy Overclocking mode

• Easy “low power” mode

• Tune your GAMING experience without worrying

about overclocking knowledge

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Traditional LAN solutions fall short…

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Killer Game Networking

All MSI GAMING motherboards feature Killer

Game Networking for the best online

gaming experience:

• Killer automatically detects and

accelerates game traffic ahead of

other network traffic

• Experience smoother, stutter-free in-game

performance and the competitive edge

• Game with the lowest latency, most

stable connection on the most

controllable network hardware available

• You are in control, set your priority!

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Faster in gaming and streamingGamers play games and stream them at the same time,

this is where Killer Game Networking excels compared to

traditional network solutions.

Intel

LAN

UDP Throughput (Mbps) Performance over Packet Size

KillerE2205

Up to 50% faster

small packet

(gaming)

performance

Up to 300% faster

large packet

(video streaming)

performance

Gaming Streaming

Intel

La

ten

cy

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Killer latency testing by Qualcomm

Killer

(low

er

is b

etter)

Killer Game Networking has an extreme low latency

compared to traditional networking solutions.

• Up to 30% lower latency than Intel

• Dramatically reduces Jitter for a more stutter-free game experience

True competitive gamingKiller Game Networking can send very small packages

of data while other solutions first need to buffer.

Game PC

t0 t1 t2 t3 t4 t5 t6 t7 t8

Killer™ E2205

= Bullet Packet Game Server

t0 t1 t2 t3 t4 t5 t6 t7 t8

Other ethernet solutions

LAG LAG

= Keyboard/mouse Input

Input processing

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Media testing confirmsKiller Game Networking has lower latency and faster

data transfers by independent media testing.

“The performance gains from Killer will come alive in the game,

through more FPS, compared to Intel & Realtek” –Hermitage Akihabara

• Up to 50% lower latency than Realtek

• Up to 35% faster data transfer than Intel

Bandwidth (higher is better)

http://www.gdm.or.jp/review/2013/0426/27747/8

Latency (lower is better)

Sandra 2013 network test JPerf 2.0.2

OC Genie 4With a simple push on the OC Genie button you will

overclock your PC automatically. This extra performance

will translate into higher FPS and more eye candy.

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*CPU lowest ratio vary on different CPU model

Enable Slow Mode

8x

70x

CPU Loading

CPU Ratio

CPU vCore 0.8

2.0

Enable Slow Mode to pass through high

loading of Windows booting sequence.

Disable Slow Mode to restore CPU

overclocking setting after booting.

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Slow ModeSlow Mode decreases CPU ratio to 8x*. When using

CPU vCore Adaptive Mode, Slow Mode will also drastically

decrease vCore to 0.8~0.9v. This single option helps to skip

Windows loading bottleneck making subzero overclocking

a bit easier.

OC EssentialsFancy getting the most FPS out of your games?

OC Essentials helps the overclocker in you.

Clear CMOS

for quick resets

Multi-BIOS II

for more stability

Debug LED

for easy troubleshooting

V-Check points II

for accurate information

Easy Button 3

for easy usage

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Stability

Providing essential protection against hardware

failure.

Guard-Pro

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CIRCUIT

PROTECTIONECO

POWER

HYMIDITYPROTECTION

HIGHTEMPERATUREPROTECTION

ESD PROTECTION

EMIPROTECTION

Carefully selected materials used in our motherboards together with shielding prevent short circuiting.

ECO Power lets you disable unused chips and functions used on your motherboard. By cutting off the power your motherboard will run more efficient.

10% Reduction in moisture

absorption helps prevent

"Conductive Anodic Filament".

Untreated PCB's can have 10x

higher failure rate.

All MSI motherboards comply

with stringent American FCC

regulations and reduce the

impact of Electromagnetic

Interference.

Each and every I/O port is

protected against the hazards

of Electro Static Discharge.

All key components used in MSI

motherboards have all passed

military testing ensuring stable

operation in the harshest

environments.

Military Class 4

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These high quality components ensure extreme reliability

and 100% stable performance.

Hi-c CapSelf-healing low profile Tantalum

capacitors which offer 10x higher

lifetime.

SFC60 Amp Supper Ferrite Chokes

which give 20-50% more current.

Dark CAPPerfect stable under extreme (up

to 260°C) conditions.

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Focus on QualityWe put extra efforts on increasing customer satisfaction.

Our RMA rate has drastically decreased in the last few

years. The MSI GAMING motherboards are developed by

the most senior engineers on advanced production lines.

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USB RedriversUSB 3.0 signal integrity suffers with longer cable length.

These special USB 3.0 Redrivers on your Internal USB 3.0

ports enable to use longer USB 3.0 cables, especially in

larger chassis.

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Double ESD ProtectionEach I/O Port on MSI's GAMING 7 and GAMING 9

motherboards are protected by a Dual ESD protective ICs.

This prevents any possible ESD damage from

plugging/unplugging.

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Streaming

XSplit Gamecaster lets you easily record, stream and share

your gaming sessions with fellow gamers. It’s simple, can be

activated quickly and kickstarts your career as game

streamer.

You will get a 6 month full license!

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Add a webcam

and show your

game face

Webcam & Chroma key Share your broadcast

Share your

broadcast and

conquer the world

Share anywhere and broadcast your streams to every

social media platform and share your webcam with

chroma key to insert your face into an in-game overlay.

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Draw attention

whilst casting with

in-game

annotations

Real-time notes Record & Upload

Organize and

upload your

greatest gaming

moments

Educate your fans and friends with in-game annotations

and highlights and record and store your videos to create

your own on-line gaming video archive.

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BIOS & Software

New UEFI BIOS Features

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Simple / Advanced

Hide all difficult settings

Memory Try It!

Optimized CAS and Frequency

Bread Crumble

Clear navigation Structure

New UEFI BIOS Features

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XMP ButtonOne click enable XMP

Change Setting Info

Track your latest changes

Hardware Monitor 2With 4 point fan control

My Favorites

Easy access to most used options

Remove all the hassle of keeping your system

up-to-date. Live Update 6 scans your PC and downloads

the latest Drivers, BIOS and Firmware files straight to your

system.

Software: Live Update 6

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ECO Power helps users to manage their power usage.

The software disables chips completely by cutting off their

power. You can save up to 29% power consumption.

Software: ECO Power

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USB

PCI-E x16

PCI-E x1

SATA

Device ON(W) OFF(W) Save (W)

USB HOST 28.8 27.3 1.5USB HUB 28.8 25.5 3.3

SATA 28.8 27.7 1.1PCIE HUB 28.8 27.3 1.5PCIE CLK_GEN Enable 28.8 28.4 0.4

WIFI 30.5 28.8 1.7

CPUFAN* 28.8 28.1 0.7

SYSFAN1* 29.5 28.8 0.7SYSFAN2* 29.5 28.8 0.7

SYSFAN3* 29.5 28.8 0.7

Total 28.8 20.4 8.4

*Tested on MPOWER MAX

Software: Command CenterMSI’s Command Center is THE tool to configure your

system on-the-fly. Whether you’re a Pro or a N00b, the

intuitive interface with simple slider control or precise

keyboard value entry makes it easy to change everything.

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Software: RAMDiskThe fastest way to load games is FREE.

• 20x faster than SATA 6 Gb/s SSDs

• Image files make your RAMDisk persistent

• Start your games faster than everyone else

• Speed up browsing/everyday computer use

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Others

Total control over all fans with 4-pin PWM connectors.

• Layout optimized and approved by enthusiasts

• Set your own fan profiles

• Use the automatic fan wizard

• Real-time Fan control (no reboots!)

• Fan speed logging

• Voltage logging

• Temperature logging

• Control via Command Center

• Control via Click BIOS 4

Total Fan control

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The best USB Charger is inside your PC, it even works

when your computer is switched off. MSI Super Charger

charges ANY USB powered device from the latest tablets to

portable gaming consoles.

Super Charger

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SteamOS gamingMSI is committed to PC Gaming and that is why

MSI GAMING motherboards support SteamOS by default.

We also co-work closely with numerous tier #1 system

integrators to put SteamBOX PCs on the market.

M-Shield

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Our new I/O

shield not only

comes with many

improvements

but also in black

to match your

gaming chassis.

Back side of I/O panel

Force Absorbing Layer

EMI Shielding

Steel Shielding

Box content

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What's in the box? Besides a plethora of necessary

cables and connectors you also get:

• A slick gaming case badge

• Do-not-disturb door-hanger

• Easy labels to sort your storage cable

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But there’s more…

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New look & feel

Protected by its unique

Dragon Armor, makingsure it doesn’t only

sound good, but also

looks awesome!

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High Fidelity Gaming Audio

Xtreme Audio DACExperience sensational sound quality with

Xtreme Audio DAC.

This high-end dedicated onboard sound card

powered by the C-Media CM6631 High-definition Audio Processor. It

delivers 32bit, 125dB Signal-to-Noise-Ratio of purest audio quality for studio-grade Hi-Fi solutions.

A dedicated high end headphone amplifier

delivers a stunning sound experience, that

results in more immersive gameplay,

for professional headphones up to 600Ω.

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• C-Media CM6631 High-Definition

Audio Processor

• Up to 192KHz 32bit signal processsing

• Studio-grade acoustic components

• 125dB SNR studio level output

• 600Ω dedicated headphoneamplifier up to 120dB SNR

• Nichicon Japanese high quality

audio capacitors

• WIMA capacitors deliver true

balanced realistic sound

• 1Mbit dedicated audio memory

61High Fidelity

USB Audio

High Fidelity

D/A Converter

High Fidelity

A/D Converter

High Fidelity

Audio Amplifiers

High Quality

Audio CAPs

Anti-Popcorn-

Noise Relay

The MSI Z97 GAMING 9

with Xtreme Audio DACbrings the sound quality of

audio on motherboards to a

complete new level.

Prepare to be impressed…

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Z97 GAMING 9 AC comes with Intel

802.11AC wireless and Bluetooth 4.0

with support for Intel WiDi.

Intel WIFI AC & Bluetooth

Z97 GAMING 9 AC will come in a luxurious color box

with all its GAMING accessories.

Packing

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Z97GAMING 9 AC

Z97GAMING 7

Z97GAMING 5

Z97/H97GAMING 3

Z97MGAMING

Z97IGAMING AC

Form Factor ATX ATX ATX ATX microATX Mini-ITX

Xtreme Audio DAC Y

Dragon Armor & I/O cover Y

Intel AC Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Y Y

Cooling SuperPipe & LED Superpipe & LED Heatsink Heatsink Heatpipe Heatpipe

Audio Boost 2 Y Y Y Y Y Y

USB Audio Power Y Y Y Y Y Y

Killer LAN Y Y Y Y Y Y

XSplit Gamecaster Y Y Y Y Y Y

Military Class 4 & Guard Pro Y Y Y Y Y Y

OC Genie 4 Y Y Y Y Y Y

PCI Express x16 Gen3 slots 2 2 2 1 2 1

SLI / CrossFire support Y / 3-way Y / 3-way Y / 3-way - / Y Y / Y

Debug LED Y Y Y

Gaming Device Port Y Y Y Y Y Y

Output DP/HDMI DP/HDMI/HDMI VGA/HDMI/DVI VGA/HDMI/DVI/DP DP/HDMI DP/HDMI/HDMI

Easy Button 3 Y Y Y

M.2 Y Y Y Y Y

SATA 6 slots 8 8 6 6 6 4

USB 3.0 10 8 6 6 6 6

OC Essentials Y Y Y Y Y Y

Gaming APP Y Y Y Y Y Y

M-Shield Y Y Y Y Y Y

MSI GAMING SKU overview

Get Ready For MSI GAMING