Apart from other Z77 chipset-based models that have been exhaustively covered in the past, MSI is working on a media-oriented ATX LGA1155 motherboard based on the H77 chipset, the ZH77A-G43. Why MSI added a "Z" in the model name beats us. The LGA1155 socket is powered by a simple 5-phase VRM. MSI is kind enough to provide passive cooling for the entire CPU VRM area. The CPU is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, providing dual-channel DDR3 support.

Expansion slots include one PCI-Express 3.0 x16 (wired to the CPU), one PCI-Express 2.0 x16 (electrical x4, wired to the PCH), two PCI-Express 2.0 x1, and three legacy PCI slots. PCI slots are still in good demand by media-professionals who need them for pro-grade sound production cards. Storage connectivity includes two SATA 6 Gb/s, and four SATA 3 Gb/s. All four USB 3.0 ports on this board (two on the rear-panel, two via header) are provided by the H77 PCH. HDMI, DVI, and D-Sub form the display IO. To top it off, you get 8-channel HD audio with THX TruStudio Pro support, and gigabit Ethernet. Expect a value price-point.