The Board - A Closer Look

Three things need to come together for a fully-featured Z170 GAMING build: an Intel Z170 chipset, a 6th Generation Intel Core Processor, and, of course, the MSI Z170A GAMING M7.


The MSI Z170A GAMING M7 is built on a 6-layer PCB, proudly proclaimed via a window found in one corner. Flip the board over and you will see the other side of the window and that 6th layer.


The socket area is largely dominated by the VRM coolers and the I/O tower cover. Additions that really add to the esthetic, these help in keeping the color scheme perfect, down to the Intel Z170 PCH cooler. I did manage to spot a chip or two that stick out from under that cooler...


Turns out, it's the Super I/O, and just under that, we have a series of buttons to help you get the most out of a benchmarking experience, or for that first set-up to test parts after they are first assembled.


There are also a bunch of measuring points in two spots on the board, although you'll likely want to solder some wires or something in place to facilitate using them.


Going back, it is hard to ignore the red "traces" that sit between the CPU socket and the DIMM slots near the top. The entire design here boasts the ability to help you get the most out of your DDR4 and includes a distinct DIMM VRM controller that pushes a true dual-phase power delivery method.


The audio section has a CODEC MSI completely shrouded from EMI interference. It is also isolated from the rest of the board via a readily visible line along the board's edge with no copper between the layers, which allows the LEDs from underneath the board to shine through the board itself for a nice warm red glow that matches the rest of the MSI Z170 GAMING M7. The LAN chip also gets a similar EMI shield treatment.


I also located an ASMedia USB controller and two NXP TMDS chips, one for each HDMI port; all pretty standard-fare. That in and of itself is a big part of why I am so impressed with this board.


We have a fancy new look, a few neat features, and tried and tested components in places where you want to see them. Ultimately, GAMING is still in MSI's current products as even the wiring itself has an imprint claiming so, yet the best part of all is in putting these components to use.