The Board - A Closer Look

I have to commend MSI for ease of first-time setup with their GAMING products, as highlighted by the above picture that clearly shows which DIMMs you should install first. I couldn't help but notice this right as I took a closer look at the board.


The audio on the MSI Z87-G45 is the same Realtek ALC1150 CODEC as on other MSI Z87 GAMING boards, with an EMI shield and the vanity plate that is lit up by a couple of LEDs mounted to the board's surface.


The Killer E2205 LAN controller is here too, with an NXP TMDS that is in charge of HDMI level-shifting.


The coolers on the MSI Z87-G45 are shaped like those on the last MSI GAMING board I reviewed, with VRM coolers taking the shape of dragon heads. Carved out of solid chunks of metal, the PCH cooler is yet another solid, stylized chunk with an anodized-black metal plate that screws on top. These coolers are way overbuilt and prove more than capable of keeping the board cool under my high load testing. Have I mentioned that I love dragons? Well, let me say it again if not: I love dragons!