MSI Z170A SLI Plus Motherboard Review

1. Introduction2. MSI Z170A SLI Plus: Packaging and Bundle3. MSI Z170A SLI Plus: Board Layout and Features4. MSI Z170 UEFI5. MSI Z170 Software6. Testing Methodology7. Tests: System-related8. Tests: Gaming-related9. Overclocking: Frequencies10. Overclocking: Performance11. Tests: Motherboard-related12. Closing Thoughts13. View All Pages

USB 3.0

We tested USB 3.0 performance using the Kingston HyperX 3K SSD connected to a SATA 6Gb/s to USB 3.0 adapter powered by an ASMedia ASM1053 controller. The test system uses Windows 7 with SP1 as the OS.

USB 3.0 speeds for the Z170-fed ports are decent given that MSI does not include any form of software tool to enable UASP, and its accompanying increased transfer rates, for Windows 7 users. There is an option to enable ‘USB 3.1 Speed Up Settings' in MSI's Command Center suite, but this proved useless for boosting USB 3.0 transfer rates.

Windows 8.1 and 10 users will likely see USB 3.0 speeds far closer to those shown by the Asus motherboards in our chart.

Audio

We use RightMark Audio Analyzer (RMAA) to analyse the performance of the motherboard’s onboard audio solution. A sampling mode of 24-bit, 192 kHz was tested.

RMAA rates the MSI Z170A SLI Plus motherboard's general audio performance as Excellent. A strong stereo crosstalk score indicates smart design of the audio system by MSI's engineers, despite the lack of dedicated codec shielding. A recorded noise level nearing -100 dB (A) is also a positive result.

Power

We measured the power consumption with the system resting at the Windows 7 desktop, representing idle values.

The power consumption of our entire test system (at the wall) is measured while loading only the CPU using Prime95′s in-place large FFTs setting. The rest of the system’s components were operating in their idle states, hence the increased power consumption values (in comparison to the idle figures) are largely related to the load on the CPU and motherboard power delivery components.

The way in which the Intersil PWM handles low-load voltage levels makes for positive readings with respect to MSI's idle power consumption numbers. Load power consumption at stock speed is also positive, with the Z170A SLI Plus sitting alongside its MSI brothers near the top of the chart.

A cost-effective, yet proficient, power delivery system allows MSI's Z170A SLI Plus to maintain its decent efficiency results even when overclocked. The accurate voltage delivery and minimal use of add-on controllers help to deliver pleasant power readings when overclocked.

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