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

The MSI Z170A SLI Plus is a commendable Z170 offering that gives budget buyers access to SLI support without being forced into the purchase of a ‘Gaming‘ branded alternative.

Performance from the motherboard is good; we didn't notice any cause for concern in our tests. Thanks to the application of a large number of cost-effective power delivery components, overclocking results were good and power consumption made for pleasing readings.

MSI's allocation of features is healthy and also efficient. The Z170 chipset's onboard offerings are put to good use and financial resources are smartly invested in allocating a 10Gbps USB 3.1 Type-C connector on the rear panel. I like that all of the board's main features can be used with minimal interference. It's good to not have to worry about which SATA ports are left unusable when an M.2 SSD is installed or whether the lower PCIe slot will steal CPU-based lanes and prevent SLI operation.

With that said, the number of USB Type-A ports on the rear panel is unsatisfactory and some users may be disappointed by the lack of a 4K60-capable display output for the iGPU and the media-centric SPDIF optical audio. Alone, these three issues can be considered minor. But when they are bundled together, they start to create a scenario where an average user is making compromise from more than one angle.

Layout of the Z170A SLI Plus is extremely wise and does not highlight any major issues. Despite making a potentially-ugly SSD visible, positioning the M.2 slot above the graphics card location is smart as it helps to mitigate potential overheating issues and facilitates the use of a tall M.2-to-U.2 adapter card.

MSI's Click BIOS 5 UEFI implementation continues to prove its worth with simple navigation and a solid set of features. The fan control capabilities are very good, yet leave a little to be desired with no pre-tweaked presets. OS-based software utilities are decent, but they can leave functionality to be desired especially when referencing automated overclocking.

Despite all of the positives, the not inconsiderable list of negatives, albeit largely minor ones, impair the Z170A SLI Plus' ability to prove itself as the ‘go-to' motherboard at around £110. Available at a practically identical price point, the ASRock Z170 Extreme4 and Gigabyte Z170XP-SLI both address some of the negatives associated with MSI's offering, albeit whilst introducing their own shortcomings.

If you have £110 to spend on a motherboard, or simply want the cheapest Z170 offering with SLI support and decent accompanying features, you have a tough choice to make. While the similarly-priced Gigabyte Z170XP-SLI and ASRock Z170 Extreme4 have comparable and slightly better feature sets, respectively, than MSI's option, the Z170A SLI Plus did not present us with any stability or performance concerns throughout testing, which is an important point to consider.

The MSI Z170A SLI Plus motherboard is definitely worthy of consideration and is unlikely to leave you feeling disappointed.

Discuss on our Facebook page, over HERE.

Pros:

• Solid performance throughout without any instability or incompatibility concerns (including with 3200MHz DDR4).
• 10Gbps USB 3.1 Type-C connector and two 5Gbps USB 3.0 internal headers.
• SLI and CrossFire support with good spacing and strengthened PCIe slots.
• Smart layout decisions, including M.2 slot positioning.
• Good styling that will be easy to match.
• Interference-free and efficient application of the Z170 chipset's resources.
• Easy to navigate and well-built UEFI implementation.

Cons:

• SATA-Express may be missed for front panel USB 3.1 functionality.
• Overly conservative selection of rear IO ports – only four USB Type-A and no 4K60-capable display output or optical SPDIF.
• Single CPU-focused overclocking preset is of limited use and no automated tuning option.

KitGuru says: The MSI Z170A SLI Plus is a well-designed, good-looking motherboard that facilitates a cost-effective means of obtaining SLI support on the Z170 platform.

Become a Patron!