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To test the MSI Z87-G43 Gaming, we partnered it with an Intel Core i7 4770K processor and 8GB of 2133MHz CL9 memory from the G.Skill RipjawsX (F3-2133C9Q-16GXL) kit. We will be outlining the MSI Z87-G43 Gaming motherboard's performance with the Core i7 4770K CPU at its stock frequency of 3.5GHz (3.9GHz due to forced turbo). Overclocked performance will be outlined later in the review.
We will be comparing the MSI Z87-G43 Gaming motherboard’s performance to that of four other Z87 parts. All motherboards are partnered with identical hardware and software, so the results are directly comparable.
By default, the MSI Z87-G43 Gaming motherboard forces the 4770K to a constant 3.9GHz when XMP is enabled. This will be displayed as the ‘stock’ setting (and outlined in the charts' brackets after the non-turbo stock speed is displayed).
LGA1150 Motherboard Test System:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 4770K (3.9GHz forced turbo).
- Memory: 8GB (2x 4GB) G.Skill RipjawsX (F3-2133C9Q-16GXL) 2133MHz 9-11-11-31.
- Graphics Card: Asus R9 280X Matrix Platinum 3GB.
- System Drive: 500GB Samsung 840 Series SSD.
- CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i.
- Case: NZXT Phantom 630.
- Power Supply: Seasonic Platinum 1000W.
- Operating System: Windows 7 Professional with SP1 64-bit.
Compared Z87 Motherboards:
- MSI Z87-G43 Gaming (BIOS V10.3B6 – newest).
- ASRock Z87 Extreme11/ac (BIOS 1.10).
- ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer (BIOS v1.10).
- Gigabyte G1.Sniper Z87 (BIOS v1.0).
- MSI Z87M Gaming (BIOS v1.00).
Settings:
- MSI Z87-G43 Gaming BIOS V10.3B6.
- Catalyst 13.11 Beta9.2 VGA drivers.
- Intel 9.4.0.1026 chipset drivers.
Software Suite:
- 3DMark
- 3DMark 11
- SiSoft Sandra 2013 SP4
- Cinebench R11.5 64 bit
- WinRAR
- HandBrake 0.9.9
- ATTO
- RightMark Audio Analyzer
- Bioshock Infinite
- Metro 2033
- Metro: Last Light
Thats one of the best value for money boards you can get, two of my friends have it, and it really is all you would ever need. Love it.
Have one already, fantastic board. I found though that some Corsair memory had boot problems with it if you populated all the slots…
I was about to purchase the G45 Gaming, but there was no stock in our local store by the time so I opted for this G43 Gaming. I’m so happy it did not let me down. I thought this is one of the best budget Z87 boards out there!
Is there a laptop version ?
abraham ortiz, this is a desktop motherboard. There is no laptop version.
“Built around MSI’s tried-and-tested Military Class 4 components” What a joke this is. First there is no ML STD anymore. It was replaced by IPC. Military falls under class 3 requirements. “Whereas Class 3 products demand continued high performance or performance-on-demand is critical and equipment downtime cannot be tolerated, the end use environment may be uncommonly harsh, and the equipment must function when required, such as life support or other critical systems” I am a certified IPC specialist, and can tell you that it does likely meet the class 3 military spec, BUT so does almost every other manufacturer.