MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC Motherboard Review

1. Introduction2. MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC: Packaging and Bundle3. MSI Z97 Gaming 9 AC: Board Layout and Features4. MSI Z97 Gaming: BIOS5. MSI Z97 Gaming: Software6. Testing Methodology7. Tests: System-related8. Tests: Processor-related9. Tests: Gaming-related10. Tests: Motherboard-related11. Overclocking: Frequencies12. Overclocking: Performance13. Technical: Power Consumption14. Closing Thoughts15. View All Pages

Cinebench

We used the ‘CPU’ test built into Cinebench R15 .

WinRAR

WinRAR’s built in benchmark and hardware test can help us outline the performance differentials between each motherboard. We record the amount of data processed after a 30-second run.

Handbrake Conversion

We measured the average frame rate achieved for a task of converting a 4.36GB 720P MKV movie to 720P MP4 format.

The Z97 Gaming 9 AC is able to keep pace with all of the competing Z97 boards in our Handbrake and WinRAR tests. Asus' Maximus VII Hero comes out on top in Cinebench, but MSI's board is able to contend with all of the other Z97 parts.

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