MSI MSI Gaming Z97-G45 Gaming LGA 1150 Intel Z97 HDMI USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Reviews(107)

3.6
TOP FAVORABLE REVIEW
Great board

Love the design
OS UI is easy to navigate
Runs between 30-40 degrees C with load
Audio is great!

Worked like a charm on the first try!

Tried to update BIOS using M-Flash and ended up having to RMA it. The update said it was done successfully but would not POST. But they replaced it for me with no hassle. I do not recommend updating BIOS unless ABSOLUTELY necessary (If it isn't broken, don't fix it). Cannot get SLI to work. See Other thoughts for more about SLI.

I want to set the record straight about a few of the reviews about this motherboard:
- Killer Ethernet is perfectly fine. Yes, it uses a program to control the bandwidth programs use when accessing the internet. I was using the bandwidth control for a while till I realized that certain programs were not working like they used to on my laptop. This is what people are complaining about in the reviews. If you have programs that are not working so well with the bandwidth control, you can disable it in an easier manner than others have stated. Open the Killer Ethernet Manager program -> under the Network tab -> uncheck the "Enable Bandwidth Control" option
Now, it will work like any other ethernet driver. Those who gave it a bad review for this problem didn't take the time to find this setting.

From the first day I set up my computer, I have not been able to get SLI to work. My components are able to handle it, but Windows freezes within minutes. But after tons of troubleshooting, I have narrowed down the issue to the graphics cards. This is no reason to take an egg off since it is not the MoBo's fault. If you want to play games on high settings, you do not need SLI. One 2 GB+ video card will suffice for that (That was part of my troubleshooting)

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VS
TOP CRITICAL REVIEW
Sound problem

Overall works well.

I am using the optical out to run my stereo system. I find that a loud 'hiss' sound comes and goes, usually in response to opening a program. If I mute the sound in windows the hiss disappears (so it is not an issue with ground loop hum after the optical signal gets to the stereo). I can only assume that there is crosstalk somewhere within the motherboard when certain drivers are being used, etc, since my last motherboard never did this.

None

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Warranty & Returns

Warranty

Limited Warranty period(parts): 3 years

Limited Warranty period(labor): 3 years

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Manufacturer Contact Info

Features & Details

  • Intel Z97
  • Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium / Celeron (LGA1150)
  • DDR3 3000(OC)/2800(OC)

Specifications

Model
BrandMSI
SeriesMSI Gaming
ModelZ97-G45 Gaming
Supported CPU
CPU Socket TypeLGA 1150
CPU TypeCeleron / Core i3 / Core i5 / Core i7 / Intel Core 4th Gen (LGA 1150) / Intel Core 5th Gen (LGA 1150) / Pentium / Xeon (LGA1150)
Chipsets
ChipsetIntel Z97
Onboard Video
Onboard Video ChipsetSupported only by CPU with integrated graphic
Memory
Number of Memory Slots4x240pin
Memory StandardDDR3 3000*(*OC)/ 2800*/ 2666*/ 2600*/ 2400*/ 2200*/ 2133*/ 2000*/ 1866*/ 1600/ 1333/ 1066/
Maximum Memory Supported32GB
Channel SupportedDual Channel
Expansion Slots
PCI Express 3.0 x163 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots - The operating mode will be x16/ x0/ x0, x8/ x8/ x0, or x8/ x4/ x4. Please always install expansion card into the PCI_E2 "First".
PCI Express x14 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots
Storage Devices
Serial ATA (SATA)6 x SATA 6Gb/s ports (SATA1~6)* * The SATA6 port will be unavailable when install a SSD in the mSATA port.
mSATA1 x mSATA 6Gb/s port*
SATA RAID0/1/5/10
Onboard Audio
Audio ChipsetRealtek ALC1150
Audio Channels7.1 Channels
Onboard LAN
LAN ChipsetKiller E2205
Max LAN Speed1Gbps
Rear Panel Ports
Back I/O Ports1 x HDMI / 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out / 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Combo / 1 x S/PDIF Coaxial Out / 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 / 4 x USB 3.0
PS/21 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
Video Ports1 x VGA port 1 x DVI-D port
HDMI1 x HDMI
RJ451 x RJ45
USB 3.04 x USB 3.0
USB 1.1/2.02 x USB 2.0
S/PDIF Out1 x Optical, 1 x Coaxial
Audio Ports6 Ports
Internal I/O Connectors
Onboard USB3 x USB 2.0 connectors (supports additional 6 USB 2.0 ports) 1 x USB 3.0 connector (supports additional 2 USB 3.0 ports)
Other Connectors1 x 24-pin ATX main power connector 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector 2 x 4-pin CPU fan connectors 3 x 4-pin system fan connectors 1 x Clear CMOS jumper 1 x Front panel audio connector 2 x System panel connectors 1 x TPM module connector 1 x Serial port connector 1 x Chassis Intrusion connector 7 x V-Check points (7x V-Check spots)
Physical Spec
Form FactorATX
Dimensions (W x L)12.0" x 9.6"
Power Pin24 Pin
Features
FeaturesSupports 4th and 5th Gen Intel Core / Pentium / Celeron processors for LGA 1150 socket Supports DDR3-3000(OC) Memory mSATA + USB 3.0 + SATA 6Gb/s Audio Boost: Reward Your Ears with True Quality Killer Ethernet: Kill Your Lag Military Class 4: Top Quality & Stability OC Genie 4: Overclock in 1 Second Click BIOS 4: Easily Fine-tune Your System PCI Express Gen 3: World's 1st PCI Express Gen 3 Motherboard Brand Multi-GPU: NVIDIA SLI & AMD CrossFire Support Sound Blaster Cinema: Realistic Surround Sound Experience Gaming Device Port: Optimized with Triple Gold-plating for High Polling Rate Gaming Devices Total Fan Control: Optimize All Fan Speed As You Wish Fast Boot: Quickly Boot Up & Enter OS in A Few Seconds
Additional Information
First Listed on NeweggMay 09, 2014
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Overview

Overview