Our In-Depth MSI X470 GAMING M7 AC Review for 2018

MSI has seen its ups and downs, but when it comes to this particular motherboard, they have done a pretty good job. While most people complain about the plain aesthetics and lack of flashy shrouds and colors, the performance properties are very similar to any other x470 chipset coming from different vendors.

In other words, if you’re aiming for a performance boost within the different x470 chips, there’s no need to, they are very similar to each other. On the other hand, if you’re looking for subtlety and immense overclocking capabilities, you’re looking at the right product.

Take a moment and check this MSI X470 GAMING M7 AC review out if you have a dilemma of whether or not to invest in such technology (or see our full list of AM4 motherboards here). As x470 isn’t a mandatory upgrade from the x370 chipset, the minor differences are what is going to make or break it for you (you can learn more about their differences here).

Specifications

Supported CPUs – AMD RYZEN Desktop Processors and AMD A-series / Athlon Processors for socket AM4

Memory compatibility – DDR4 1866/ 2133/ 2400/ 2667(OC)/ 2933(OC)/ 3200(OC)/ 3600+ MHz, 64GB max, Dual-Channel support, 4x DIMM slots

Multi GPU support –

• 2-way Nvidia SLI
• 3-way AMD CrossFire
• 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
• 1x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot
• 3x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots

Audio features –

• 1-channel High Definition Audio
• S/PDIF output is supported

Rear IO –

• Clear CMOS Button
• PS/2 Gaming Device Port
• USB 3.1 Gen1 Ports
• Intel WiFi/ Bluetooth Module
• USB 3.1 Gen1 Ports
• Killer E2500 Gigabit LAN
• HD Audio Connectors
• BIOS FLASHBACK+
• USB 2.0 Port
• USB 3.1 Gen2 Type A+C
• Optical S/PDIF-Out

Features and Notes

If you’re familiar with this particular chipset and have seen models from other vendors, then this list of features and notes is probably going to be pretty anticlimactic. However, that doesn’t mean that these innovative features don’t deserve mention.

Taking a look at the bottom-right side of this motherboard, one can see a couple of interesting features. First of all, the power/reset button is quite useful in case you’re benchmarking or using the motherboard outside of the case. The post-code display is neither particularly innovative nor new, but it’s definitely an appreciated addition.

There are also buttons that automatically overclock your Ryzen CPU to preset settings, but if you’re buying this motherboard, there is a high possibility that you’ll overclock manually. IO offers a decent amount of options including two Wi-Fi ports, four USB 3.1 ports, two USB 2.0, two 3.1 Gen-2 ports, one type-A, and one type-C port. Clear CMOS and BIOS flash buttons are also included for user’s convenience.

Advantages and shortcomings

The thing this motherboard does the best is – overclocking. Managing VRM temperatures under heavy loads is its main selling point. Therefore, while it “lacks” aesthetics, it definitely makes up for it in the overclocking department. Luckily, heat dissipation has also been thoroughly considered by MSI and is therefore at a pretty admirable level.

As for the downsides, the only thing most people complain about is the premium price of this board. It may not be the best possible investment for someone who is not going to use its full potential, but if you’re an avid enthusiast, the x470 chipset is a must-have.

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