MSI Z270 Gaming M7 Review

Up Close

MSI endured a slightly difficult period in their motherboard designs when they moved from the gorgeous Dragon shaped heatsinks and heavy Gaming branding through more cost-effective regular shaped heatsinks – due to the World economic crisis – until we arrive at the Gaming M7. If the squidgy middle was a parade of dull uninteresting motherboard designs after the wondrousness of the early Dragon branding, then the M7 is a return to form. Sure MSI have had to dispense with the custom shapes, but the M7 is easily one of the best lookers around. The combination of blending the MOSFET heatsink into the IO section whilst also covering every slot with their shiny metal armour, the end result has to be a motherboard that will find a home in the system of even the most visual-heavy users. Unquestionably the element that catches the eye of anyone who has studied Z270 motherboards for any length of time is the inclusion of three M.2 slots. Barely six months ago we were pleased to find one tucked away in the corner, now two is the norm and MSI have gone the extra mile to include three, so not even the most cash-rich performance nut could complain about what’s on offer. Heck we even like the additional lighting elements placed around the board, with the chipset heatsink, PCI Express lanes and power heatsinks all lighting up. Very nice.