MSI Z87M Gaming mATX Motherboard Review

1. Introduction2. MSI Z87M Gaming: Packaging and Bundle3. MSI Z87M Gaming: Board Layout and Features4. MSI Z87M Gaming: BIOS5. Testing Methodology6. System: 3DMark 117. System: 3DMark8. System: SiSoft Sandra9. Processor: Cinebench R11.5 64 bit10. Processor: WinRAR11. Processor: HandBrake12. Motherboard: Storage Performance13. Motherboard: Audio Performance14. Gaming: Bioshock Infinite15. Gaming: Metro 203316. Gaming: Metro: Last Light17. Overclocking: Frequencies18. Overclocking: Performance19. Technical: Power Consumption20. Closing Thoughts21. View All Pages

3DMark is Futuremark's latest benchmark. It can be used to benchmark and compare everything from mobile devices, such as smart phones, tablets and laptops, to high-end gaming systems. The benchmark is available for Windows, Windows RT Android and iOS.

With 3 separate tests, each of which is intended to be used alongside a specific classification of hardware, 3DMark is a very versatile benchmark. Ice Storm is intended to be used with mobile devices, Cloud Gate is good for use with laptops and home PCs, and Fire Strike can be used to push the performance of gaming PCs.

We used the ‘Fire Strike' benchmark which is designed to be used on gaming PCs. We opted for the Normal setting, NOT the Extreme mode.

3DMark flips the results with ASRock's gaming-orientated motherboard picking up the slight lead.

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