Introduction

MSI has graced our motherboard review pages a few times recently, most notably only a short while ago with the Z77-GD65 GAMING motherboard, a product that showcased MSI's new focused design philosophy of delivering products specifically tailored around certain users, as each segment of the enthusiast market truly has different things they look for, never mind differing budgets. The introduction of the new MSI GAMING brand was one that made a huge impression on me, showcasing an attention to detail and focus that a lot of users I have spoken with often missed sorely.

Although it has only been a bit over a month or so since we saw the MSI Z77-GD65 GAMING, MSI is back again with Intel's new Socket 1150. The MSI Z87-GD65 GAMING board is, just like it's older brother, a product solely for the discriminate gamer. It is built from the ground up to meet the needs of both amateur and professional gamers around the world. Carrying a certification from FNATIC, one of the more renowned pro-gaming clans out there (I never heard of them), the MSI Z87-GD65 GAMING board is MSI's newly hatched gaming dragon, ready to set its competition on fire.

Specifications

Intel Z87 Chipset

New and fresh on the scene for June 2013 is Intel's latest Socket 1150 platform, with Intel's Z87 chipset taking the top-tier spot in chipset functionality and for performance options on this platform.


Most of the basic functionality offered by Intel's new Z87 chipset is quite similar to what was offered with Intel's Z77 Express, but there are more USB 3.0 ports, and they are faster too. All of the SATA ports provided offer SATA 6 Gb/s functionality. Intel's Z77 Express only had two ports at those speeds. There are also new power-saving features to keep power consumption at a bare minimum, and all of the features offered by the Intel Z77 Express. The chipset offers up to 5 GT/s PCIe speeds for fast access to peripheral devices and networking, with up to eight PCI Express 2.0 x1 ports that can be configured to act as x2-, x4-, or x8 ports. Intel's functionality diagram for the Z87 chipset is shown above.


The new 4th Gen Intel Core CPUs are 64-bit, multi-core chips built on a 22nm process; pairing with the Intel Z87 chipset enables the performance-tuning features of "K"-SKU CPUs, which allows the user to change the core-, graphics-, "ring"-, and memory frequencies independently. This allows you to clock up one part of the chip while running any other part of the chip at stock speeds. This is extremely useful for enthusiasts that like to overclock, as each part can be clocked and tested independently for the absolute most out of your chip if the time is taken to test everything fully. Users who prefer the simpler approach of past platforms can use it instead, ensuring everyone's needs are met. For PCIe connectivity, Intel Z87-based platforms allow the processor PCI Express 3.0 port to be configured into three different configurations: 1x16, 2x8, or 1x8 and 2x4. The third x8 and 2x4 configuration is primarily meant for use with Intel Thunderbolt Technology but can be used to support other devices as well.

Other TPU reviews will cover the CPUs themselves in more detail. We'll also separate reviews into each covering either GPU- or CPU performance.

Packaging

The MSI Z87-GD65 GAMING shares its packaging with other MSI GAMING series products, which not only includes motherboards but some graphics cards as well. It's very bold and to the point, with the name of the product emblazoned across the front being the only real difference between products. The rear is a bit more specific, delivering a decent explanation of what features the product carries.


When I first opened the box, I was again greeted by paperwork from MSI's Media Testing Center detailing how they tested the board and what results they got, but there was also an overclocking guide with a general outline of what to expect from Intel's latest platform. I gave both a quick read and moved on.


With the MTC paperwork out of the way, I found the board, a near identical twin to the MSI Z77-GD65 GAMING, nestled inside a soft anti-static bag, and I found all of the accessories that are included with the Z87-GD65 GAMING underneath the inner box the board sat in.

Contents

Spread out, the accessories take up a lot of space. Not all users will use all of them, but a great set of accessories most gamers will appreciate has been included. A full list is below:

• 1 x User guide
• 1 x Software manual
• 1 x I/O shield
• 4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable
• 1 x SLI bridge
• 1 x MSI case badge
• 1 x Driver disc
• 4 x V-Check cable
• 2 x M-Connector
• 1 x Door hanger