#Msi z97 gaming 7 motherboard full

The Ranger features dual PCIe 3.0 x16 slots capable of running together in x8/x8 mode, which makes SLI and CrossFire set-ups a possibility. Unlike ASRock's effort, the Ranger also come equipped with SATA ports mounted parallel to the board, which is handy for cable routing and aesthetics. The layout is excellent too, as of all the connectors and buttons the CHA_FAN3 one is the only one not situated along one of the edges, and its position beneath the VRM heatsink makes it perfect for a rear exhaust fan.

#Msi z97 gaming 7 motherboard full

It's a full width (244mm) ATX board so it's unsurprising to see a nice and spacious CPU area. The matt black PCB contrasts nicely with the red highlights dotted around the slots, connectors and heatsinks. With an updated design that sticks to the traditional red and black colour scheme, the Ranger looks rather swanky. Provided that not too much has been stripped away, this is good news considering the desirability of ROG boards, even if more generally speaking £130 still can't be called inexpensive. Click to enlargeAsus's ROG range of motherboards have always carried a price premium, especially the all singing and dancing Extreme boards, but with the 9-Series launch Asus is introducing the Ranger, which brings ROG down to £130, about £35 less than the next board up in the stack (the Hero) is set to retail for.