MSI Z97I Gaming AC Mini-ITX Motherboard Preview

The final new feature of the MSI Z97I Gaming AC is the wireless connectivity.  It would seem there is an unwritten rule saying you must have wireless and Bluetooth on Mini-ITX systems and this motherboard comes equipped with a dual antenna AC wireless module.  Unlike some of the other ITX motherboards we have seen the module works as an expansion and can be installed and removed based on user need.

Towards the bottom of the I/O panel near the PCI Express slot you’ll find the connector pins for the wireless module.  A single screw will hold the module in place.

The audio module found on the Z97I Gaming AC is based on a Realtek ALC 1150 codec and located in the upper corner of the motherboard.  Unlike on a full sized motherboard the audio components are not electrically separated from the rest of the main PCB.  We suspect audio quality will still be good except in the most demanding of situations.

MSI has also included an Audio Boost module that is basically a built-in headphone amplifier.  This is designed to provide better quality sound from studio grade headgear that is normally reserved for specialized sound cards.

One of the benefits to upgrading to a specialized motherboard is that not only do you get more features onboard but also in-box.  You will get everything you see here including a very detailed user manual, MSI Gaming casebadge, I/O shield and SATA cables.  It may not seem like much but this is all you need to get up and running.

Maybe one of the coolest included items is the “do not disturb” door hanger telling your visitors that you’re either busy gaming or out doing other stuff.