Is the MSI Z170A Gaming M5 worth buying now?

Only if you already own a compatible 6th-gen Intel CPU or find it very cheap. For a new build, a modern socket board gives you far better CPU options and connectivity.

Which CPUs fit this motherboard?

It uses Socket LGA1151 and the Z170 chipset, so it is made for Intel 6th-gen Skylake chips. Some 7th-gen Kaby Lake CPUs work after a BIOS update, but check the board's BIOS version first.

Does it support SLI and CrossFire?

Yes. It has multiple PCI Express slots and supports both NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire for two graphics cards.

How much RAM can it take?

Four DDR4 slots support up to 64 GB total. Native speed is DDR4-2133, and higher speeds depend on overclocking and the memory kit.

Does it have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

No. Networking is wired Ethernet only, so you will need a Wi-Fi card or USB adapter for wireless.

What should I check before buying a used one?

Confirm the socket pins are straight, ask whether the I/O shield and accessories are included, and test that all RAM slots and PCIe slots work.

Where can I buy the MSI Z170A Gaming M5?

2 stores we checked sell it, including Amazon, eBay.

MSI Z170A Gaming M5

Last price we saw

$256.90at Amazon, last seen Nov 2

Prices change often: ask the agent below to check today's price at every store.

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Our take on the MSI Z170A Gaming M5

The MSI Z170A Gaming M5 is a full-size ATX motherboard for Intel's LGA1151 socket and 6th-gen Skylake CPUs, built with gamers in mind. It offers four DDR4 slots up to 64 GB, dual-card SLI and CrossFire support, and MSI's red-and-black Gaming styling with audio and networking tuning. It is a 2015-era board, so it is now a used or clearance part rather than a current build choice. No current store price was provided, so compare any listing against recent sold prices for used Z170 boards before buying.

Best forBudget builders reusing a 6th-gen Intel CPUGamers wanting SLI or CrossFire on a budgetOwners replacing a dead Z170 board