Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe MSI Z170A Gaming M9 ACK is a feature-rich ATX motherboard for Intel’s 6th-generation LGA1151 processors, with two M.2 sockets, Killer wired and wireless networking, and extensive memory and expansion options. Shawn Sanders’s 2016 HotHardware review praised its enthusiast features and tuning flexibility, but also called it pricey and noted limitations in multi-GPU support and internal USB headers. Its platform is now legacy, so confirm CPU and BIOS compatibility before building around one.
What the MSI Z170A Gaming M9 ACK supports
MSI specifies an Intel Z170 chipset and LGA1151 socket, supporting 6th-generation Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, plus Pentium and Celeron CPUs. This is a general platform description, not confirmation that every CPU will work with every BIOS version. Check MSI’s specification page and CPU compatibility list for the exact processor and BIOS pairing before buying or installing a CPU.
The board is an ATX model measuring 30.5 × 24.4 cm. MSI lists four DDR4 memory slots, up to 64 GB, dual-channel operation, Intel XMP, and memory speeds up to DDR4-3600 when overclocked. ECC unbuffered memory is supported in non-ECC mode; this does not mean the board provides ECC operation.
Expansion slots and graphics
There are three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and three PCIe x1 slots. MSI lists the x16-slot lane configurations as x16/x4/x0, x8/x4/x8, or x8/x1/x8. The board supports two-way NVIDIA SLI or up to three-way AMD CrossFire, subject to the card configuration and applicable system requirements.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- Capacity: 4GB
- Speed: DDR4 PC4-19200 2400MHz
- Form Factor: 288 pin UDIMM
- Halogen Free; ROHS; Warranty: Lifetime
Storage and M.2 drive sharing
The board has two M.2 Key M sockets that accept 2242, 2260, and 2280 drives using PCIe Gen3 x4 or SATA signaling. It also has six SATA 6 Gb/s ports and two SATA Express ports. These connectors share resources, so you cannot assume every storage connector can be used simultaneously:
- With one PCIe-mode M.2 drive, MSI lists support for six SATA devices.
- With one SATA-mode M.2 drive and one PCIe-mode M.2 drive, MSI lists support for four SATA devices.
For the specified NVMe Mini-SAS/U.2 setup, MSI requires its optional Turbo U.2 host card, which is not included. Check the manual and connector-sharing notes against your planned drives before assembling a multi-drive system.
Rank #2
- Boost Your System’s Performance: Increase available memory for smoother multitasking, improved responsiveness and better performance when running memory-intensive applications.
- Matched Specifically to Your Machine: OFFTEK selects the correct memory configuration for the computer shown in this listing, removing the uncertainty from choosing a compatible upgrade.
- We Do the Technical Checking for You: There is no need to compare memory speeds, voltages, form factors or other technical details, as the upgrade has been matched to the machine’s supported requirements.
- Extend the Life of Your Computer: Increasing the available memory can help your existing machine remain productive for longer, offering a cost-effective alternative to replacing the complete system.
- Quick and Straightforward Upgrade: Memory is normally simple to install and requires no software installation; shut down and disconnect the machine before fitting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Networking, audio, and USB
MSI lists a Killer E2400 Gigabit Ethernet controller and Killer Wireless 1535 802.11ac Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4.1. Audio is provided by Cmedia for 7.1-channel output, with S/PDIF.
For USB, the rear I/O includes two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports rated at 10 Gbps: one Type-A and one Type-C. MSI also lists six USB 3.1 Gen1 ports in total, four of them available through internal headers, and five USB 2.0 ports. The HotHardware review identified limited internal USB headers as a drawback, so check the header count against your case’s front-panel connectors and any add-in devices.
MSI’s product description says the Flash BIOS Button offers “Easy BIOS recovery without the need of a CPU, memory and VGA card.” That is the manufacturer’s feature description; it should not be read as a guarantee for every failed-flash or recovery situation. MSI’s 2020 datasheet also says the board received 24-hour on- and offline game testing by esports players. That is MSI’s own statement; independent verification of that testing is not established here.
What the 2016 review found
Shawn Sanders tested the board for HotHardware in a system with an Intel Core i7-6700K, 16 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR4 memory, Windows 10, and a Corsair SSD. His October 4, 2016 review described installation as smooth and reported stable operation below 4.8 GHz in that test setup. With a ratio-based overclock, the system reached 4.6 GHz; further testing reached 4.8 GHz. At the higher setting, PCMark 8 recorded a temperature of 89°C, and Sanders advised adequate cooling and additional tuning. These are observations from one review sample and configuration, not guaranteed results for another board, CPU, or cooling setup.
Rank #4
- Supports Latest Processors: Compatible with 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors, ensuring future-proof performance
- DDR5 Memory Ready: Equipped with four DDR5 memory slots, supporting up to 128GB for enhanced multitasking and data-intensive applications
- PCIe 5.0 Support: Experience blazing-fast data transfer rates with the latest PCIe 5.0 interface
- Advanced Connectivity: Features 2.5Gbps LAN, USB 3.2 Gen2, HDMI, and DisplayPort for seamless connectivity
- Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth 5.3: Enjoy high-speed wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring smooth streaming and low-latency gaming
Sanders praised the feature set, performance, networking, audio, available space, and BIOS and overclocking controls. His conclusion called the board enthusiast-class and recommended it to enthusiast users. The drawbacks in that 2016 assessment were its price, limited internal USB headers, and less expansive multi-GPU support than the compared ASUS board; he also noted that cheaper boards could deliver similar stock performance. Those judgments describe the review-era comparison, not current prices or present-day value.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the MSI Z170A Gaming M9 ACK a good choice now?
The board’s specifications may suit someone maintaining or assembling a system around compatible 6th-generation LGA1151 hardware, especially if two M.2 sockets, onboard Wi-Fi, and its particular expansion options are useful. It is not a current-platform recommendation: Z170 and the supported processors belong to an older generation, and the 2016 performance results do not establish how the board compares with modern hardware.
If considering a used or remaining-stock board, verify the CPU support list and BIOS version, confirm that the included accessories match your needs, and check seller condition, return terms, and current availability. A historical review price is not evidence of today’s market value, and no current price or availability is established here.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
