MSI Z270I GAMING PRO CARBON AC Intel motherboard

Compact Z270 platform for small builds

The MSI Z270I GAMING PRO CARBON AC is a Mini-ITX motherboard built on the Intel Z270 chipset with an LGA 1151 socket. It supports 6th and 7th generation Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors plus Pentium and Celeron CPUs. Dual-channel DDR4 memory runs up to 3800 MHz when overclocked with a maximum capacity of 32 GB. A single PCIe 3.0 x16 slot handles the graphics card while one M.2 interface and four SATA III ports provide storage connectivity.

Suits compact gaming or workstation rigs

Builders who want a high feature set in a small chassis will appreciate the onboard Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN and Realtek ALC1220 audio with 7.1 channel output and S/PDIF. The rear I/O includes one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C and one Type-A port both running at 10 Gbps plus additional USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports from the chipset. Users needing multiple graphics cards, more than 32 GB of RAM or newer CPU generations should look at larger boards with different chipsets.

Fits Mini-ITX cases with standard cooling

The board requires an LGA 1151 cooler and a small form factor power supply with the necessary CPU and PCIe connectors. Its single x16 slot leaves room for a dual-slot graphics card in most Mini-ITX layouts while the M.2 slot frees up drive bays for other components. Integrated Wi-Fi antenna connectors are provided for the onboard wireless module. Ensure the case has adequate airflow for the voltage regulator heatsinks.