MSI Z97S SLI PLUS (LGA 1150) Motherboard Review

Audio Performance

RightMark Audio Analyser (RMAA)

RMAA suite is designed for testing quality of analog and digital paths of any audio device. The results are obtained by playing and recording test signals passed through the tested audio path by means of frequency analysis algorithms. A more common mark is also provided for those unfamiliar with measured technical parameters. Available here. We run the RMAA test using a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable connecting the line out to the line in to test the quality of the motherboard audio codec not any external audio devices. We run the complete playback and recording test at default settings and then get RMAA to interpret the results giving the below outputs. We sync the playback and recording audio devices to the same setting as the test for accurate results.

16 Bit, 44KHz (DVD Quality)

16 Bit, 96KHz (Studio Quality)

16 Bit, 192KHz (Studio Quality)

For an ALC 892 codec based motherboard the performance is as good as you’d expect to see. Most motherboards using this codec won’t perform much better because adding additional enhancement hardware like better quality audio caps and amplifiers isn’t worth it when upgrading to the ALC1150 codec is cheaper and gives a better audio performance return. As a result you’ll find higher spec audio implementations rarely use ALC 892: but it will still do the job for most people.

DPC Latency Analyser

Thesycon’s DPC Latency Checker is a Windows tool that analyses the capabilities of a computer system to handle real-time data streams properly. It may help to find the cause for interruptions in real-time audio and video streams, also known as drop-outs. Available here.

MSI’s Z97 motherboards have drastically improved in DPC latency since the first board we’ve tested. Clearly all the BIOS updates have helped to fine tune things.