MSI Z370 Gaming Plus Review: Is This Budget Motherboard Still Worth It in 2026?

The MSI Z370 Gaming Plus launched alongside Intel’s 8th-gen Coffee Lake processors back in late 2017, positioning itself as an affordable entry point into the Z370 chipset ecosystem. Fast-forward to 2026, and this board has spent nearly a decade on the market, a lifetime in PC hardware terms. But with the used market flooded with older platforms and budget builders hunting for value, the question isn’t whether the Z370 Gaming Plus was good in its era. It’s whether you should still consider it today.

This review digs into the board’s specs, real-world performance, and practical usability in 2026. Whether you’re building a budget rig around a used i7-8700K or simply curious if older hardware still holds up, here’s what you need to know.

Overview of the MSI Z370 Gaming Plus

The Z370 Gaming Plus is MSI’s no-frills take on the Z370 platform. It strips away RGB lighting, premium audio codecs, and reinforced PCIe slots to hit a lower price point, originally around $110-$130 at launch. That made it one of the most accessible overclocking-capable boards for Coffee Lake CPUs, appealing to gamers who wanted unlocked multiplier support without paying for features they wouldn’t use.

It’s an ATX board built around Intel’s Z370 chipset, which means native support for 8th and 9th-gen Intel Core processors (with a BIOS update for 9th-gen). You get dual-channel DDR4 support, six SATA III ports, and a single M.2 slot. It’s basic, but it covers the essentials for a mid-2010s gaming build.

Key Specifications and Features

Here’s what the Z370 Gaming Plus brings to the table:

• Chipset: Intel Z370
• Socket: LGA 1151 (300-series, Coffee Lake)
• Form Factor: ATX (12″ x 9.6″)
• Memory: 4x DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 64GB, max 4000MHz+ (OC)
• Expansion Slots: 2x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16/x4 mode), 4x PCIe 3.0 x1
• Storage: 6x SATA 6Gb/s, 1x M.2 slot (PCIe 3.0 x4, SATA)
• Rear I/O: 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A, 2x USB 3.1 Gen1, 2x USB 2.0, PS/2 combo port, HDMI, DVI-D, 1x Gigabit LAN (Realtek 8111H), 3x audio jacks
• Audio: Realtek ALC892 codec
• Power Delivery: 5-phase VRM (not the most robust, but functional for moderate overclocking)
• BIOS Version (Latest): 7B45v1D (as of mid-2021, no further updates expected)

The board lacks USB Type-C, Wi-Fi, and advanced VRM cooling. It’s built for users who know exactly what they need and don’t want to pay for extras.

Design and Build Quality

The Z370 Gaming Plus follows MSI’s mid-2010s design language: black PCB, red and silver accents, and angular heatsinks. It’s not flashy, but it’s not trying to be. The aesthetic leans utilitarian, which aged better than some of the over-designed boards from the same era.

Aesthetic and Form Factor

MSI marketed this under their “Gaming Plus” branding, which sat below the “Gaming Pro” and “Gaming M7” tiers. That translates to minimal RGB, there’s a small LED strip along the audio trace line and header support for external RGB strips, but no onboard lighting zones.

The red-and-black color scheme works if you’re building a matching theme, but it won’t blend into neutral builds the way all-black boards do. The heatsinks are modest, with the chipset cooler sporting a red “GAMING” logo that feels dated in 2026.

It’s a standard ATX board, so fitment is universal in mid-tower cases and larger. No oddball standoff placements or compatibility issues.

Component Layout and Cooling Solutions

Layout is straightforward, though not perfect. The 24-pin ATX power connector sits in the usual spot along the right edge, and the 8-pin EPS12V connector is up near the top-left, both easy to route in most cases. The single M.2 slot is positioned below the top PCIe x16 slot, which can trap heat under a GPU. No M.2 heatsink is included, so if you’re running a hot NVMe drive, you’ll want an aftermarket solution.

The VRM heatsinks are small and purely passive. The 5-phase power delivery can handle an i5-8600K or i7-8700K at moderate overclocks (4.8-5.0GHz), but sustained all-core loads will push VRM temps into the 80-90°C range without case airflow. If you’re planning heavy overclocking or running a 9900K, this board isn’t ideal, enthusiasts doing GPU benchmarks or stress testing should look at higher-tier Z370 or Z390 boards.

SATA ports are angled 90 degrees along the bottom edge, which keeps cable clutter low. No onboard power/reset buttons or debug LEDs, so troubleshooting requires a case speaker or trial-and-error.

Performance Testing and Benchmarks

Testing the Z370 Gaming Plus in 2026 means evaluating it against both period-correct expectations and modern use cases. For this review, the board was paired with an Intel Core i7-8700K, 16GB of DDR4-3200 (Corsair Vengeance LPX), a GTX 1080 Ti, and a 500GB Samsung 970 EVO NVMe SSD.

Gaming Performance

In gaming, the Z370 Gaming Plus performs exactly as you’d expect: it doesn’t bottleneck the CPU or GPU, and framerates are dictated by your silicon, not the motherboard. Testing in CS2, Fortnite, and Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p and 1440p showed no performance delta compared to higher-end Z370 boards like the ASUS ROG Strix Z370-E.

Frametime consistency was solid across extended sessions. The Realtek 8111H NIC handled online play without issue, though competitive players might prefer Intel LAN for slightly lower latency. Audio via the ALC892 codec is serviceable, clear enough for gaming headsets, but lacking the punch and separation of higher-end codecs like the ALC1220. If you’re running studio headphones or a dedicated mic setup, you’ll want an external DAC or sound card.

The board doesn’t introduce microstutter, and PCIe 3.0 x16 bandwidth is more than enough for even an RTX 4070-class GPU (though pairing modern high-end cards with an 8th-gen CPU would create a different kind of bottleneck).

Overclocking Capabilities

Overclocking is where the Z370 Gaming Plus shows its budget roots. The 5-phase VRM is adequate for moderate all-core overclocks, but it runs hot and doesn’t leave much headroom for pushing voltage.

With the i7-8700K, a stable 4.9GHz all-core overclock at 1.32V was achievable, but VRM temps climbed to 85°C under Prime95 load even with a Noctua NH-D15 and good case airflow. Pushing to 5.0GHz at 1.35V resulted in thermal throttling during stress tests. For gaming workloads (which are less sustained), 5.0GHz was stable, but it’s not a board you’d want for 24/7 rendering or encoding at high overclocks.

Memory overclocking fared better. The board handled DDR4-3200 and DDR4-3600 kits without issue, though tighter timings required manual tuning. Running XMP profiles above 3200MHz occasionally needed voltage tweaks (1.36-1.38V on DRAM). No major stability issues, but don’t expect to push Samsung B-die to 4000MHz+ without trial and error.

If overclocking is your priority, the Z370 Gaming Plus will get you 90% of the way there, but the last 10% requires better VRM cooling or a higher-tier board.

Memory and Storage Performance

DDR4 performance scales as expected. Running the Corsair Vengeance LPX kit at its rated 3200MHz (CL16) delivered bandwidth around 45GB/s read in AIDA64, with latency hovering near 50ns. Dropping to JEDEC speeds (2666MHz) shaved about 5-7% off gaming performance in CPU-bound scenarios, so running XMP is recommended.

The single M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4, delivering full NVMe speeds, the Samsung 970 EVO hit 3,500MB/s read and 2,500MB/s write, identical to results on premium boards. SATA performance is standard across the six ports, no RAID bottlenecks or quirks.

One limitation: the M.2 slot shares bandwidth with SATA ports 5 and 6. If you’re running an M.2 NVMe drive, those two SATA ports are disabled. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you’re planning a multi-drive setup.

BIOS and Software Experience

The Z370 Gaming Plus runs MSI’s Click BIOS 5 interface, which was the company’s standard during the Coffee Lake era. It’s functional but not as polished as modern UEFI implementations.

Navigating the BIOS is straightforward: the main screen shows system vitals (temps, voltages, fan speeds), and the OC menu houses all the overclocking controls. Voltage offsets, multiplier adjustments, and LLC settings are all present, though the interface feels slightly sluggish compared to newer boards. Load times between menus can hit 2-3 seconds, which adds up during extended tuning sessions.

XMP profile loading is reliable. One-click activation worked across multiple DDR4 kits tested, though manual timings required more patience. Fan curve customization is basic, you get PWM control with adjustable temperature thresholds, but no advanced hysteresis or noise-normalized curves.

The final BIOS update (7B45v1D) dropped in mid-2021, adding support for 9th-gen CPUs and patching Spectre/Meltdown vulnerabilities. No further updates are expected, which means security patches and feature additions are off the table. If you’re concerned about emerging CPU vulnerabilities, that’s a consideration.

MSI’s software suite (Dragon Center, Command Center) was included, but it’s largely unnecessary. The bloatware-adjacent utilities for RGB control and “gaming mode” optimizations don’t offer much value, and most users will skip them entirely. The BIOS is where you’ll spend your time if you’re tweaking performance.

Connectivity and Expansion Options

Connectivity on the Z370 Gaming Plus is adequate for a budget board, but it lags behind even mid-range options from the same generation.

PCIe Slots and GPU Support

You get two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (steel-reinforced on neither, unlike higher-tier MSI boards). The top slot runs at full x16 bandwidth, while the second drops to x4 when populated. That’s fine for a single GPU, but SLI/CrossFire setups will bottleneck in the second slot. Not that multi-GPU configs matter much in 2026, driver support is effectively dead, and modern titles scale poorly across two cards.

Four PCIe 3.0 x1 slots provide room for capture cards, Wi-Fi adapters, or sound cards. Spacing is tight, though, installing a triple-slot GPU will block one or two of the x1 slots depending on your card’s cooler design.

The board officially supports GPUs up to the RTX 20-series and RX 5000-series, but newer cards (RTX 40-series, RX 7000-series) will work fine from a PCIe compatibility standpoint. The bottleneck becomes your CPU choice, not the board itself. Many hardware benchmarks confirm that pairing 8th or 9th-gen Intel CPUs with cutting-edge GPUs leaves performance on the table.

USB and Rear I/O Panel

The rear I/O panel is where the budget cuts show. You get:

• 1x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A (10Gbps)
• 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-A (5Gbps)
• 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
• 1x PS/2 combo port

No USB Type-C, which was already becoming standard on mid-range boards by 2018. The inclusion of a PS/2 port is a relic, useful if you’re running ancient peripherals or need BIOS-level keyboard access, but otherwise dead weight.

Display outputs include HDMI 1.4 and DVI-D, both of which are only relevant if you’re using integrated graphics (which you won’t be if you’re overclocking a K-series CPU). The single Gigabit Ethernet port (Realtek 8111H) is reliable but unremarkable. Competitive players or those running PC build guides might prefer Intel LAN for lower latency, but the difference is marginal in practice.

Audio is a basic three-jack setup (line out, mic in, line in) powered by the Realtek ALC892 codec. It’s fine for gaming headsets, but don’t expect audiophile-grade output. No optical out, which limits home theater PC (HTPC) applications.

Compatibility and CPU Support

The Z370 Gaming Plus officially supports Intel’s 8th and 9th-gen Core processors, from the Pentium Gold G5400 up to the Core i9-9900K (with BIOS version 7B45v19 or later). That includes the popular i5-8400, i5-8600K, i7-8700K, i5-9600K, and i7-9700K.

Keep in mind that the VRM isn’t built for the i9-9900K’s power demands under sustained load. If you’re running an 8-core chip, expect higher VRM temps and less overclocking headroom. The sweet spot is the i5-8600K or i7-8700K, both overclock well and stay within the board’s thermal envelope.

RAM compatibility is broad. The board supports up to 64GB (4x16GB) of DDR4, with official speeds up to DDR4-2666 and overclocked support for 3200MHz, 3600MHz, and higher. Most mainstream kits work out of the box with XMP, though high-frequency Samsung B-die kits (4000MHz+) may require manual tuning.

One quirk: older BIOS versions (pre-7B45v19) don’t support 9th-gen CPUs, so if you’re buying used, verify the BIOS version or be prepared to flash an update with an 8th-gen chip first.

The board doesn’t support 10th-gen or later Intel CPUs, those require LGA 1200 (400/500-series chipsets). Upgrading beyond 9th-gen means a platform swap.

Pros and Cons

Here’s the breakdown:

Pros:

• Affordable entry into Z370 overclocking: Originally priced around $110-$130, and now available used for $30-$50.
• Solid stock and moderate OC performance: Handles i5-8600K and i7-8700K at 4.8-5.0GHz without major issues.
• Stable memory overclocking: DDR4-3200 and 3600MHz kits run reliably with XMP.
• Decent I/O for budget tier: Six SATA ports, one M.2 slot, and enough PCIe expansion for most builds.
• No bloatware pressure: Minimal RGB and software overhead, just plug in and go.

Cons:

• Weak VRM cooling: 5-phase power delivery runs hot under sustained loads: not ideal for i9-9900K or aggressive overclocking.
• Limited rear I/O: No USB Type-C, only one USB 3.1 Gen2 port, and basic audio.
• Single M.2 slot: Limits NVMe expansion, and sharing bandwidth with SATA ports is inconvenient.
• Outdated BIOS: No updates since mid-2021, meaning no future security patches or feature additions.
• Aesthetic doesn’t age well: Red-and-black design feels dated compared to modern all-black or RGB boards.
• No premium features: No reinforced PCIe slots, Wi-Fi, or advanced audio codec.

Value for Money in 2026

In 2026, the Z370 Gaming Plus exists almost exclusively in the used market. New stock is long gone, and prices on platforms like eBay and r/hardwareswap hover between $30 and $60 depending on condition.

At that price, it’s a solid foundation for a budget gaming build, if you’re pairing it with a used i5-8600K ($50-$70) or i7-8700K ($100-$120). Total platform cost (CPU + board + 16GB DDR4) can land under $200, which is hard to beat for 1080p gaming or esports titles where CPU demands are moderate.

But there are caveats. The lack of modern connectivity (USB-C, Wi-Fi 6, PCIe 4.0) means you’re building a system that’s already behind the curve. If you’re planning to use this rig for 3-5 years, you’ll feel those limitations sooner rather than later. NVMe Gen4 SSDs won’t run at full speed (not that most users notice the difference), and newer peripherals may require adapters or hubs.

Compared to alternatives like a B560 or B660 board paired with a budget 10th or 12th-gen Intel chip, the Z370 Gaming Plus trades modern features for lower upfront cost. If your budget is tight and you’re comfortable with older hardware, it’s a viable pick. If you can stretch to $300-$400 for a CPU/board combo, newer platforms offer better longevity.

For retro builders, emulation rigs, or secondary systems, the Z370 Gaming Plus punches above its weight. For a primary gaming rig in 2026, it’s a compromise, one that works, but requires clear-eyed acceptance of its limits.

Conclusion

The MSI Z370 Gaming Plus was a competent budget board in 2017, and it remains competent, if narrowly so, in 2026. It delivers stable performance for 8th and 9th-gen Intel CPUs, handles moderate overclocking, and checks the essential boxes for a gaming motherboard. But it’s showing its age in connectivity, VRM design, and feature set.

If you’re building on a shoestring budget or assembling a secondary rig, the Z370 Gaming Plus is worth considering at used prices under $50. Pair it with an i7-8700K, decent DDR4, and a mid-range GPU, and you’ve got a 1080p gaming machine that’ll handle most modern titles at high settings.

But if you’re planning a long-term build or need modern I/O, look elsewhere. The platform is nearing the end of its practical lifespan, and investing in newer hardware, even at a higher upfront cost, will pay off in compatibility and longevity. The Z370 Gaming Plus isn’t a bad board. It’s just a board from another era, and that matters more in 2026 than it did even two years ago.