Packaging and Accessories
MSI may have changed the naming scheme, but the packaging for the Z97 Gaming 5 is basically the same as previous MSI gaming motherboards. The cover has a large silver dragon on the black and red box. Up along the top you have a few key board features (audio boost 2 and the Killer E2200) and the Intel tags to show what CPUs are supported.
On the flip side we have a LOT more information. Here MIS has included information on their new audio boost 2 sound card, the Killer E2200 network card, and a little information on their USB Audio Power. Up in the top right corner you get a small specification listing and a line drawing of the back panel connections. The red section highlights a few other features, mostly software but they also mention the board’s multi-GPU support.
Inside the board is up top and wrapped up in a static protective bag. Under everything you have all of your accessories and documentation. For documentation you get a user guide and MSI Intel overclocking guide. MSI also includes a software/driver disc, a door hanger, SATA cable tags, and a G Series case badge. The badge has changed this time with the logo being a little smaller and they included the MSI logo under it as well. For accessories you get a blacked out rear I/O plate (with foam on the back rather than the metal tab springs), black SLI bridge, two SATA cables (one with a right angled end), front panel connection helpers, and a weird adapter that lets you plug in an additional Molex connection into your motherboard to improve your audio performance when using USB sound cards.