Benchmarks: audio
24 bit, 192KHz
The audio experience is where the MSI 970 Gaming stands out from the older AM3+ motherboards on the market. Audio has only become a mainstream focus of motherboard vendors since 2012 and many of the currently-available AM3+ motherboards predate this. With Realtek ALC1150 at hand the MSI 970 Gaming delivers an audio experience similar to flagship Z97 offerings based on the same Realtek ALC1150 chipset. A pair of headphone amplifiers improve the experience for gamers with headsets, too.
The DPC latency score is middle-of-the-road but it's worth reiterating that any score sub-500~750 microseconds will give a flawless listening experience without interruption, stuttering or crackling.
