The 7 best MSI motherboards

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Among the top manufacturers of computer components, in particular motherboards, the Taiwanese company Micro-Star International, which owns the MSI trademark, occupies a worthy place. A wide range of motherboard models of a wide variety of price categories and form factors are released under this brand. The editors bring you a ranking of the best MSI motherboards to date, taking into account form factor, socket, price and conditional purpose.

Best MSI motherboards

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best MSI general purpose motherboards	1	MSI H110M PRO-D	RUB 3,199
	2	MSI B450-A PRO	RUB 6 490
	3	MSI Z270-A PRO	RUB 6 887
	4	MSI B450 TOMAHAWK	RUB 8 617
Best MSI gaming motherboards	1	MSI MEG Z390 ACE	RUB 18,311
	2	MSI X299 GAMING PRO CARBON	RUB 18,942
	3	MSI MEG Z390 GODLIKE	RUB 38,417

Best MSI general purpose motherboards

The first nomination includes four mainstream motherboards. We provide an overview of the models in ascending order of characteristics, functionality and, accordingly, cost.

MSI H110M PRO-D

Rating: 4.9

Opens the nomination for the cheapest MSI motherboard in the collection. It is built on the Intel H110 chipset. Form factor – microATX.

To install the processor in this model, socket LG A1151 is used, which provides compatibility with processors Intel of the Core family, as well as Celeron and Pentium. Hereinafter, all considered motherboards support multi-core processors. The main power is a standard 24-pin connector; processor power – 4-pin socket. Cooling is passive.

There are two slots for installing RAM modules in the board. Acceptable RAM specification – DDR4 DIMM with an operating frequency up to 2.133GHz. The maximum volume is 32GB. Two-channel operation is allowed.

There are four SATA 6Gb / s interfaces allocated for installing hard drives. The outdated IDE interface in this and other MSI motherboards is not included in the review. One 16-lane PCI-E expansion slot and two 1-lane slots are provided for installing additional discrete devices. PCI Express 2.0 and 3.0 versions are supported.

The most important integrated devices are as follows. The sound card on the Realtek ALC887 chip provides 7.1CH multi-channel audio with High Definition support Audi o. Realtek RTL8111H Gigabit Network Card with Standard Ethernet Interface.

The set of ports includes the following interfaces: 4 USB 3.1 (2 on the rear panel); 6 USB 2.0; video output DVI-D; one COM port; RJ-45 network port; two PS / 2 connectors on the rear panel for mouse and keyboard.

The fact that only a DVI-D output is available for connecting a monitor is the only distinct drawback of this motherboard that causes complaints from buyers.

Advantages

• compliance with the declared characteristics;
• high-quality multi-channel sound card;
• high-speed gigabit network card;
• many USB ports;
• extremely affordable price.

disadvantages

• the only monitor output is DVI-D.

MSI B450-A PRO

Rating: 4.8

The rating continues with a motherboard from MSI of a different form factor – ATX, designed for other processors – AMD Ryzen 1st and 2nd generation, compatible with socket AM4. The characteristics of the board are noticeably higher than the previous one, and the possibilities are wider. This in total determines its cost – on average, almost three times more expensive than the above. However, in absolute terms, it is still considered fairly inexpensive.

This model is based on the AMD B450 chipset, uses B IOS AMI, supports EFI interface and CrossFire technology, which allows combining two or more video adapters to significantly increase the detail of 3D graphics. Main power – 24 pins, processor power – 8 pins.

4 slots are allocated for RAM on the board. Supports DDR4 DIMM specification RAM with operating frequency from 1.866 to 3.466 GHz, including dual-channel and error correction (ECC). The maximum volume is 64GB.

To connect hard drives, there are 6 SATA 6Gb / s connectors, one M.2 slot of the PCI-E / SATA 3.0 type. The system allows you to arrange a RAID 0, 1 or 10 array based on AMD B450. To connect additional internal devices, there are two PCI-E slots for 16 lines and four single-line ones. PCI Express 2.0 and 3.0 are supported.

The built-in network card is completely similar to the above-described motherboard – gigabit Realtek 8111H. The sound card is almost the same, only slightly newer – Realtek ALC892, but the capabilities are exactly the same – 7.1CH multi-channel sound with High Definition support Audi o.

You can connect peripherals to a PC through the following interfaces: 12 USB ports, of which 6 are 3.1; one 1xCOM port; video outputs D-Sub, DVI, HDMI; Ethernet RJ-45 network port; PS / 2 connectors for keyboard and mouse, LPT port.

The manufacturer positions this motherboard as a gaming motherboard, but does it very unobtrusively, since the model itself is far from the most powerful and is not characterized by a pronounced gaming design. However, for 'decorative' purposes, you can use a special connector for connecting an RGB tape.

The motherboard comes with two SATA cables, an M.2 bracket and a rear port cover. This model is covered by a 3-year manufacturer's warranty.

Advantages

• fast memory bus;
• many interfaces;
• convenient and descriptive B IOS;
• effective passive cooling;
• dual-channel memory is supported, including with error correction;
• radiators on the processor power supply circuit;
• you can connect RGB tape.

disadvantages

• no obvious shortcomings and systematic user complaints were identified.

MSI Z270-A PRO

Rating: 4.7

The third number in our rating is the MSI motherboard, which is in many ways almost similar to the one described above, the same ATX form factor, and costs almost exactly the same, only it is designed for processors Intel – the Core family from i3 to i7 , Celeron and Pentium compatible socket LG A1151.

The motherboard is built on the Intel Z270 chipset, uses B IOS AMI, supports CrossFire and EFI in exactly the same way as the model discussed above. Up to 64GB of RAM in 4 slots can be installed. Allowed specification – DDR4 DIMM, frequency – from 2.133 to 3.8 GHz. Dual channel supported.

The configuration of interfaces for connecting hard drives is almost exactly the same as that of the above model. Support for a RAID array has been slightly expanded – you can arrange an array of 0, 1, 5 and 10 levels. Controller – Intel Z270. Six SATA 6Gb / s connectors. One M.2 slot. To connect third-party devices directly to the motherboard, there are two 16-channel PCI Express 3.0 slots and four single-channel slots. The integrated card is exactly the same – a gigabit card based on the Realtek RTL8111H chip. The sound is also exactly the same – the multi-channel Realtek ALC892.

For connecting peripherals, 14 USB ports are allocated, including 8 standard 3.1; COM port; LPT port; video outputs D-Sub, DVI, DisplayPort; two PS / 2 sockets. The main power supply is connected via a standard 24-pin connector, the processor power is supplied via an 8-pin connector.

The manufacturer also positions this motherboard as a gaming motherboard, and this is quite fair, since it allows you to equip your PC with a powerful processor and video card and install fast RAM in a volume sufficient for comfortable gaming.

The board also comes with two SATA cables and a cover for the rear of the case.

Advantages

• support for fast memory, including dual-channel;
• effective passive cooling;
• high-quality integrated sound;
• gigabit built-in network card;
• many interfaces;
• sufficient resource to complete a gaming PC.

disadvantages

• no HDMI.

MSI B450 TOMAHAWK

Rating: 4.6

Rounding out the nomination for MSI's Best General Purpose Motherboards according to a model that is already almost distinctly gaming. This is the most expensive motherboard in this category, but it is still far from the top models in terms of cost, which we will consider in the next selection.

This motherboard supports AMD 1st and 2nd Gen Ryzen processors. Socket, respectively – AM4. Form factor – ATX. Built on AMD B450 chipset. Built-in B IOS AMI, EFI and CrossFire support.

On the RAM side, support for the DDR4 DIMM specification with a frequency from 1.866GHz to 3.466GHz, including in dual-channel mode, is implemented. Both error correction memory and regular memory are equally suitable. The maximum volume is 64GB, four slots.

To install hard drives, 6 SATA 6Gb / s interfaces and one M.2 are allocated. This board can also form a RAID 0, 1, and 10 set under the AMD B450. To install discrete devices directly on the board, there are two PCI-E 16-channel and three single-channel slots. Compliant with PCI Express 2.0 and 3.0. The configuration of the sound and network cards soldered on the board is completely similar to the previous model.

To connect peripherals, the following interfaces are installed: 12 USB sockets, 6 USB 3.1, 1 USB Type-C; video outputs DVI and HDMI; two PS / 2 sockets. To connect to a local network – a standard RJ-45 twisted pair connector. The board is powered by a 24-pin connector, the processor is powered by an 8-pin connector. Cooling is passive.

Quite expectedly, the manufacturer also positions this motherboard as a gaming motherboard, and this is quite fair, since its technologically profile is quite consistent with modern gaming requirements. There is a separate connector for connecting RGB tape. Even in the design of the device, there is increased attention, so that in an open case or behind a transparent wall, the motherboard will look quite decent.

Advantages

• wide potential for completing a powerful PC;
• support for fast memory with error correction;
• effective passive cooling;
• significant potential for overclocking RAM;
• gigabit network card;
• good integrated sound;
• price-performance ratio.

disadvantages

• no systematic user complaints or obvious shortcomings were recorded.

Best MSI gaming motherboards

The second nomination for MSI's Most Worthy Motherboard Rating from Editors brings you three Micro-Star International technology solutions that no longer raise any doubts about their gaming specialty. Of course, these boards can be used to complete PCs for any purpose, but their significant cost still prompts us to have good reasons for such a purchase.

MSI MEG Z390 ACE

Rating: 4.9

The nomination is opened by the most inexpensive MSI motherboard from among those that are not just positioned as gaming, but were originally developed specifically for gamers, which can be traced already at the level of appearance – the design of the board is very effective and pronouncedly gaming. Form factor – ATX.

The board was built on the chipset Intel Z390. Socket LG A1151v2 indicates compatibility with the top CPUs of the Core family – 9th and 8th, as well as Celeron and PentiumGold. EFI, SLI and CrossFire are supported. Used by B IOS AMI.

Four slots are allocated for RAM. The DDR4 DIMM specification with an operating frequency from 2133 to 4500 MHz is supported, including dual-channel. The maximum volume is 64GB.

Data drives can be connected via SATA 6Gb / s (6 connectors) or M.2 (3 connectors). You can also build a RAID set of levels 0, 1, 5, and 10 running Intel Z390. For the installation of a discrete video card and other modules, the board provides three 16-channel PCI Express 3.0 and three single-channel slots. Built-in sound card – multichannel Realtek ALC1220 with HDA support. The KillerE2500 is a high-performance gigabit network card with a focus on meeting the needs of gamers. The board is powered by a 24-pin connector, and two 8-pin connectors are used to power the processor.

An important advantage of this model is the built-in high-speed 802.11ac Wi-Fi module. There is also a built-in Bluetooth – module. Wired interfaces for external devices and networks: 20 USB ports, 12 USB3.1; optical output; S / PDIF; two PS / 2 connectors; USB Type-C; Ethernet.

The standard kit includes a set for an antenna, 4 SATA cables; LED Y cable; bridge SLI; fasteners for M.2. The warranty for this model is 3 years and coincides with the manufacturer's specified service life.

Advantages

• compatibility with top processors Intel;
• support for fast memory, including dual-channel;
• performance;
• spectacular design;
• you can connect RGB tape;
• equipment.

disadvantages

• pinpoint claims of professional users to the nuances.

MSI X299 GAMING PRO CARBON

Rating: 4.8

The rating continues with the MSI motherboard with even more advanced features and capabilities, which have added a whole third to its cost when compared with the previous solution. Form factor – ATX.

This motherboard uses socket LG A2066 – compatible with the latest Core X-Series processors Intel. Built on Intel X299 chipset. Used by B IOS AMI with disaster recovery support. There is also built-in support for EFI and SLI / CrossFireX.

Opportunities for completing with RAM in this case definitely command respect – as many as 8 slots for memory with DDR4 DIMM specifications with a frequency of 2133 to 4133 MHz, while the bus has an impressive memory overclocking potential. You can use two- and four-channel modes. The upper limit on the volume is impressive – 128GB – the largest potential among all the mainboards presented in the review.

To install hard drives, there are as many as eight SATA 6Gb / s connectors and three M.2 slots. There is also one U.2 connector. You can create a RAID array based on Intel X299 levels 0, 1, 5, and 10. For discrete devices, four 16-lane PCI-E and two single-lane slots are allocated. PCI-E version is 3.0.

The integrated sound card here is exactly the same as in the above model – Realtek ALC1220, multi-channel with HDA support. Built-in network card – Gigabit Intel I219-V.

For peripherals and networks, the following interfaces are provided: 18 USB ports, 11 USB 3.1, one 1 USB Type-C; S / PDIF output; two PS / 2 sockets; optical output. Motherboard power – 24-pin, processor power – 8-pin connector plus an additional 4-pin. There is a connector for connecting RGB tape.

The warranty period for this model is the same as for the previous one – 3 years, and also coincides with the established nominal service life.

Advantages

• high performance;
• extended capabilities for bundling with RAM;
• full compliance with the declared characteristics;
• huge overclocking potential;
• B IOS with disaster recovery;
• spectacular design.

disadvantages

• not found.

MSI MEG Z390 GODLIKE

Rating: 4.7

And the most powerful motherboard with the greatest potential rounds out the list of the best MSI motherboards according to the version. She is also the most expensive. Actually, the price is the most unpleasant moment in this model, but otherwise it deserves the highest praise, and even justifies the immodest wording in the nomenclature (GODLIKE can be translated as 'godlike'). Form factor – ATX.

This model is compatible with top-end processors Intel of the 8th and 9th generation Core family, as well as Celeron and Pentium Gold – socket LG A1151 v2. Built on the Intel Z390 chipset. B IOS is the same as the previous option – AMI with disaster recovery support. EFI, SLI and CrossFireX are also supported.

The potential for bundling with RAM is slightly less than that of the above-described model – 4 slots for DDR4 DIMM strips with a frequency of 2133 to 4600 MHz with support for dual-channel mode and a maximum volume of 64GB. But this limitation is offset by some other benefits.

Six SATA 6Gb / s connectors and three M.2 slots are allocated for hard drives. The Intel Z390 can form a RAID array of levels 0, 1, 5 and 10. There is also a U.2 connector. For additional cards, there are 4 16-lane PCI-E 3.0 slots and one single-lane slot. The sound is similar to the two previous models – Realtek ALC1220. Integrated Killer E2500 Gigabit NIC.

There are built-in wireless modules – Wi-Fi of high speed 802.11ac standard and Bluetooth. To connect peripherals, there are 16 USB ports, 12 USB 3.1, one USB Type-C; S / PDIF output; two PS / 2 sockets; optical output. There are two Ethernet ports for connecting to the network. The motherboard is powered by a 24-pin connector, the processor is powered by two 8-pin connectors. Cooling is passive. There is a connector for connecting an RGB tape.

Advantages

• high performance;
• support for high-speed dual-channel memory;
• built-in wireless modules;
• two network ports;
• spectacular design;
• B IOS with disaster recovery;
• great potential for overclocking.

disadvantages

• the high price, in the opinion of many, is clearly overpriced.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.