Top 10 MSI motherboards: ranking 2021-2022 and review of the major criteria for device selection

Motherboard (or motherboard) - this is a key element of the PC, the basis for building a computer, which has a significant impact on its capabilities and performance.

Exactly in it is the ability to support the correct interaction of the set of installed components (CPU, video card, RAM, storage), as well as - various devices related to peripherals: keyboard, mouse, etc.

Taiwanese brand MSI is one of the top three manufacturers of motherboards for the Russian market, so when choosing a motherboard products MSI should be studied closely enough.

And what to pay attention to - let's understand in our article.

Types of MSI motherboards

Modern solutions for any PC - office, home or even gamer - depend on the following parameters:

• socket (CPU socket) - any motherboard can and will only work with a group of processors that fit its socket;
• chipset - the motherboard chipset, which is responsible for processor support, peripheral connections (and their number) and the speed of all individual parts of the system as a whole; it is the chipset that determines overclocking support, port configuration, USB version and other features;
• board size (otherwise known as form factor) - there are 3 main sizes: full-size ATX (30 x 25, cm), which has the largest capacity for full fill, the classic Micro-ATX (6.1 cm less in length), used on most PCs, designed for office or home use, and - compact Mini-ITX (17 x 17, cm), which has a much smaller number of slots for drives and RAM;
• ports - external ports and connectors (on the back of the board) and internal connectors such as: different USB (including 2, or 3, or 3.1, or even Type-C), video outputs (HDMI / DisplayPort / DVI / VGA), any network cards and adapters (Wi-fi), audio ports, etc. ;
• slots for RAM - Most boards are equipped with 4 slots for RAM, however, compact models can be equipped with only 1-2 slots, which - despite some limitations - will be enough for a standard office or home computer;
• additional functionality - This includes the presence of switches (buttons) on the board itself, facilitating its installation, use and testing, diagnostic display, other features of the structure of the motherboard.

How to choose and what to look for?

The basic criteria which influence the choice:

• the correct socket for the processor - the socket for the processor on the motherboard must be compatible with the processor (Intel, AMD, etc.) preferred by the buyer
• form factor (the size of the board perimeter) - A larger board will provide more slots and features but will require a larger PC case, and the smaller the board, the more compact the case can be, but the less functionality it can support;
• decide if you need Wi-fi or add-on controllers. - they add to the cost of the board, but if the user does not use them, then there is no need to pay for these features.

Top 10 Best Models

The best MSI motherboards in value for money

The price factor is one of the main determinants of the possibility to purchase a particular device. Let's take a look at some motherboards, the price of which can hardly be called low, however, it is quite justified by the features and capabilities offered.

MSI Z390-A PRO

A great motherboard that is ideal for building a powerful The ideal motherboard for building a powerful, feature-rich PC designed for serious business..

The motherboard has a very practical and thoughtful design, which will be highly appreciated by both professional and passionate gamers. It allows you to create a gaming system suitable for both beginners and advanced gamers.

It allows you to create your own cooling system through a variety of fan slots and a radiator that reduces the temperature of power elements.

There are fine-tuning and diagnostic tools. It has a wide compatibility and quality BIOS interface.

Technical Data:

• socket - LGA1151 v2;
• processors - Intel 9th, 8th Gen Core, Pentium Gold, Celeron;
• Memory - DDR4 DIMM, 64GB
• slots - 4;
• connectors - 7 USB (including Type-C), power, video (2), network, keyboard, mouse;
• form-factor - ATX;
• Optional separate connector for RGB-tape.

MSI B450M MORTAR.

One of the best selling mid-range motherboards (Arsenal Gaming series), Has a small format (micro-ATX), rich functionality and high-tech equipment..

Executed in black textolite, a bit reminiscent of the military colors.

Equipped with multiple ports including combo PC/2, video outputs and audio jacks. It has a dual-radiator cooling system, diagnostic LED panel, two power connectors.

The graphical shell is the proprietary Click BIOS 5. Excellent board in the segment of inexpensive and interesting motherboard, suitable for use with 4 and 6-core versions.

Technical data:

• socket - AM4 (LGA1331);
• AMD RYZEN 1st and 2nd Generation processors;
• chipset - AMD B450;
• memory capacity - DDR4 DIMM, 64GB;
• slots - 4;
• connectors - 6 USB, optical, video (2), network, keyboard, mouse;
• form-factor - microATX.

MSI X470 GAMING PRO MAX

A high-performance gaming motherboard for advanced gamers. Supports many processors, including graphics (Radeon), features lightning-fast data transfer rates, high-speed USB ports, an improved power system, excellent visual and audio effects, and a custom fan connection system.

Features a protective I/O port cover, optimized wiring, and reinforced slots.

Works with the latest standards, allowing you to connect a variety of storage drives for the data you need. Features a stylish appearance.

Technical specifications:

• socket - AM4;
• processors - AMD Ryzen 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen;
• chipset - AMD X470;
• Memory - DDR4 DIMM, 64GB
• slots - 4;
• connectors - USB (8), optical output, video, network, keyboard, mouse;
• form-factor - ATX;
• Optional - gaming, there is a connector for RGB ribbon.

MSI MPG X570 GAMING PRO CARBON WIFI

Another gaming motherboard that works with AMD processors (Ryzen 3000), Excellent feature set and capabilities coupled with a very reasonable price..

It is distinguished by increased capacity of RAM, awesome 8-channel sound, silent fan and a classic form factor.

It belongs to the category of products intended for gaming PC builds, looks impressive and even spectacular, decorated with a pattern - the head of the dragon.

Features LED backlight on the right edge and a lot of necessary connectors and interfaces.

Technical data:

• socket - AM4;
• processors - AMD 2nd and 3rd Gen Ryzen/Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics/2nd Gen Ryzen with Radeon Graphics;
• chipset - AMD X570;
• 128GB DDR4 DIMM memory;
• slots - 4;
• connectors - 9 USB (including Type-C), optical output, network, peripherals;
• form-factor - ATX;
• optional - gaming.

The Best Inexpensive MSI Motherboards

But what to do if you have financial constraints and can not buy an expensive and multi-function board? The main thing is not to get upset! In the budget segment you can find very decent motherboards, the purchase of which is not too devastating to the family budget. Let's take a look at the best budget motherboards out there.

MSI B450M-A PRO MAX

A classic motherboard (microATX) with a simple and clear russified BIOS.. Features a special layout of SATA ports - 2 of them are on the bottom, and 2 others are moved to the edge of the board, closer to the hard drive, which allows you to avoid overlapping ports too large graphics cards.

Equipped with a good audio system that guarantees studio-quality sound, there is a debugging indicator for easy troubleshooting, an improved digital power system.

A massive radiator is installed for maximum cooling.

Specifications:

• socket - AM4;
• AMD RYZEN 1st, 2nd and 3rd Generation processors;
• AMD B450 chipset;
• 32GB DDR4 DIMM memory;
• slots - 2;
• connectors - 6 USB, video, network, peripherals;
• form-factor - microATX.

MSI B450M PRO-M2 MAX

In spite of the reduced number of slots (2), it supports cards with up to 4133 MHz 64GB of total capacity, a pretty decent performance for a microATX classic board.

It features separate PS/2, multiple video outputs, and supports a large group of processors.

There is a good sound, the ability to install 3 expansion slots.

Budgetary price, stable BIOS and fairly fast overclocking make this board very attractive for equipping office PCs and home devices.

Technical specifications:

• socket - AM4;
• processors - AMD 1st, 2nd, 3rd Gen Ryzen/Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics/2nd Gen Ryzen with Radeon Graphics/Athlon with Radeon Vega Graphics;
• chipset - AMD B450;
• 32GB DDR4 DIMM memory;
• slots - 2;
• connectors - 6 USB, electrical, video, network, peripherals;
• form factor - microATX.

MSI H310M PRO-VD PLUS

Not the cheapest motherboard in its class, nevertheless shows decent characteristics and can be a very good buy, not only for study sessions, but also for a novice gamer.

Sure to please its owner reinforced metal plate on the back of the board in the place where the processor is mounted, which will allow it to install a heavier, but much better cooling.

There are 2 RAM modules of 8 GB each, which is quite enough for modern games and current current tasks.

Easy to install and fill up. The video card connector has a metallized reinforcement shell.

Technical data:

• socket - LGA1151 v2;
• processors - 8th Gen. Intel Core/Pentium Gold/Celeron;
• chipset - Intel H310;
• 32GB DDR4 DIMM memory
• slots - 2;
• connectors - 6 USB, optical output, electrical, video, peripherals;
• form factor - microATX.

MSI's Best Gaming Motherboards

Gaming is not only unhealthy, but also a very enjoyable pastime. But gaming requires its own motherboards, characterized by increased gaming performance. Let's take a look at the best motherboards for gamers.

MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS

Moderately expensive solution in full-size form factor (ATX), able to support all modern AMD processors.

Equipped with lots of slots both on board itself and on the back panel.

It is noted for its convenient connectors layout, design that simplifies understanding of used resources distribution scheme, availability of not switchable RGB-lighting on board bottom and two fans that provide active chipset cooling.

Among the main advantages are advanced VRM software monitoring, quiet fan and conveniently located sockets..

Good solution for gamers and professionals who need to use sophisticated software.

Technical specifications:

• AM4 socket;
• processors - AMD 2nd and 3rd Gen Ryzen/Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics/2nd Gen Ryzen with Radeon Graphics;
• chipset - AMD X570;
• 128GB DDR4 DIMM memory;
• slots - 4;
• connectors - 9 USB (including Type-C), optics, HDMI, network, peripherals;
• form-factor - ATX.

MSI MPG Z390 GAMING EDGE AC

A great motherboard that has enough features to meet For the vast majority of your gaming needs..

It is backlit (placed along the edge of the board), with good cooling and very good sound.

A nice bonus is the integrated wireless Wi-Fi + Bluetooth combo module.

Stylish look without too many bright strokes, all components are located on the front side.

Will be perfect to create your own advanced gaming station.

Specifications:

• Socket - LGA1151 v2;
• processors - Intel 9th/8th Gen Core/Pentium Gold/Celeron;
• chipset - Intel Z390;
• Memory - DDR4 DIMM 64GB
• slots - 4;
• connectors - 7 USB (including Type-C), optics, video, HDMI, network, peripherals;
• form-factor - ATX.

MSI MPG Z390 GAMING PRO CARBON

The typical mid-range motherboard with good gamer features. The typical mid-range motherboard for PC gaming but also suitable for other purposes..

It works seamlessly with a set of very powerful components. It's outstanding for its sturdy build and lack of frills.

There is an interesting illumination of two areas - the overlay visor over the back panel and the whole right side of the board.

There are good cooling options, several SATA slots. Excellent sound subsystem.

Specifications:

• Socket - LGA1151 v2;
• processors - Intel 9th/8th Gen Core/Pentium Gold/Celeron;
• chipset - Intel Z390;
• Memory - DDR4 DIMM 64GB
• slots - 4;
• connectors - 7 USB (including Type-C), optics, video, HDMI, network, peripherals;
• form-factor - ATX.

Which motherboard is better - Asus, MSI or Gigabyte?

The motherboards from the most prominent manufacturers - Asus, MSI, Gigabyte - are equally good at the basic required functionality, providing a quality personal computer.

In other words, you can't really decide which one is better and which one is worse; moreover, each manufacturer has more successful variants and outsiders, which haven't gained recognition from users.

Their differences are quite conventional and mostly consumer-based, that is, they depend on personal preferences of a particular user.

In this case, more expensive motherboards Asus is traditionally considered very reliable, as evidenced by the service centers (according to their data, in 5 years of active use of motherboards Asus problems occur in less than 6% of users), so most customers prefer this brand.

Gigabyte - the leader among budget motherboards.

An advantage of this brand is less (in comparison with Asus) chipset heating. However, according to service centers, in 5 years of active use problems with this brand occurs with a small number of users (up to 14%).

Boards from Taiwan manufacturer MSI among users are considered the quietest, while other characteristics correspond to Gigabyte and Asus.

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