The MSI P55-GD65 - Value on a whole new level@ Magicmc.com Reviews

The MSI P55-GD65 - Value on a whole new level

The MSI P55-GD65 Motherboard has a few distinctions over the other P55 chip sets that they distribute. This one happens to hit the sweet spot right in the middle of cost and performance. While it has the cost distinction of not being in the high end, many of the sought after features not available on lower end models are included. The Motherboard tested allowed for a better overclocking ability that previous versions, but not by a wide margin. One nice feature was the addition of voltage checkpoint ability, usually only available on the high end MSI Motherboards.

ATI is taking the lead with CrossfireX integration support but no nVidia SLI, which GeForce owners will miss. True Blu Ray Audio makes for much clearer sound and DDR3 2133(overclocked) makes for amazing HTPC or gaming entertainment. With PCI Express x16 2.0 x1, 1 x8 available as well as CPU GPU onchip handling becoming more prevalent, there is no shortage of GPU configuration solutions.

16GB of memory is more than enough to push your data. Some motherboards give you access for 24, but I have yet to see a need for it with the LGA1156 chipset under normal usage. This might change on the high end X58 and beyond, and when it does, no longer limited by P55 halving will be nice.

While moving to the X58 would be the surest way to gain some fast bandwidth, giving in to my tinkering instincts to do it on my own has its perks. The LGA1156 is still kicking the pants off of X58s without all the newest gear, so get at it. If you get this one up and running and feel you need more speed, then using OCGenie, the included overclocking utility will allow you to pump things up to 300% higher than Intel TurboBoost without BIOS entry in less than a minute or two. I very strongly recommend this Micro Star Motherboard.

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