z97 g45 vs gd65 msi
- Thread starter Camelh
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cub_fanatic
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- Nov 21, 2012
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The GD65 has more SATA ports (8 vs 6) and onboard USB connectors (4 vs 2) and the G45 has more rear panel USB 1.1/2.0 ports (4 vs 2) according to their specs on newegg. Not exactly worth the extra $30 unless you have a ton of hard drives and USB devices. I'd just get the G45 unless they are the same price or for some reason the GD65 is less.
cub_fanatic
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If you are actually going to use ethernet and not wifi then yes since the "killer" part refers to the NIC (network interface controller). But, even if you are not using the onboard NIC, it is still an excellent enthusiast board with a lot of features that are found on much more expensive boards such as multiple PCIe 3.0 x16 ports and large heatsinks for the VRM near the CPU. If you are planning on multiple video cards and an above average overclock it is a good buy. If you are only planning on one video card, there are many cheaper options that will perform just as good and allow you the same overclocks but simply have less PCIe ports and don't come with fancy network controllers. MSI is probably a better brand since Asrock is considered more of a budget or entry level brand. MSI also has a better reputation for warranty service so it might be worth the extra money just to have that piece of mind.
cub_fanatic
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If it were up to me, I'd go with a Z87 board if it were cheaper since the only difference between a Z87 and a Z97 is the new SATA spec M.2 and SATA express. Some people also believe that you will get better temps and better overclocks but that is probably only true on very high clocks. If you do not have nor plan on getting any of these new SATA devices and are only planning on a modest OC and the prices of the Z87 are a lot cheaper, I'd get the Z87. If it is the same price then there is no reason to not get a Z97. As for your question, I'd go with the MSI G45. Right now on newegg USA, the G45 is only $10 more (both are on sale but the Asrock is a mail in rebate). They both have 3 year warranties and similar specs but MSI has a better reputation for both quality and service so I'd go with them. BTW, the Z87-G45 is $20 less than the Z97 on newegg at the moment.
feelingtheblanks
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Also GD65 has superior VRM which would help if you plan to 7/24 overclock. The whole board run cooler, especially the vrm area.
cub_fanatic
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Basically, if you have an MSI video card, it will provide a better overclock in the form of increasing the voltage limits supplied to the video card. It is actually the voltage that is coming from the PCIe slot itself and not the 6+2 pin PSU cable. It only works if it is an MSI GPU though so if you plan on using any other brand of GPU it is irrelevant.
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