MSI’s Z68A-GD55 is designed to compete directly against Gigabyte’s Z68XP-UD3, but it ended up priced $10 higher (before a mail-in rebate) at the time this story went live. The current MIR returns $20 to the buyer's pocket.
VGA and DVI ports consume more space than USB. MSI’s attempt to satisfy integrated, discrete, and integrated plus discrete markets force it to give up four USB 2.0 ports compared to Gigabyte. But the firm still manages to fit a legacy digital/coaxial audio jack into some of the space given up by its rival. The Z68A-GD55 is also the only motherboard in today’s roundup to include a CLR_CMOS button on the rear panel, which assists overzealous overclockers in their recovery efforts.
MSI supports the same x16/x0 and x8/x8 automatic pathway switching for single and dual graphics cards found on its competitor’s product, though the Z68A-GD55 adds a slightly more elaborate CPU voltage regulator. Tantalum capacitors and super ferrite chokes keep CPU cooler clearance in check.
A combination of front-panel and rear-panel USB 3.0 controllers also matches the competing product, though MSI ditches the FireWire and third-party SATA controller.
MSI does, however, add two features that some overclockers will surely find handy: a row of pins along the motherboard’s front edge allows experts to more easily monitor voltage levels, while amateur overclockers might also be tempted to push the “OC Genie” automatic overclocking utility button.
The Z68A-GD55 layout is nearly perfect, lacking any noticeable conflicts between cards and ports. Still, the front-panel audio jack is in the love-it or hate-it bottom-rear corner, where love or hate is dictated by case design and cable length.

MSI includes the same selection of cables as its competitor, but in different colors. Also included is a set of front-panel quick connectors, of which only the LED/power connector is really useful for most builders. This one-piece connector joins the individual cable ends supplied with most retail cases.
- Almost Affordable
- ASRock Z68 Pro3
- Z68 Pro3 Firmware
- Biostar TZ68A+
- TZ68A+ Firmware
- Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3
- Z68XP-UD3 Firmware
- Intel DZ68DB
- DZ68DB Firmware
- MSI Z68A-GD55
- Z68A-GD55 Firmware
- Test Settings
- Benchmark Results: Crysis And F1 2010
- Benchmark Results: Just Cause 2 And Metro 2033
- Benchmark Results: Audio And Video Encoding
- Benchmark Results: Productivity
- Overclocking
- Power, Heat, And Efficiency
- Value Conclusion


Do you stare into your case whilst computing, or do you look at the monitor?
Now I just wish Intel would do the same -- can't they just rip off Asus's UEFI implementation?
Do you stare into your case whilst computing, or do you look at the monitor?
I look into my case daily when I use the computer. There's a reason why there is a window, and hours of hard work for your perfect wiring job deserves much credit and to be stared at. Not to mention coloring schemes that matches your case/mobo pcb color/fan led colors/etc.
Some cheap monitors still use VGA, but these boards are not for the budget market! For VGA compatibility (for external capture devices and such) they could just use DVI-I and let the oddball user who needs VGA for that oddball purpose supply his own adapter.
Actually I like the PS/2 port for my keyboard. I have an old 1983 PS/2 IBM 101 keyboard that I still use. Still the most rock solid keyboard that is comfortable to use and its built like a tank. Best part of the keyboard, no "Windows" keys.
Ok, I guess leaving the Keyboard PS2 port might be ok. I figured everyone moved to USB by now. I think I still have an old PS2 KB laying around. I do remember the feel of the full stroke keys and mechanical contacts. mmmm maybe I should dig it out on day.
Actually "most" people (as you put it) sync using a USB cable, because then they can CHARGE the phone at the same time. You can't charge your phone using BlueT. So why charge using a USB cable plugged into a wall outlet converter plug (I haven't seen a phone that doesn't come with this in the past 2+ years), and then have to go the BlueT thing, when you can just plug that USB cable right INTO your computer and Charge and Sync at the same time.
Since you actually need to power your computer ON for it to Sync in the first place.....................................