Best MSI Motherboard

You’re probably here because you want to learn more about the best MSI motherboards for your new PC build, right? Well, you’ve made the right choice by choosing MSI for your motherboard as it’s known for producing some of the most reliable motherboards ever.

In this guide, we’ve crafted a shortlist of our top MSI motherboards so you can pick the one that best suits your needs, so stick around.

Best MSI Motherboards (Our Review)

1. MSI MEG Z490 Godlike

We’re kicking off our list strong with one of the most high-end MSI motherboards on the market, and that’s the MSI MEG Z490 Godlike with its excellent heat dissipation, overclocking capabilities, and versatile connectivity. This is probably the best MSI motherboard you can find on the market.

It flaunts a Socket LGA 1200 with an Intel Z490 chipset that can accommodate the latest 10th Gen Intel Core processors to give you the reliable performance you deserve. On top of that, the board is equipped with 4 DIMM slots that can take up to a whopping 128GB of Dual-Channel DDR4 RAM.

As for graphics, the MSI MEG Z490 supports multi-way GPU setups, including 2-Way NVIDIA SLI and 3-Way AMD CrossFire technologies, allowing you to run the latest games at max settings. 

Thanks to the PCIe Steel Armor slots, you can install large-sized VGA cards without worrying about damaging them. Moreover, the BIOS lets you overclock your motherboard quite easily.

What’s more, this motherboard has 2 M.2 slots with double-side Shield Frozr, which ensures consistent performance by keeping the temperature at bay. You can install the latest NVMe SSDs for blazing-fast data transfer speeds.

Another area that the MSI MEG Z490 excels at is connectivity. It has 2 Ethernet LAN RJ-45 ports and 2 WiFi-AP antenna jacks, ensuring that you have the best possible networking experience.

Additionally, the motherboard has a variety of USB ports so that you can connect your USB-supported peripherals, including 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and 2 USB 2.0 ports. It also has dual Thunderbolt 3 ports with transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, which is simply insane.

Key Features

• Extended ATX form factor with Socket LGA 1200 and Intel Z490 chipset
• Dual M.2 with Shield Frozr + 4x DIMM DDR4 slots
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A + 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A + 2x USB 2.0
• 2x Thunderbolt 3 ports
• 2x Ethernet LAN RJ-45 + 2x WiFi-AP antenna jack

Pros

• Accommodates the latest 10th Gen Intel Core Processors
• Impressive overclocking performance
• Supports Thunderbolt 3
• Excellent cooling system
• Takes up to 128GB DDR4 RAM

Cons

• Very expensive

---

2. MSI MPG X570 GAMING PRO CARBON

Next on our list is the MSI MPG X570; a robust gaming motherboard that takes graphics handling quite seriously. It features a Socket AM4 with AMD X570 chipset that offers support for the latest AMD 2nd and 3rd Gen Ryzen and Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics CPUs. 

Further, it’s equipped with 4 DIMM slots that allow you to install up to 128GBs of Dual-Channel DDR4 RAM to give you a reliable multitasking experience.

What’s more, the MSI MPG X570 boasts dual M.2 slots, so you can install ultra-fast NVMe SSDs. The Shield Frozr ensures consistent performance by providing the slots with adequate heat dissipation.

It’s also worth noting that the MSI MPG X570 is VR-ready, so you can get your VR setup up and running in a matter of minutes. And if you’re a fan of RGB lights, the MSI MPG X570 lets you customize your rig with Mystic light RGB and 29 effects.

On top of that, the MSI MPG X570 handles graphics processing like a champ with 2-Way AMD CrossFire support.

When it comes to connectivity, the MSI MPG X570 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 technologies. It also has a Gigabit LAN Controller, in addition to several USB ports for connecting your external devices, including 6 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 6 USB 2.0 ports, and 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port. Additionally, there’s an HDMI port for video-out.

Key Features

• ATX form factor with Socket AM4 and X570 chipset
• 4x DIMM slots
• 2x M.2 + 6x SATA ports
• 6x USB 3.2 Gen 1 + 3x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports
• 6x USB 2.0 ports + 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port

Pros

• Supports Ryzen 9 processors
• Up to 128GB RAM
• RGB customization
• Frozr Heatsink Design
• Supports USB Type-C

Cons

• No Thunderbolt 3 port

---

3. MSI MAG B550M Mortar Gaming

The MSI MAG B550M Mortar promises to deliver satisfactory gaming performance without breaking the bank. It sports a Socket AM4 with AMD B550 chipset that’s compatible with 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors to give you utterly uncompromising performance. What’s more, the board can be used with future AMD Ryzen processors once you update the BIOS.

Additionally, the board has 4 DIMM slots that let you install up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM, so you can run as many applications as you want without slowdowns.

With 2 M.2 slots, the MSI MAG B550M allows you to install the latest NVMe SSDs for insanely high data transfer speeds that reach up to 32 Gbps.

Since this is a gaming motherboard, MSI placed a high emphasis on graphics support by adding support for 2-Way AMD CrossFire GPU setups, providing you with a smooth and immersive gaming experience. What’s more, the motherboard supports Audio Boost 4, giving you an excellent studio-grade sound performance.

As for the connectivity compartment, the MSI MAG B550M features 5 USB 3.2 Type-A ports, 2 USB 3.2 Type-C ports, and 6 USB 2.0 ports, making it easier for you to connect all of your peripherals simultaneously. 

You also get an HDMI port and a DisplayPort to connect external displays. Last but not least, the MSI MAG relies on a Realtek Gigabit LAN Controller for internet connectivity.

Key Features

• Micro ATX form factor with Socket AM4 and B550 chipset
• 2x M.2 + 4x DIMM DDR4 slots
• 5x USB 3.2 Type-A + 2x USB 3.2 Type-C + 6x USB 2.0 ports
• Realtek Gigabit LAN Controller
• 1x HDMI + 1x DisplayPort

Pros

• High value for money
• Supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors
• Up to 128GB RAM
• Excellent audio performance
• Multi-way graphics support

Cons

• No onboard Wi-Fi
• No RGB lighting

---

4. MSI Performance X470 Gaming Plus

If you’re looking for a gaming MSI motherboard, the MSI Performance X470 Gaming Plus should be on the top of your list. It flaunts a Socket AM4 and an X470 chipset that offers compatibility with many of AMD’s recent CPU models, including AMD Ryzen 1st and 2nd Generation, Ryzen with Radeon Vega Graphics, AMD A-series, Athlon with Radeon Vega Graphics, and Athlon X4 processors. 

Moreover, it has 4 DIMM slots that can accommodate up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM, making multitasking a breeze. The RAM speed can be overclocked using DDR4 Boost if you want to squeeze the best possible performance out of your memory sticks. You can also install the latest NVMe SSDs thanks to the dual M.2 slots.

With Click BIOS 5, the MSI X470 allows you to flash BIOS conveniently with M-Flash. It also offers protection for your critical data. What’s more, the MSI X470 supports multi-GPU AMD Crossfire setups for an unprecedented graphics performance. Additionally, it comes with Steel Armor PCI-e slots that protect your large-sized VGA cards from bending.

On top of that, the MSI X470 is VR-Ready, allowing you to get your VR setup up and running in no time. And if you’re a fan of RGB lighting, you can light up your X470 with RGB Mystic Light and give your gaming PC the style it deserves.

In terms of connectivity, the board is equipped with a gaming-optimized LAN driver, ensuring reliable, lag-free gaming networking. We wish it had a built-in Wi-Fi module, though. Not to mention, it has a wide array of USB ports for connecting various peripherals, including 2 USB 3.1 Gen 2, 8 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, and 6 USB 2.0 ports.

Key Features

• ATX form factor with Socket AM4 and X470 chipset
• 4x DIMM DDR4 slots
• 2x M.2 slots
• 2x USB 3.1 Gen 2 + 8x USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
• 6x USB 2.0 ports

Pros

• Works with AMD’s latest line-ups of processors
• VR-Ready
• RGB customization
• Multi-GPU support with Steel Armor PCIe slots
• User-friendly BIOS system

Cons

• No native Wi-Fi support

---

5. MSI B450M Gaming Plus

Another excellent gaming motherboard from MSI is the MSI B450M Gaming Plus. This one has an AMD B450 chipset instead of the X470 chipset found on the MSI Performance, which can accommodate the latest 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs, along with Athlon processors and their counterparts that have integrated graphics. 

Not to mention, the Core Boost technology provides a better overall multi-core performance. Further, the MSI B450M has 4 DIMM slots that allow you to install up to a whopping 128GB of DDR4 RAM at a maximum speed of 4400MHz with overclocking. This motherboard can handle multitasking like a champ.

And if you like RGB lighting, this board has a red LED strip that gives it a bold and appealing look. What’s more, the MSI B450M integrates Audio Boost 4 technology with Nahimic 3 software enhancement that ensures an excellent studio-grade sound quality.

On top of that, the board is equipped with dual M.2 slots with Shield Frozr protection to minimize performance drops and provide you with super-fast data transfer speeds that reach up to 32 Gbps using the latest NVMe SSDs. Moreover, the Frozr Heatsink Design protects the motherboard from throttling by ensuring active cooling to provide reliable all-year-round performance.

Last but not least, the MSI B450M has a Realtek Gigabit LAN driver, in addition to a variety of USB ports for connecting your peripherals, including 7 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 6 USB 2.0 ports, 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port, and 1 serial port. You also get an HDMI port and a DVI-D port for connecting external displays.

Key Features

• Mini ATX form factor with Socket AM4 and B450 chipset
• Dual M.2 slots + 4x DIMM slots
• 7x USB 3.1 Gen 1 + 6x USB 2.0 ports
• 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port + 1x serial port
• 1x HDMI + 1x DVI-D ports

Pros

• Supports 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen Ryzen and Athlon CPUs
• Overheating protection
• Can accommodate up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM
• Supports ultra-fast SSDs

Cons

• No built-in Wi-Fi driver
• No Thunderbolt 3 port

---

6. MSI Creator TRX40 Motherboard

For those looking for a high-end MSI motherboard, there’s nothing out there that even comes close to what the MSI Creator TRX40 has to offer. It boasts a Socket AM4 with TRX40 that can accommodate AMD’s 3rd Gen Ryzen processors for super-smooth performance. 

The motherboard takes overheating protection up a notch by integrating an extended heatsink design, 3 thermal sensors, and 9 PWM fan headers to keep your system as cool as ice even when running intensive applications. It also has 8 DIMM slots, allowing you to install up to 256GB of DDR4 RAM into your system so you can multitask without experiencing performance drops.

On top of that, the MSI Creator supports 3-Way NVIDIA SLI and 3-Way AMD CrossFire graphics, providing you with an immersive, lag-free gaming experience.

What’s more, the MSI Creator TRX40 is equipped with not one, not two, but seven Lightning Gen4 M.2 slots that give you the luxury of installing NVMe SSDs for ultra-fast data transfer speeds. Not to mention, it has 6 SATA slots with speeds of up to 6 Gbps.

As far as connectivity is concerned, the MSI Creator TRX40 leaves little to be desired with onboard LAN and Wi-Fi 6 drivers. Additionally, there are 8 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 5 USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 1 USB Type-C port, and 4 USB 2.0 ports, so you can easily connect all of your USB-supported devices.

Key Features

• ATX Form factor with Socket AM4 and TRX40 chipset
• 7x lighting Gen4 M.2 slots + M.2 XPANDER-AERO Gen4 + 6x SATA
• 8x DIMM slots
• Built-in Intel Gigabit LAN + Wi-Fi 6

Pros

• Supports 3rd Gen Threadripper Ryzen processors
• Impressive throttle protection
• Supports Lightning USB 20G
• Onboard Wi-Fi 6 connectivity 
• 3-Way graphics support and up to 256GB RAM

Cons

• Premium price tag

---

7. MSI MPG Z490M Gaming Edge

The last one on our list is the MSI MPG Z490M motherboard, and we’ve made sure that it’s a special one with its built-in aluminum I/O shield, which drastically improves overheating protection. 

The MSI MPG Z490M boasts a Socket LGA 1200 that supports Intel’s 10th Gen Intel Core processors for snappy, hiccup-free performance. Additionally, there are 4 DIMM slots that can take up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM, allowing you to multitask efficiently. Not to mention, the board is Intel Optane Memory Ready.

With dual M.2 PCIe 3.0 slots, the MSI MPG Z490M is compatible with NVMe SSDs, providing you with ultra-fast data transfer speeds as high as 32 Gbps. It’s also worth noting that the slots are protected with Shield Frozr, which maintains the SSD’s performance and prevents overheating.

Furthermore, the MSI MPG Z490M delivers outstanding graphics performance with 2-Way NVIDIA SLI and 2-Way AMD CrossFire graphics support.

In terms of connectivity, the MPG Z490M supports several networking interfaces, including the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.5G LAN. 

Additionally, the board is equipped with various USB ports to connect all of your peripherals, including 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, 3 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C ports. You also get an HDMI port and a DisplayPort for video-out.

Key Features

• Micro ATX form factor with Socket LGA 1200 and Z490 chipset
• 4x DDR4 DIMM slots + 2x M.2 slots
• Wi-Fi 6 + 2.5G LAN + Bluetooth 5 
• 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A + 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
• 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C ports

Pros

• Supports 10th Gen Intel Core processors
• Supports USB Type-C
• Native Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
• Built-in aluminum I/O shield
• Multi-way graphics support and up to 128GB RAM

Cons

• No Thunderbolt 3 port

---

Best MSI Motherboards (FAQ)

Do MSI motherboards Support Intel?

Yes, MSI motherboards support intel CPUs, or at least some of them do. However, make sure to buy one that has a compatible chipset for your particular Intel CPU since not all of them have the same chipset. Make sure to check the AMD vs Intel motherboards to see the differences.

Does MSI Make Good Motherboards?

Yes! MSI is one of the most well-established motherboard manufacturers out there. It makes both Intel and the best AMD motherboards and incorporates high-quality components as well.

Is Asus or MSI Better?

Both MSI and Asus make some pretty good motherboards. However, MSI has the upper edge when it comes to overclocking performance, thanks to its outstanding stability. On the other hand, the best Asus motherboards have better VRM modules but look at the MSI vs Asus motherboards article as well as the Asus vs Gigabyte motherboards.

Check out other articles to expand your knowledge:

• Best motherboards brands
• Best Gigabyte motherboards
• ASROCK vs Asus motherboards