When you are building a custom PC, you must choose the right motherboard. A motherboard is like the main nodal point for your PC and connects all the important components alongwith providing power to run them.
However, choosing the right motherboard is a complicated task, given that many motherboards are in the market today. In this article, we will compare two of the most popular ones, MSI and Gigabyte. These two brands, including motherboards, are the most reputable for any PC equipment.
Here’s what we will cover:
Performance
While both MSI and Gigabyte offer incredible performance, there are some minor differences that you should take note of.
MSI motherboards are a bit more expensive than Gigabyte but offer a higher performance. Hence, MSI motherboards are preferred by gamers. MSI have more options for high-end chipsets, including X570 and Z490.
High-end chipsets offer functionalities such as overclocking and support for multiple graphics cards, and MSI takes the lead here. Offering these functionalities makes the MSI motherboard expensive.
Gigabyte, on the other hand, is preferred by those who want a high performance alongwith a cheap price. Gigabyte motherboards are useful for those who want a more balanced approach. Gigabyte has lots of options for lower-end motherboards such as B450 and B460.
VRM
The Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) regulates power delivery from PSU to the CPU. The quality of the VRM is quite important for the motherboard’s stability. Both MSI and Gigabyte offer high-quality VRM but MSI also takes the lead in this department.
MSI’s high-end motherboard has more phases and better cooling than Gigabyte. For instance, MSI X570 offers a 14+4 phase, an extensive heatsink and a heat pipe.
On the other hand, Gigabyte X570 offers 16 phases along with a small heatsink and a lack of heat pipe.
Cooling
Cooling functionality is essential for any motherboard. When the cooling system is inefficient, it affects its stability and performance.
MSI and Gigabyte both offer efficient cooling systems, but MSI offers larger heatsinks and fans. MSI Z490 has three heat sinks, two chipset fans, a heatsink, plus a heat pipe.
Gigabyte Z490 only offers two heat sinks and one chipset fan. The VRM heatsink is also smaller, and this chipset also lags a heat pipe.
As we can see, MSI offers a more efficient cooling system than Gigabyte.
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Design
Often considered a subjective factor while selecting a motherboard. The more features a motherboard has, its design will be more dynamic.
Shape
The shape of the motherboard is an important factor when selecting the motherboard. MSI and Gigabyte both offer different shapes for AMD and Intel platforms.
MSI motherboard packs more features and thus offers a large form factor. On the other hand, Gigabyte offers a smaller form factor, including a mini-ITX and micro-ATX.
Size
The size of the motherboard is also quite important as it directly affects the installation and portability.
MSI motherboards are relatively thicker than Gigabyte. MSI’s Z490 has a thickness of 2.5 mm and a weight of 2.5 kg. The Gigabyte Z490 has a thickness of 2 mm and weighs 2 kg.
Also read: Single channel vs Dual channel RAM: Key Differences
Software
The in-built software that comes with the motherboard should also be considered.
Since MSI offers more high-end motherboards, the software is designed for this usage and supports overclocking and better system performance monitoring. As such, the software can perform multiple important tasks, such as data backup and fan speed control.
Gigabyte, on the other hand, offer more suitability for general-purpose functionalities.
Price
MSI motherboards are generally more expensive than Gigabyte. This is because MSI motherboards are favoured by gamers and, as such, pack more punch.
Gigabyte motherboards are relatively cheaper and are usually suitable for normal day-to-day work. As such, there are fewer components in the Gigabyte motherboard; therefore, you can buy it cheaply.
| Aspect | MSI | Gigabyte |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | More expensive | Slightly cheaper |
| Higher performance | Balanced performance | |
| High-end chipsets (X570, Z490) | Options for lower-end chipsets (B450, B460) | |
| VRM | More phases and better cooling | Quality VRM, but fewer phases and smaller heatsink |
| Cooling | Larger heatsinks and fans | Smaller heatsinks and fewer fans |
| More efficient cooling system | ||
| Design | Larger form factor | Smaller form factor (mini-ITX, micro-ATX) |
| Varied shapes for AMD and Intel | ||
| Size | Relatively thicker | Thinner and lighter |
| Example: Z490 (2.5mm, 2.5kg) | Example: Z490 (2mm, 2kg) | |
| Software | Designed for high-end usage | More suitable for general-purpose use |
| Supports overclocking | ||
| Price | Generally more expensive | Relatively cheaper |
| Favored by gamers | Budget-friendly option | |
| Decision Factors | Gaming | Balanced performance, multitasking, budget-friendly |
| Expensive | Suitable for normal day-to-day work | |
| Fewer components, cheaper |
Which one is better?
Deciding between MSI and Gigabyte motherboards depends on the user. As a gamer, you should choose MSI because it offers more expensive components.
Gigabyte offers a more balanced approach and is useful when you want high performance alongwith multitasking. Gigabyte also is a budget option for most users.
In the end, it all depends on you and your workflow. Decide carefully, depending on your budget, workflow, and the system’s future.
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