---

Micro Star International, or MSI as it better known, brings us one of their new G3 line of Intel Z68 motherboards today. The MSI Z68A-GD65 G3, is a feature rich, socket 1155 motherboard, designed for use with the current Intel Core i second generation series, Sandy Bridge CPUs as well as the forthcoming Ivy Bridge processors. Compatibility with a product that will not even be out for another year, implies an expectation of quality, and MSI backs the GD65 (and its big brother the GD80) with a 5 year warranty.

MSI is a known entity among the DIY/Enthusiast market. After building their brand as a “behind the scenes” player in the PC market, they took their technical know how and delved into the enthusiast and overclocking markets like gang busters.

From MSI

Since its founding in 1986, MSI has been demonstrating continued success in digital age. To achieve the best user experience, every component is essential. In the past 25 years, MSI always strives to provide digital products based on its core values –“Innovation” and “Style”. The results are products with superior performance, trusted reliability, excellent user experience and expressive style.

Embracing years of experience in design and manufacturing, MSI mainboard and graphics card have achieved maximum productivity by becoming one of the top 3 in the world. Our hard work has led us to become one of the finest brands in the industry with accumulated sales in more than 120 countries, 150 million mainboard users and 100 million graphics card users worldwide.

Z68 Gen 3

For a complete break down of the specifications arranged nicely with iconic graphics, please visit MSI’s website. We will cover the important aspects here of course.

• Warranty – 5 years
• PCI express – 3rd generation
• CPU support – Current and future LGA1155
• Military class II – Tantalum (Hi-c) and solid caps
• Click BIOS II – Same interface in BIOS as in Windows
• OCGenie II – One button overclocking
• Virtu – Hybrid Graphics between Intel IGP and Discrete video
• THX Studio Pro – High Fidelity audio
• Super Charger – Charge your Cell or media player quickly
• Winki 3 – Quick boot to Linux OS from DVD or USB drive
• 3TB+ Infinity – Use 3TB drives as boot device

MSI is committed to building a superior product that will last well into the next generation. This commitment is evident in the following features.

The warranty period of 5 years applies to both the GD65 and the GD80 G3 motherboards. The Military Class II technology; Hi-C Tantalum solid caps and Super ferrite chokes also play a key role. Tantalum caps were introduced by MSI last year, the ceramic devices offer up to 6 year lifespan at 85C operating temp. While these superior components are more expensive, they offer greater reliability to the end user and actually save money for the manufacturer with reduced repair authorizations (RMA’s).

The PCI Express 3 slots give the motherboard Ivy Bridge compatibility, and ensure that future generations of cards will work to their full potential. Lastly the 3TB+ Infinity support means that not only are the highest density hard drives supported on the motherboard, but that with a compatible OS they can be used as boot drives as well.

*NOTE: Installing Winki 3 also enables HDD backup. Imaging software is used to restore your OS in case of HDD failure. It is surprising not to see this displayed on the package as a feature, it is a great one.

The GD65 is more than just a durably designed motherboard. Features are what users look for with motherboards in the enthusiast range of products. The board sports the usual accessories you would expect on a LGA1155 motherboard: USB 3.0 (supplied by Renesas), SATA 6G, a push button OC tool and a USB super charger utility.

MSI takes it a step further though, including the new Lucid Virtu technology, that gives the user power saving and performance improving options by combining both the IGP located on the Intel CPU as well as a discrete card. THX Studio Pro licensing gives high fidelity controls to the onboard Realtek audio chip, enabling fine control and improvement of audio output. Winki 3 is also included and can be run from the included Driver DVD or installed to a separate USB stick.

The last key feature of the MSI Z68A-GD65 G3 is Click BIOS II. While mouse control in a UEFI BIOS is not unheard on motherboards these days, MSI has taken the next evolution in BIOS control. Installing Click BIOS II in Windows offers the user the same screen layout and features as the BIOS from within your operating system. While some changes will still require a restart, the implications for simplicity are readily apparent.

Due to time constraints for the review, exploring every feature of the board is not going to be possible. Key features are covered however, as well as performance testing with the Virtu GPU enabled. On to the photos!

Next: Package and Accessories

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8