MSI mobos any good vs Gigabytes?

[romservo]

I just recently purchased a MSI mobo to use for a simple compact media computer.

Normally I build machines for music studio use, and normally I use Gigabyte mobos. In fact, ive never used MSI and the purchase was actually a mistake. However, the features of this MSI mobo are exactly what i want.

I'm completely unfamiliar with MSIs so my concern is that of reliability and reputation. For example: Are they notorious for faulting out? Are they particularly low end? Etc. Its hard to find accurate info so i wanted to know what people here thought. Bottom line: should I return the MSI and go with my trusted Gigabyte? OR should I go ahead and rock this MSI mobo? ALL feedback would be appreciated! Thank you!

Components List:

-Mobo: MSI A88XI AC V2 FM2+ AMD A88X 4 x SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Mini ITX AMD

-CPU: AMD A10-5800K Trinity Quad-Core

-RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600

 

[qazzi]

well IMHO MSI in the top along with Asrock, Asus, Gigabyte. as for the "notorious for faulting out" i will say it is the same as the other i mentioned. (sometimes if your unlucky you get DOA mobo's )

 

[romservo]

The general consensus ive found is that CURRENTLY MSIs and Gigabytes are held in the same general realm as far as quality. I've also read that in the past, people have had more problems with MSIs than Gigabytes and that MSI really stepped up their game in the last few years to catch up.

That being said, let me get more specific with my comparison. Given the option, which of these mobos would you, or anyone out there, go with just based on the brand and model. Most of the features are identical other than an hdmi and a couple usbs.

These are my two options:
-GIGABYTE GA-F2A88XN-WIFI FM2+ / FM2 AMD A88X (Bolton D4) 4 x SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Mini ITX AMD 

OR

-MSI A88XI AC V2 FM2+ AMD A88X 4 x SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Mini ITX AMD

 

[Tradesman1]

Of the two, I'd go the GB, I still stay away from MSI and only build on Asus, the Rock and GB. I get more mobo problem calls than any 2 other mobo makers put together, they (MSI) are getting better, but still need to up their QC

 

[romservo]

So since the mistakenly purchased MSI is already in the mail, do you think it'd be worth it just to immediately send it back and get the GB instead? If that MSI is bound to fry then its not worth the risk?

 

[Tradesman1]

Didn't say it's 'bound to fry' or even to fail, I just won't touch them, seen to many DOAs (and a fair amount with bent socket pins right out of the box - most places won't even give a refund on bent pins, they always blame the buyer, it's a good idea to video the opening and inspection of components

 

[romservo]

Ahh i see. Im hard pressed to find anyone that swears by MSI. Seems like everyone has given up on them. Thank you for your input!

 

[Tradesman1]

No problem, I know what you mean their sales have been sliding for years, in 2008 they were a strong #3 in mobo sales, challenging GB, then the Rock caught them and passed them in 2009 and continues to grow and MSI continues to slip further back in #4

 

[romservo]

I ran an asrock for years before switching to GB. Like i said the MSI was an accident. All the specs are more or less exactly the same as the GB version. I might give it a try but will definately film the unboxing and check it out physically uf i do.

 

[romservo]

Oh and qazzi, i didnt mean to vote down on your response. Thanks for your input!

 

[Tradesman1]

Keep us updated

 

[qazzi]

Oh and qazzi, i didnt mean to vote down on your response. Thanks for your input!

no problem.

 

[romservo]

After days of researching MSIs i found absolutely not one single person person that prefers building on them. Although likely a decent brand, the general consensus from the people with experience with them is that they simply wont use them anymore. I sent it back and went with the Gigabyte. Thanks for your input guys!

 

[Tradesman1]

No worries, think you'll be happy with the GB