MSI z68a general questions

[newbhtpc]

Hello All,
In looking into upgrading I am a bit confused and needed help understanding what the functional differences between

MSI z68A vs z68MA
as well as
ed55 vs gd55 vs g43

Perhaps Im posting too quickly instead of googling more to comprehend but ...is the M referencing the "Military Grade" marketing? and the other numbers referencing form factors?

Sorry if this "that terrible" of a question but ... Im lost in a sea of links and tabs atm lol...

Any input on where to be in terms of looking at an i3 + Msi Mobo to hold me over until i can pull the trigger on an i5? Like most just looking for price to performance and as much future proofing as possible in the short term.

 

[randomkid]

Hello All,
MSI z68A vs z68MA

The "M" means M-ATX Form Factor which is shorted than the ATX. By being shorter, it may lose a few feature PCI slots, etc...

Hello All,
ed55 vs gd55 vs g43

Any input on where to be in terms of looking at an i3 + Msi Mobo to hold me over until i can pull the trigger on an i5? Like most just looking for price to performance and as much future proofing as possible in the short term.

Better if you can state what will be the main use of the PC you want to build & how much is your budget. This way, you can get a wholesale answer rather than piece by piece.

 

[newbhtpc]

Best answer selected by newbhtpc.