MSI Z97M GAMING Vs Gigabyte Z97MX-Gaming 5 (matx duel)

[Johnny Bravo]

Here, MSI is 10€ aprox less expensive than gigabyte (rare, but yes).

So guys, Gigabyte or MSI?

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4968#sp
Vs
http://www.msi.com/product/mb/Z97M-GAMING.html#hero-specification

 

[TheMentalist]

Both are good motherboards. The MSI one has 8 power phases, the Gigabyte one comes with 4 phases. If you're gonna overclock, the MSI one can give you better results. You can't go wrong with either of those two boards, if you're gonna OC get the MSI one, it's also cheaper.
For build quality and reliability, go with the Gigabyte one.

 

[PIEapple]

I would go MSI Z97M GAMING,have 8 power phases more than GB,good for overclocking.And MSI gaming series have best quality you should go.I have gaming 5 and 7 both is great.

 

[Johnny Bravo]

thanks!

Both are good motherboards. The MSI one has 8 power phases, the Gigabyte one comes with 4 phases. If you're gonna overclock, the MSI one can give you better results. You can go wrong with either of those two boards, if you're gonna OC get the MSI one, it's also cheaper.
For build quality and reliability, go with the Gigabyte one.

In some review I saw on Gigabyte "weak Heatsinks" but... in all reviews seeks issues.

And I think that I found all differences...

- Gigabyte: Gold plated CPU, +1 systemfan, atheros 2201, 1 x (PCIEX16), 1 x 16 running (PCIEX8) + 1 x (PCIEX4) + 1 x PCIe 2.0, sata express

- MSI: 3 years warranty (i think), atheros 2205, Display Port, 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (16-8/8)+ 2 x PCIe 2.0 x1 , 2x esata (back), dual headphone amplifiers

I would go MSI Z97M GAMING,have 8 power phases more than GB,good for overclocking.And MSI gaming series have best quality you should go.I have gaming 5 and 7 both is great.

there is much difference 8 to 4? I couldnt find on motherboard xD

 

[TheMentalist]

The "weak heatsinks" isn't a problem really. When you grab the motherboard by the heatsinks they displace a bit but when they're installed into the case there's no problem at all. Plus they do the job just fine.
It's up to you really, if the features of the MSI one more pleasing then get that one.
Between 4 and 8 phases, only when going for heavy overclocks it will matter, if you're looking for a mild overclock then even 4 is ok.

 

[Johnny Bravo]

I saw reviews and MSI have a "lower level" of OC same of Z97mx (matx format, you know..)

Gigabyte 4 VRM apparently are quite good and have seen amazing results

but other build in other review

On MSI

from same page (http://extremespec.net)

I think there is not much difference between motherboards

In bench, MSI win but again, by little difference. I add it if someone is also interested

I dont know if have one more fan connector and sata express is enoght to choose Gigabyte

 

[TheMentalist]

Can't go wrong with Gigabyte...

 

[Johnny Bravo]

Can't go wrong with Gigabyte...

and with MSI? xD 😛

Gigabyte is gigabyte, can be sure of that. I just saw price and now only 4€ difference

 

[TheMentalist]

Well, the performance difference between the two is fairly small.
The reason why Gigabyte is recommended is because of their top notch quality and reliability.
I have build several machines with Gigabyte board, zero problems. Some MSI boards I've used, failed after use or just DOA.
That's just my experience though.
MSI has improved in quality but still not the same level of Gigabyte or ASUS.

 

[Johnny Bravo]

Well, the performance difference between the two is fairly small.
The reason why Gigabyte is recommended is because of their top notch quality and reliability.
I have build several machines with Gigabyte board, zero problems. Some MSI boards I've used, failed after use or just DOA.
That's just my experience though.
MSI has improved in quality but still not the same level of Gigabyte or ASUS.

Yes, I mistreated an Asus mb uncleaned for 3 years and opened chassis gathering dust and I thought it would not work. It Was perfect.
It has some negative points on newegg, but they have all products.

some guys also says 'asus and gigabyte are not what they were'

Possibly, I choose gigabyte, It was always my first choice for a long time. Asus VII is very expensive and Zplus very 'short'. Otherwise I always would choose Asus.

 

[TheMentalist]

ASUS and Gigabyte motherboards are my preferred brands right now.