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The MSI P67A-GD65 motherboard brings forth a lot for computer enthusiasts to get excited about, not the least of which are dual PCI Express x16 videocard slots, (4) USB 3.0 ports, (6) SATA 6GB/s ports and specialized tools for seasoned overclockers. For example, if you're one to break out a digital multimeter while overclocking there are handy voltage read points next to the boards' DDR3 memory slots.
78% Rating: 
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MSI P67A-GD65 |
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On the test bench today is MSI's P67A-GD65 motherboard;
built around the 'B3'-stepping Intel P67 chipset this board is ready to
support your favourite socket 1155 32nm Intel 2nd Generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7 2xxx-series 'SandyBridge' processor.
The MSI P67A-GD65 motherboard brings forth a lot
for computer enthusiasts to get excited about, not the least of which are dual PCI
Express x16 videocard slots, (4) USB 3.0 ports, (6) SATA 6GB/s ports and
specialized tools for seasoned overclockers. For example, if you're one to break
out a digital multimeter while overclocking there
are handy voltage read points next to the boards' DDR3 memory slots. In the
continuing war on capacitor dominance, MSI have turned to low profile heat
tolerant solid-state Tantalum caps around the
LGA1155 CPU socket. About all the P67A-GD65 board is missing is a PORT80 card, which given
the voltage read points you'd think would be a no brainer.
Two-way nVidia SLI and AMD Crossfire videocard configurations are supported
of course, in x8/x8 mode. A single PCI Express 2.0 videocard will
run with x16 lanes of PCIe bandwidth. Three PCI Express x1
slots and two legacy PCI slots round out the expansion options
available from this Intel P67 motherboard. The MSI P67A-GD65 motherboard
is equipped with four 1.5v DDR-3 memory slots that accommodate up to 32GB
of dual channel DDR3-1066/1333/1600/1866/2133 memory (4GB for 32-bit operating systems).
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MSI P67A-GD65
Motherboard |
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INCLUDES: User's Manual, Driver
DVD, (4) SATA cables, SATA power adaptor, 2-way SLI
bridge, I/O Shield,
USB 3.0 bracket, front panel connector blocks, voltage check
cables.. |
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Chipsets: Intel P67
Express
CPU Support: Intel Socket
LGA1155
Memory Type: Dual Channel
DDR3
Videocard Support: (2) PCI Express
x16 2.0 (x16 or x8/x8)
Average Price at time of review:
$155 | |
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In an effort to differentiate itself
from the competition, MSI equip the P67A-GD65 motherboard with
USB-recharger-friendly ports so Apple smart phone users can charge up while the
rest of the PC is powered off. Other notable features include a six-phase CPU
power VRM and dual BIOS.
In terms of data
storage the MSI P67A-GD65 motherboard has four 6Gb/s SATA III, four 3Gb/s SATA
connectors and two eSATA II ports. The Intel P67 based SATA ports will handle
RAID 0,1,5,10 care of Intel Matrix Storage Technology. The JMicron controller allows RAID 0,1,JBOD
modes.
Rounding out the feature set are two Firewire ports, one
Gigabit networking jack, high definition 8-channel audio and even a CMOS reset
button at the rear I/O. The board has five fan headers; four 3-pin and one 4-pin
PWM Expect to pay about $160CDN/USD for the MSI-P67A-GD65 motherboard at online shops like NCIX or Newegg. Consumers in Canada, the US and Mexico are covered by a
3 year warranty with MSI.
MSI Overclocking Friendly
Features
Like every other motherboard manufacturer, overclocking is the name of the
game. MSI approach overclocking from two positions with the P67A-GD65; 1) high
end overclocking features only a few computer enthusiasts will use, and 2) a
one-button-does it all automatic overclocking tool called OC Genie.
On the high end side of the overclocking fence we have the 'Voltage
Check Point'. This enables users to easily attach a multimeter for a direct
reading of PCH voltage, DDR voltage, CPU_SA voltage, CPU_VTT voltage and CPU
voltage values whilst overclocking.
MSI supply
a small package of 2" long jumpers so you can easily connect the leads of the multimeter to
measure voltages without the leads getting in the
way. More MSI P67A-GD65 goodness after the jump....
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