MSI z87 gd65 vs gd45 (40$ difference)

M

Messerschmitt

Weaksauce
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Oct 9, 2009
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I am set on buying a MSI Z87 board. While I was contemplating on getting the GD65 (I don't want to skimp on motherboards or PSU's), I noticed how the GD45 is 40$ cheaper. AFAIK, in terms of performance, the GD65 has 12 phases while the GD45 8 phases. I don't really know what exactly they mean, but it has something to do with the ability to OC?

Basically in terms of performance I would like to know if it's really worth paying the extra 40$ (190$ for the GD65 vs 150$ for the GD45).

Here are my other components, as I am aiming at building a best bang for the buck rig that will last me the next 3-4 years (just like my trusty E6750 w/ AMD 4870 lasted me the last 6 years).

I5 4670K - 240$
MSI Z87 GD45/65
MSI TF3 7950 - 260$
G.Skill Ripjaws X DDR-1600 CL9, 16GB - 128$
Samsung 840 SSD - 140$

Some one was also recommending the Gigabytes Z87 UD3H. That one is actually on sale for 100$ w/ 30& MIR).
 
GD65 also has two more sata ports.

If you don't plan on being hardcore with that 4670k and don't plan on needing two more SATAs, I'd lean towards the 45.

But if you're going for the best bang for the buck, I think you can do even better unless you really need three video card slots or something.
 
I got a 45 for my 4770k and have been pleased. My last mobo was an ASUS P6T Deluxe and this time I decided I'd get a good quality board without a ton of crap I don't need.
 
The only big difference is the addition of a 3rd party SATA controller. If you don't need the extra ports, just get the 45. The power phases aren't going to be as big of a deal as many sites have demonstrated just about any z87 board will max out an OC since it's more luck of the draw on which CPU you get.
 
If the Gigabyte UD3H is only $100 AR, I'd go for that one. The Z87-G45 certainly isn't $50 better, and I own (and am quite content with) the Z87-G45!

They both support SLI, have decent spacing, etc.
Gigabyte has Intel LAN vs Killer (I'd probably rather have Intel)
Gigabyte has Realtek 898 vs 1150 (I don't think this really matters, maybe if you use headphones)
Gigabyte has 8 SATA ports vs 6 on the MSI...
 
I would personally go for the GD65 as that is what I have used/use and can say that they are great. I like the fact that if I want to expand that it has extra ports ( though on a separate controller) as mine is just used for a data storage rig / media streamer
 
Does the Qualcomm Killer E2205 really do anything or is it just a gimmick?
 
It seems to perform well for me, though I find the software a hassle so I leave application control off. I have had no issues with the E220x series - both in my notebook and my motherboards. I always have a great connection while gaming with good ping, which is all that I ask really for daily use
 
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