OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£90CPU socket:AM3+Chipset:AMD 970 & SB950Form factor:ATX

MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 3 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

40%

4.7

Technical score

20%

8.3

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

8.6

User score

â–¼Worse than 63% of motherboards
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 61%
4.7

Technical score

Technical score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

19%

3.9

Memory

16%

5.5

Platform

16%

4.1

Storage

15%

3.1

Network

13%

6.0

Ports

8%

3.8

Expansion

8%

5.6

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

â–¼Worse than 80%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 50% of models

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
â–²Better than 50%
8.6

User score

User score
8.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models

70%

8.6

Rating

30%

8.6

Popularity

â–²Better than 61%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • msi-970a-gaming-pro-carbon
  • msi-970a-gaming-pro-carbon
  • msi-970a-gaming-pro-carbon
  • msi-970a-gaming-pro-carbon
  • msi-970a-gaming-pro-carbon
msi-970a-gaming-pro-carbon
msi-970a-gaming-pro-carbon
msi-970a-gaming-pro-carbon
msi-970a-gaming-pro-carbon
msi-970a-gaming-pro-carbon
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon

Based on 0 · 3

Most reviewers like the lighting, though one isn't won over.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon

Technical score
Technical score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components:

19%

3.9

Memory

16%

5.5

Platform

16%

4.1

Storage

15%

3.1

Network

13%

6.0

Ports

8%

3.8

Expansion

8%

5.6

Power & Cooling

5%

8.7

Audio

4.7
Reviews score
8.3
User score
8.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.6
CPU socket
AM3+
This motherboard uses AM3+, which is less up-to-date than 96.7% of Motherboards and the same as 0.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
AMD
Chipset
AMD 970 & SB950
This motherboard uses AMD 970 & SB950, which is less capable than 90.9% of Motherboards.
Paired with SB950 southbridge.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
no
This motherboard does not support integrated graphics. 89.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3
This motherboard uses DDR3, which is less modern than 86.9% of Motherboards and the same as 13.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
32 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 87% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
2,133 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 2,133 MT/s, which is lower than that of 87.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.3% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 2.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 2.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 85% of Motherboards and the same as 0.4% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0, x8/x8
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0, x8/x8, which is less generous than 76.4% of Motherboards and the same as 2.9% of Motherboards.
Depends on slot/M.2 population.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.7% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
20
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 20 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 91.3% of motherboards and equal to 3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
1
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 21.1% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Intel I211-AT
This motherboard has a Intel I211-AT LAN controller, which is faster than 50.6% of Motherboards and equal to 2.3% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1150
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1150, which is higher-end than 53% of Motherboards and the same as 9.1% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
115 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 47.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.6% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 13% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
8
This motherboard has 8 VRM phases, which is fewer than 69.9% of motherboards and equal to 7.1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
5
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 5 fan headers, which is fewer than 50% of motherboards and equal to 14.6% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.8% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 5 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    20 vs 15
  • 1 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 13.7% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 50% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.3 vs 7.3
  • 66.7% cheaper
    MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon is cheaper than the average motherboard (£90 vs £150).
    £90 vs £150
  • 16.2% higher user score
    User score
    8.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 61% of models

    70%

    8.6

    Rating

    30%

    8.6

    Popularity

    8.6 vs 7.4
  • Broader Windows support
    This motherboard supports a wider range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 5 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (20 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    20 vs 15
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 4 more USB 2.0 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (6 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    6 vs 2
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I211-AT vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD 970 & SB950 vs Intel B860).
    Paired with SB950 southbridge.
    AMD 970 & SB950 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 2.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    32 GB vs 128 GB
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD 970 & SB950 vs Intel B860).
    Paired with SB950 southbridge.
    AMD 970 & SB950 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • More dated socket
    This motherboard uses a more dated socket than the average motherboard (AM3+ vs LGA 1151).
    AM3+ vs LGA 1,151
  • Fewer BIOS update methods
    This motherboard offers fewer BIOS update methods than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app).
    UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    32 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 54.6% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,133 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    2,133 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 57.3% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,133 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    2,133 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 2x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 2.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    Depends on slot/M.2 population.
    x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    rear USB-C is faster than Gen 1
    0 vs 4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • Fewer VRM phases
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (8 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    8 vs 10
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    0 A vs 2 A
  • 0.5 fewer fan headers
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (5 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    5 vs 5.5

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
PC Bauer
≈ estimated
13/01/2017
First look · unboxing and feature tour
Verdict
MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon offers strong value for money, especially for keeping an older AM3 processor with modern connections.
9.0
Joe Doing Random
≈ estimated
09/11/2016
Hands-on review · LED lighting and software use
Verdict
MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon offers very customisable lighting, decent whites and a useful software app, though the video covers only lighting.
4.0
TeknoGamers
≈ estimated
15/11/2016
Unboxing · feature overview
Verdict
MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon looks fine on paper, but is not recommended for personal use or clients as newer AM4 platforms are close.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon

  • Sleek and aesthetically pleasing design featuring carbon fiber accents and RGB lighting
  • Excellent value for money, providing high-end features at an affordable price point
  • Great audio quality with the Audio Boost feature
  • Modern connectivity for its platform, including USB 3.1 (Type-A and Type-C) and M.2 NVMe support
  • Easy to build with and generally stable during operation
  • Reinforced PCIe and RAM slots (Steel Armor) for added durability

What customers don't like about MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon

  • Outdated AM3+ socket, making it not future-proof for modern CPU upgrades
  • BIOS can be unintuitive or 'clunky' for some users to navigate
  • VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) quality is sometimes criticized as being insufficient for heavy overclocking without extra cooling
  • Large GPUs can physically obstruct or cover the RGB lighting sections
  • Default fan speeds in BIOS are often set too low, requiring manual adjustment
  • Potential issues with RAM stability at speeds higher than 2133MHz

Verdict

The MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon is a high-end ATX motherboard for the AM3+ socket, featuring the AMD 970 and SB950 chipset with a robust 8-phase VRM to support power-hungry AMD FX-series processors. It offers modern storage and connectivity rare for its platform, including a 20 Gb/s M.2 slot (supporting NVMe), two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports (one Type-A and one Type-C), and Intel I211-AT Gigabit LAN. Key pros include its sleek carbon-fibre aesthetic with Mystic Light RGB, 2-way NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire support, and Audio Boost 3 with high-quality capacitors. However, some users have noted cons such as the dated PCIe 2.0 interface, the lack of future-proofing on the AM3+ socket, and the potential for VRMs to run extremely hot during heavy overclocking.

Compare MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon with other products in the Motherboards category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of MSI 970A Gaming Pro Carbon and other products in the Motherboards category

No results found