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 990FXA-GD65 review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£95CPU socket:AM3+Chipset:AMD 990FXForm factor:ATX

MSI 990FXA-GD65 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 990FXA-GD65
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 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 87% of models
Score components

40%

4.1

Technical score

20%

8.6

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%

4.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 87% of motherboards
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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 84% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 84%
4.1

Technical score

Technical score
4.1/ 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 91% of models
Score components

19%

4.1

Memory

16%

5.4

Platform

16%

3.1

Storage

15%

2.9

Network

13%

3.9

Ports

8%

4.2

Expansion

8%

5.0

Power & Cooling

5%

6.4

Audio

â–¼Worse than 91%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 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 78% of models

80%

8.7

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 1 video review, 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 78%
4.1

User score

User score
4.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 95% of models

4.1

Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.1

Rating

30%

7.4

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 95%
?

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-990fxa-gd65
  • msi-990fxa-gd65
  • msi-990fxa-gd65
  • msi-990fxa-gd65
  • msi-990fxa-gd65
msi-990fxa-gd65
msi-990fxa-gd65
msi-990fxa-gd65
msi-990fxa-gd65
msi-990fxa-gd65
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.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI 990FXA-GD65

Technical score
Technical score
4.1/ 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 91% of models
Score components:

19%

4.1

Memory

16%

5.4

Platform

16%

3.1

Storage

15%

2.9

Network

13%

3.9

Ports

8%

4.2

Expansion

8%

5.0

Power & Cooling

5%

6.4

Audio

4.1
Reviews score
8.6
User score
4.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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 84% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.2
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 990FX
This motherboard uses AMD 990FX, which is less capable than 90.4% of Motherboards and as capable as 0.5% 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.
higher limit with high-density DIMMs
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
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
N/A
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/x16
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x16, which is more generous than 91.5% of Motherboards and the same as 0.4% of Motherboards.
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)
14
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 52.3% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% 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.
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
Realtek RTL8111E
This motherboard has a Realtek RTL8111E LAN controller, which is slower than 63.4% of Motherboards and equal to 1.2% 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 ALC892
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC892, which is lower-end than 79.9% of Motherboards and the same as 8.8% 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
95 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 95 dB, which is lower than that of 82.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 58.8% of motherboards support this feature.
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+2
This motherboard has 8+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 57.4% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% 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
no
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 77.9% 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

MSI 990FXA-GD65 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
  • 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
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    4 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
  • 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 BIOS update methods
    This motherboard offers more BIOS update methods than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app).
    UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • 17.8% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 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 78% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 1 video review, 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.
    8.6 vs 7.3
  • Supports ECC memory
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    supports ECC unbuffered memory.
  • 17.8% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 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 78% of models

    80%

    8.7

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    2 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 1 estimated from the review. 1 video review, 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.
    8.6 vs 7.3
  • 57.9% cheaper
    MSI 990FXA-GD65 is cheaper than the average motherboard (£95 vs £150).
    £95 vs £150
  • More BIOS update methods
    This motherboard offers more BIOS update methods than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app).
    UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Supports ECC memory
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    supports ECC unbuffered memory.
  • 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
  • 3 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    4 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
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 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
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111E vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Realtek RTL8111E 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
  • Includes coaxial S/PDIF out
    This motherboard has coaxial S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does not. 2.8% of motherboards include coaxial S/PDIF out.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD 990FX vs Intel B860).
    Paired with SB950 southbridge.
    AMD 990FX 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
  • 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.
    higher limit with high-density DIMMs
    32 GB vs 128 GB
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • 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.
  • 44.6% lower user score
    User score
    4.1/ 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–¼ Worse than 95% of models

    4.1

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.1

    Rating

    30%

    7.4

    Popularity

    4.1 vs 7.4
  • 7% worse value for money
    MSI 990FXA-GD65 has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.2 vs 7.7).
    7.2 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD 990FX vs Intel B860).
    Paired with SB950 southbridge.
    AMD 990FX 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • No debug LED indicators
    This motherboard does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.7% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 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.
    higher limit with high-density DIMMs
    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
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 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
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 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.
    no onboard video outputs
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    14 vs 15
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    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.
  • 20 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (95 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    95 dB vs 115 dB
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • Less capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a lower-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 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
  • No pump header
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77.9% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 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
Die Hardwarechecker
≈ estimated
13/01/2012
Hands-on review · BIOS walkthrough and overclocking menus
Verdict
The MSI 990FXA-GD65 has a graphical BIOS with plenty of settings, especially strong for overclocking.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
24/02/2012
Full review · AM3+ motherboard
Verdict
The MSI 990FXA-GD65 is a well-balanced AM3+ board whose two x16 slots both run at full speed for multi-GPU builds, though it has fewer USB 3 ports than rivals.
9.0
overclocking-tv.com
≈ estimated
10/08/2011
Overclock test · Extreme cooling
Verdict
The MSI 990FXA-GD65 is a well-regulated AM3+ board that ran cool and handled extreme overclocks, though its power connectors are awkwardly spaced.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI 990FXA-GD65

  • Excellent value for money and performance in the 990FX line
  • Supports high CPU overclocks with full-fledged 10-phase VRM
  • Dual PCI-Express 2.0 x16 slots running at full x16 bandwidth for SLI/Crossfire
  • Military Class II components provide high build quality and durability
  • User-friendly graphical UEFI BIOS with mouse support
  • OC Genie feature allows for easy, one-touch automatic overclocking
  • Comprehensive connectivity including six SATA 6Gb/s ports and USB 3.0

What customers don't like about MSI 990FXA-GD65

  • No internal USB 3.0 headers for front panel case ports
  • BIOS/EFI interface can be laggy and sometimes lacks advanced timing adjustments
  • Large graphics cards can physically block some PCI-E x1 and legacy PCI slots
  • Lack of an eSATA port on the rear I/O panel
  • Issues with inaccurate or unreliable MSI Live Update software
  • Poor voltage reading accuracy in some BIOS versions without updates
  • Does not include an SLI bridge in the box despite being SLI-ready

Verdict

The MSI 990FXA-GD65 is an ATX motherboard built on the AMD 990FX and SB950 chipset, featuring a Socket AM3+ that supports AMD FX, Phenom II, and Athlon II processors. Key specifications include four DDR3 DIMM slots supporting up to 32GB of memory at overclocked speeds of 2133MHz, dual PCIe 2.0 x16 slots with full x16/x16 bandwidth for SLI or CrossFireX, and six SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0/1/5/10 support. Its primary strengths are the high-quality 'Military Class II' components and an 8+2 phase power design that provides stable voltage regulation for overclocking. However, it lacks an eSATA port on the rear panel, and some users have noted that large graphics cards can block nearby PCIe x1 and legacy PCI slots.

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