OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Motherboards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Motherboards Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v1.0

MSI A88X G43 Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£60CPU socket:FM2+Chipset:AMD A88XForm factor:ATX

MSI A88X G43 Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

4.0

Overall score

Score
4.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

90%

4.0

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 98% of motherboards
4.0

Technical score

Technical score
4.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

19%

4.4

Memory

16%

5.3

Platform & Features

16%

3.5

Storage

15%

3.3

Network

13%

2.0

Ports & USB

8%

3.7

Expansion

8%

4.4

Power & Cooling

5%

6.3

Audio

â–¼Worse than 96% of motherboards
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £60

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI A88X G43

Technical score
Technical score
4.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Motherboards category across these key areas: Platform & Features, Memory, Storage, Expansion, Ports & USB, Network, Audio, Power & Cooling.
When it matters
When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components:

19%

4.4

Memory

16%

5.3

Platform & Features

16%

3.5

Storage

15%

3.3

Network

13%

2.0

Ports & USB

8%

3.7

Expansion

8%

4.4

Power & Cooling

5%

6.3

Audio

4.0
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
MSI A88X G43 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 79.1% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
5.8/ 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 98% of models
Score components:

60%

4.0

Overall score

40%

10

Price

5.8
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
FM2+
CPU socket
FM2+
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
This motherboard uses the FM2+ CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 97.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.4% of motherboards.
Backward compatible with FM2 processors.
CPU platform
AMD
CPU platform
AMD
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This motherboard is built for the AMD CPU platform, which is less common than that of 68.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 31.5% of motherboards.
Chipset
AMD A88X
Chipset
AMD A88X
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
This motherboard uses the AMD A88X chipset, which is less advanced than that of 97.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% of motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Form factor
ATX
â–² Better than 48% of models
This motherboard has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3
DDR memory version
DDR3
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
This motherboard uses DDR3 memory, which is older than that of 86.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.3% of motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Memory slots
4
â–² Better than 21% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 62.6% of motherboards and equal to 24.3% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Memory channels
2
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This motherboard supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.6% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
2,133 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
2,133 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Market range: <2k 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 4.4% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
0
N. of M.2 sockets
0
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.6% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
N. of SATA 3 connectors
8
â–² Better than 85% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 32% of motherboards and equal to 68% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
no
NVMe RAID support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 31% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.5% of motherboards and equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.5% of motherboards and equal to 55.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 42.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.2% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
PCIe bifurcation support
no
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.7% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.3% of motherboards and equal to 32.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
14
Total USB ports (including headers)
14
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 52.5% of motherboards and equal to 12.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.7% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
â–¼ Worse than 18% of models
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18.3% of motherboards and equal to 81.7% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
LAN speed
1 Gbps
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.2% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8111E
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8111E
â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek RTL8111E LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 63.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
N. of RJ45 ports
1
â–¼ Worse than 14% of models
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
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
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
Audio codec
Realtek ALC892
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC892 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 79.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 9% of motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
Audio channels
7.1
â–² Better than 5% of models
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
95 dB
Audio SNR
95 dB
â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 95 dB, which is lower than that of 82.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.6% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
Headphone amp support
no
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 59.3% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
â–² Better than 87% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 86.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
6+2
VRM phases
6+2
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
This motherboard has 6+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 78.4% of motherboards and equal to 1.5% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
N. of CPU power connectors
1
â–¼ Worse than 45% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.5% of motherboards and equal to 54.5% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
3
N. of fan headers
3
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 3 fan headers, which is fewer than 77.1% of motherboards and equal to 14.8% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
Pump header
no
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
This motherboard does not have a pump header. 78.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Pump header max current
0 A
â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76% of motherboards and equal to that of 24% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI A88X G43 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    8
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    3
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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
  • 1 more USB 2.0 headers
    N. of USB 2.0 headers (USB-A)
    3
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    N. of DVI outputs
    1
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
    1 vs 0
  • 2.67x cheaper
    MSI A88X G43 is cheaper than the average motherboard (£60 vs £160).
    £60 vs £160
  • Includes VGA connector
    VGA connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This motherboard has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 24.7% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8111E
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111E vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Realtek RTL8111E vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    4
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 2.67x cheaper
    MSI A88X G43 is cheaper than the average motherboard (£60 vs £160).
    £60 vs £160
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    8
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    8 vs 4
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    3
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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
  • 1 more USB 2.0 headers
    N. of USB 2.0 headers (USB-A)
    3
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    N. of DVI outputs
    1
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Includes VGA connector
    VGA connector
    yes
    â–² Better than 75% of models
    This motherboard has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 24.7% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
  • 2 more USB 2.0 ports
    N. of USB 2.0 ports
    4
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    4 vs 2
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8111E
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111E vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Realtek RTL8111E vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    6
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 5
  • 19 mm narrower
    Width
    225 mm
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is narrower than the average motherboard (225 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    225 mm vs 244 mm
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    AMD A88X
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD A88X vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    AMD A88X vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    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
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    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
    NVMe RAID support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    64 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • Older DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR3
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This motherboard has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    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
  • 28.5% worse value for money
    MSI A88X G43 has worse value for money than the average motherboard (5.77 vs 7.4).
    5.77 vs 7.41
  • 6.26x less popular
    MSI A88X G43 is less popular than the average motherboard (1 vs 6.3).
    1 vs 6.26
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    AMD A88X
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD A88X vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    AMD A88X vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    BIOS flashback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.9% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • Not suitable for gaming
    Suitable for gaming
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard is not suitable for gaming, while the average motherboard is. 85.2% of motherboards are suitable for gaming.
  • Older CPU socket
    CPU socket
    FM2+
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    This motherboard has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (FM2+ vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    Backward compatible with FM2 processors.
    FM2+ vs LGA 1,151
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    Windows 11 ready
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 76.9% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • No debug LED indicators
    Debug LED indicators
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    This motherboard does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.7% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    BIOS update methods
    UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    This motherboard has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
    UEFI utility, Windows app, DOS vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Fewer useful accessories
    Included accessories
    4x SATA cables, I/O shield
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (4x SATA cables, I/O shield vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable). The average motherboard comes with 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable.
    4x SATA cables, I/O shield vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • Narrower Windows support
    Supported Windows versions
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 8 older release date
    Release date
    2013
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This motherboard is older than the average motherboard (2013 vs 2021). The average motherboard was released in 2021.
    September 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • Older CPU platform
    CPU platform
    AMD
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This motherboard uses the AMD CPU platform compared to Intel on the average motherboard. The average motherboard uses Intel CPU platform.
    AMD vs Intel
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    64 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • Older DDR memory generation
    DDR memory version
    DDR3
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    This motherboard has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 54.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    2,133 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2133 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    2,133 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 51.3% lower overclocked RAM speed
    Maximum overclocked RAM speed
    2,400 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <2.7k MT/s – >8.2k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2400 MT/s vs 4933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4933 MT/s.
    2,400 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    N. of M.2 sockets
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    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
    NVMe RAID support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    PCIe bifurcation support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16/x4
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 2 fewer PCI slots
    N. of PCI slots
    2
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has fewer PCI slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    Legacy PCI slots.
    2 vs 0
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    6
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    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
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    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
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >6
    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
    N. of DisplayPort outputs
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    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
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    14
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    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
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    1.4
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    1.4 vs 2.1
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    Total USB-C ports (including headers)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    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
    LAN speed
    1 Gbps
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
    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
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    Wi-Fi antenna included
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
    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
    Audio SNR
    95 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    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
    Headphone amp support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 59.2% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • More basic audio codec
    Audio codec
    Realtek ALC892
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    This motherboard has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    Optical S/PDIF out (TOSLINK)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.8% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    N. of ARGB headers (3-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • 2.5 fewer fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    3
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    3 vs 5.5
  • Fewer VRM phases
    VRM phases
    6+2
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (6+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    6+2 vs 10
  • No pump header
    Pump header
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 78.1% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    Onboard RGB lighting
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    This motherboard does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.4% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    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
    Pump header max current
    0 A
    â–¼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <0 A – >3 A
    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

Third-party reviews

What we like about MSI A88X G43

  • Excellent value for budget-conscious builders looking for a feature-packed FM2+ platform
  • Strong overclocking potential with a user-friendly 'Click BIOS 4' and OC Genie support
  • Robust storage options including eight SATA 6Gb/s ports and various RAID configuration support
  • Solid audio performance featuring isolated circuitry, gold-plated jacks, and S/PDIF output
  • Good expansion capabilities with support for AMD CrossFire multi-GPU setups

What we don't like about MSI A88X G43

  • Lacks support for modern standards like TPM 2.0, making it officially incompatible with Windows 11 without workarounds
  • Limited high-speed connectivity with only two rear USB 3.0 ports compared to higher-end models
  • Fewer fan headers (three total) which may limit cooling configurations in larger cases
  • Lower audio signal-to-noise ratio (95 dB) compared to enthusiast-grade gaming boards
  • Platform obsolescence as the A88X chipset is primarily restricted to older AMD Kaveri/FM2+ APUs

Verdict

The MSI A88X-G43 is an ATX motherboard built on the AMD A88X chipset, specifically designed for Socket FM2+ AMD A-series and Athlon processors. It supports up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory with speeds up to 2133 MHz and features robust connectivity, including eight SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0/1/5/10 support, two PCIe x16 slots (supporting 2-way AMD CrossFire), and triple display outputs via HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA. Key advantages include its durable 'Military Class 4' components for enhanced stability, user-friendly Click BIOS 4, and OC Genie 4 for easy one-second overclocking. However, notable drawbacks include the lack of modern M.2 storage slots, limited USB 3.0 availability compared to newer standards, and some user reports regarding mixed heatsink quality and occasional BIOS freezing issues with specific drive formats.

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