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MSI A88X G45 Gaming Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£95
  • Avg. price in US: ~$120
  • CPU socket: FM2+
  • Chipset: AMD A88X
  • Form factor: ATX

MSI A88X G45 Gaming review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

4.6

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

4.4

Technical Score

10.0%

7.1

User score

Poor
4.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

3.9

Memory

16.0%

5.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

3.4

Storage

15.0%

4.9

Network

13.0%

3.4

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.4

Expansion

8.0%

4.2

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.6

Audio

Poor
7.1

User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

4.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(53)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(71)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Very good
  • 2.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.5

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    1.0

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • msi-a88x-g45-gaming
msi-a88x-g45-gaming

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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

Verdict

The MSI A88X-G45 Gaming is a high-end ATX motherboard featuring the AMD A88X chipset and FM2+ socket, supporting both FM2 and FM2+ A-series or Athlon processors. Key specifications include four DDR3 slots supporting up to 64GB at 2400MHz (OC), three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots with 3-way CrossFire support, and eight SATA 6Gb/s ports. Notable pros include its robust Military Class 4 components, Killer E2205 Gigabit Ethernet for low-latency gaming, and Audio Boost with a Realtek ALC1150 codec and Sound Blaster Cinema. However, potential cons include the absence of built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, the lack of a dual BIOS feature, and some BIOS menus that can be cluttered and confusing for novice users.

Technical Specifications of MSI A88X G45 Gaming

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

3.9

Memory

16.0%

5.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

3.4

Storage

15.0%

4.9

Network

13.0%

3.4

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.4

Expansion

8.0%

4.2

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.6

Audio

4.4
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a technical score of 4.38 points, which is lower than that of 90.8% of products in this category.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

8.2

User reviews

30.0%

4.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(53)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(71)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

7.1
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a user score of 7.1 points, which is lower than that of 75.5% of products in this category.
Popularity
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.
4.5
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a popularity of 4.5 points, which is higher than 52.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.6

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

6.3
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.3 points, which is lower than 85.5% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

MSI
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

FM2+
MSI A88X G45 Gaming uses the FM2+ CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 97.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.4% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

AMD
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

AMD A88X
MSI A88X G45 Gaming uses the AMD A88X chipset, which is less advanced than that of 98% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

ATX
MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
MSI A88X G45 Gaming uses DDR3 memory, which is older than that of 86.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.4% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
MSI A88X G45 Gaming supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 87% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
MSI A88X G45 Gaming supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

2,133 MT/s
MSI A88X G45 Gaming supports memory speeds up to 2133 MT/s, which is lower than that of 86.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 4.5% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

0
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
MSI A88X G45 Gaming supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

no
MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
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N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

3
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.8% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
MSI A88X G45 Gaming uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 56.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.7% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not support PCIe bifurcation. 61% of motherboards support this feature.
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Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

8
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.3% of motherboards and equal to 30.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

16
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 16 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 61.8% of motherboards and equal to 10.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

0
MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

0
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.4% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
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LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

1 Gbps
MSI A88X G45 Gaming supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.1% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Killer E2205
MSI A88X G45 Gaming uses the Killer E2205 LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 94.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

N/A
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Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC1150
MSI A88X G45 Gaming uses the Realtek ALC1150 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.3% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
MSI A88X G45 Gaming offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

115 dB
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 46.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.2% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI A88X G45 Gaming supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

6
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 86.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.4% of motherboards.
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VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

4+2
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 4+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 88.6% of motherboards and equal to 5.8% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

1
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 1 CPU power connectors, which is equal to 54.5% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

5
MSI A88X G45 Gaming has 5 fan headers, which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 14.5% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not have a pump header. 77% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

0 A
MSI A88X G45 Gaming supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 74.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 25.7% of motherboards.
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MSI A88X G45 Gaming vs the average motherboard

  • Includes POST code display
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    What it is: Shows whether the board includes a diagnostic POST code readout for boot troubleshooting.
    When it matters: When you troubleshoot boot issues and want clearer error information.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 1 more PCI slots
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    What it is: The number of legacy PCI slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need compatibility with older expansion cards.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.1 vs 0
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.8 vs 4
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS button.
    What it is: A rear I/O button used to clear BIOS or CMOS settings quickly.
    When it matters: When you overclock or troubleshoot and want an easier reset method.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe x1 slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want space for smaller add-in cards.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    What it is: The number of internal USB 2.0 headers available for case connections.
    When it matters: When your case or accessories need internal USB connections.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
    When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more standard USB ports with faster transfer speeds.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=4

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.6 vs 4
  • Includes POST code display
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Broader Windows support
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has broader Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • Includes onboard power button
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 1 more PCI slots
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
  • 2 more PCIe x1 slots
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more USB 2.0 headers
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more DVI outputs than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 DVI outputs.
  • Includes VGA connector
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a VGA connector, while the average motherboard does not. 22% of motherboards include a VGA connector.
  • 1 more total USB connections
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (16 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Audio
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD A88X vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Older CPU socket
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (FM2+ vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • No debug LED indicators
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not have debug LED indicators, while the average motherboard does. 78.8% of motherboards include debug LED indicators.
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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.
  • 7 older release date
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming is older than the average motherboard (2,014 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    January 2014
  • 75% less maximum memory capacity
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 53.6% lower maximum RAM speed
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,133 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 51.3% lower overclocked RAM speed
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
    top speed depends on CPU and memory setup
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • No NVMe RAID support
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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.
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • More basic LAN controller
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2,205 vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (4+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No pump header
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD A88X vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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
  • More basic LAN controller
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2,205 vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
    What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E2,205 vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.Killer E2205 vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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.
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (32 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
    When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming 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
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
    What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
    When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: DDR5

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR3 vs DDR4
  • No BIOS flashback support
    MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can update BIOS without needing a fully installed or supported CPU to boot first.
    When it matters: When you may need to update BIOS before the system can boot.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI A88X G45 Gaming does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
53 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
71 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI A88X G45 Gaming?

  • High-quality 'Military Class 4' components for stability and power efficiency
  • Excellent audio isolation with Audio Boost and Sound Blaster Cinema support
  • Support for 3-way Crossfire, which is rare for the A88X chipset
  • User-friendly OC Genie 4 for easy one-button overclocking
  • Generous I/O options including six USB 3.0 ports on the rear panel
  • Effective VRM cooling with a dedicated dragon-themed heatpipe design
  • Useful on-board diagnostic tools like a debug LED and clear CMOS button

What customers dislike about MSI A88X G45 Gaming?

  • Awkward layout of the front-panel USB 3.0 header, which can be blocked by dual-slot graphics cards
  • Slightly higher price point compared to some A88X competitors
  • Audio performance in some tests fell below other high-end ALC1150 implementations
  • BIOS lacks some advanced features found in MSI's Intel Z97 counterparts, such as easier XMP support
  • No color-coding on DIMM slots to easily distinguish dual-channel operation
  • Novices may find the long, non-subpaged overclocking lists in the BIOS confusing

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