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 H81I Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£80CPU socket:LGA 1150Chipset:Intel H81Form factor:Mini-ITX

MSI H81I Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

3.7

Overall score

Score
3.7/ 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 99% of models
Score components

90%

3.2

Technical score

10%

8.3

User score

â–¼Worse than 99% of motherboards
3.2

Technical score

Technical score
3.2/ 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 99% of models
Score components

19%

2.1

Memory

16%

5.5

Platform & Features

16%

2.9

Storage

15%

3.3

Network

13%

1.4

Ports & USB

8%

2.4

Expansion

8%

3.9

Power & Cooling

5%

6.1

Audio

â–¼Worse than 99% of motherboards
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 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–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

9.2

Number of reviews

Based on 783 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 69% of motherboards
  • msi-h81i
msi-h81i

Best prices

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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 H81I

Technical score
Technical score
3.2/ 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 99% of models
Score components:

19%

2.1

Memory

16%

5.5

Platform & Features

16%

2.9

Storage

15%

3.3

Network

13%

1.4

Ports & USB

8%

2.4

Expansion

8%

3.9

Power & Cooling

5%

6.1

Audio

3.2
User score
User score
8.3/ 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–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

70%

8.0

User ratings

30%

9.2

Number of reviews

Based on 783 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
9.2/ 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–² Better than 85% of models
Popularity:
MSI H81I has a popularity score of 9.2 points, which is higher than that of 84.9% of products in this category.
9.2
Value for money
Value for money
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

60%

3.7

Overall score

40%

10

Price

5.6
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
LGA 1150
CPU socket
LGA 1150
â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
This motherboard uses the LGA 1150 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 90.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.6% of motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
CPU platform
Intel
â–² Better than 32% of models
This motherboard is built for the Intel CPU platform, which is more versatile than that of 31.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 68.4% of motherboards.
Chipset
Intel H81
Chipset
Intel H81
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
This motherboard uses the Intel H81 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 97.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.2% of motherboards.
Form factor
Mini-ITX
Form factor
Mini-ITX
â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
This motherboard has the Mini-ITX form factor, which is less versatile than that of 84.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.3% 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
2
Memory slots
2
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 2 Memory slots, which is fewer than 78.6% of motherboards and equal to 21.4% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
16 GB
Maximum memory capacity
16 GB
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 16 GB of memory, which is less than 98.2% of motherboards and equal to 1.6% 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
1,600 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
1,600 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 1,600 MT/s, which is lower than that of 93.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.3% 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
2
N. of SATA 3 connectors
2
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 2 SATA 3 connectors, which is fewer than 95.3% of motherboards and equal to 3.9% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
no
Supported RAID levels
no
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels no, which is narrower than 92.3% of motherboards and equal to 7.1% 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
0
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
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
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16
â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
This motherboard uses x16 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is less flexible than that of 81% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.1% 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)
4
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
4
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 4 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 97.9% of motherboards and equal to 2% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
8
Total USB ports (including headers)
8
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 97.7% of motherboards and equal to 2% 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 RTL8111G
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8111G
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek RTL8111G LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 60.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% 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 ALC887
Audio codec
Realtek ALC887
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
This motherboard uses the Realtek ALC887 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 89% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.8% 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.
full 7.1 needs front panel audio.
Audio SNR
97 dB
Audio SNR
97 dB
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 97 dB, which is lower than that of 65.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 17% 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
3
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
3
â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 50.4% of motherboards and equal to 38.1% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
4
VRM phases
4
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
This motherboard has 4 VRM phases, which is fewer than 96.7% of motherboards and equal to 2% 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
2
N. of fan headers
2
â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 2 fan headers, which is fewer than 92% of motherboards and equal to 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 H81I vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 135 mm shorter
    Height
    170 mm
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    170 mm vs 305 mm
  • 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
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8111G
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Realtek RTL8111G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 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.
  • 2x cheaper
    MSI H81I is cheaper than the average motherboard (£80 vs £160).
    £80 vs £160
  • 74 mm narrower
    Width
    170 mm
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is narrower than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    170 mm vs 244 mm
  • 47.4% more popular
    MSI H81I is more popular than the average motherboard (9.23 vs 6.3).
    9.23 vs 6.26
  • 2x cheaper
    MSI H81I is cheaper than the average motherboard (£80 vs £160).
    £80 vs £160
  • 47.4% more popular
    MSI H81I is more popular than the average motherboard (9.23 vs 6.3).
    9.23 vs 6.26
  • 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.
  • More advanced LAN controller
    LAN controller
    Realtek RTL8111G
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    This motherboard has better LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8111G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek). The average motherboard uses Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller.
    Realtek RTL8111G vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 135 mm shorter
    Height
    170 mm
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is shorter than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 305 mm). The average motherboard height is 305 mm.
    170 mm vs 305 mm
  • 74 mm narrower
    Width
    170 mm
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <170 mm – >320 mm
    This motherboard is narrower than the average motherboard (170 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
    170 mm vs 244 mm
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel H81
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel H81 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel H81 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
  • 87.5% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    16 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (16 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    16 GB vs 128 GB
  • 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
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    Memory slots
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <2 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 4 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    4
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    4 vs 8
  • 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.
  • 7 fewer total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    8
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (8 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    8 vs 15
  • 32% worse value for money
    MSI H81I has worse value for money than the average motherboard (5.61 vs 7.4).
    5.61 vs 7.41
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    Intel H81
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel H81 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    Intel H81 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.
  • 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
    LGA 1150
    â–¼ Worse than 90% of models
    This motherboard has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1150 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    LGA 1,150 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.
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    BIOS update methods
    UEFI utility, Windows app
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
    UEFI utility, Windows app vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • 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 useful accessories
    Included accessories
    SATA cables, I/O shield
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (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.
    SATA cables, I/O shield vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • Less versatile form factor
    Form factor
    Mini-ITX
    â–¼ Worse than 85% of models
    This motherboard has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (Mini-ITX vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    Mini-ITX vs ATX
  • No automatic overclocking
    Automatic overclocking
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 74% of models
    This motherboard does not support automatic overclocking, while the average motherboard does. 74.2% of motherboards support automatic overclocking.
    CPU auto-OC not supported
  • 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.
    November 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • Narrower Windows support
    Supported Windows versions
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    This motherboard has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 87.5% less maximum memory capacity
    Maximum memory capacity
    16 GB
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (16 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    16 GB vs 128 GB
  • 2 fewer memory slots
    Memory slots
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <2 – >4
    This motherboard has fewer memory slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    2 vs 4
  • 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
  • 66.2% lower maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    1,600 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (1600 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    1,600 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • 67.6% lower overclocked RAM speed
    Maximum overclocked RAM speed
    1,600 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <2.7k MT/s – >8.2k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (1600 MT/s vs 4933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4933 MT/s.
    1,600 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.
  • Fewer RAID options
    Supported RAID levels
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This motherboard has fewer RAID options than the average motherboard (no vs 0/1/5/10). The average motherboard has 0/1/5/10 RAID level/s.
  • Less flexible PCIe lane configuration
    PCIe slot electrical configuration
    x16
    â–¼ Worse than 81% of models
    This motherboard has less flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4). The average motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 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.
  • No multi-GPU support
    Multi-GPU support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 54.6% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
    Single PCIe x16 slot only.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    N. of PCIe x1 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 4 fewer rear USB ports
    Total USB ports (rear I/O)
    4
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <6 – >10
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    4 vs 8
  • 7 fewer total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    8
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (8 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    8 vs 15
  • 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.
    0 vs 1
  • 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.
  • 18 dB lower audio SNR
    Audio SNR
    97 dB
    â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (97 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    97 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 ALC887
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
    This motherboard has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC887 vs Realtek ALC897). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC897 audio codec.
    Realtek ALC887 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 2 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
    3
    â–¼ Worse than 50% of models
    Market range: <2 – >6
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (3 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
    3 vs 5
  • Fewer VRM phases
    VRM phases
    4
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (4 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    4 vs 10
  • 3.5 fewer fan headers
    N. of fan headers
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    Market range: <3 – >8
    This motherboard has fewer fan headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    2 vs 5.5
  • 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
  • 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

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

Based on 783 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: May 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about MSI H81I

  • Excellent value for budget-conscious builds
  • Surprisingly capable of handling basic overclocking (especially with Pentium G3258)
  • Compact Mini-ITX form factor ideal for small cases
  • User-friendly UEFI BIOS interface that is easy to navigate
  • Reliable performance for standard daily use and media applications
  • Includes both front and rear USB 3.0 support

What we don't like about MSI H81I

  • Limited number of fan headers (often only one system fan connector)
  • Fragile USB 3.0 pins that can break easily if not handled with extreme care
  • No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adapters
  • I/O shield is reported to be sharp and sometimes poorly fitted
  • Lacks RAID support and has limited SATA ports compared to higher-end chipsets
  • Potential for 'Dead on Arrival' (DOA) units, as noted by some reviewers

Verdict

The MSI H81I is a compact Mini-ITX motherboard featuring the Intel H81 Express chipset and an LGA1150 socket, specifically designed for 4th Generation Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron processors. Key specifications include support for up to 16GB of dual-channel DDR3 memory (1600/1333/1066 MHz), two SATA III (6Gb/s) and two SATA II (3Gb/s) ports, and a single PCIe 2.0 x16 slot. Its primary strengths lie in its 'Military Class 4' component durability, which provides humidity and high-temperature protection, as well as high-definition connectivity through HDMI (supporting 4K UHD), DVI-D, and VGA outputs. Users benefit from convenient features like OC Genie 4 for one-second overclocking, Click BIOS 4 for easy system tuning, and Fast Boot for rapid OS entry. However, notable drawbacks include the lack of RAID support, a PCIe slot limited to Gen 2.0 speeds, and a maximum memory capacity of only 16GB across two slots.

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