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 X470 Gaming Plus Max Review | 107 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110CPU socket:AM4Chipset:AMD X470Form factor:ATX

MSI X470 Gaming Plus Max Review: Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

6.0

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 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 61% of models
Score components

90%

6.0

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 61% of motherboards
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 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 57% of models
Score components

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

7.6

Platform & Features

16%

6.3

Storage

15%

3.3

Network

13%

5.1

Ports & USB

8%

5.7

Expansion

8%

6.8

Power & Cooling

5%

6.9

Audio

â–¼Worse than 57% 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

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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 X470 Gaming Plus Max

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 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 57% of models
Score components:

19%

6.9

Memory

16%

7.6

Platform & Features

16%

6.3

Storage

15%

3.3

Network

13%

5.1

Ports & USB

8%

5.7

Expansion

8%

6.8

Power & Cooling

5%

6.9

Audio

6.0
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 X470 Gaming Plus Max 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
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Score components:

60%

6.0

Overall score

40%

9.9

Price

7.2
Brand name
MSI
CPU socket
AM4
CPU socket
AM4
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
This motherboard uses the AM4 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 38.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.3% of motherboards.
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 X470
Chipset
AMD X470
â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
This motherboard uses the AMD X470 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 54.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.6% 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
DDR4
DDR memory version
DDR4
â–¼ Worse than 36% of models
This motherboard uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 50.8% 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
128 GB
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% 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
4,133 MT/s
Maximum RAM speed
4,133 MT/s
â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,133 MT/s, which is lower than that of 55.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
N. of M.2 sockets
2
â–¼ Worse than 35% of models
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.4% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 2.0 x4/SATA
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 2.0 x4/SATA
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
This motherboard offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 2.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 61.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.4% of motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
â–² Better than 53% of models
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/10
Supported RAID levels
0/1/10
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
This motherboard supports RAID levels 0/1/10, which is narrower than 68.1% of motherboards and equal to 23.3% of motherboards.
SATA only
NVMe RAID support
yes
NVMe RAID support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
requires RAID drivers
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
2
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
â–² Better than 67% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
â–² Better than 63% of models
This motherboard uses x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 62.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 12.4% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.4% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
â–² Better than 40% of models
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.2% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
16
Total USB ports (including headers)
16
â–² Better than 61% of models
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 16 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 61.1% of motherboards and equal to 10.1% 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
Killer + Intel + Realtek
LAN controller
Killer + Intel + Realtek
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
This motherboard uses the Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 64.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 28.7% 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
yes
Headphone amp support
yes
â–² Better than 41% of models
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 40.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.6% of motherboards and equal to 37% 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
2
N. of CPU power connectors
2
â–² Better than 55% of models
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.1% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
N. of fan headers
6
â–² Better than 50% of models
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
Pump header
yes
â–² Better than 22% of models
This motherboard has a pump header. 21.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Pump header max current
2 A
â–² Better than 45% of models
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.4% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI X470 Gaming Plus Max vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatform & FeaturesMemoryStorageExpansionPorts & USBNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    N. of PCIe x4 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    AM4
    â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (AM4 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    AM4 vs LGA 1,151
  • 1 more RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    2
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • Newer CPU socket
    CPU socket
    AM4
    â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
    This motherboard has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (AM4 vs LGA 1151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1151 CPU socket.
    AM4 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    N. of SATA 3 connectors
    6
    â–² Better than 53% of models
    Market range: <4 – >8
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    N. of PCIe x4 slots
    1
    â–² Better than 73% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 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 3.2 Gen1 headers
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen1 headers (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 68% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    N. of USB 3.2 Gen2 ports (USB-A)
    2
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 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
  • 1 more total USB connections
    Total USB ports (including headers)
    16
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <11 – >19
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (16 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    16 vs 15
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    N. of CPU power connectors
    2
    â–² Better than 55% of models
    Market range: <1 – >2
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more RGB headers
    N. of RGB headers (4-pin)
    2
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    Market range: <0 – >2
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 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
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    AMD X470
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD X470 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    AMD X470 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 2.0 x4/SATA
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4, 1x PCIe 2x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 2.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 6.26x less popular
    MSI X470 Gaming Plus Max is less popular than the average motherboard (1 vs 6.3).
    1 vs 6.26
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    Chipset
    AMD X470
    â–¼ Worse than 54% of models
    This motherboard has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (AMD X470 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    AMD X470 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.
  • Fewer BIOS update options
    BIOS update methods
    UEFI utility
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    This motherboard has fewer BIOS update options than the average motherboard (UEFI utility vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app). The average motherboard offers UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app BIOS update methods.
    UEFI utility vs UEFI utility, flashback, Windows app
  • Narrower Windows support
    Supported Windows versions
    Windows 10, Windows 7
    â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
    This motherboard has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
    Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • Fewer useful accessories
    Included accessories
    2x SATA cables, I/O shield, M.2 kit
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    This motherboard has fewer useful accessories than the average motherboard (2x SATA cables, I/O shield, M.2 kit 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.
    2x SATA cables, I/O shield, M.2 kit vs 2x SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 kit, front-panel adapter, RGB cable
  • 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
  • 12.7% lower maximum RAM speed
    Maximum RAM speed
    4,133 MT/s
    â–¼ Worse than 56% of models
    Market range: <2k MT/s – >8k MT/s
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (4133 MT/s vs 4733 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4733 MT/s.
    4,133 MT/s vs 4,733 MT/s
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    M.2 slot interface per slot
    1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 2.0 x4/SATA
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4, 1x PCIe 2x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 2.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • Fewer RAID options
    Supported RAID levels
    0/1/10
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    This motherboard has fewer RAID options than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10). The average motherboard has 0/1/5/10 RAID level/s.
    SATA only
    0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10
  • 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 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 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.

Video reviews

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

Third-party reviews

What we like about MSI X470 Gaming Plus Max

  • Out-of-the-box compatibility with Ryzen 3000 series CPUs due to the 'Max' refresh
  • Excellent value for money, often cited as a top budget X470 option
  • User-friendly BIOS (Click BIOS 5) that is easy to navigate for beginners
  • Solid overclocking performance for both CPU and RAM (DDR4 Boost)
  • Reliable VRM thermal performance with decent heatsinks for its price class
  • Ample connectivity including dual M.2 slots and multiple USB 3.2 ports
  • Stable performance for gaming and multi-threaded workloads

What we don't like about MSI X470 Gaming Plus Max

  • Lacks PCIe 4.0 support, which is found on newer B550 and X570 boards
  • No BIOS Flashback button, making updates difficult if the CPU isn't recognized
  • Limited RGB lighting features (often restricted to one color at a time)
  • No built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules
  • The second M.2 slot is limited to PCIe 2.0 speeds and shares lanes with other ports
  • Audio solution is basic compared to higher-end X470 or specialized gaming boards
  • Aesthetic design is considered somewhat plain or dated by some users

Verdict

The MSI X470 Gaming Plus Max is an ATX motherboard built on the AMD X470 chipset, featuring the AM4 socket with support for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen Ryzen processors. Key technical specifications include four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of memory at speeds of 4133+(OC) MHz, two Turbo M.2 slots (one PCIe 3.0 x4 and one PCIe 2.0 x4), and six SATA III ports. It offers dual PCIe 3.0 x16 slots with Steel Armor for multi-GPU Crossfire support, along with USB 3.2 Gen2 connectivity and Audio Boost technology. Main pros include a larger BIOS ROM for better cross-generation Ryzen compatibility, solid VRM cooling for reliable overclocking, and a wealth of fan headers for system thermal management. Notable cons include the lack of a modern USB Type-C port on the rear I/O, the absence of an integrated M.2 heatsink, and no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

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