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MSI X79A GD45 Plus Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£170
  • Avg. price in US: ~$220
  • CPU socket: LGA 2011
  • Chipset: Intel X79
  • Form factor: ATX

MSI X79A GD45 Plus review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

4.7

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%

4.6

Technical Score

10.0%

5.6

User score

Poor
4.6

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%

5.2

Memory

16.0%

5.8

Platform & Features

16.0%

3.5

Storage

15.0%

5.0

Network

13.0%

2.9

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.3

Expansion

8.0%

4.6

Power & Cooling

5.0%

7.1

Audio

Poor
5.6

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%

7.0

User reviews

30.0%

2.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.5
(12)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Good
  • 2.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    5.6

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    1.0

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    1.0

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • msi-x79a-gd45-plus
msi-x79a-gd45-plus

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The MSI X79A-GD45 Plus is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel X79 chipset, featuring an LGA 2011 socket compatible with Intel Core i7 Sandy Bridge-E and Ivy Bridge-E processors. It is distinguished by its eight DDR3 DIMM slots supporting quad-channel memory up to 128GB at speeds of 2400MHz (OC), alongside three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (configured at x16/x16/x8) that enable 3-way NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFire configurations. Key pros include high-quality Military Class III components with DrMOS II for stable power delivery, a dual BIOS switch for redundancy, and a cost-effective entry point into the HEDT platform. However, notable cons include a limited storage interface with only two SATA 6Gb/s ports (and four SATA 3Gb/s), the absence of high-end audio features or modern connectivity like onboard Wi-Fi, and a basic rear I/O offering only two USB 3.0 ports.

Technical Specifications of MSI X79A GD45 Plus

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%

5.2

Memory

16.0%

5.8

Platform & Features

16.0%

3.5

Storage

15.0%

5.0

Network

13.0%

2.9

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.3

Expansion

8.0%

4.6

Power & Cooling

5.0%

7.1

Audio

4.6
MSI X79A GD45 Plus has a technical score of 4.59 points, which is lower than that of 87.2% 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%

7.0

User reviews

30.0%

2.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.5
(12)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

5.6
MSI X79A GD45 Plus has a user score of 5.55 points, which is lower than that of 97.2% 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.
2.2
MSI X79A GD45 Plus has a popularity of 2.2 points, which is lower than 67.5% 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%

4.7

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

6.2
MSI X79A GD45 Plus has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.2 points, which is lower than 88.9% 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

LGA 2011
MSI X79A GD45 Plus uses the LGA 2011 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 86.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.5% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
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

Intel X79
MSI X79A GD45 Plus uses the Intel X79 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 69.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.2% 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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

8
MSI X79A GD45 Plus has 8 Memory slots, which is more than 94% of motherboards and equal to 5.7% 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

128 GB
MSI X79A GD45 Plus supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% 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

4
MSI X79A GD45 Plus supports 4 memory channels, which is more than 92.8% of motherboards and equal to 6.9% 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

1,600 MT/s
MSI X79A GD45 Plus supports memory speeds up to 1600 MT/s, which is lower than that of 93.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 6.4% 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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

2
MSI X79A GD45 Plus has 2 SATA 3 connectors, which is fewer than 95.3% of motherboards and equal to 3.9% 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 X79A GD45 Plus supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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

?
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 X79A GD45 Plus does not support PCIe bifurcation. 61% of motherboards support this feature.
Requires BIOS mod.
Show more
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 X79A GD45 Plus 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

14
MSI X79A GD45 Plus has 14 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 12.9% 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
Show more
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 X79A GD45 Plus 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

Realtek RTL8111E
MSI X79A GD45 Plus uses the Realtek RTL8111E LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 89.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.7% 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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
Show more
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 ALC892
MSI X79A GD45 Plus uses the Realtek ALC892 audio codec, which is less advanced than that of 80.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.5% 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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

110 dB
MSI X79A GD45 Plus has an audio SNR of 110 dB, which is lower than that of 55.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.7% 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

no
MSI X79A GD45 Plus does not support a headphone amp. 63% of motherboards support this feature.
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 X79A GD45 Plus has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 86.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.4% of motherboards.
Show more
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

9
MSI X79A GD45 Plus has 9 VRM phases, which is fewer than 64.9% of motherboards and equal to 1.1% 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus vs the average motherboard

  • 4 more memory slots
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    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

    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.8 vs 4
  • Includes dual BIOS
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes two BIOS chips for redundancy or recovery.
    When it matters: When BIOS safety and recovery matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • 4 more SATA 2 connectors
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (4 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
    What it is: The number of SATA 3Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you still use older SATA devices.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (4 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.4 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    What it is: The number of PCIe 2.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you compare older full-length expansion options.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.2 vs 0
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 4 more USB 2.0 ports
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 2.0 ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many basic USB peripherals.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.6 vs 2
  • Includes onboard power button
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a built-in power button on the PCB itself.
    When it matters: When you test or troubleshoot the board outside a case.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • More memory channels
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more memory channels than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 memory channel/s.
    What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
    When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more memory channels than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 memory channel/s.4 vs 2
  • Includes dual BIOS
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has dual BIOS, while the average motherboard does not. 22.4% of motherboards include dual BIOS.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Includes onboard power button
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • 4 more memory slots
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
  • More memory channels
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more memory channels than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 memory channel/s.
  • 4 more SATA 2 connectors
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (4 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
  • 2 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 4 more USB 2.0 ports
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • Includes coaxial S/PDIF out
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has coaxial S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does not. 2.6% of motherboards include coaxial S/PDIF out.
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.

Total
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Audio
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X79 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No integrated graphics support
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Narrower Windows support
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 7, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • Older CPU socket
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2,011 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • 8 years older release date
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus is older than the average motherboard (2,013 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    February 2013
  • Older DDR memory generation
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 65.2% lower maximum RAM speed
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (1,600 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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.
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
    Requires BIOS mod.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus 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.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer total USB connections
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (14 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
  • More basic LAN controller
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,111E vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • More basic audio codec
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more basic audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • No headphone amp support
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 63% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 5 dB lower audio SNR
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (110 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No pump header
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (9 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X79 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 X79A GD45 Plus has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X79 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel X79 vs Intel B860
  • More basic LAN controller
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,111E 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 X79A GD45 Plus has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8,111E vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.Realtek RTL8111E vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Older DDR memory generation
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus 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 X79A GD45 Plus does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    MSI X79A GD45 Plus does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
    Requires BIOS mod.
    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

    MSI X79A GD45 Plus does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.5
12 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI X79A GD45 Plus?

  • Competitive entry-level pricing for the X79 enthusiast platform.
  • Supports up to 128GB of RAM across eight DIMM slots.
  • Capable of 3-way SLI and CrossFire configurations thanks to 40 PCIe lanes.
  • High-quality 'Military Class III' components for improved stability and longevity.
  • Attractive and sleek black/grey color scheme that fits most builds.
  • Reliable features like Dual BIOS and an external 'Clear CMOS' button on the rear I/O.
  • Decent onboard audio performance with Sound Blaster Cinema support.
  • Effective 'SuperCharger' functionality for faster mobile device charging via USB.

What customers dislike about MSI X79A GD45 Plus?

  • Limited high-speed connectivity with only two SATA 6Gb/s ports and two USB 3.0 ports.
  • BIOS interface (Click BIOS II) can be unintuitive and occasionally requires restarts for minor changes.
  • Lacks advanced overclocking features like voltage offset control (only supports static voltage).
  • OC Genie automated overclocking often applies excessively high voltages or inefficient settings.
  • Poor placement of certain headers, such as the USB 3.0 header located at the bottom edge.
  • Potential physical clearance issues with front panel connectors when using a third GPU.
  • Some users reported finicky RAM compatibility, requiring strict adherence to the QVL list.

Video reviews

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