MSI 790FX-GD70

Stability

We reset the BIOS to its default settings, then fired up Prime95 torture test on every core and overlaid 3DMark06 looping over the top to test the entire CPU-memory-graphics subsystem. No additional fans were used to cool the motherboard, other than the CPU heatsink and one for the graphics card.

After the full day burning through endless 3DMark runs and listening to the melodic tone of a GeForce GTX 280 causing the PSU to squeal, the MSI runs notably hot but manages to pass perfectly with only passive cooling.

Both 3DMark and Prime95 were still running at the end of it, and the system was entirely responsive with no complaints when they were eventually stopped. While we feel the Asus ran somewhat cooler, or at least the heat was better distributed, it's still an excellent result from MSI.

Conclusions and Value

With its slow and rough start, the MSI has blossomed into something we'd absolutely recommend. It's not an overwhelming WOW like the Maximus II Formula, was but it's still on its way to the bit-tech gold seal.

When we first got it out the box the MSI was always usable, but it lacked polish. Sometimes, well, quite often actually, we secretly whinge and cuss having to Q.A. for manufacturers not because we don't enjoy it - it's how we learn - but because of the inevitable tight schedules associated with running a successful publication. These frustrations will inevitably be echoed by home users - especially if it's their only PC.

Once the MSI engineers had cracked the code, it quickly fell into the category of a labour of enjoyment. We've spent a lot of time overclocking it for our upcoming article on the Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition - and having read a few other people's experiences across forums (including our own), it seems we've all had the sort of fun that classic boards like those from Abit or DFI of the past (just for generalisation) have left in our memories. These all have niggles and quirks but they draw you into learning and playing with them over and over. It's not a formula that can be quantified, otherwise everyone in Taiwan would do it, but in this instance MSI seems to have mostly nailed it.

That said, it's not all there. The Asus M4A79T Deluxe has a marginally faster core performance in general, with notably better core gaming performance . That is, until we overclock the MSI. For these ills can be countered with the improved overclocking currently available on the 790FX-GD70 with its latest BIOS - we found the MSI will go just that much further, stable, affording a bit more free performance.

Couple that with a head turning design, and a great set of core hardware: great audio, plenty of SATA, plenty of PCI-Express x16 slots, a good layout and solid stability, and the MSI is a very attractive option for those wanting to dive into some AM3 action. In fact, for MSI, this board couldn't have come at a more appropriate time - with AMD offering a viable CPU alternative to Intel in the affordable performance segment, and a new socket to invest into, despite the lack of any advantage DDR3 offers we'd certainly be tempted to go this way.

Price wise, the markets have evened out a little since our Asus review a short time ago and the M4A79-T, MA790FXT-UD5P and 790FX-GD70 are all around the same price, with variations depending on where you shop.

MSI has clearly made a lot of effort for the new look, brand and naming scheme, but in our opinion it could use its own dedicated, centralised enthusiast community, as well as greater support and direct discussion with overclockers and systems tweakers to encourage faster fixes and more word of mouth proliferation. Right now, it still has a very top heavy direction and it could learn, for example, from the segmentation of Asus Republic of Gamer, DFI LANParty, Foxconn Quantum Force departments that are more autonomous and more about brand development.

On the plus side though, for the first time we'd recommend an MSI over an Asus or Gigabyte, so we could take it as a slow tide that's beginning to turn, and a once more distant third place has become a much more competitive alternative. We just hope that MSI (can) keep up the seemly relentless positive progression in BIOS development for it and get the nuts to go the distance and include that First Punch overclocking book in every retail box.

Final Thoughts

It's not the cheapest AM3 board out there, but if you're serious about having some fun and want eke the greatest potential out of the new AMD parts we're going to firmly direct our readers in the way of the MSI 790FX-GD70. It's not perfect, but it has the right combination that's attractive in usability, overclocking performance, aesthetics and price. Grab yourself an AMD Phenom II X3 720 or X4 955 Black Edition as well as one of these boards, look around for other GD70 owners, keep up with the latest BIOS developments, and above all, have a blast!

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Score Guide