Product comparison · 2 motherboards

MSI X79A-GD65 (8D) vs MSI Z68MA-G45 (G3)

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  • 47specifications compared
  • 20differ
  • 27identical
  • 15known for one product only

Key differences

  • Processor socket
    • X79A-GD65 (8D):LGA 2011 (Socket R)
    • Z68MA-G45 (G3):LGA 1155 (Socket H2)
  • Number of memory slots
    • X79A-GD65 (8D):8
    • Z68MA-G45 (G3):4
  • Memory channels
    • X79A-GD65 (8D):Quad-channel
    • Z68MA-G45 (G3):Dual-channel
  • Maximum internal memory
    • X79A-GD65 (8D):128 GB
    • Z68MA-G45 (G3):32 GB
  • Parallel processing technology support
    • X79A-GD65 (8D):2-Way SLI, 3-Way SLI
    • Z68MA-G45 (G3):2-Way SLI
  • USB 2.0 connectors
    • X79A-GD65 (8D):2
    • Z68MA-G45 (G3):3
  • Number of SATA III connectors
    • X79A-GD65 (8D):4
    • Z68MA-G45 (G3):2
  • Number of chassis fan connectors
    • X79A-GD65 (8D):4
    • Z68MA-G45 (G3):2

Side by side

Differences highlightedShow differences only (on)
Comparison of X79A-GD65 (8D), Z68MA-G45 (G3)
62 specifications
Processor2 differ
Processor socketDiffersLGA 2011 (Socket R)LGA 1155 (Socket H2)
Compatible processor seriesDiffersIntel® Core™ i7Intel® Core™ i3, Intel® Core™ i5, Intel® Core™ i7
Memory4 differ
Number of memory slotsDiffers84
Memory channelsDiffersQuad-channelDual-channel
Supported memory clock speedsDiffers1066,1333,1600,1800,2133,2400 MHz1066,1333,1600,1866,2133 MHz
Maximum internal memoryDiffers128 GB32 GB
Supported memory module capacitiesKnown for oneUnknown — not stated by the source1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB
Controller typeKnown for oneUnknown — not stated by the sourceIntel Z68 (B3)
Graphics1 differ
Parallel processing technology supportDiffers2-Way SLI, 3-Way SLI2-Way SLI
Internal I/O3 differ
USB 2.0 connectorsDiffers23
Number of SATA III connectorsDiffers42
CD/AUX audio inKnown for oneUnknown — not stated by the sourceNo
Number of EATX power connectorsKnown for oneUnknown — not stated by the source1
Number of chassis fan connectorsDiffers42
Parallel connectorKnown for oneUnknown — not stated by the sourceYes
TPM connectorKnown for oneUnknown — not stated by the sourceYes
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (3.1 Gen 1) connectorsKnown for one1Unknown — not stated by the source
Peripheral (Molex) power connectors (4-pin)Known for one1Unknown — not stated by the source
EPS power connector (8-pin)Known for oneYesUnknown — not stated by the source
Number of IEEE1394 connectorsKnown for one1Unknown — not stated by the source
Rear panel I/O ports6 differ
USB 2.0 ports quantityDiffers86
Firewire (IEEE 1394) portsDiffers10
VGA (D-Sub) ports quantityDiffers01
HDMI ports quantityDiffers01
DVI-D ports quantityDiffers01
Digital audio optical outDiffers10
S/PDIF out portKnown for oneYesUnknown — not stated by the source
Features1 differ
Motherboard form factorDiffersATXmicro ATX
Motherboard chipsetKnown for oneUnknown — not stated by the sourceIntel Z68
Audio output channelsKnown for oneUnknown — not stated by the source7.1 channels
Expansion slots1 differ
PCI Express x16 slotsDiffers52
BIOSidentical
BIOS typeKnown for oneUnknown — not stated by the sourceUEFI
Weight & dimensions1 differ
DepthDiffers305 mm244 mm
Other features1 differ
Controller interface typeDiffersIntel X79Realtek ALC892
Controller 2nd interface typeKnown for oneASM 1061Unknown — not stated by the source

A dash means the value is not stated by the source. Unknown values are never counted for or against a product, and there is no overall score.

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