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For SATA 6Gb/s testing we use a Kingston HyperX 3K SSD. We tested USB 3.0 performance using the same Kingston HyperX 3K SSD connected to a SATA 6Gb/s to USB 3.0 adapter powered by an ASMedia ASM1053 controller.
Storage performance is as we would expect from Z87-fed SATA 6Gb/s ports. Enough throughput is provided for a modern, SATA 6Gb/s SSD.
Considering its lack of a UASP-activating tool for the Windows 7 OS, it comes as no surprise that MSI's Z87-G43 Gaming sits near the bottom of the pile in our USB 3.0 speed chart.
In reality, speeds of almost 300MB/s and over are almost certainly going to be sufficient for this motherboard's target audience. I would be surprised to see a user purchase a sub-£100 motherboard and then use a portable SSD storage drive that will saturate the board's USB 3.0 throughput.
Nevertheless, a simple speed-boosting tool would be welcomed, even if only for ‘future-proofing'.
We use RightMark Audio Analyzer to analyse the performance of the motherboard’s onboard audio solution. A sampling mode of 24-bit, 192 kHz was tested.
Audio Boost consists of a Realtek ALC1150 audio codec which sends the raw signal through a Texas Instruments OPA1652 operational amplifier and a series of audio capacitors before outputting it to the audio jacks. The process takes place on an isolated circuit and outputs the signal to gold-plated audio jacks, both of which help to reduce signal interference. Sound Blaster Cinema is also supported by the Z87-G43 Gaming.
According to RightMark Audio Analyzer, the Audio Boost system implemented on MSI's Z87-G43 Gaming delivers ‘Very Good' performance. Audio Boost is definitely one of the better onboard audio solutions that we have tested.
Proof that budget motherboards can be equipped with a strong onboard audio solution is displayed by the fact that MSI's Z87-G43 Gaming delivers an almost identical audio performance result to the company's higher-priced Z87M Gaming.
Thats one of the best value for money boards you can get, two of my friends have it, and it really is all you would ever need. Love it.
Have one already, fantastic board. I found though that some Corsair memory had boot problems with it if you populated all the slots…
I was about to purchase the G45 Gaming, but there was no stock in our local store by the time so I opted for this G43 Gaming. I’m so happy it did not let me down. I thought this is one of the best budget Z87 boards out there!
Is there a laptop version ?
abraham ortiz, this is a desktop motherboard. There is no laptop version.
“Built around MSI’s tried-and-tested Military Class 4 components” What a joke this is. First there is no ML STD anymore. It was replaced by IPC. Military falls under class 3 requirements. “Whereas Class 3 products demand continued high performance or performance-on-demand is critical and equipment downtime cannot be tolerated, the end use environment may be uncommonly harsh, and the equipment must function when required, such as life support or other critical systems” I am a certified IPC specialist, and can tell you that it does likely meet the class 3 military spec, BUT so does almost every other manufacturer.