Everyone knows that no computer will work without a motherboard. It is on it that all the other components of the system are located. And it depends on her how powerful and advanced these very components will be. Modern high-tech motherboards (especially for the needs of gamers) are pretty expensive devices. However, no one bothers to use the technology of the previous generation. Moreover, many boards are still relevant. As, for example, MSI ZH77A-G43. This "motherboard" is notable for good technical characteristics and the presence of advanced technologies. We will definitely consider all the features of this motherboard. But first, a little look at the manufacturer. This company is quite interesting. There is something to talk about.
About MSI
The full name of the company is Micro-Star International. Surprisingly, it was founded in 1989, like ASUS, and also engaged in the production of a variety of computer electronics. Next were the motherboards, video cards and other components. Over time, laptops (including gaming), monoblocks and tablets appeared in the manufacturer's product line. And relatively recently, the company began to produce medical equipment. Such versatility only played into the hands of the manufacturer, allowing it to occupy a variety of market niches. But so far, MSI has also released motherboards. Very interesting in terms of characteristics and a set of technologies of their MSI ZH77A-G43 2013 release.
By the way, MSI is almost the only company manufacturing computer components, which is also involved in the production of medical equipment. Of course, there are Philips, but their priority is not computers, but other electronics. And so MSI is unique in its kind. This does not prevent the manufacturer from producing high-quality laptops and monoblocks as well. However, the company’s priority industry is still computer components. Top-end graphics cards from MSI are always popular among gamers. Like motherboards. The MSI ZH77A-G43-MS-7758 is an excellent overclocking solution. Even though she was released in 2013. Now consider the motherboard in more detail.
Contents of delivery
So, let's start with the package. The MSI ZH77A-G43 motherboard, which we are starting to review, comes in a thick cardboard box with beautiful illustrations. True, there is no image of the motherboard itself on the box. But almost all the free space on the package is occupied by a colorful illustration with the message that this product has Military Class III. Apparently, this is the most important. On the back there are some product specifications. However, nothing concrete is said there either. Only general information about the component. Well, it's time to open the box.
Inside is the motherboard MSI ZH77A-G43, instructions for the user (by the way, very complete and even in Russian), a disk with the necessary software, a cover for the case (with color and symbolic designation of ports), two SATA III cables, a set of adapters for connecting to the motherboard a variety of peripherals (fans, power cables, and so on). Well, the delivery package for this product is quite decent. And what about the technical specifications? Let us now consider in detail the capabilities of this motherboard.
Key Specifications
So, the motherboard MSI ZH77A-G43 is made with socket LGA1115. The board format is ATX. It is full-sized. Without any "stripped down" options. This means that this component does not fit in any case. The motherboard supports processors Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Pentium, Celeron (Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge). That is, exclusively "stones" from Intel. This is not surprising, because the chipset of the motherboard is also from the blue brand. The board supports DDR3 memory with a maximum capacity of 32 gigabytes. The maximum operating frequency of the bus is 2800 megahertz. And this parameter is achievable only after overclocking. Also, the motherboard chipset has an integrated graphics core such as Intel HD Graphics. This graphics subsystem does not differ in special performance, so you still have to purchase a discrete graphics card.
Interfaces & Connectors
The motherboard MSI ZH77A-G43, the characteristics of which we continue to disassemble, has a very modern set of interfaces and connectors. So, for example, the board has a set of 14 USB connectors. And four of them are of type 3.0. The motherboard also fully supports the SATA III interface . Do not forget about the acceptable number of slots such as PCI Express. There is also the ability to connect a TPM module. The motherboard supports the option of creating RAID arrays, which is also very good. Five fans can be connected to this motherboard at once to cool all components of the computer. Very prudent from the manufacturer. In addition to all the usual connectors, there are also outdated COM ports and LTP connectors. Why they are here is not clear. Nevertheless, they may prove to be useful if this motherboard will be used to build an office computer in some institution.
Multimedia features
As mentioned above, the MSI ZH77A-G43 motherboard, the review of which you are currently reading, has an integrated graphics core (in the chipset kit). It belongs to the category of Intel HD Graphics. It is worth noting that the multimedia capabilities of this chip are extremely scarce. Moreover, it takes the necessary amount from RAM as permanent video memory. So you can’t do without installing a full-fledged video card. As for the sound, the fairly widespread Realtek ALC892 chip, which provides high-quality 7.1 HDA sound, is responsible for this in the motherboard. By the way, on the motherboard itself there are all suitable connectors for connecting the center, fronts, rear speakers and a subwoofer. In general, this board can provide multichannel sound. There are also necessary connectors for connecting video devices: HDMI, DVI-D, D-Sub. All this suggests that this motherboard has a very wide multimedia capabilities.
BIOS Features
The MSI ZH77A-G43 motherboard features AMI BIOS with support for the safest UEFI technology. It is worth noting that the BIOS GUI is simply excellent. Apparently, the time of blue screens and "vyrviglaznyh" fonts has sunk into oblivion. What can not but rejoice. The categories are pretty reasonable. There are built-in profiles for overclocking some components of the computer. At the top of the screen, the temperature of the processor and system bus is displayed in real time. And this is a real help in overclocking. You can easily control the temperature. BIOS functionality allows you to configure almost all components for maximum performance. Such functionality honors developers. A significant role is played by the fact that the MSI ZH77A-G43 is designed for overclocking. That is why, perhaps, it is equipped with such an advanced BIOS.
Driver and software disc
The setup and installation software disc is supplied with the MSI ZH77A-G43 motherboard. A driver, programs for tuning and overclocking, a sound device manager, software for an integrated graphics chip and a driver for USB 3.0 are all that can be found on this very drive. In general, the design of the software is excellent. Despite the fact that all versions of software and drivers are already outdated, they work perfectly. Updating the software is not recommended, as there is information that new versions work very poorly with the components of this motherboard. However, Windows 10 does not particularly ask users and updates drivers as it sees fit. We have to roll them back. So dozens users should be careful.
Overclocking capabilities
So, the motherboard MSI ZH77A-G43 is suitable for overclocking individual components of the computer. But it is necessary that these same components also have an overclocking option. How much can I overclock the processor? For example, Intel Core i7 accelerated without problems using automation and built-in BIOS profiles up to 4700 megahertz. Excellent result. And in manual mode, of course, you can achieve more. As for RAM, then there are corresponding profiles for it. But it is necessary that the RAM modules support such capabilities. In any case, the RAM frequency was increased to 2400 megahertz (with a starting frequency of 1400 MHz). A very good result. However, it is worth considering that such a dispersal requires a serious cooling system. Even with a slight acceleration, standard radiators heat up almost red-hot. Therefore, without quality cooling in any way. Especially in a cramped case.
Positive motherboard reviews
So, consider the comments of the owners of the MSI ZH77A-G43. User reviews are mostly positive. The owners note that this motherboard is unmatched in reliability. But they immediately stipulate that only with a good cooling system. Nevertheless, almost everyone is satisfied with its functionality, speed and wide overclocking capabilities. Positive comments were also awarded to quite modern interfaces and a decent number of USB ports. An important plus for users was the reliability of this motherboard. The owners claim that even with overclocking, it is able to work for many years. And indeed it is.
The MSI ZH77A-G43 motherboard is a great thing for creating a moderately powerful home computer. And almost everyone who managed to purchase this model agrees with this. Of course, it does not reach the top motherboards. But with it you can easily play modern masterpieces. Not to mention the truly wide multimedia capabilities. For those who purchased this video card relatively recently, price played an important role. Indeed, the component of the 2013 release will in any case be much cheaper than the modern (even budget) option. And according to the technical characteristics it will be no worse (if not better). Because users praise this motherboard.
Negative motherboard reviews
There are very few negative reviews about this component. For the most part, comments of a negative property are caused solely by the fact that the components of the motherboard are very hot. And therefore without a good cooling system can not do. But even those dissatisfied with this fact note the excellent performance of the component and its incredible overclocking capabilities. But most of all, the people in it like the price. She is really not burdensome. Buying this motherboard will definitely not break a tangible hole in the family budget. The almost complete absence of negative reviews means that the product is really quality. MSI managed to make a unique motherboard with excellent technical characteristics. And this cannot but rejoice.
Conclusion
So, we reviewed the top motherboard from the past MSI ZH77A-G43. It has such advanced features that it can be used in modern gaming systems. And it costs a lot less than current motherboards. On its basis, you can build a pretty good computer. That is why such a motherboard is still popular among users.