Review: MSI Z77A-GD55

Manufacturer: MSI

Model: Z77A-GD55

This week we will analyze the  Z77A-GD55, motherbaord belonging to the middle range of the MSI Z77 series (there are two models above the Z77A-GD65 and GD80-Z77A). It counts on APS technologies (Active Phase Switching), OC Genie II, Multi Bios PCIe Gen II and 3, in addition to being built with “Military Class III” components , which are MIL-STD-810G certified, issued by the Ministry of Defense of the USA, is new feature exclusive to MSI motherboards.

MSI Z77A-GD55 Features:

• Military Class Components III: Quality and superior stability
• OC Genie II: OC automatic performance boosts in 1 second
• ClickBIOS II: UEFI BIOS interface easy to use
• Super Charger: fast charge iPhone / iPhone / smartphone
• THX TruStudio PRO: the best audio experience
• Supports USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb / s

MSI Z77A-GD55 Presentation and Accessories

Regarding the presentation of the  Z77A-GD55 MSI maintains the combination colors of brown and gold used since the launch of  “Military Class III.” technology that in the front stands out, besides the Military Class III components, it uses “OC Genie ll” and “Click Bios ll” technologies. While in the rear, adds few more like “THX” and “Super Charger”.

Upon the removal of anti-static bag we find the GD55, covered with 3 stickers that remind us again its main features: PCIe Gen3, OC Genie II and Class III Military components. The bundle is composed of 2 manuals, 1 quick start guide, a CD with drivers and software, 4 SATA cables, 1 backplate I / O connectors and a pouch for cables from the cabinet.

It also includes the Certificate of Quality and stability that comes with every MSI motherboard components built with “Military Class III.” According to MSI: “… verifies that each component used in our product” Military Class III “has passed rigorous tests according to strict U.S. Military standard” MIL-STD-810G, “which is the latest revision of these tough test … ”

Specifications and Technical Data

• CPU (maximum support): i7
• FSB / Hyper Transport Bus: 100MHz
• Chipset: Intel ® Z77
• DDR3 Memory: 1066/1333/1600/1866 * / 2000 * / 2133 * (OC), 2200 * / 2400 * / 2600 * / 2667 * / 2800 * (OC 22nm CPU required)
• Memory Channel: Dual
• DIMM slots: 4
• Maximum Memory: 32GB
• PCI-Ex16: 3
• PCI-E Gen: Gen3 (16, 16), Gen2 (4)
• PCI-Ex1: 4
• SATAIII: 4
• SATAII: 2
• RAID: 0/1/5/10
• LAN: 10/100/1000 * 1
• TPM: 1
• USB 3.0 (Rear): 2
• USB 2.0 (Rear): 4
• Audio Ports (Rear): 6 + SPDIF Coaxial / Optical
• DrMOS II: Yes
• VGA: 1
• HDMI: 1
• DVI: 1
• Maximum memory shared with VGA: 1696MB
• DirectX: DX11
• Format: ATX
• DrMOS: No
• APS: Yes
• SLI: Yes
• CrossFire: Yes

conclusion

The Z77A-GD55 motherboard is definitely mid-range with virtually all the technologies and benefits available like (Lucyd Virtu, Intel Smart Response Technology, Intel Quick Sync Video, SLI, Crossfire, PCIe Gen 3, USB 3.0, SATA 6Gb / s ) you must add the technologies of MSI Military Class components III, II and OC Bios Click Genie II.

It has a great capacity for overclocking, and was stable at extreme speeds (2600K@5.5Ghz) for the purpose of the benching the system was able to overclock @4.2Ghz using OC Genie which made overclocking almost child’s play.

Designed for Ivy Bridge is compatible with Sandy Bridge and takes into account the sector it was designed for, we believe that it lacks detail however. costs about $169 on Newegg, so its price – performance ratio is excellent.

Of course you can always seek to split hairs and say, for example, it has no added controllers (hence only has 6 SATA ports) or does not support 3 Way SLI configurations, but if you have these needs their exist the GD65 and GD80 top models.

Are you looking for stability and ability to overclock a good price? We recommend you seriously consider the MSI Z77A-GD55 option.

What it can Improve:

• Nothing to note

What we liked:

• Supports SLI & Crossfire
• Value
• Overclcok capacity
• OC Genie II & V-Chek Points
• 3 Options for Video Output
• Military Class III components
• Sandy Bridge processors Supports & Ivy Bridge

Incoming search terms:

• msi z77a-gd55 test
• military class motherboard ms - 7750
• military motherboards
• msi gd55 z77
• MSI MOTHERBOARD LATEST MILITARY 3
• MSI Z77A-GD55 vs gd65
• z77a-gd55