MSI is one of the most well-known names in the PC gaming world, and for good reason. Their laptops and desktop computers are some of the most powerful on the market, with a wide variety of features to appeal to any gamer. But what if you’re trying to decide between two different MSI models? In this blog post, we’ll be comparing the MSI X470 Gaming Plus and Pro models to help you make a decision.
Table of Contents
What Is MSI X470 Gaming Plus?
It provides gamers with plenty of features for building a powerful gaming PC, including support for AMD Ryzen 2nd Generation processors and DDR4 memory up to 3200MHz. It also has an integrated M.2 slot for ultra-fast storage solutions, extended overclocking capabilities, and USB 3.1 Gen2 Type C ports. Additionally, it supports Aura Sync RGB lighting effects and comes equipped with audio boost technology for optimal sound quality. [1]
What Is MSI X470 Gaming Pro?
It offers enhanced performance and advanced features for serious gamers looking to get the most out of their PC gaming experience. This board comes with an AMD Ryzen socket, support for dual graphics cards with CrossFireX, DDR4 memory modules up to 32GB, USB 3.1 Gen2 ports, M.2 slots and more. With its wide range of capabilities, it’s one of the best motherboards available for high-end gaming PCs.
MSI X470 Gaming Plus vs. Pro
Memory
The MSI X470 Gaming Plus motherboard boasts a whopping four DDR4 memory slots, granting it an astounding maximum capacity of 64 GB. The Pro version has six slots for up to 128GB of RAM.
Storage
Both the MSI X470 Gaming Plus and Pro motherboards have two M.2 slots for PCIe storage devices like SSDs and Optane Memory modules, plus six SATA ports that support RAID 0/1/10 configurations. The Pro model is equipped with an additional M.2 slot, specifically designed to accommodate a Wi-Fi module or Bluetooth adapter.
Connectivity
Both boards offer a wide variety of connectivity options, including two USB 3.1 ports (Type-A), eight USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 1/2 and DVI-D ports. The Pro version adds an extra USB 3.1 port (Type-C) and supports up to three displays at once. [2]
Overclocking
Both the MSI X470 Gaming Plus and Pro boards are designed for easy overclocking, with built-in automatic settings that can be adjusted in the BIOS or via the included MSI Command Center software. The Pro model has more sophisticated controls to help you tweak your system settings even further.
Ports
The MSI X470 Gaming Plus motherboard has eight 4-pin fan headers, two on the rear panel and six internal. The Pro version has three fan headers on the rear panel and nine internal. Both models also feature a PS/2 port for connecting legacy peripherals, plus four USB 2.0 ports (two in the rear).
Expansion slots
Both motherboards have identical expansion options, including three PCIe x16 slots (two running at full speed and one at x4) and two PCIe x1 slots. The Pro version also includes an extra M.2 slot for connecting a Wi-Fi card or Bluetooth adapter. [3]
Audio
The MSI X470 Gaming Plus and Pro motherboards both feature Realtek ALC892 HD audio codecs, with up to eight channels of surround sound and 32-bit/192kHz playback. The Pro version adds support for DTS Connect for high-quality virtual surround sound.
Graphics
The two motherboards both support up to three displays at once, with HDMI 1/2 and DVI-D ports. The Pro version adds support for DisplayPort, making it ideal for multi-monitor setups. It also includes an extra PCIe x16 slot, so you can add a dedicated graphics card if needed.
BIOS
The MSI X470 Gaming Plus and Pro motherboards both feature the same UEFI BIOS, with support for overclocking and tweaking system settings. The Pro model has an extra Advanced Mode that gives you more control over your system’s performance.
Network
The MSI X470 Gaming Plus motherboard has an integrated Intel Gigabit Ethernet controller, while the Pro version adds support for Wireless AC and Bluetooth 4.2 with an optional M.2 Wi-Fi adapter.
Pros and Cons of MSI X470 Gaming Plus
Pros:
- Price friendly and cost effective, making it ideal for budget gamers.
- Supports up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM, allowing more intensive gaming experiences.
- Comes with a wide range of ports and slots to suit any need.
- MSI Mystic Light allows users to customize their lighting effects on the board in order to create a unique gaming atmosphere.
- Introduction of Smart Fan 5 technology offers superior temperature control inside the PC system.
Cons:
- Lacks overclocking capabilities found in pricier models like the Pro version.
- Limited BIOS and software options compared to higher end models.
- Lower quality audio components than those found in more expensive boards like the Pro version.
- A lack of PCIe x4 slots for additional expansion cards or peripherals.
- Limited I/O options with only two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports available in comparison to four found on the Pro model. [4]
Pros and Cons of MSI X470 Gaming Pro
Pros:
- Includes powerful features, such as Audio Boost 4 technology, an Intel Ethernet connection and Turbo M.2 storage.
- Supports the latest AMD Ryzen CPUs with AM4 socket design.
- Features a Steel Armor PCIe slot for maximum stability and strength when using multiple GPUs.
- Offers overclocking capabilities to maximize performance output.
Cons:
- Lacks some higher end gaming features like RGB lighting and on board Wi-Fi support found in more expensive motherboards.
- Not ideal for users who want to build a system with more than 4 cores due to the lack of 6+ core motherboard options in this price range.
Overall, the MSI X470 Gaming Plus offers excellent value for money and is an ideal choice for budget gamers and users looking to build a reliable Ryzen-based system. It offers all the features of the higher end Gaming Pro model, but at a much lower price point. This makes it a great option for those on a tight budget who still want to take advantage of the latest AMD technology.
What is MSI X470 Gaming Plus Best For?
The MSI X470 Gaming Plus motherboard is best suited for gamers who want an all-rounder that offers a balance between performance and price, as well as the flexibility to upgrade components in the future. This board has a wide selection of features ideal for gaming, including support for multi-GPU setups, overclockable Intel or AMD processors, and high-end audio systems – such as 8-channel HD Audio through Realtek ALC1220 codec. It also offers plenty of storage options with four SATA ports and one M.2 slot. The intuitive Mystic Light RGB LED control system makes customizing the colors on your PC a breeze without needing any additional software.
Overall, this motherboard is great value for money if you’re looking to build a gaming PC on a budget. It also provides enough features and flexibility for more serious gamers who want to push their setup to the limit. [5]
What is MSI X470 Gaming Pro Best For?
The MSI X470 Gaming Pro is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and capable motherboard to build their dream gaming or streaming setup. It offers plenty of features designed with the gamers in mind, such as support for up to 64GB DDR4 RAM, multiple M.2 slots for faster storage, and multiple USB ports for greater connectivity options. Additionally, it also has built-in networking capabilities that make it easier to connect your system to the internet.
Furthermore, its integrated RGB lighting allows you to customize your system’s look according to your preferences. All these features combined make the MSI X470 Gaming Pro one of the most popular motherboards in the market today.
Overall, if you are looking for a well-rounded motherboard with features designed for gamers and streamers, the MSI X470 Gaming Pro is an excellent choice. It offers plenty of features that make it a great option for those looking to build their high-end gaming or streaming setup without breaking the bank. [6]
FAQ
Is the MSI X470 good for gaming?
Yes, the MSI X470 is a great option for gaming. It offers support for high-end processors and graphics cards, making it an ideal choice for those looking to build their own gaming PC. Plus, with its Turbo M.2 feature it can provide up to 32 Gb/s data transfer speeds, allowing you to quickly access your game data and load times faster than ever before.
What’s the difference between the Gaming Plus and Pro versions of the MSI X470?
The main difference between the Gaming Plus and Pro versions of the MSI X470 is in terms of features offered. The Gaming Plus version is more affordable but offers fewer features such as less USB ports, no dual BIOS support, and no onboard RGB lighting. The Pro version, on the other hand, offers more features such as support for multiple graphics cards, dual BIOS support, and built-in RGB lighting. Additionally, the Pro version also has additional overclocking options that aren’t available on the Gaming Plus version.
Which MSI X470 should I buy?
The decision of which MSI X470 to buy depends mostly on your budget and what features you are looking for. If you have a tighter budget then the Gaming Plus is a great option with its more affordable price tag but you will be missing out on some of the extra features offered by the Pro version. On the other hand, if money is not an issue then it may be worth investing in the Pro version with its additional features and overclocking options. Ultimately, it comes down to what you need and what your budget is.
Is the MSI X470 gaming plus Max a good motherboard?
The board supports all the latest processors from both AMD and Intel, including the Ryzen 7th gen CPUs, as well as 8th gen Core i3 to Core i9 chips. It comes with four DDR4 DIMM slots that can support up to 64GB of RAM and four PCIe slots that are compatible with CrossfireX and SLI configurations for multiple graphics cards. Additionally, it has two M.2 slots for high speed SSDs plus USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, so you’ll be able to get the most out of your components. Plus, its RGB LED lighting makes it look great too.
Does MSI X470 gaming pro have onboard graphics?
No, the MSI X470 gaming pro does not have onboard graphics. It has two PCIe slots that are compatible with CrossfireX and SLI configurations for multiple graphics cards but does not feature an integrated GPU. You will need to buy a separate graphics card to use this motherboard. Additionally, it comes with four DDR4 DIMM slots to support up to 64GB of RAM, two M.2 slots for high speed SSDs plus USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports, so you won’t be lacking in features either. However, its lack of onboard graphics may make it a less attractive option for those who want a more affordable solution.
What is the maximum RAM speed for X470 gaming pro?
The MSI X470 Gaming Pro and the MSI X470 Gaming Plus both support memory speed up to 3200 MHz. Both motherboards also have four DDR4 DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum of 64GB of RAM. The Ryzen processor must be compatible with this speed in order to take advantage of the full potential of the motherboard. Additionally, all memory is fully tested on both models before shipping out to ensure compatibility and performance. As such, these two motherboards are equally capable when it comes to RAM speeds, making either an excellent choice for gamers seeking high-end hardware components. However, there may be slight discrepancies between the two models regarding other features. For example, the X470 Gaming Pro offers additional USB ports and a larger heatsink than the X470 Gaming Plus. Additionally, the Pro model is equipped with RGB Mystic Light Sync support to customize your system’s look.
Should I buy X470 or X570?
The decision between an MSI X470 Gaming Plus motherboard or the more expensive X570 motherboard is ultimately a personal preference. The X570 chipset offers superior performance, but it comes with added cost. The X470 chipset is still capable of running games and performing other tasks with speed and reliability, so if you’re looking for a more affordable option then the X470 Gaming Plus might be the right choice for you. When considering performance differences between the two chipsets, keep in mind that CPU support varies depending on which board you choose. While both boards boast AM4 socket compatibility, only certain CPUs are supported by each chipset.
Is X470 good for overclocking?
Yes, the AMD X470 chipset is an excellent choice for overclocking. Since both the MSI X470 Gaming Plus and Pro motherboards support AMD’s AM4 socket, they are well-suited to accommodate high-powered processors that can be overclocked. The MSI X470 Gaming Plus motherboard has a wealth of features that make it well-equipped to handle heavy workloads as well as gaming scenarios. Its overclocking capabilities are further enhanced by its ability to draw power from six different voltage regulator modules (VRM). This enables users to push their CPU performance to new heights while staying within safe temperature thresholds.
Useful Video: AMD B550 vs X470 Motherboard | Ryzen 5600x
Conclusion
So, what’s the difference between the MSI X470 Gaming Plus and Pro? The answer is simple: not much. Both boards offer great features for gamers and power users alike. The only real difference is that the Pro has a few extra overclocking features and supports CrossFireX. Otherwise, they’re both excellent choices for anyone looking to build a new AMD Ryzen system.
If you’re looking for the best possible gaming performance, then the Gaming Plus is the way to go. However, if you want to be able to overclock your CPU and GPUs, or if you plan on using multiple graphics cards in CrossFireX mode, then the Pro is the better option. Whichever board you choose, you’re sure to get an excellent platform for your AMD system.
Good luck and happy gaming!
References
- https://www.onecomputerguy.com/msi-x470-gaming-plus-vs-pro/
- https://versus.com/en/msi-x470-gaming-plus-vs-msi-x470-gaming-pro
- https://linustechtips.com/topic/995924-msi-x470-gaming-pro-vs-x470-gaming-plus-whats-the-difference/
- https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/MSI_X470_Gaming_Plus_vs_MSI_X470_Gaming_Pro_Carbon_vs_MSI_X470_Gaming_Pro/BHitems/1402554-REG_1402556-REG_1402555-REG
- https://ua.msi.com/Motherboard/X470-GAMING-PRO-MAX
- https://devicelist.best/en/msi-x470-gaming-plus-max-vs-msi-b450-a-pro-max/