Product: MSI MPG X570 GAMING PLUS

This is a review on the MSO x570 Gaming Plus motherboard. Hoping it helps any one who is looking into buying a new Ryzen motherboard.

Product Link for detailed specs: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MPG-X570-GAMING-PLUS


General:

So I have been an Intel person through and through all these years. Recently got an opportunity for a motherboard and CPU upgrade and had been hearing a lot about Ryzen's 3rd Gen.
I ended up deciding on the Ryzen 3600 as the best bang for buck for gaming as well as daily tasks. For motherboards, I have been using ONLY MSI motherboards since the last 5 years, as I have never had a single problem with them, not even once. In fact the MSI motherboards have been so good, that I have been able to use them proper for years, and also have managed to sell them after, at a good price, all the time. They have amazing resale value, due to their exceptional quality. So it wasn't a surprise that even for my current build, I went for MSI again. I wasn't sure if I would be overclocking or not, but I wanted a decently priced mid-high range motherboard, and the X570 was the perfect candidate for that. It is very reasonably priced for what you get out of the box.

I have been using it now for a month++, and I couldn't be more satisfied or happy with my choice! Here is a breakdown of things that I feel might help you evaluate.

Cooling:
It has extended heatsinks around the CPU region, so it ensure that your components are running cool enough. The heatsink design is pretty neat. Additionally, it also has a built in mini fan on to the motherboard, which provides additional cooling, and looks superb while doing it. Besides this, the motherboard also includes a really sleek additional heatsink for m2.0 SSD. I have upgraded to an m2 SSD for this build and the heatsink works perfectly for it.

Connectivity:
I haven't ever had a problem with the internal connectivity options on MSI motherboards and this one's the same. The LAN drivers are really good and I am able to utilise max internet speed. The audio drivers and components built within are pretty top notch.

Hardware:
The quality of the entire motherboard and each component is really high. They say it is server grade quality and it feels so.

PCIE 4.0:
I am not sure if intel motherboards have this yet, or if other MSI motherboards in the same price range do, but this one comes with full PCIE 4.0 compatibility, so that provides it with a good amount of future proofing, and when PCI 4.0 becomes common, you can be sure that your motherboard would be able to take benefits of it immediately. Pretty ahead of its time I'd say!

BIOS & Utilities:
I have had the experience of using Gigabyte Bios as well as ASUS, and let me tell you this, the MSI BIOS is exceptionally better in looks and functionality. It has got really neat features, is very easy to use, and has enough options for beginner to advanced users. It looks really good as well. If you are into overclocking or setting up other critical settings on your motherboard, i.e., if you are an enthusiast, then this BIOS also will not disappoint you. In addition to this, the software that MSI comes bundled with, the Dragon Centre, Mystic Lights, etc., are all very functional, easy to use and built for gaming. Speaking of software, Afterburner, which is the industry standard, is also an MSI software, so you can guess and know that this company is a true gaming company.

Overall Performance
This one, you can check anywhere in reviews and people's impressions, and you would know, that MSI is EXCELLENT when it comes to performance. I really feel that it is able to extract the max output from all my components convincingly, and hence my system is really fast and snappy. I am sure other brand motherboards would also be able to provide this level of performance, but I am also sure it would not be at this price point, nor would it look this amazing. So when it comes to performance and looks, I do not even think anymore for other brands. I am so satisfied with their motherboards, I just simply choose MSI and then just decide which series to get.


Weaknesses
There were however, a few things I was not entirely happy with on this motherboard, but I have mostly sorted these issues in the month, or have found easy workarounds, so this might be me nitpicking. But still, for some one deciding to buy this, its good to know so you can make an informed decision.
- The I/O panel is the metallic pin type, and IM its pretty troublesome to install and fit the motherboard in. I think this is something in many modern motherboards, but it is surely a bother, with those pins sticking out and which always makes it difficult to slot the motherboard in, and the whole issue about ensuring the right pins are out and others are in etc. I could surely do with a better solution on this. I managed to fit it in after many tries, so now I do not have to worry about it till next motherboard update, but it was a bother nevertheless.
- The fan pin placements are a bit weird on this one as compared to other MSI motherboards I have owned. Took quite some time and wire management to try and fit all my fans in.
- I had an earlier MSI motherboard that had a mini LCD that used to display the cpu temperature, and that is something I wish all motherboards had. That is missing in this one. The light distribution is also not as strong and effective as a previous model, and the lights are only seen in some very small areas. So that is something which is a bit of a weakness too I guess. Nothing functional, just could have been better.


Overall Impressions - Pros

Best motherboard I have ever owned, and best value for money v/s performance I feel I would have gotten for my entry into Ryzen. I am thoroughly impressed and satisfied with this product. My best aspects about it would be the Software/BIOS, as well as the looks, quality of the components, and the sheer amount of super performance I get at this price point; and finally, all the bells and whistles this motherboard comes with. So when you pay for it, you truly get the feeling they have spared no expense and you are getting a product that is totally worth the money spent on it. Naturally, these and the other reasons above, are for me, the reasons I chose this over other products and other brands. Most importantly, it is also because I have been using MSI for years now, and have never been dissatisfied with it, so it was an easy decision TBH. I have heard their warranty is also amazing, although I never got to use it - Another testament to how finely built these motherboards are. I feel overall that this motherboard has met all my needs in the best price point, and functions beyond my expectations. I am extremely happy with this product.

I hope this review is useful to any one who is deciding between motherboards and is on the fence about choosing an MSI motherboard, or an MSI product in general. Trust me, based on years of experience, you do not have to worry if you go for MSI products (Have used their GPUs too, but they are a bit on the pricier side).


Thank you.

realtek nic.
better than garbage killer but nowhere as dependable as intel