Comparison MSI Z390-A PRO vs MSI MPG Z390 GAMING PLUS

The maximum amount of RAM that can be installed on the motherboard.

When choosing according to this parameter, it is important to take into account the planned use of the PC and the real needs of the user. So, volumes up to 32 GB inclusive are quite enough to solve any basic problems and run games comfortably, but without a significant reserve for an upgrade. 64 GB is the optimal option for many professional use cases, and for the most resource-intensive tasks like 3D rendering, 96 GB or even 128 GB of memory will not be a limit. The most “capacious” motherboards are compatible with volumes of 192 GB or more - they are mainly top-end solutions for servers and HEDT (see “In the direction”).

You can choose this parameter with a reserve – taking into account a potential RAM upgrade, because installing additional RAM sticks is the simplest way to increase system performance. Taking this factor into account, many relatively simple motherboards support very significant amounts of RAM.

The number of M.2 connectors provided in the design of the motherboard. There are motherboards for 1 M.2 connector, for 2 connectors, for 3 connectors or more.

The M.2 connector is designed to connect advanced internal devices in a miniature form factor — in particular, high-speed SSD drives, as well as expansion cards like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. However, connectors designed to connect only peripherals (Key E) are not included in this number. Nowadays, this is one of the most modern and advanced ways to connect components. But note that different interfaces can be implemented through this connector — SATA or PCI-E, and not necessarily both at once. See "M.2 interface" for details; here we note that SATA has a low speed and is used mainly for low-cost drives, while PCI-E is used for advanced solid-state modules and is also suitable for other types of internal peripherals.

Accordingly, the number of M.2 is the number of components of this format that can be simultaneously connected to the motherboard. At the same time, many modern boards, especially mid-range and top-end ones, are equipped with two or more M.2 connectors, and moreover, with PCI-E support.

Electrical (logical) interfaces implemented through physical M.2 connectors on the motherboard.

See above for more details on such connectors. Here we note that they can work with two types of interfaces:

• SATA is a standard originally created for hard drives. M.2 usually supports the newest version, SATA 3; however, even it is noticeably inferior to PCI-E in terms of speed (600 MB / s) and functionality (only drives);
• PCI-E is the most common modern interface for connecting internal peripherals (otherwise NVMe). Suitable for both expansion cards (such as wireless adapters) and drives, while PCI-E speeds allow you to fully realize the potential of modern SSDs. The maximum communication speed depends on the version of this interface and on the number of lines. In modern M.2 connectors, you can find PCI-E versions 3.0 and 4.0, with speeds of about 1 GB / s and 2 GB / s per lane, respectively; and the number of lanes can be 1, 2 or 4 (PCI-E 1x, 2x and 4x respectively)

Specifically, the M.2 interface in the characteristics of motherboards is indicated by the number of connectors themselves and by the type of interfaces provided for in each of them. For example, the entry "3xSATA / PCI-E 4x" means three connectors that can work both in SATA format and in PCI-E 4x format; and the designation "1xSATA / PCI-E 4x, 1xPCI-E 2x" means two connectors, one of which works as SATA or PCI-E 4x, and the second — only as PCI-E 2x.

Specialized TPM connector for connecting the encryption module.

TPM (Trusted Platform Module) allows you to encrypt the data stored on your computer using a unique key that is practically unbreakable (it is extremely difficult to do this). The keys are stored in the module itself and are not accessible from the outside, and data can be protected in such a way that their normal decryption is possible only on the same computer where they were encrypted (and with the same software). Thus, if information is illegally copied, an attacker will not be able to access it, even if the original TPM module with encryption keys is stolen: TPM will recognize the system change and will not allow decryption.

Technically, encryption modules can be built directly into motherboards, but it is still more justified to make them separate devices: it is more convenient for the user to purchase a TPM if necessary, and not overpay for an initially built-in function that may not be needed. Because of this, there are motherboards without a TPM connector at all.

5-pin connector that allows you to connect an expansion card. It, in turn, provides high-speed data exchange (up to 40 Gbps), the ability to connect external monitors, high-speed charging of compatible devices, etc.

Connector for connecting a decorative LED strip and other devices with LED indication. Allows you to control the backlight of the case through the motherboard and customize the glow for your tasks, including synchronize it with other components.

The motherboard has its own D-Sub (VGA) output.

Such an output is intended for transmitting video from an integrated graphics card (see above) or a processor with integrated graphics (we emphasize that it is impossible to output a signal from a discrete graphics card through the motherboard chipset). As for VGA specifically, it is an analogue standard originally created for CRT monitors. It does not differ in image quality, is practically not suitable for resolutions above 1280x1024 and does not provide sound transmission, and therefore is generally considered obsolete. However, this type of input continues to be used in some monitors, TVs, projectors, etc.; so among motherboards you can find models with such outputs.

The motherboard has its own HDMI output.

Such an output is intended for transmitting video from an integrated graphics card (see above) or a processor with integrated graphics (we emphasize that it is impossible to output a signal from a discrete graphics card through the motherboard chipset). As for HDMI specifically, it is a combined digital video/audio interface specifically designed to work with HD resolutions and multi-channel audio. Today it is the most common of these interfaces, HDMI support is almost mandatory for video devices that are compatible with HD standards.

The specific capabilities of HDMI vary by version (see below for more details), but in general they are quite impressive — even in the earliest (current today) HDMI v.1.4, the maximum resolution is 4K, and in newer standards it reaches 10K. So in motherboards, the quality of the video transmitted through such an output is often limited not by the interface capabilities, but by the graphics performance of the system.

Availability of DisplayPort output on the motherboard.

Primarily, this digital connector is used to transmit video from the built-in video card or processor with integrated graphics to external screens. Moreover, through one DisplayPort interface it is possible to connect several displays in series in a “chain” (“daisy chain” format). Specific output capabilities vary by version (see below), but even the most modest DisplayPort specification (among modern options) allows 4K at 60 fps, 5K at 30 fps, and 8K with some limitations.

The DisplayPort interface is a standard for Apple monitors and is found in screens from other manufacturers.