14 DAY TRIAL // MSI has just announced the introduction of two new LGA 1155 motherboard models that are based on the recently released Intel Z68 chipset, the Z68A-GD80 and the Z68MA-ED55, which offer full support for the Lucid Virtu and Intel Smart Response technologies.
Starting with the more powerful model of the two, the Z68A-GD80, this uses an ATX form factor and includes a similar layout with that of the P67-based GD80.
This means that the motherboard features three PCI Express x16 slots (x16/x8/x4), which offer support for AMD CrossFireX and Nvidia SLI dual-GPU setups, a pair of PCI-E x1 and two legacy PCI ports as well as seven SATA connectors.
Three of these work at SATA 6Gbps speeds, while the remaining four are limited to 3Gbps, and an additional port is routed to the back of the board as an eSATA connector.
This is accompanied by two USB 3.0 ports, a pair of Gigabit Ethernet ports, Firewire connectivity, DVI and HDMI video outputs, and by a wide number of USB 2.0 ports.
Moving to its smaller brother, the Z68MA-ED55, this packs a pair of PCI Express x16 slots, two PCI-E x1 slots as well as four SATA 3Gbps and two SATA 6Gbps ports.
On the rear I/O bracket, MSI has added all the usual connectivity options that come standard nowadays, including a pair of USB 3.0 ports, 7.1-channel audio with optical S/PDIF out and a FireWire port.
Just as the GD80, the ED55 also features a DVI and an HDMI port, but, this time, MSI has also included a D-Sub video output.
Both of these motherboards feature a voltage measurement header, on-board Power, Reset and OC-Genie buttons, “military class” components and Intel Quick Sync support.
Pricing hasn't been disclosed yet, but Newegg has listed the Z68MA-ED55 at $159.99.
