MSI B75MA-E33 or Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3H?

[Hulk]

MSI B75MA-E33 or Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3H?

I am putting together a computer for my 4 year old daughter from parts I have around. The last thing I need is a motherboard and processor. I'm trying to decide between these two. They seem to have the same features and specs. The Gigabyte is $70 and the MSI $60. I have been an Asus only guy for a long time as I've had great experiences with them but I've read good things about Gigabyte. I had an MSI board in 1998 and all I remember was constant shut down issues. I realize that was like 5000 motherboards ago in their line up but I still have that nagging feeling.

Should I just spend the extra $15 on the Gigabyte board or save my money?

 

[dma0991]

Just so you know, the $15 difference is adding quite a number of extras that would make the comparison in favor of the Gigabyte motherboard. I don't think there is a whole lot of bad with the MSI board since I am using one. If you're comparing both of them, get the Gigabyte. More SATA ports that are placed better, more RAM slots, more PCIE/PCI slots and a DVI port. I look at features on lower end motherboards, less on durability and stability which is more of a concern of higher end motherboards.

 

[Hulk]

Thanks for the advice. $15 really isn't a big deal but you never want to spend it if you don't need to.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

FWIW I've used the MSI board in six builds without issue. If you need the extra features of the Gigabyte board, go for it. If not, I'd not worry about this MSI model.

 

[infoiltrator]

Supposedly Gigabyte has good customer service and MSI can be difficult.
That said I've used low end boards from both companies without any failures.

Would you bother to RMA $60-70 board anyway?