Msi or SHANGZHAOYUAN? Motherboards Compared in 2026
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
When comparing msi vs SHANGZHAOYUAN motherboard options, you are looking at two very different platforms. Both boards support Intel processors and provide essential connectivity for desktop builds. The main difference lies in their generation and form factor. The MSI board supports modern 12th through 14th Gen CPUs with DDR5 memory and Wi-Fi 6E. The SHANGZHAOYUAN board targets older 4th Gen CPUs with DDR3 memory in a compact Mini-ITX size.
Key differences
| Aspect | MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard | SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1150 |
| Form Factor | ATX | Mini-ITX |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR3 |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard if
- You need support for 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel processors.
- You require DDR5 memory for higher bandwidth and multitasking.
- You want built-in Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet.
Choose SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard if
- You are building a compact system with a Mini-ITX case.
- You are using older 4th Gen Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 CPUs.
- You need a budget-friendly option for legacy DDR3 RAM.
Verdict: Choose the MSI board if you want a modern, high-performance platform with current connectivity standards. Pick the SHANGZHAOYUAN board if you are maintaining an older system or need a small form factor for legacy hardware.
MSI vs SHANGZHAOYUAN Specs
cpu socket
The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi uses the LGA 1700 socket, which supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors. This allows you to use the latest modern CPUs for high performance. In contrast, the SHANGZHAOYUAN H97 board features the LGA 1150 socket. It is designed for older 4th Gen Intel Core i7, i5, and i3 processors. This older socket limits you to legacy hardware that is no longer in production. If you want a current or recent processor, the MSI option is the only viable choice. The SHANGZHAOYUAN board is strictly for building with vintage components.
memory type
Memory technology differs significantly between these two boards. The MSI motherboard supports DDR5 memory. It includes four slots and can handle up to 128GB of RAM. DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and efficiency for modern workloads. The SHANGZHAOYUAN H97 uses DDR3 memory. It has only two DIMM slots with a maximum capacity of 16GB. DDR3 is an older standard with slower speeds compared to DDR5. The MSI board provides vastly more capacity and faster data rates. You cannot use DDR3 sticks in the MSI board, nor DDR5 in the SHANGZHAOYUAN. This is a clear advantage for modern multitasking on the MSI.
pcie version
Expansion slot speeds vary between the two platforms. The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi supports PCIe 5.0. This latest standard allows for extremely fast data transfer rates for compatible graphics cards and storage devices. The SHANGZHAOYUAN H97 motherboard is limited to PCIe 3.0. While PCIe 3.0 is functional, it offers significantly lower bandwidth than PCIe 5.0. If you plan to use modern high-speed NVMe drives or next-gen GPUs, the MSI board is necessary. The SHANGZHAOYUAN board will bottleneck newer high-performance components. The generational gap in PCIe standards makes the MSI superior for future hardware.
wi-fi
Wireless connectivity options are a major differentiator. The MSI board includes built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Wi-Fi 6E provides faster wireless speeds and lower latency, especially on the 6GHz band. It ensures smooth streaming and stable connections. The SHANGZHAOYUAN H97 motherboard does not list any wireless capabilities in its specifications. You would need to purchase a separate PCIe or USB Wi-Fi adapter to get wireless internet on this board. The MSI provides a complete out-of-the-box wireless solution. For users who value clean builds and reliable wireless performance, the MSI is the clear choice.
form factor
The physical size of the motherboard determines case compatibility. The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi is an ATX form factor. It is a standard size that fits in most mid-tower and full-tower cases. The SHANGZHAOYUAN H97 is a Mini-ITX board. It is much smaller, measuring roughly 6.7 inches square. Mini-ITX boards are ideal for compact builds that require a small footprint. However, they offer fewer expansion slots. The MSI provides more space for additional cards and better airflow. If you are building a small PC, the SHANGZHAOYUAN is the only option here. For standard cases, the MSI is the better fit.
Which motherboard fits your build?
Modern high-performance PC builder
You need the latest technology for speed and longevity. This MSI board supports 12th through 14th Gen Intel CPUs on the LGA 1700 socket. It features DDR5 memory slots for up to 128GB of RAM and PCIe 5.0 support. You also get Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and 2.5Gbps LAN for fast, stable connectivity in demanding tasks.
Budget retro system assembler
You want to build a compact system using older, affordable parts. This SHANGZHAOYUAN board uses the LGA 1150 socket for 4th Gen Intel processors. It supports DDR3 RAM up to 16GB and fits in small Mini-ITX cases. The H97 chipset and four-phase power design provide a stable foundation for legacy hardware projects.
Small form factor enthusiast
Space is limited in your build, so you need a compact footprint. This board is Mini-ITX, measuring 6.7 inches square. It includes an M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs, HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort outputs. You get dual gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 ports, making it a complete solution for tight chassis without sacrificing basic connectivity.
The products compared
MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard
Best for: Intel 12th-14th Gen DDR5 builds
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Ethernet Speed
- 2.5Gbps
View on Amazon: MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link
This MSI motherboard supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features four DDR5 memory slots for up to 128GB of RAM. The board includes PCIe 5.0 support for fast data transfer. You get Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connections. It also provides 2.5Gbps Ethernet for wired networking. This setup suits users needing modern connectivity and high-speed memory options.
Pros
- Supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel CPUs
- Four DDR5 slots with 128GB max capacity
- PCIe 5.0 interface for future-proof expansion
- Built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
- 2.5Gbps LAN for faster wired speeds
Cons
- ATX form factor requires a larger case
- Only one M.2 slot is specified in data
- No mention of USB 4 or Thunderbolt support
Good fit if
- You are building with 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel CPUs
- You need DDR5 memory for high bandwidth
- You want Wi-Fi 6E without external adapters
Skip if
- You use older Intel 4th Gen processors
- You require a smaller ITX or mATX board
- You only need DDR4 memory support
Verdict: MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi ATX Motherboard is a solid choice for builders using modern Intel processors who need DDR5 and Wi-Fi 6E. It fits those prioritizing current-generation connectivity and memory speeds over compact sizing.
SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard
Best for: Compact builds using 4th Gen Intel CPUs
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1150
- Chipset
- H97
- Form Factor
- Mini ITX
- Memory Type
- DDR3
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 3.0
- M.2 Slots
- 1
View on Amazon: SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard Affiliate link
This Mini ITX board uses the H97 chipset and LGA 1150 socket to support Intel 4th Gen Core processors. It features two DDR3 DIMM slots with a 16GB maximum capacity. The design includes a 4-phase power supply and dual gigabit Ethernet ports. It provides HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort outputs alongside M.2 NVMe support. This motherboard suits users building compact systems with older Intel hardware.
Pros
- Supports Intel 4th Gen Core i7/i5/i3 processors via LGA 1150 socket
- Dual gigabit Ethernet interfaces for reliable networking
- M.2 slot supports NVMe SSDs for storage
- Includes HDMI, VGA, and DisplayPort video outputs
Cons
- Limited to 16GB maximum DDR3 memory capacity
- Only 4-phase power supply design
- Does not include a CR2032 CMOS battery
Good fit if
- You need a compact Mini ITX form factor
- You are upgrading or building with 4th Gen Intel CPUs
- You require dual gigabit Ethernet connectivity
Skip if
- You require DDR4 or DDR5 memory support
- You are using 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel processors
- You need more than 16GB of system RAM
Verdict: SHANGZHAOYUAN H97 Mini ITX Motherboard is a specialized board for legacy Intel 4th Gen builds. It fits users who need a small form factor with dual Ethernet ports and NVMe storage support.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard | SHANGZHAOYUAN Mini-ITX LGA 1150 Motherboard |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1150 |
| Chipset | not stated | H97 |
| Form Factor | ATX | Mini ITX |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR3 |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| M.2 Slots | not stated | 1 |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6E | not stated |
| Ethernet Speed | 2.5Gbps | Gigabit |
| Power Phases | not stated | 4-phase |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | not stated |
| Use Case | not stated | Gaming |
| Series | not stated | Core i7 |
| Dimensions | 5.91 × 1.57 × 5.91 inches | 6.7 × 6.69 × 6.7 inches |
| Weight | 1.25 pounds | not stated |
| Model | PRO Z790-P WiFi ProSeries | H97-STRONG |
Frequently asked questions
Does the MSI PRO ATX motherboard support DDR5 memory?
Yes, the MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi supports DDR5 memory. This allows you to use the latest high-speed RAM for improved data transfer rates. It is designed for modern Intel 12th through 14th Gen processors, ensuring compatibility with current generation components for faster overall system performance.
Is the SHANGZHAOYUAN board suitable for modern gaming?
No, the SHANGZHAOYUAN H97-STRONG is not suitable for modern gaming. It uses the LGA 1150 socket, which supports legacy 4th Gen Intel CPUs. This board is intended for compact builds using older hardware, lacking the performance and connectivity features required for contemporary gaming applications.
What form factor does the MSI motherboard use?
The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi uses the ATX form factor. This standard size offers ample space for multiple expansion slots and connectors. It is ideal for builders who prioritize current-generation connectivity and memory speeds over compact sizing, fitting into standard mid-tower or full-tower cases.
Does the SHANGZHAOYUAN H97 include Wi-Fi capability?
The provided specifications for the SHANGZHAOYUAN H97-STRONG do not list built-in Wi-Fi. It is a Mini-ITX board focused on dual Ethernet ports and NVMe storage support. If you require wireless connectivity, you may need to add a separate adapter, as this feature is not mentioned in its data.
Can I use PCIe 5.0 devices with the MSI board?
Yes, the MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi supports PCIe 5.0. This allows you to connect the latest high-speed peripherals, such as next-generation SSDs and graphics cards. It provides future-proofing for modern components that benefit from increased bandwidth compared to older PCIe standards.
What is the maximum RAM capacity for the MSI PRO board?
The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM. This capacity ensures you have enough memory for demanding tasks like video editing or heavy multitasking. It is designed to handle the high bandwidth requirements of modern Intel processors and DDR5 modules.
Is the SHANGZHAOYUAN board compatible with 13th Gen Intel CPUs?
No, the SHANGZHAOYUAN H97-STRONG is not compatible with 13th Gen Intel CPUs. It uses the LGA 1150 socket, which only supports 4th Gen Intel processors. You must use older generation CPUs with this board, as it lacks the physical and electrical support for newer architectures.
Does the MSI motherboard have 2.5GbE Ethernet?
Yes, the MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi includes a 2.5GbE Ethernet port. This provides faster wired network speeds compared to standard 1GbE connections. It is beneficial for users who need rapid file transfers or low-latency online gaming without relying on wireless connections.