MSI Motherboards - CES 2015

MSI’s CES 2015 showcase begins with Linus Tech Tips presenting from the MSI Suite, highlighting early prototype motherboard innovations. The team discusses the Z97 Gaming 6 motherboard as their first board of the day, stressing its USB 3.1 Type-C connector as a key feature and noting that it is still a prototype with limited capabilities, such as no 100 watt power delivery yet. They explain that MSI is aiming to integrate USB Type-C more broadly, including potential front panel header support from case manufacturers to enable USB Type-C front inputs around March, which would bring the new standard closer to consumer boxes. The presenters compare USB 3.1 to USB 3.0 in practice and emphasize durability and fast data transfer speeds, clarifying that Type-C may not yet replace all 3.0 devices due to market readiness. A second board, the X99A Gaming 9 AK, is introduced with dual USB 3.1 ports on the back and a discussion about real-world speeds, where USB 3.1 demonstrates substantially faster performance in CrystalDiskMark benchmarks, roughly 700 MB/s versus 400 MB/s for USB 3.0. While acknowledging that Thunderbolt 2 exists, they argue that USB 3.1 is likely to gain broader adoption due to device availability and cost considerations. The video also notes that early adopter boards may lack some features like full power delivery, and reassures viewers that the market will gradually catch up as more USB 3.1 devices appear. The segment concludes with thanks to sponsors and a promise of more CES coverage, inviting viewers to subscribe for continued MSI and CES content and teasing additional coverage from partners like Phantom Glass and Kingston HyperX.

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