Is the MSI H81M-E34 worth buying?

It makes sense if you already own an LGA-1150 CPU and DDR3 memory and need a cheap replacement board. For a new build, a modern socket gives you far more performance and upgrade room.

Which CPUs does it support?

It uses the LGA-1150 socket and supports 4th-generation Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 plus Pentium and Celeron chips. Check the CPU support list for the exact model before buying.

How much RAM can it take?

Two DDR3 slots hold up to 16 GB at 1600 MHz in dual channel. ECC memory is not supported.

Does it have onboard graphics?

There is no separate graphics chip. Video output works only when the installed CPU has integrated graphics, such as most Core i3/i5/i7 models.

Can I overclock on this board?

The H81 chipset is not built for overclocking, though MSI includes OC Genie 4 for simple tuning. Serious overclocking needs a Z-series board and an unlocked CPU.

What comes in the box?

Retail boxes typically include the board, I/O shield, SATA cables and a manual. Confirm contents with the seller, since used listings may ship the board alone.

What do buyers say about the MSI H81M-E34 Desktop Motherboard?

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 62 ratings.

Where can I buy the MSI H81M-E34 Desktop Motherboard?

2 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, neweggbusiness.com.

MSI H81M-E34 Desktop Motherboard

4.4

Last price we saw

$65.00at neweggbusiness.com, last seen Nov 2

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Our take on the MSI H81M-E34 Desktop Motherboard

The MSI H81M-E34 is a micro ATX motherboard for Intel's LGA-1150 socket, built on the entry-level H81 chipset. It takes 4th-generation Core i3/i5/i7 plus Pentium and Celeron chips, two DDR3 DIMMs up to 16 GB at 1600 MHz, and one PCIe 2.0 x16 card. It is a budget board for basic builds, office PCs and light gaming rather than overclocking. No current price was provided, so check the live comparison before buying.