Question 1

Is the HDMI port an in or out?

Accepted Answer

The HDMI port is an output. When you plug one end into the baseboard and the other end into a monitor or TV, the HDMI port outputs sound and video to the monitor whether it's a TV or actual computer monitor.

Question 2

noobie here. can i use the i5 4670k intel with this mobo? or would i have to do any updates to do so?

Accepted Answer

According to MSI, this board *will* support the 4670K i5, and any other socket 1150 CPU up to 84 watts TDP.  No need for any updates or BIOS changes.

Question 3

If I plug both a VGA monitor and a HDMI monitor into this mobo, will it run both simultaneously (dual monitors) or will I have to purchase a separate video card?

Accepted Answer

No it is only setup for one or the other. You will have to purchase video card.

Question 4

does it come with standoffs?
my case only came with 3

Accepted Answer

No standoffs or screws.  Only backplate and 2 SATA cables.

Question 5

will this support a PNY - GeForce GTX 750?

Accepted Answer

As far as the motherboard goes, yes it should.  I have a GTX 750ti hooked into mine right now... working well.

However you may want to check your case dimensions versus the video card dimensions to ensure that the case won't be the limiting factor.

Question 6

will this board (MSI H81M-E33) work with Windows XP.?

Accepted Answer

I use Linux on mine. If you look at the MSI product page you see that drivers are only available for Win 7 & 8. If you will run XP you should look at older non-UEFI systems. With MS ending support for XP most vendors are not making XP drivers for new products.

Question 7

will any socket 1150 cpu  work with this board?

Accepted Answer

Yep, any Intel 1150 socket CPU. If you are going to run video off the mobo, make sure the 1150 you pick supports graphics. I THINK they all do but just verify. I once bought an i5-2350 for a simple office machine and it was the ONE model that didn't support graphics back then, lol.

Question 8

I bought a prebuilt pc with this motherboard installed and was wondering if it would support a GTX 980 card? This thing is small so I don't want to buy/use something that won't fit. Thanks in advance!

Accepted Answer

Sure it will fit, but it has PCI-e 16x 2.0 version (older), while GTX 980 supports PCI-e 16x 3.0 which is faster, they are still compatible with each other. If you are going to buy GTX 980 - why not spend at least extra $20 and get H97, or even go with Z97 board - for more options, speed, upgradability

Question 9

Can I use just one stick of RAM with this motherboard or must I use 2?

Accepted Answer

One stick works fine, I've been using these for low end replacements of failing Pentium 4s and have been using a single 2GB stick in them.

Question 10

I am looking to build a budget PC for a friend using the Pentium G3258 CPU. In doing this we want to overclock the CPU. Is this board capable of doing this? I know this board has OC Genie but I want to make sure.

Accepted Answer

The board will overclock any CPU that is LGA 1150 and is compatible with it, provided the CPU itself is not locked, which the G3258 appears to be unlocked and compatible from what I've seen.  Although a board can OC, unless you have experience and proper cooling for the CPU, it may not work how you want it to, though.  Best of luck!!!

Questions & Answers