If you’re looking for a powerful laptop, you may want to consider one of the MSI B360 models. These are powerful, yet portable devices, that are designed to meet the demands of gamers. They’re also extremely affordable, especially when compared to similar options.
MSI B360 Gaming Plus
If you are looking for an affordable yet powerful motherboard that offers a variety of features, consider the MSI B360 Gaming Plus. This motherboard features the Intel B360 chipset and Dual Realtek ALC892 Codec for high-definition audio. The motherboard also supports DDR4 memory with a memory speed cap of up to 2666 MHz.
The motherboard also has two USB 3.1 Gen2 ports. These ports are also located on the rear panel and offer fast connectivity for all your devices. Another feature is the Mystic Light RGB LED color expandability. In addition to this, the MSI B360 Gaming Plus has a dedicated pump header for liquid cooling.
There are also seven fan headers that offer powerful options for water cooling. You can configure them in PWM or DC mode. With the help of the MSI BIOS, you can control the speed of each fan.
MSI Z370 Godlike
MSI Z370 Godlike Gaming is one of the most complete Z370 motherboards on the market. It offers an E-ATX form factor, and a modern chipset from Intel. The motherboard comes with a wide range of features, and is designed to handle 8th generation Intel processors. This motherboard is one of the most expensive available, but it’s also one of the most feature-packed.
One of the most impressive features of the MSI Z370 Godlike Gaming is the on-board wireless module. Not only does it allow you to connect to the internet through your PC, but it also lets you use the system to access other wireless networks.
Another great feature is the XTREME AUDIO DAC. Featuring integrated headphone amplifiers, the audio codec supports up to 120dB SNR. In addition, the motherboard uses NIPPON CHEMICON electrolytic audio capacitors to increase the quality of sound.
Intel’s Integrated Connectivity (CNVi) based Wireless-AC
The 3.5″-SBC-WLU is a small form factor (SFF) computer, based on 8th Gen Intel Core(tm) U-Series processors. It features a high-speed SATA 3.0 drive socket and multiple new-generation interfaces. In addition to the Intel CNVi based Wi-Fi, it includes a pair of Intel-powered Gigabit Ethernet ports, HDMI 2.0 output, and three audio outputs. A Micro-SIM slot supports a cellular phone, and it also runs Linux.
The new 3.5″-SBC-WLU incorporates a slew of new technologies to make it an ideal mobile PC. For example, it’s the first mainstream desktop chipset to employ Intel’s Integrated Connectivity technology, which is aimed at delivering up to 12x faster Wi-Fi speeds.
Among its other features, it boasts an integrated Intel Optane memory. This is an SSD-like memory storage system that acts as a cache drive, providing a big boost over mechanical drives.
Throttling issue with the Core i7-8700
If you’re an avid online gamer, you may have experienced power limit throttling. Basically, power limit throttling is when your laptop’s power supply reduces your output voltage, as well as your current, when your CPU’s current exceeds a set threshold. Some of the fixes include adjusting your power settings, turning off your laptop’s power, and unplugging it.
Fortunately, this can be fixed in the BIOS or on your motherboard, depending on the board. You’ll need to know the appropriate watts and amperes for the best results.
While the Core i7-8700 does not have the best cooling solution, you can improve performance by installing a larger AIO, upgrading your case fan, and opting for an air-cooled rig. This will allow you to play games without worrying about your CPU frying.
AMD’s B450
AMD’s B450 chipset has a wide feature set, and is very affordable. It supports AMD Ryzen processors, including AMD Ryzen 3, AMD Ryzen 5 and AMD Ryzen 7 series CPUs. This chipset is also capable of overclocking.
In addition to its affordable price, the AMD B450 has a feature-set that makes it a viable option for both budget gamers and dedicated builders. The motherboard’s four DIMM slots support dual-channel unbuffered DDR4 memory up to 4133MHz. And if you’re looking for overclocking, the motherboard also supports AMD’s Precision Boost Overdrive.
The AMD B450 features six USB 2.0 ports and two USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports. You can also connect NVMe storage devices to the motherboard. But if you want to overclock your Ryzen processor, you need to buy a motherboard that supports the higher tier CPUs.
