MSI’s gaming series is symbolised by the dragon and this is featured heavily on the packaging for GD65. MSI have gone to extra lengths to improve even the packaging for this motherboard, the box is made of an alternative material to the common cardboard now prevalent. This will ensure the product is delivered in as best condition as possible. On the back of the packaging there are more details covering the feature-set of this motherboard and technical details are listed also.

Inside, all of the items are well packaged and the motherboard itself is protected inside an anti-static bag.



Along with the motherboard, there are plethora of items included within the bundle these include the following:

• 4x SATA3 6GB/s Cables
• Rear IO shield
• Case Badge
• Documentation: user manual, software guide, quick start guide
• Driver CD/Utilities
• NVIDIA SLI bridge (flexible)
• Voltage check cables
• Quick connection adapters
• Door handle hanger

So as you can tell, there are a lot of included items – including the amusing door hanger which we have seen other vendors do in times past.



Aesthetics are something which the GD65 excels in. MSI have furnished this motherboard with the type of styling which enthusiasts go weak at the knees with. Black ports, slots and heatsinks are very favourable – the PCB is glossy and is both black and brown in areas. Although this board looks to be red on some of the stock photos which MSI have listed on the product page, the shade is closer to crimson than blood red.

GD65 is obviously designed to be appealing to the eye and MSI have done a great job with the styling.



On the next page we will take a closer look at the various aspects of this board.