MSI B250I PRO
Photos 5 | Outdated Product $98.64 up to $110.16 Socket: Intel LGA 1151; Form factor: mini-ITX; Size (mm): 170x170; Chipset: Intel B250; DDR4 (slots): 2; Memory module: DIMM; RAM frequency (MHz): 2400; Max. memory (GB): 32; SATA 3: 4; M.2 connector: 2; PCI Express: 3.0; HDMI; Sound (channels): 7.1; LAN: 1 Gbps; USB 2.0: 2; USB 3.2 gen1: 4 |
Middle class
There is no direct replacement for the Intel H110 chipset in the new 200-series, so the B250 became the new junior (in fact, mid-level) chipset. Motherboards based on it cost one and a half times more expensive, but in the case of compact PCs, it can really offer useful functions. The key difference is the support for the M.2 interface. Moreover, in the case of the MSI B250I PRO motherboard, there are two such connectors at once.
Two M.2
The first M.2 slot will presumably be used for a corresponding compact SSD drive to save space in a cramped Mini-ITX PC case. The second slot is for a Mini-PCI-E Wi-Fi adapter (new ones are rare in stores, but there are a lot of used ones on Internet flea markets). However the MSI B250I PRO does not have connectors for Wi-Fi antennas, therefore, you will have to decide on your own how to lay them inside the case and where to bring them out. However, you can not fool yourself for a long time, use a ready-made external USB W-Fi dongle, and take both M.2 slots with solid state drives.
home theater
From personal experience, I would like to note the excellent sound of the integrated audio path, which is traditional even for inexpensive MSI motherboards. Therefore, the B250I PRO is best suited for building a compact PC that acts as a centre for home multimedia entertainment: games, music and movies.
- Preparation for installing a Wi-Fi adapter