Next generation of MSI products

[Ralphdb]

Bas excellent I agree with you 100% on all points. Time for Change.. If MSI will listen to us it will be money spending Time...

Also don't try to force Audio and Graphics on us let us use the ole plug and play and save some money..

I support the ATX boards the BTX boards will not like my $180. Case.

Give us more Pci slots. I need one more for my Wireless D-link or like they say build it in..

I hate More Wires hanging out the back..

[gvermeul]

For me to keep on buying MSI motherboards:
- have a specialised range for custom builders/oc (MSI is not the brand you would buy for good oc options)
- better located connectors
- better airflow
- more space between PCIe slots (for video card cooling)
- more, much more overclocking features in BIOS
- no on board sound or video for this oc range
- for upgrading BIOS: a tool which enables you to save and upload all modified settings, so you don't have set everything again
- keep up the quality and stability (never had issues until now, despite oc-ing)

In general: make more extreme boards (either extreme in value, either extreme in performance/oc).

[dafeng]

Nice question

better location of components on the board
more Sata ports
increased flexibility in the BIOS
case stickers! I am proud of my MSI boards  -wish to show it

otherwise keep going- still using a K8t Neo2 fir board and it is great, have 2 K9a platinums in use and have been building with the cf-f for othe

your video cards are not easy to find though so cannot say much about them

[banger696]

Yes case stickers is a good one.

[polarman]

For motherboards:

Platinum is nice but i would like to see a AMD Diamond board. Not just for Nvidia or Intel.

Make AMD PCB's Black with Red PCIe/PCI, Memory, Sata. Not blue or purple!

Make the same black PCB for Nvidia but use Green instead of Red. Blue for Intel!

I Would like to see the PCIe 1X above the first PCIe x16. Using a big gfx card can sometimes block one or 2 of these 1X slots making them useless.

Get rid of that 4 light D-led crap thingy and make something i can really read no trying to figure out what it means!

Do away with cmos reset jumpers on all mobos. Period!

I would like to see a better BIOS install utility. Still dos based but. Something that i could run off a flash card too.

Finally! i want to see more availability in Canada for all MSI products.

[floating_point]

Take the K9ND Speedster, upgrade to all solid capacitors and 5 phase digital PWM chips, and DPPM support. Reasonable price it in the 200-250$ range. Dual socket ATX motherboards are the next evolutionary step after quad cores for the enthusiast market. 

[1st1]

Better optical design of your Barebones. The actual ones inclusive HTPC are looking really ugly. Maybe they please to asian customers, but not me. Beside that the HTPC barebone is tooooo expensive...   For design please orientate on Apple, Fujitsu-Siemens and ASUS, they do innovative design.   Technically MSI is much more advanced than ASUS (they still use too much jumpers) but their chassis design is much nicer. Also for Nettop and Netbook. But Acer Netbook is the nicest.  

For mainboard I wish to have a high-end board for Intel and AMD with only one PCIe-X16-slot, I am power user who needs a lot of CPU power, but I am not a gamer. ATX with one PCIe-X16, and the rest standard PCI and maybe one or two PCIe-X1/X4, and as many different interfaces onboard (SATA, IDE, USB 3.0, Firewire-800, Gigabit-Ethernet, 7.1 Audio with analoque and SPDIF in/out, HDMI/Displayport, etc.) would be fine. And some ATOM boards in small formfactor with HDMI/Display-Port.  

Notebooks I privately don't care, for Netbook I haven't choosen MSI becuase Acer is much smaller, that is more handy. For proffessional Notebook I would choose Lenovo Thinkpad because of quality, Fujitsu-Siemens, HP and Dell because of their quick and reliable tech support.  

Corporate design: On the website and many products it is still the MSI letters in New Times Roman font, but on the Wind Netbook it is different (msi).  

[james1701]

I would also like if they are going to have a Gtl Ref adjustment, to be able to go beyond 63%.

[GibNibbler]

Many of us just need a simple, high-performance mobo that is virtually plug-and-play with other components. Making OC'ing simple (and hopefully safer) would be a plus. We don't always need lots of bells and whistles: 4 SATA, an eSATA, 6/2 USB, single 1Gbit ethernet, one free PCIe, and a pair of 16X SLI slots pretty much does it for a lot of us. We could even do without on-board audio. And a BIOS that is both brain-dead simple and as advanced as any enthusiast would want.

For video? Cram as much power as possible into a single card. Something completely over the top would be great, 'cuz it won't be over the top for long!

Sid Phillips (Gib Nibbler)
P6N SLI Platinum

[Schrup]

 Don't hide connectors behind video cards & make bios flashing not such risky business. Seems the circu pipe works well, but if I want to add a liquid nb cooler, I have to scrap the whole thing. Seems MSI MBs are underrated, I don't hear much about them in the overclocking community, but mine has worked well.

[DaLoona]

More easily buy stuff from MSI retailers.
Its hard to get certain VGA cards in Holland, like the 4870X2 and if you can get your hands on them, theres always a big deliverytime.
Better development of your software that comes with your hardware, the horrible DCC for instance, loved by some, hated by many.
BIOS update direct from within your bios, so no need for DOS environments to flash your bios and no need to use the risky liveupdate (risky if your system isnt stable yet).
Better layout of motherboards so you dont have to choose which card you put in and which to leave out, we want to use as much as we can .
Make your support even better, still sometimes people come her and complain about it, unfortunatly.

[impossibledone]

Better cooling!  In the past year i received a K9N diamond with an improperly seated heat exchanger, unfortunately I did not notice it until I was installing a liquid cooling system, I may have been able to save the cost   I also received an 8800GTX that fried right out of the box (I think that hit the street before the R&D was complete) , fortunately support sent an 8800 OC liquid as a replacement I'm very happy with it . 

I guess what I'm saying is concentrate on the Quality Control whatever you build! 

[cas]

Hope all MSI product would be price reasonably and if possible given world wide warrantly be it notebook, mobo, graphic card etc 

[Dees_Troy]

In the BIOS of motherboards, anywhere where there is an option for "Auto" such as on memory timings, display what the Automatic setting is currently.

Better support for updating the BIOS either directly from the BIOS or make a downloadable, bootable ISO image that we can burn to a CD or write to a memory stick.  The windows-based BIOS update doesn't work for everyone and it can be quite a bit of work to get the BIOS updated if you don't have a floppy drive attached to the system and/or don't have a bootable floppy.  How many people still have a Windows 98 system laying around that they can use to make a bootable floppy?

It would be nice if all motherboards came with power, reset, and CMOS clear buttons.  All higher-end overclocking boards should have CMOS clear on the back plate.

For VGA where the card is longer, make special cards with extra clearance towards the back to make room for any motherboard connectors that may be below the card and be sure to advertise this fact.  Make special overclocking variants of VGA cards with better cooling, faster memory chips, and the ability to overvolt the chip and memory to improve overclocking.

[tihimasmo]

On laptops, hidden slot for usb-memsticks that can sit there always and be protected by the laptop's shell, for those who want to use ReadyBoost

[someoneelse]

I'm trying to build an amazing media center PC client and server. Almost all the best hardware uses the standard pci slots. the problem is most mboard only have 3 pci slots. Ideally I could use 6 or 7 ( I'm not joking wither. Higher quality on board sound ( realtec is a bit poor ) would free up one pci slot . High quality on board graphics for beautiful video play back would be good. Also the more hard drives the better - gigabyte are adding an extra chip to give 8 sata drives and one ide. In a couple of years I will probably using all eight of those sata connectors. If msi were to make mboards with seriously good on board sound and seriously good video playback, plenty of room for explansion, and an easy option for adding high quality heatpipe cooling to the mboard ( media pcs are better when they are silent ) then they would be onto a winner.

However I think all that msi really want to do is alter the bios a bit. oh well.

[Schrup]

 Oh I forgot to mention more user settings, now I only have 2 & I need at least 3, 4 would be better. I wish I could set my OCs 2.4, 3, 3.4, & 3.6 depending on the ambient temp.

[Rudo]

Hi.
1.Better cooling solution for notebooks!
2.Chance to update BIOS from Windows-no so many users are using FDD drive these days.
3.Better drivers for X64
4.Let costumers to have the chance to choose the OS.....especially WIN XP64

[Jpiersons]

I would like to see more multimedia options as standard. DVI, HDMI, 5.1 Audio (if only SPDIF), Digital cable capabilities, built-in wireless, get rid of obsolete(?) serial and parallel connectors if possible. And of course, quieter, low power, less heat solutions.

[banger696]

I would keep Com and Paralell ports on budget boards and offer HDMI etc on top range boards.

[Henry]

 I can only agree with the many comments about better manuals and on the MBs a clear path for the video cards so they don't obstruct or be obstructed by other components, headers/jacks, IDE/SATA, etc,etc.
 I had problems going back to my K7N2G-ILSR even with MSI supplied brackets having interference problems of that sort.

[Snakebite420]

I would love for all the Computers that you guys will produce, not only barebone but everything to have the same features no matter if its 32bit or 64bit.

i really dont have much to say but i like everything else. just keep doing what your doing mostly and produce some awesome computers 

[leekh]

For motherboards,

1. having a seperate power button and reset button on motherboard will help troubleshooting easier, just like the ones from biostar T-Power series.
2. ability to flash bios directly from USB without having to boot windows is a nice option.
3. onboard wireless LAN is a good choice, just like from ASUS. no need to install any add-on pci card.
4. diamond series should include Creative X-Fi titanium series soundcard for ultimate gaming performance, rather than X-Fi xtreme audio.

[MavrickUK]

A BIOS that allows you to set optical drives and USB as boot devices when you have a full compliment of drives attached.

http://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?topic=117159.0   

[axio]

I would like to see continued commitment to AMD barebones notebooks; I am disappointed that there is currently no 12" AMD barebones notebook available, and I hope this is not a sign for the future.

[jlwright66]

far better graphics interface, more sata interfaces, up to date cpu compatibility  are just a few of the necessities of the next gen board. vga and dvi ports both for basic board config , on full atx boards more than 2 pci-ex slots for crossfire/sli support,
 also work with chipset makers to work out any defects in these set ups. improved power regulation and better chipset cooling be it heat pipes or actual fanheatsink assebly due to fact even with extra fans in cases the chipset never gets the air circulation . this alone would probably fix alot of rma issues. heat is any electronic parts worst enemy. i also agree with another post of sata placement.no obstructions. test mock up in a medium sized case and ahve a pci-ex graphics card installed . then you can see where ports are best to be located(just FYI)

[gswonsn]

For new motherboards, I expect support for at least 8 drives, with improved efficiency and power control. I expect it to give you a good and easy diagnostic answer as to why there is a boot problem, should one arise. I expect the lay out to be one that considers the use of large aftermarket heat sinks on the processor. A lay out that doesn't block any memory slots or make it hard to get to any device. I expect it to have at least dual gigabit LANs that support Teaming. A plethora of USB connections and support for wireless USB when that becomes available. I expect there to be some way to install video cards also that doesn't block access to expansion slots on the board. If a double or triple slot is needed for a graphics card there should be a way to move or reconfigure the slots so you can use them should the need arise.

I expect for graphics processors to continue to become faster with more transistors for better picture qualities as video that is now watched on computers continues to improve. I expect that TV tuners will become standard on all computers and as such will support 2-Way cable cards or whatever else the powers that hold the rights to everything deem is the best way for them to be sure that we don't watch something for which they haven't gotten paid.

[hittinon]

- Dedicated video cards
- Bluetooth/WiFi
- Connectors shall be more convenient - better be on maximum three sides of the laptop (on EX610 I have connectors all over the laptop)
- numeric keys can get smaller and give place to the keyboard
- touchpad - horizontal and vertical scrolling
- middle mouse button - this is really appreciated
- 5.1 dedicated sound

[hittinon]

- Dedicated video cards
- Bluetooth/WiFi
- Connectors shall be more convenient - better be on maximum three sides of the laptop (on EX610 I have connectors all over the laptop)
- numeric keys can get smaller and give place to the keyboard
- touchpad - horizontal and vertical scrolling
- middle mouse button - this is really appreciated
- 5.1 dedicated sound

That was for laptops 
And I want to be able to configure the BIOS more - I am trying Linux and it's a headache sometimes...

Most of these were copied from Bas ;) But, unlike him, I would want:
-battery/processor/card laptop - the all-in-one sound is OK - after all I have a built-in mic and 5.1 output...

[normski]

i would like to see a lan card with TOE capability for us gamers

[landofmu]

When the list of contents lists an "OPTIONAL" item, ie; P45 Neo3FR mobo's spdif cable. If MSI doesn't sell it then provide  links to sources, or at least state in the list that it is not available from MSI!

[PandaZ3]

I prefer AMD compatible Motherboards

What I would like to see is high quality Motherboard components, capacitors, Nics, sound...  If you put it on the board, it needs to be reliable, and functional.

[autumnale]

a notebook that's not a white book would be nice.  something like the sony vaio fw only with a less crappy video card.

[devit]

Motherboards:They`re great, i tested some where i work! ... if possible more attention with positioning different slots and connectors..like ATX, ide, even sata.I don`t think in the near future we`ll need ide and floppy but anyway...maybe instead of these something like WLAN would be nice.
Maybe some new ideas to keep the places near the cpu and video card cooler.i don`t say to copy them but take a look at evga for example.that cooler near the pciex slot...
The mb prices...huh...i don`t know.. little more cheaper if possible.
I can`t afford an x58 motherboard at the prices i heard that would come out.i couldn`t buy a 775 mb either..but i hope in the near future i can have a x58 motherboard from you guys so i can change my old comp who knows.
NB: MSI WIND is awesome, maybe wireless n draft coming with it.
Don`t know about the others, i didn`t have a chance to test neither VGA or barebones.



That`s about it...hope we`ll see some more innovations.keep up the good work.

[aicjofs]

Marketing

1)  With all the companies doing the strange convention for things 8800GT, GTX280, Q9650, I think MSI has done a good job with the platinum, diamond, neo stuff.  Perhaps it's time for a new branding name, I don't know, BUT it's essential to keep things clean.  I can glance at a board and know if it's Diamond it's top of the line, Platinum it's mid class, F is maybe is bargin.  Keep a clear convention with products within the same family, across all product lines.  Doesn't matter if it's Diamond, Plat, etc, it can be something new..Earth, wind, and Fire even, for low mid high, just as long as it repeatable across the products, but keep only like 3 to 4 versions, I see way too many boards with just minor variation.

2)  I'd love to see MSI come out with something on the high end that really gets some attention.  Too late now, but for example a "MSI x58 Spirit" with all the features I have listed below, white motherboard, black connectors, dropping the "copper looking" heatpipes for something a little fancier.  Here is a white motherboard that you can visual with http://ati.amd.com/buy/promotions/sapphiremobo/index.html 

For high end/enthusiast board- 

1) Clear CMOS on I/O backplane
2) Also needs every BIOS suggestion from below.  BIOS just has to be better then what MSI has been doing.

BIOS

1)  Dual BIOS or at the very least non soldered BIOS chip
2)  I really, really would like this one.  Ability to save BIOS profiles(to EEPROM or Flash drive), and developement of a viewer of the resulting output file.  If this is done properly you have the abilty to have different BIOS configs, tech support could see your settings instantly via the viewer, the MSI help forum here could see your settings.  People could even in theory swap CMOS settings with each other within same BIOS revision with similiar hardware.
3)  Beyond a shadow of a doubt, MORE settings via the BIOS.
4)  EFI BIOS? Support for GPT over MBR should be coming.

[Sir Alex Ice]

There are many good and interesting suggestions before mine, about hardware that are far better then what I would have come up with. So I'll be looking more at the presentation of the product and the marketing that can be done to differentiate MSI from the competition.
1st of all, great job so far with the current MSI products. There are lot's of happy users here
2nd of all, you must realize that the competition with other brands has moved online. Therefore you must establish a foothold and then a stronghold in key websites of each country: the most influential IT magazines, the biggest online shops and, if not already included, the biggest online community. Send them samples, let them keep it, ask the reviewer to post it's review in 3 websites. They already are highly likely to have accounts on those websites, they are driven to help and share.
3rd of all, you must have localized product box, manual, installation guide, advertisement. Ask your local distributor what to advertise in terms of product and features and also to translate or correct the wording.
4th of all don't waste money on bus advertising or on billboards when no one is going to see them. In the winter it's cold and nobody looks up or around.
5th use your buyers to promote your products. If they bought it, they like and are proud of it. Give them a T-shirt, a cap, a body warmer... something that can be worn and seen by others in the pack with the product.
6th start making obvious association, it has taken you years to put a bundled game with a Gaming NB. Others have done it before you, and they did not have VGA products to already have the game available. You have Blu-ray on some NBs, put a Blu-ray movie inside.
7th good thinking on using Zalman cooling on VGA and making Zilent editions of the MBs, expand on this. Have all you Platinum or Diamond MBs come with something extra: Zalman cooling, Creative X-Fi, wireless card. Decide on a bundle line-up for Platinum, and one for Diamond and keep it.
8th convince the end user to buy more MSI products, make special offers if they buy MSI MB and MSI VGA, offer an extra game or a better price for this bundle.
9th clear the NB line-up of the old models, make it simple for the end user to choose. There are a LOT of NB offers, many many cheaper than MSI, you do not need to cause more confusion. Make sure they look different and it is easy to spot the differences, your 16" VR series look almost the same as the 16" EX series. And for the EX series to like Firewire connector while the VR has it, that is really strange.
10th every 4-6 weeks make available new configurations for the NBs: more memory, bigger HDD, better CPU. If you don't do it, worry not, Dell will do it for you, Asus, FSC, Acer and petty much everybody on the market.
11th and perhaps most important for NBs: make sure you have Windows XP drivers! You have seen it here, little to almost no interest for NBs running Vista.

[viso418]

more energy efficient and more environmentally friendly MSI products... 

Goodluck MSI! 

[jensy]

no complaints on my end about MSI products!

some suggestions that I would make for notebooks:

I would say that SCM would be great if it had fan control power schemes, or at least being able to adjust the fan speed.

Possibly having some form of metal as a laptop housing - good for cooling, nice and sturdy, won't break!

keep up the good work guys!

[rchiileea]

Why not make a unique gaming laptop,

unique how, well we go down the base station route, but before we hit that we start of with a gaming laptop with a 64 -80 gig SSD, running at just your average gaming laptop speed.

But the unique part happens when you get home, you slip it onto the base station all clocks go up and up pops another HDD that is built into the base station/Cooling base.

the Base station could have specifically designed porting to insure that air is blown out into the laptops strategically placed vents that line up with the base station ones (more powerfull airflow)... The fans in the base station could also be controlled auto as well by software on the laptop to adjust to speed.

On the Built in HDD in base this should be Esata...

you could fit all that into one connection that slots open as you place it onto the base station... yes its weird but, we have powersaving with the SDD and its still a decent gaming rig, but once plugged into the base station it turns into a monster with an extra 500gig (via esata in base station)

[treading]

Modular chipsets would be nice. Your boards will accept several different processors so why not also allow us to upgrade our chipsets instead of going to a new MOBO within a certain chipset family. IE upgrade from an Nvidia 750I to a 780I by changing with modular chipsets.