Comprehensive Review MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI

MD AM5 has now entered its second generation, while AM4 is nearing its end of life. Currently, this trend is gaining momentum in the mid-range and above. Following the earlier release of the high-end AMD X870, the MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI chipset for the mid-range has also been announced at this time. In this review, we will introduce the AMD B850 chipset motherboard, the ‘MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI,’ a mainstream gaming option.

Both the Specifications and Design are Excellent. Introducing the Mid-Range TOMAHAWK with AMD B850 Models

The MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI comes in an ATX form factor. The design is almost identical to that of the AMD X870 MSI MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI. Even the slot layout is the same, so it’s hard to spot any differences. However, there are a few key distinctions: apart from the different chips on the board, the size of the bottom M.2 heatsink, the arrangement of the fan headers, the arrangement of the ARGB headers, and the absence of the EZ DIGI-DEBUG LED. If you can recognize these differences at a glance, you’re truly a fanatic. Despite being a lower chipset model, it can be considered almost indistinguishable from the higher chipset model.

There are four memory slots and three expansion slots, all of which are x16 in shape. The PCIe generations and lanes from top to bottom are 5.0 x16, 3.0 x1, and 4.0 x4. However, the AMD B850 chipset does not support multi-GPU configurations. There are also four M.2 slots, providing ample storage expansion options. The generations and lanes for these slots are 5.0 x4, 5.0 x4, 4.0 x2, and 4.0 x4. Note that the third 4.0 x2 slot shares some bandwidth with the third expansion slot.

As a chipset specification, the AMD X870 comes standard with USB4, while the AMD B850 does not. Therefore, the MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI will not include USB4. Consequently, the fastest USB speed for the front panel will be 20Gbps. Considering the prevalence of USB SSDs, it appears that USB4 (40Gbps) is still primarily for high-end users. For many mainstream users, 20Gbps remains the favored choice for the future, with 10Gbps being the most common. While USB4 is not utilized for bandwidth, there is an increase in the availability of USB 10Gbps ports. This will prove to be useful.

Since there is no USB4, there is only one HDMI video output. This has minimal impact on gaming users, but those who utilize the integrated GPU function should be aware of this limitation. The network connectivity options include 5GbE wired and Wi-Fi 7 wireless, with integrated Bluetooth 5.4 functionality.

Numerous Easy DIY Features to Support Entry-Level Homebrew PC Users

This term’s MSI motherboard features the recommended ‘EZ DIY’. Firstly, the EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II & EZ M.2 Clip II (Guniguni type) are installed in the first M.2 slot. Additionally, the EZ M.2 Clip (curling type) is installed in all slots. It also includes three replacement EZ M.2 Clip II, allowing you to use the EZ M.2 Clip II Remover to upgrade all slots to the EZ M.2 Clip II specification.

It is also equipped with the ‘EZ PCIe Release,’ which supports the operation of the fixing latch when a large video card is installed. Additionally, it includes the push-type plug ‘EZ ANTENNA’ for the Wi-Fi antenna, the convergence and extension cable for the front panel ‘EZ FRONT PANEL CABLE,’ the ‘EZ CONN-DESIGN’ (JAF_2) that can combine fans, USB, and ARGB, and the ‘EZ DEBUG’ that indicates the stage of POST with LEDs (note that the ‘EZ DIGI-DEBUG,’ which displays the POST code, is not installed).

Adequate CPU Power Supply for Gaming

Let’s remove the large VRM heatsink and examine the power supply circuit configuration underneath. The CPU power supply circuit is a 14 + 2 + 1 phase design. The PWM controller is the Monolithic Power Systems ‘MP2857’, and the main MOSFET is the Monolithic Power Systems ‘MP87670’, with only one phase being supplied by Alpha and Omega Semiconductor. The use of SPS instead of DrMOS is a not able differentiation.

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Furthermore, upon examining the chips on the board, we observed the Realtek “RTL8126” 5GbE chip and the Realtek “ALC4080” audio chip.

Chipset, Performance, Expandability, and Price All Come Together to Create the Perfectly Balanced MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI

The MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI is a mid-range chipset and a standout in MSI’s motherboard lineup, tailored for mainstream gamers in the MAG grade. As detailed in the power supply circuit section, the 14+2+1 phase configuration combined with 80A SPS offers greater efficiency than a standard motherboard, generates less heat, and provides more capacity to stabilize and suppress temperature increases within the PC case.

Scalability is also moderate. It is not a high-end model that includes everything, but it is designed for users who are prepared to start with one video card and expand in the future. For mid-range and mainstream users, the M.2 slot appears to be more important than the expansion slot, and fortunately, there are four M.2 slots available.

Furthermore, despite the higher cost requirements, the EZ DIY function is substantial, making it user-friendly for entry-level users. The design is not overly aggressive; it is simple and has a gaming PC-like appearance while maintaining low manufacturing costs. For all mainstream gamers, we recommend the AMD B850 motherboard, specifically the MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI.

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