Today, we're diving into the MSI B850 Tomahawk MAX Wifi motherboard, a budget-friendly option that offers a lot for its price. Priced at $229.99, it's a standout in the ~$230 range, especially with its dual PCIe 5.0 x4 sockets and 5 GbE capabilities. While it lacks a rear 20 Gbps port and integrated RGB, it can be upgraded if necessary.
🔹 Key Features:
🔸 Three Type-C ports on the rear IO.
🔸 Wi-Fi 7 and 5 GbE for fast networking.
🔸 Two PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 sockets for high-speed storage.
🔹 Performance:
The board is equipped with the latest non-beta BIOS, which updates to AGESA 1.2.0.3a, offering a stable platform for AMD processors. It performed well in our testing suite, often leading the pack in gaming and productivity apps, though it delivered middle-of-the-pack results in Procyon/MS Office tests.
🔹 Design and Build Quality:
The Tomahawk MAX Wifi has a black 8-layer server-grade PCB with large heatsinks, giving it a rugged look. It supports up to 256GB of DDR5-8400+ RAM, which is impressive for a budget board. The power delivery is robust, capable of handling flagship-class processors without issue.
🔹 Conclusion:
Overall, the MSI B850 Tomahawk MAX Wifi is a well-rounded motherboard that offers great value for money. It's a solid choice for gamers and DIY builders looking for a budget-friendly option with high-speed networking and storage capabilities.