MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi

Manufacturer: MSI

The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi is a versatile ATX motherboard designed for modern setups. Featuring Wi-Fi 6E support, this motherboard offers fast and stable wireless connectivity, making it a reliable choice for gamers and enthusiasts alike.

Key technical features include a 256GB maximum memory capacity, four M.2 sockets for storage expansion, and dual BIOS for added system reliability. It also supports DDR5 memory, with speeds up to 5600 MHz, and includes various USB 3.2 ports for flexible connectivity options.

Pros

Supports a wide range of Wi-Fi standards including Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, 6E, and 7, ensuring compatibility with various wireless devices.
Equipped with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for high-quality audio output.
Includes 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for next-gen GPU support, as well as 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot for fast data transfer.
Offers a flexible storage solution with support for RAID 1, RAID 10 (1+0), and RAID 0 configurations.
Includes 4 M.2 sockets for high-speed storage expansion.

Cons

Does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1 for more complex storage setups.
Lacks support for Thunderbolt 3/4 ports, limiting ultra-fast external device connectivity.
Does not include integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated GPU for video output.

Who is this for?

The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard is well-suited for users building a high-performance system with a need for advanced connectivity options. It excels in scenarios where support for multiple Wi-Fi versions, including Wi-Fi 7, is essential, making it a great choice for users seeking fast, reliable wireless networking. Additionally, the inclusion of RAID 1 and RAID 10 support provides flexibility for users who require reliable and high-speed storage configurations, ideal for gaming rigs or workstations focused on data-intensive tasks.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be ideal for users who require integrated graphics or Thunderbolt connectivity. Its lack of integrated graphics means a dedicated GPU is necessary, which may not appeal to users seeking a budget-friendly or compact solution for light tasks. Furthermore, the absence of Thunderbolt 3/4 ports limits its capability for high-speed external device connections, making it less suitable for those who need to connect multiple high-bandwidth peripherals like 4K displays or fast external storage devices.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	B850
form factor	ATX
release date	January 2025
supports Wi-Fi	✓
Wi-Fi version	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Has Bluetooth	✓
Bluetooth version	5.4
HDMI version	HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock	✓
has RGB lighting	✓
Easy to reset BIOS	✓
Has dual BIOS	✓
has aptX	✕
CPU sockets	1
Has integrated graphics	✕
warranty period	3 years
height	243.8 mm
width	304.8 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and supports the B850 chipset, making it compatible with modern processors. It comes in an ATX form factor and offers support for Wi-Fi 4, 5, 6, 6E, and 7, providing versatile wireless connectivity options. Additionally, the motherboard includes Bluetooth 5.4 support, RGB lighting, and a dual BIOS system for added reliability. Other features include HDMI 2.1 output, easy overclocking support, and a 3-year warranty period.

Memory:

maximum memory amount	256GB
RAM speed (max)	5600 MHz
overclocked RAM speed	8400 MHz
memory slots	4
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
Supports ECC memory	✕

The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard supports up to 256GB of memory across four memory slots, with a maximum RAM speed of 5600 MHz. For users seeking performance gains, the motherboard also allows overclocking, reaching speeds of 8400 MHz. It supports DDR5 memory and operates with two memory channels, though it does not support ECC memory.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A)	2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A)	1
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C)	3
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 2.0 ports	4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports	0
USB 4 40Gbps ports	0
USB 4 20Gbps ports	0
Thunderbolt 4 ports	0
Thunderbolt 3 ports	0
has an HDMI output	✓
DisplayPort outputs	0
RJ45 ports	1
Has USB Type-C	✓
eSATA ports	0
DVI outputs	0
has a VGA connector	✕
PS/2 ports	0

The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard offers a variety of ports for versatile connectivity. It includes 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) port, and 3 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) ports. For video output, the board features an HDMI output, while networking is supported by a single RJ45 port. Additionally, it includes a USB Type-C connector, but lacks Thunderbolt, eSATA, and PS/2 ports.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion)	4
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports (through expansion)	1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion)	4
SATA 3 connectors	4
fan headers	8
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion)	4
M.2 sockets	4
Has TPM connector	✓
U.2 sockets	0
Has mSATA connector	✕
SATA 2 connectors	0

The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard offers a wide range of connectors to expand your system's capabilities. It includes 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and 4 USB 3.0 ports through expansion, as well as a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connector for faster data transfer. Additionally, it supports 4 M.2 sockets for high-speed storage, 4 SATA 3 connectors, and 8 fan headers for optimal cooling. A TPM connector is also included for enhanced security, while mSATA and U.2 connectors are not supported.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots	1
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots	1
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe x1 slots	1
PCI slots	0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe x4 slots	0
PCIe x8 slots	0

The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard offers a variety of expansion slots to suit different needs. It includes 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, ensuring support for the latest high-performance GPUs. Additionally, there is 1 PCIe x1 slot for expansion cards, but it lacks older PCIe 2.0, PCIe x4, and PCI slots.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC)	120 dB
audio channels	7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port	✓
audio connectors	2

The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard offers high-quality audio capabilities, featuring a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio for clear, distortion-free sound. It supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound experiences and includes an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output. Additionally, it has two audio connectors for flexibility in connecting external audio devices.

Storage:

Supports RAID 1	✓
Supports RAID 10 (1+0)	✓
Supports RAID 5	✕
Supports RAID 0	✓
Supports RAID 0+1	✕

The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations for flexible storage management. It includes support for RAID 1 and RAID 10 (1+0) for data redundancy and performance, as well as RAID 0 for improved speed. However, it does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1 configurations.

Final Verdict

The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max WiFi motherboard is a robust choice for users seeking a high-performance platform with solid connectivity options. It stands out with support for Wi-Fi 7 and multiple RAID configurations, making it ideal for gamers and professionals looking for speed and reliability in networking and storage. While it lacks integrated graphics and Thunderbolt support, it remains a strong option for those building a powerful system with a dedicated GPU. Overall, this motherboard is well-suited for users who prioritize cutting-edge wireless technology and flexible storage setups in their builds.