MSI MAG B850M Mortar WiFI

Manufacturer: MSI

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar WiFi is a compact Micro-ATX motherboard designed for AMD AM5 processors and B850 chipsets. It offers advanced connectivity options with Wi-Fi 7 support, Bluetooth 5.4, and a variety of USB ports. Its robust build includes features like dual BIOS for added reliability and easy overclocking capabilities, making it a versatile choice for high-performance builds.

This motherboard supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 5600 MHz and can overclock to 8200 MHz. With 4 memory slots and 2 memory channels, it provides ample room for memory expansion. It also includes a range of ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB Type-C, and HDMI 2.1 outputs. Additionally, it supports RAID configurations like RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 for flexible storage options.

Pros

Supports modern Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), providing versatile and fast wireless connectivity options.
Includes multiple RAID support options, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10, offering flexibility for different storage configurations.
Has a TPM connector for enhanced security, beneficial for users who need hardware-based security features.
Offers dual BIOS, providing a safety net in case one BIOS becomes corrupted, improving system reliability.
Features a comprehensive range of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C), ensuring compatibility with a wide array of modern devices.

Cons

Lacks PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, limiting compatibility with some of the latest high-speed components.
Does not support mSATA or U.2 connectors, which may be a limitation for users requiring these specific storage options.
Does not include integrated graphics, necessitating a discrete GPU for video output.

Who is this for?

This motherboard is well-suited for users looking to build a reliable, future-proof system with modern wireless capabilities thanks to its support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Its dual BIOS and RAID support options make it a great choice for users who prioritize system stability and data redundancy. Additionally, those in need of multiple USB ports and expandability will find it a good fit for connecting modern peripherals and expanding their system over time.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard is not ideal for users who need the highest level of PCIe performance, as it lacks PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, limiting support for certain high-performance graphics cards. It's also not suitable for those looking for integrated graphics, as this model requires a discrete GPU for video output. Additionally, users needing support for mSATA or U.2 storage will find this motherboard lacking in those areas.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	B850
form factor	Micro-ATX
release date	March 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	244 mm
width	244 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar WiFi features an AM5 CPU socket and supports the B850 chipset, offering a Micro-ATX form factor for compact builds. It provides extensive Wi-Fi capabilities, supporting Wi-Fi versions up to Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) for fast, modern wireless connectivity. Built-in Bluetooth 5.4 ensures seamless device pairing, while features like dual BIOS and easy overclocking enhance reliability and performance. Additionally, the motherboard includes HDMI 2.1 output, RGB lighting, and a 3-year warranty period, making it a well-rounded option for a variety of setups.

Memory:

maximum memory amount	256GB
RAM speed (max)	5600 MHz
overclocked RAM speed	8200 MHz
memory slots	4
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
Supports ECC memory	✕

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar WiFi supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, providing ample capacity for demanding tasks. It offers a maximum RAM speed of 5600 MHz, with overclocking capabilities up to 8200 MHz for enhanced performance. Featuring 4 memory slots and 2 memory channels, this motherboard ensures efficient memory configuration, though it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A)	3
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A)	4
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C)	1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 2.0 ports	0
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports	1
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 B850M Mortar WiFi provides a variety of ports for connectivity, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports, with 3 available, and 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports. It also features 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) port, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (USB-C) port, and a USB Type-C port for modern devices. Additional ports include an HDMI output, 1 RJ45 Ethernet port, and the absence of VGA or PS/2 connectors for older peripherals.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion)	2
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion)	1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion)	4
SATA 3 connectors	4
fan headers	6
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion)	2
M.2 sockets	3
Has TPM connector	✓
U.2 sockets	0
Has mSATA connector	✕
SATA 2 connectors	0

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar WiFi offers a variety of expansion options with 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) port, and 4 USB 2.0 ports through expansion. It also provides 3 M.2 sockets and 4 SATA 3 connectors for storage options. For cooling, there are 6 fan headers, ensuring adequate airflow in high-performance builds. Additionally, the motherboard includes a TPM connector for security features, while lacking mSATA and U.2 sockets.

Expansion slots:

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

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar WiFi offers a range of expansion slots for future upgrades, including 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and 1 PCIe x4 slot. It lacks PCIe 4.0 x16, PCIe 3.0 x16, and PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, but the available PCIe 5.0 x16 slot ensures compatibility with the latest high-performance components. This motherboard does not include any PCI, PCIe x1, or PCIe x8 slots, focusing its expansion capabilities on modern interfaces.

Audio:

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

The MSI MAG B850M Mortar WiFi delivers high-quality audio with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio (DAC), ensuring clear and accurate sound output. It supports 7.1 audio channels, providing immersive surround sound. The motherboard also includes an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output and offers 2 audio connectors for easy integration with 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 B850M Mortar WiFi supports a variety of RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0), offering flexibility for different storage setups and data redundancy options. However, it does not support RAID 0+1 for combined performance and redundancy.

Final Verdict

The motherboard offers a solid foundation for users who need robust connectivity and expandability, with standout features like Wi-Fi 7 support and a dual BIOS for improved system stability. Its ample USB ports and RAID capabilities cater well to a variety of user needs, especially for those building a system with future-proofing in mind. However, it lacks integrated graphics and top-tier PCIe performance, which may limit its appeal for high-end gaming or graphics-intensive applications. Overall, this motherboard is an excellent choice for users prioritizing connectivity and system stability in a well-rounded build.