MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi

Manufacturer: MSI

The MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi is an ATX motherboard designed for users looking to build high-performance systems. It features an AM5 CPU socket and supports a range of advanced Wi-Fi technologies, including Wi-Fi 7. The board does not include RGB lighting but offers essential features for enthusiasts, such as easy overclocking and dual BIOS functionality.

In terms of memory, the motherboard supports up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM with speeds up to 5600 MHz, and can be overclocked to 8400 MHz. It provides multiple storage and expansion options, including four M.2 sockets and support for RAID 1 and RAID 10. Additionally, the board includes HDMI 2.1 output, a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and a robust set of USB ports, including USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 support.

Pros

Supports Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) for fast and future-proof wireless connectivity.
Dual BIOS functionality provides added reliability and flexibility in case of system failure.
Equipped with four M.2 sockets for high-speed storage expansion.
Includes a TPM connector for enhanced security features.
Offers a solid 3-year warranty period for peace of mind.

Cons

Does not support RAID 5, limiting RAID configuration options for users needing more advanced redundancy setups.
Lacks integrated graphics, requiring a dedicated GPU for display output.
No RGB lighting, which may be a drawback for users preferring customizable aesthetic features.
Lacks mSATA and U.2 connectors for additional storage options.
Does not support Bluetooth aptX for higher-quality audio streaming.

Who is this for?

The MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi motherboard is well-suited for users seeking a high-performance platform with advanced connectivity features, such as support for Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and multiple high-speed USB 4 ports. Its extensive RAID 1, 10, and 0 support makes it ideal for users looking to build robust storage solutions with data redundancy or high-speed performance. Additionally, its dual BIOS and TPM connector offer enhanced system reliability and security, making it a good choice for users focused on stability and protection in critical environments.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be the best option for users who require integrated graphics, as it lacks integrated graphics support. It also has limited RAID configuration options, excluding RAID 5 and RAID 0+1, which may be a drawback for those needing more advanced data redundancy solutions. Furthermore, the absence of RGB lighting and mSATA connectors may not appeal to users seeking high customization or additional storage interfaces for specific setups.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	X870
form factor	ATX
release date	December 2024
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 X870E Tomahawk WiFi motherboard features an AM5 CPU socket and is compatible with the X870 chipset. It has an ATX form factor and supports a range of Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and the latest Wi-Fi 7. The board also comes with Bluetooth 5.4 support, but does not include Bluetooth aptX. For video output, it offers HDMI 2.1 but lacks integrated graphics or a DisplayPort. Notably, the motherboard supports easy overclocking, features a dual BIOS setup for added reliability, and includes a clear CMOS function for hassle-free BIOS resets. The product comes with a 3-year warranty.

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 X870E Tomahawk WiFi motherboard supports a maximum memory capacity of 256GB and utilizes DDR5 RAM with a maximum speed of 5600 MHz. It offers four memory slots and supports dual-channel memory configuration. For users looking to push performance further, the motherboard supports overclocked RAM speeds up to 8400 MHz. However, it does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A)	2
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A)	3
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C)	1
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	2
USB 4 20Gbps ports	0
Thunderbolt 4 ports	2
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 X870E Tomahawk WiFi motherboard offers a variety of connectivity options. It includes two USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-A) ports, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) port. The board also supports USB 4 with two 40Gbps ports and has two Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed connections. For display options, it features HDMI 2.1 output but lacks DisplayPort. Additionally, it includes one RJ45 port for Ethernet connectivity and supports USB Type-C.

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 X870E Tomahawk WiFi motherboard offers an extensive array of connectors, including four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port, and four additional USB 2.0 ports for expansion. It also features four SATA 3 connectors, along with four M.2 sockets for high-speed storage options. The motherboard is equipped with eight fan headers for enhanced cooling, and it includes a TPM connector for added security. Notably, it does not include any mSATA or U.2 connectors.

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 X870E Tomahawk WiFi motherboard is equipped with a variety of expansion slots, including one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-performance graphics or expansion cards. It also features one PCIe x1 slot for smaller devices, but lacks any PCIe x4, x8, or legacy PCI slots. Notably, the board does not include PCIe 2.0 x16 slots.

Audio:

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

The MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi motherboard offers high-quality audio performance with a signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB. It supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound and includes an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output. Additionally, the board features two audio connectors for flexible audio device connections.

Storage:

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

The MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi motherboard supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10 (1+0), and RAID 0, offering flexibility for data redundancy and performance. However, it does not support RAID 5 or RAID 0+1 for additional storage options.

Final Verdict

The MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi motherboard offers solid performance for advanced users and builds, particularly those focused on high-speed connectivity and robust storage configurations. With support for Wi-Fi 7 and versatile RAID 1, 10, and 0 options, it excels in flexibility and reliability. The inclusion of dual BIOS and TPM connector further enhances system security and stability. However, its lack of integrated graphics and certain RAID configurations may limit its appeal for specific use cases. Overall, it's a strong choice for those seeking a feature-rich motherboard with advanced connectivity and storage support.