MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi Gaming Motherboard (AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series Processors, AM5, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, M.2 Gen5, SATA 6Gb/s, USB 40Gbps, HDMI/DP, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 5Gbps LAN, ATX)
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AI Verdict
This AM5 X870 motherboard with DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 is for Ryzen 7000/8000/9000 builders wanting 5Gbps LAN and USB 40Gbps.
This motherboard is a strong fit for high-end AM5 gaming and workstation builds, offering support for Ryzen 9000 series processors, DDR5-8400+ memory, and PCIe 5.0 for both GPUs and M.2 storage. Its inclusion of USB 40Gbps, 5Gbps LAN, and Wi-Fi 7 provides top-tier connectivity for demanding users.
If you don't need USB 40Gbps or Wi-Fi 7, look for a B850 chipset motherboard to save money while retaining AM5 and DDR5 support.
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Pros
- Supports AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series Processors, including future 9000 series CPUs.
- Features two USB 4 ports with 40Gbps transmission speed on the rear I/O.
- Includes 5Gbps LAN and Wi-Fi 7 for high-speed wired and wireless networking.
- Equipped with an extended PWM heatsink and 14+2+1 Duet Rail Power System rated at 80A for stable power delivery.
- Offers four M.2 slots, with two supporting PCIe Gen 5 speeds.
- BIOS is intuitive and user-friendly, supporting efficient updates and system management.
Cons
- USB 40Gbps Type-C ports and the M2_2 slot share PCIe 5.0 x4 bandwidth, running at x2 if M2_2 is populated.
- Only two audio jacks and optical S/PDIF on the rear I/O, not a full 5-jack array.
- Some users reported long boot times when memory trains on boot, even with Context Restore enabled.
- One Gen 4 M.2 slot operates at only two PCIe lanes, potentially halving promised speeds.
- Realtek LAN drivers on MSI's support page may be outdated, requiring direct download from Realtek for stability.
Dimension Scores
The 14+2+1 Duet Rail Power System rated at 80A with an extended heatsink design is designed to handle high-end Ryzen 9000 series CPUs.
It includes Wi-Fi 7, 5Gbps LAN, two USB 40Gbps ports, PCIe 5.0, M.2 Gen5, and Audio Boost 5, offering a comprehensive modern feature set.
With four M.2 slots (two Gen 5), four SATA 6Gb/s ports, and multiple PCIe 5.0/4.0 slots, it provides extensive expansion, though some lane sharing exists.
Users commend the BIOS for being intuitive and user-friendly, supporting efficient updates, but some report long memory training boot times.
Best For
- Gamers building a high-performance system with AMD Ryzen 9000 series CPUs and PCIe 5.0 graphics cards.
- Content creators needing fast data transfer with USB 40Gbps devices and multiple Gen 5 NVMe drives.
- Users requiring cutting-edge network connectivity with 5Gbps wired LAN and Wi-Fi 7.
- PC builders who appreciate features like EZ M.2 and GPU installation for a smoother assembly process.
Not Recommended For
- Budget-focused builders who don't need premium features like USB 40Gbps or Wi-Fi 7.
- Users with existing DDR4 memory, as this board exclusively supports DDR5 RAM.
- Small form factor PC builds, due to its ATX form factor.
Watch Out For
- The USB 40Gbps Type-C ports and M2_2 slot share PCIe 5.0 x4 bandwidth, meaning both will run at PCIe 5.0 x2 if a device is installed in M2_2.
- One of the four M.2 slots (Gen 4) runs at only two PCIe lanes, which can limit its speed if not noted during installation.
- Some users experienced long boot times, reporting staring at a black screen for a while during memory training.
- A Reddit user noted LAN issues that required installing drivers directly from Realtek, suggesting MSI's provided drivers were not optimal.
- The rear I/O only has two audio jacks and an optical S/PDIF, which might be limiting for users expecting a full 5-jack audio array.
Full Specifications
| RAM | DDR5 |
| ASIN | B0DG3HK897 |
| Brand | msi |
| Series | Tomahawk |
| Platform | Windows 11 |
| CPU Model | AMD Ryzen 7 |
| Processor | amd_ryzen_7 |
| CPU Socket | Socket AM5 |
| Model Name | Tomahawk |
| Item Weight | 4.4 pounds |
| Chipset Type | AMD X870 |
| Manufacturer | MSI |
| Memory Speed | 7800 MHz |
| Item model number | X870TMAHAWKWIFI |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Memory Clock Speed | 7800 MHz |
| Product Dimensions | 13.46 x 10.55 x 2.76 inches |
| Compatible Processors | AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series Processors |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR5 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 13.46 x 10.55 x 2.76 inches |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising finding is the significant lane sharing between the USB 40Gbps ports and an M.2 slot, which can limit performance if not configured carefully. Users frequently praise the board's extensive connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7, 5Gbps LAN, and multiple USB 40Gbps ports. However, recurring complaints point to potentially outdated LAN drivers from MSI and noticeable long boot times during memory training. The physical design, like the integrated I/O shield and tool-less M.2 heatsinks, also receives positive mentions.
“Man, this board has all the bells and whistles, but seriously, that M.2 lane sharing with the USB4 ports is a real head-scratcher, gotta read the fine print or you'll be scratching your head why your SSD ain't hitting max speed.”
Common Praise
- Robust Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and 5Gbps LAN enhance network performance.
- Ample USB and slot options, including two USB 40Gbps Type-C ports on the rear I/O.
- EZ M.2 and GPU installation features make building easier.
- Intuitive and user-friendly BIOS supports efficient updates.
- Integrated I/O shield fits perfectly and simplifies installation.
- Tool-less M.2 heatsinks make drive installation quick and easy.
Common Complaints
- USB 40Gbps Type-C ports and M2_2 slot share PCIe 5.0 x4 bandwidth, impacting speeds if both are used.
- Long boot times when memory trains on boot, even with Context Restore.
- LAN issues requiring direct driver installation from Realtek, bypassing MSI's support page.
- Only two audio jacks and optical S/PDIF on the rear I/O, not a full array.
- One Gen 4 M.2 slot runs at only two PCIe lanes, limiting its potential speed.
Ownership Tips
- The BIOS might need updates to improve memory compatibility and boot times, especially for higher DDR5 speeds.
- Careful planning is needed for M.2 and USB 4 device placement to avoid bandwidth limitations due to shared PCIe lanes.
- Checking Realtek's website for the latest LAN drivers might be necessary to ensure stable network performance.
- The single USB-C port slightly separated from the others on the rear I/O can be annoying to locate by feel.
- The board's extensive fan and RGB headers provide plenty of options for cooling and aesthetics without needing external hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CPU generations does this motherboard support?
It supports AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 Series Desktop Processors with the AM5 socket.
What type of RAM does this motherboard use?
This motherboard uses DDR5 RAM and supports speeds up to 8400+ MT/s (OC).
Does this motherboard have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Yes, it comes with built-in Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity.
What is the fastest USB port available on this board?
It features two USB 4 ports on the rear I/O, offering a lightning-fast 40Gbps transmission speed.
What is the maximum wired network speed?
The motherboard includes a 5Gbps LAN solution for high-speed wired network connections.
How many M.2 slots are available?
There are four M.2 slots, with two supporting PCIe Gen 5 speeds for ultra-fast storage.
Buying Guide
When looking at motherboards like this, you're essentially buying the foundation for your entire PC. It dictates what CPU you can use, what kind of RAM, how many storage drives, and what connectivity options you'll have. For an X870 board, you're paying for cutting-edge features and future-proofing, so make sure you actually need things like Wi-Fi 7 or USB 40Gbps before committing. Pay close attention to how PCIe lanes are allocated, as some features might share bandwidth, potentially limiting performance if you use them all simultaneously.
Socket AM5
This is the CPU socket type, and it means the motherboard is compatible with AMD's latest Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors. It's like the specific type of plug your CPU needs to connect to the board.
DDR5 RAM
This refers to the generation of memory (RAM) the board supports. DDR5 is the newest standard, offering higher speeds and bandwidth than older DDR4, which is crucial for modern gaming and demanding applications. Think of it as a faster, wider highway for your computer's short-term memory.
PCIe 5.0 & M.2 Gen5
PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is how components like graphics cards and NVMe SSDs connect to the motherboard. Version 5.0 is the latest and fastest, doubling the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0. M.2 Gen5 specifically refers to NVMe SSDs that use this faster interface, allowing for incredibly quick storage access, like having a super-fast pit crew for your data.
USB 40Gbps
This indicates the maximum data transfer speed for certain USB ports. 40Gbps is extremely fast, ideal for connecting high-speed external storage, docking stations, or monitors that support USB 4, making file transfers feel instantaneous.
Alternatives
If you don't need the absolute fastest USB 40Gbps or Wi-Fi 7, look for an AMD B850 chipset motherboard with AM5 socket and DDR5 support to get a similar core experience at a lower price point. If you need more SATA ports or less concern about M.2 Gen5, consider boards with different storage configurations.
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