MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WIFI Motherboard Review: A New Benchmark for Enthusiasts

Introduction

MSI is known for making some of the best motherboards in the market. Their boards are reliable, innovative, and packed with performance. MSI organizes its motherboards into three series: MAG, MPG, and MEG. Each caters to a different type of user.

The MAG series focuses on durability and simplicity. It’s perfect for gamers and builders who want solid performance without extra bells and whistles. The MPG series is all about looks and customization, while the MEG series offers cutting-edge features for enthusiasts and overclockers.

The MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi is a flagship board in the MAG series. It combines modern features, a sharp design, and reliable performance. Made for AMD’s Ryzen 9000 processors, it’s designed to handle demanding workloads with ease. Let’s dive into why this motherboard stands out.

Design and Build Quality

The MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi comes with a fresh new look. MSI has added bold black and yellow-green accents that give the board a modern style. It’s different from the plain black designs we’ve seen before and will stand out in any PC build.

MSI didn’t stop with just looks. They’ve improved the thermal design as well. Larger heatsinks help keep the board cool during intense gaming or heavy workloads. The EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II not only keeps high-speed SSDs cool but also makes installing them easier.

For builders, MSI added features to simplify the build process. The EZ PCIe Release makes removing GPUs quick and painless, especially in tight spaces. The Steel Armor II PCIe Slots provide extra strength, which is great for heavy GPUs. These upgrades show MSI's focus on practicality and durability.

MSI’s “One” design philosophy is clear here. They’ve made sure this motherboard is easy to install, upgrade, and maintain, even for first-time builders.

MSI's "One" User-Friendly Approach

MSI’s "One" approach is about making PC building simpler for everyone. The MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi has plenty of features designed for convenience and ease of use.

• One Finger: You don’t need tools or extra effort for basic tasks.

  • Installing M.2 SSDs is super easy with the EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II and EZ M.2 Clip II. No screws needed!

  • The EZ PCIe Release lets you remove GPUs with a single button press.

    
    

• One Hand: Some tasks are made simpler for builders.

  • The pre-installed I/O shield saves you the trouble of aligning it during installation.

  • EZ Mounting makes it easier to secure the motherboard inside your case.

    
    

• One Step: Connecting peripherals is a breeze.

  • The EZ Antenna system makes attaching WiFi antennas simple and tool-free.

  • The EZ Conn Header and cables help connect system fans, ARGB lighting, and USB devices effortlessly.

    
    

• One Click: Boost performance instantly.

  • The motherboard includes features like Game Boost for one-click CPU overclocking and EXPO/A-XMP profiles for memory optimization.

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• One Glance: Instant Troubleshooting

  MSI simplifies problem-solving with intuitive diagnostic tools.

  • EZ Debug LED: Onboard LEDs light up to indicate hardware issues, so you know exactly what’s wrong.

  • EZ Digi Debug LED: This feature adds more detail, displaying error codes for advanced troubleshooting while doubling as a real-time temperature monitor.

These features make the MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi one of the easiest motherboards to work with. MSI has clearly prioritized the user experience.

Key Specifications and Features

The MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi is packed with impressive features. It supports AMD Ryzen 9000 series processors with the X870 chipset, offering excellent compatibility and performance.

The board supports up to 256GB of DDR5 memory across four slots, with speeds of up to 8400MT/s. That’s plenty of power for gaming, streaming, or demanding workloads.

Storage options are versatile too. There are:

• 2 Gen 5 M.2 slots, offering up to 128Gbps of blazing-fast transfer speeds.

• 2 Gen 4 M.2 slots, providing speeds of 64Gbps and 32Gbps, respectively.

  
  

For GPUs, the Lightning Gen 5 PCIe slot delivers up to 128GB/s of bandwidth. It’s perfect for modern graphics cards and expansion cards. The Steel Armor II reinforcement also protects these slots, ensuring durability and better signal quality.

BIOS and Software

MSI has upgraded the BIOS with the new CLICK BIOS X, designed to be simple and visually appealing. It’s perfect for beginners and advanced users alike.

The EZ Mode includes features like:

• Game Boost, which lets you overclock your CPU with one click.

• EXPO/A-XMP profiles for easy memory overclocking.

  
  

What’s great is that MSI included this new BIOS in the MAG lineup. Initially, we thought it would only be available in the higher-end MPG or MEG series.

To complement the BIOS, MSI offers the MSI Center. This software unifies all utilities in one place. You can monitor performance, adjust settings, and manage the board’s features effortlessly.

Networking and Rear I/O Connectivity

The MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi doesn’t hold back on connectivity. The rear I/O panel is packed with useful ports:

• 2 USB 40Gbps Type-C ports for ultra-fast data transfers and device charging.

• Plenty of USB-A ports for your peripherals and accessories.

  
  

For networking, you get the latest WiFi 7, which delivers faster speeds and improved stability for modern wireless devices. The board also includes a 5G LAN port for users who prefer wired connections. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working, these features ensure a smooth experience.

Conclusion: A Worthy Contender in Its Class

The MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi is a feature-rich and user-friendly motherboard. At RM1590, it offers incredible value for gamers, builders, and enthusiasts who want premium features without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Sleek black and yellow-green design with improved cooling.

• Dual Gen 5 M.2 slots for high-speed storage.

• WiFi 7 and 5G LAN for next-gen connectivity.

• User-friendly features like the EZ M.2 installation and PCIe release.

• Great support for DDR5 memory, up to 256GB at 8400MT/s.

• CLICK BIOS X and MSI Center make optimization easy.

  
  

Cons

• Limited to four M.2 slots, which might not be enough for heavy storage users.

• Fewer premium features compared to higher-end MPG or MEG series boards.

  
  

Rating: 9/10

This motherboard delivers excellent performance and usability at a competitive price. It’s perfect for most builders, offering plenty of features and future-proofing. If you’re looking for a reliable, high-performance motherboard, the MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi is a top choice.