MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi review: all that you could axe for

After an unnatural delay, the first X870 motherboards have finally arrived on the market. These new AMD chipsets, the X870 and X870E, faced tough challenges due to the slow acceptance of the Ryzen 9000 series microprocessors. It's easy for some manufacturers to repeat previous designs with the latest specifications and put an end to them, but the MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi has more potential than expected.

Neither the X870E nor the X870 will tempt owners of Socket AM5 connector motherboards, as the significance of this platform lies in its durability. As a result, motherboards with these chipsets will undoubtedly attract the attention of those considering an upgrade. The X670(E) and B650 variants still have plenty of longevity, but those looking for the best-value package should take a look at the MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi.

Specifications

Whereas the previous version of the Tomahawk WiFi used the old flagship AMD X670E chipset, MSI opted for the most "extreme" specs for the X870. However, at first glance, this seems like a step back. The mother payload proves to be more lively than its predecessor.

AMD is eager to ditch the flagship feature of its X870 chipset: USB 4. 0. MSI has placed two ports on the back of the board, offering two 40Gbps connections instead of the traditional 20Gbps. Each supports DP Alt mode, a mode that makes it even more valuable. It will probably take some time for this stereotype to catch on, but more bandwidth is always welcome, and the durability of the X870 Tomahawk WiFi should improve compared to the X670E.

While the I/O support on the front remains unchanged for two generations of Tomahawk, the new board features a more extensive set of connections on the back. While these are slow USB 2. 0 ports by any standards, not all regions urgently need more bandwidth than this spec implies, so adding these four ports seems like a clear win, since you're essentially trading in a 5Gbps and a 20Gbps port for two 40Gbps ports. MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi

MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi	VRM Design
14+2+1, 80A SPS	14+2+1, 80a sps	14+2+1, 80a sps
Capacity: Up to 256GB Speed: 8.	Capacity: Up to 256GB Speed: 7.	Integrated Graphics
HDMI 2. 1 (x1) USB Type-C (x2)	HDMI 2. 1 (x1) USB Type-C (x1)	PCIe Expansion Slots
PCIe 5. 0 x16 (x1) PCIe 4. 0 x16 (x1) PCIe 3. 0 x16 (x1)	PCIe 5. 0 x16 (x1) PCIe 4. 0 x16 (x2) PCIe 3. 0 x1 (x1)	Audio
Realtek ALC4080	Realtek ALC1200	Data saving system
PCIe 5. 0 x4 (x2) PCIe 4. 0 x4 (x1) PCIe 4. 0 x2 (x1) SATA 6 Gb/s (x4)	PCIe 5. 0 x4 (x1) PCIe 4. 0 x4 (x3) SATA 6 GB/S (x4)	USB back plane
USB 2. 0 Type-A (x4) USB 5 Gbps Type-A (x3) USB 10 Gbps Type-A (x2) USB 10 Gbps Type-C (X1) USB 40 Gbps Type-C (X2)	USB 5 Gbps Type-A (x4) USB 10 Gbps Type-A (x2) USB 10 Gbps Type-C (x1) USB 20 Gbps Type-C (X1)	Front USB
USB 2. 0 Type-A (x4) USB 5 Gbps Type-A (x4) USB 20 Gbps Type-C (x1)	USB 2. 0 Type-A (x4) USB 5 Gbps Type-A (x4) USB 20 Gbps Type-C (x1)	USB 2. 0 Type-A (x4) USB 5 Gbps Type-A (x4) USB 20 Gbps Type-C (x1)
Realtek 8126-CG 5 Gbps	Realtek RTL8125BG 2, 5 Gbps	Wireless communication
Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth 5.	Wi-Fi 6e Bluetooth 5.	price
ВЈ 279, 99	ВЈ 254, 99	The X870 has enhanced connection options, such as 5Gbps LAN, Bluetooth 5. 4, and Wi-Fi 7. To make the most of these features, you need the latest network infrastructure such as routers, access ports, cables, and switches. However, if you do not use the latest hardware, the board uses old standards by default to maintain backward compatibility.

The mountains want to lower the speed of Wi-Fi 7 to 46Gbps, but my house uses Wi-Fi 5. If you have the same system, you can confirm that the attached antenna does not disappoint in terms of reliability and speed. There was no problem with the connection of the Bluetooth controller and headset.

If you look at the PCIe lane away from the board I/O, the throughput is also improved here. Certainly, there are several precautions here. MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WiFi maintains the same three PCIE 5. 0 x16 lane as the previous generation, but one PCIE X1 slot is omitted. As a result, the ability to support the extension card of the board decreases, which is a very trivial drawback.

Most more important for most users is that there are two PCIE 5. 0x4 expansion slots for M. 2 drives. The 5th generation NVME SSD is becoming more common every day, and (even more important). As with the addition of USB 4, most users will not understand the value of this change immediately, but it will be revealed in the coming years.

The remaining M. 2 slot has a PCIe 4. 0 interface, but its function is not the same. One is PCIe 4. 0 x4 interface, and the other is PCIe 4. 0 x2 interface. That is, the latter is equivalent to PCIe 3. 0 x4, and the bandwidth is 8GB/ sec. I want a parity between the two ports, but this is easy to forgive given the remaining bandwidth.

Eventually, the speed of the corresponding RAM was improved to 8. 400mt/s+. This is 600 mt/s more than 7 800 mt+/s. This is 600 mt/s faster than 7800 mt+/s. 400 mt/s, strict timing. It is the most important thing, at least the ceiling is not slightly higher.

There is no special basis for replacing the existing mothe r-i n-law X670 (E) of what is proposed here. However, those who have just begun to master the Socket AM5 motherboard may be useful. This is actually more correct for MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi at only ВЈ 25 sterling costs than its predecessor. Considering the current price difference, choosing more new costs will not be wasted. AMD has not yet deleted the 600e series chipset, as a result, a small bonus is assumed, not very economical on lon g-lasting motherboards.

MSI is part of the MAG series and aims for this maternal payment for average computer game players. However, it is not as multifunctional as MPG and MEG, but is armed with abnormal functions and necessary tools. Apart from this, there is a certain number of improvements in the design that is important to use it as a foundation for your system to make it easier to work.

Features

EZ is "lightweight in both name and reality". All functions that fall under this title are considered a comfortable addition to the Mag X870 TOMAHAWK WiFi. Except for the LED failure detection index, which is a drooling target (currently complemented by the Digi-Debug Misses code indicator), all components in the kit are fresh or improved for this version of the motherboard. It is done.

Let's start with my lover: The PCIe release button noticed on the board because it became easier to insert and extract video payment from the main PCIe 5. 0 x16 slot. Apart from this, MSI is a desirable sign of the castle that shows the slot lock/ unlock state. The tightening of the "steel armor" around the slot is considered to be a fun stroke, improving its strength and durability, facing the growing graphics micro processor.

The SSD installation is also more comfortable thanks to the fresh radiator M. 2 shield FROZR II. As with the upper part, for example, the lower slot can use a lock device instead of a lon g-standing screw, so you can easily take pictures and insert a drive. 2) The other slots are still covered with a screwed radiator, but this conditional inconvenience includes the most substantial effects.

The MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi also features the MSI "EZ M. 2 Clip II" clips used to secure the M. 2 format in place. This is not a revolutionary step back from the usual rotating clips used on all but one slot, but it does eliminate the need to position them correctly by adopting a simple "pull, release" mechanism.

Elsewhere, you can find the new JAF_2 title. It's a distinctive connector, which is handy, especially when using certain coolers and MSI fans. But the supply kit includes a 3-in-1 adapter for ArgB, fan and USB, allowing it to be used for a wider range of products. Fewer cables in the main compartment is always a win in my book, regardless of the spaghetti hiding in the back panel of the case. And this quality applies here too.

The MSI X870 motherboard also features PCIE additional power capabilities. At the bottom of the motherboard, you'll find an 8-pin PCIE port. If you have a GeForce RTX 4090 video card or one with a similar power consumption, the additional power supply will help maintain the stability and high level of performance of the system. For example, if you use a lower class card like the Radeon RX 7800 XT, you will not see any difference.

The inputs and outputs are also small and illuminated next to the printed circuit board. Besides the returned Flash BIOS button, the mag tomahawk x870 wifi can now boast a kmos button. Along with the error detection LED mentioned above, this set of tools makes working with the board much easier, since recovery is literally done by pressing a button.

MSI has also done away with the rotating fasteners on the Wi-Fi antenna, replacing them with simple plugs. This change was long overdue, and we can't wait to see the back of the old connector, hoping that this standard will become more common.

Speaking of features, the Mag Tomahawk X870 WiFi has few drawbacks. Compared to its predecessor, it looks cuter, has more curves, and has a darker color scheme. However, some may find the green accents complicating the creation of a homogenous assembly. Paradoxically, I have a case with tempered glass panels under my table, where aesthetics overshadow usability. In the latter case, this motherboard more than meets the requirements.

After nearly 10 years of use, MSI has equipped the motherboard with Click BIOS 5 and updated the firmware using Click BIOS X.

Firmware

By default, click BIOS X is loaded in EZ mode. Here, you can enable classic functions such as game boost, on e-click processor acceleration, and RAM XMP profile. Conveniently, the po p-up hint next to the last switch provides detailed information on speed and timing used in each profile. There is an NPU overclocking option, but our processor does not support it because it has no neural processors. This is definitely a warning of future Ryzen processors.

Other places include the detailed information of the panel, RAM, drive, and other parameters and other options such as FTPM 2. 0 and Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO). Compared to the previous version, the use of space has become more reasonable, and a lot of information can be obtained at a glance. Of course, the In Addition section also has all the expected functions.

MSI has two new features in click BIOS X! -This is a on e-click memory acceleration, with an option that includes the maximum speed supported at 8. 200mt/s. Of course, the acceleration speed varies depending on the RAM set, but I succeeded in quickly expanding the native board at 4800mt/s to 8000mt/s at the CL40 timing. Not bad at all.

Another noticeable additional function is "NVME Sel f-Test". This can be checked if the SSD memory controller occurs, and it releases the hard work of eliminating such errors. We hope you do not need to use it, but this is a useful tool that can save you from unnecessary offer RMA on the motherboard.

The comparison of ASROCK's X870E Taichi Lite and Mag X870 TOMAHAWK WiFi indicates that the non-chat chipset have sufficient performance. Our test system includes Ryzen 9 9900X, Radeon RX 7800 XT, Crucial T700, and Noctua NH-D15 Chromax. Black, Be Silent! Dark Power 13, capacity 1000W, 32GB RAM RENGSTON FURY RENEGADE DDR5-6. 400.

Performance

MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WiFi

MAG X670E Tomahawk WiFi	Aidalid (MB/S)
77. 642	78. 445	Aida Records (MB/S)
82. 827	83. 941	Copy Aida (MB/ Second)
72, 279	72. 881	Late Aida (NS)
70. 2	71. 2	Cineten 2024 1T (evaluation)
Cineten 2024 MT (rating)	137	136
1. 826	1. 809	PCMark 10 (evaluation)
11, 490	11. 308	3DMark Time Spy (evaluation)
18. 768	18. 715	3DMark Steel Nomad (evaluation)
4. 161	4. 160	CrystaldiskMark (consistent reading / consistent record) (MB / S)
12. 387 / 11. 827	12. 396 / 11. 812	Avatar: Frontier of Pandora (smallest FPS / maximum FPS)
64/81	64/82	Cyberpunk 2077 (Small FPS / August FPS)
66 /76	66 /77	F1 2024 (smallest FPS / August FPS)
91/105	91/105	91/105
83/182	82/177	Mount & amplifier; Blade II (smallest FPS / August FPS)
172 /260	170 /259	VRM heat (В° C)
47. 5	44. 7	Power consumption (when idle/ load) (W)
156 /312	121 /297	All game benchmarks were executed at 1080p resolution and have been introduced without changing the maximum graphics options in the game.

_{The two motherboards have a slightly excellent X870E Taichi Lite in VRM temperature and performance. However, this is not actually an advantage that further emphasizes the value of MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WiFi.}

The game boost microcessor scan, no matter how unusual, does not give much extra performance in Cinebench or games, using the integrated accelerated function. However, when using 8. 000 t/s memory profiles, the results of AIDA64 jumped to 85 163 MB/S (read), 95. 493 MB/S (records), 78 825 MB/S, and the latency is. It dropped to 66, 8 NS.

Of course, if the personal set can be set manually and forced, thermal overclark locking will be possible with a considerable high probability. Don't forget the extra power of the GPU provided by the extra port. If you already have a symbol of MSI Click BIOS 5, you can find yourself like a home thanks to the easy access with click BIOS X.

Mug X870 Tomahawk WiFi X670E's analog advantages are beyond technical data. However, the top speed of RAM, USB 4 and WiFi 7 is a bit attractive, MSI supports design improvements and new functions, and that the most likely place, the price is raised. I confirmed.

Conclusion

The price of ВЈ 279 and 99 is considered to be the best optimal compared to the current rate, but it is still clear how it will affect the price of maternal scarf, which has long continued production of X870. do not have. In this way, the MSI is considered to be a more profitable purchase in order to compare it with its predecessor, but has the potential to change.

On the other hand, click the comfort of the function set EZ, and click the BIOS X and the fresh stereotype help of the two plates for the use of these two plates. Now that we have assembled the socket AM5 system, this maternal payment will just be on my list.

MSI Mug X870 Tomahawk Wireless LAN

You can do it so that you can do it so that you are actually a promise, everyone can quickly ignore these seemingly accurate {} people. can.

You can do it so that you can do it so that you are actually a promise, everyone can quickly ignore these seemingly accurate {} people. can.