MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI AM5 Motherboard Review
The MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI AM5 is a mid-range motherboard designed for AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 Series CPUs. It offers a solid feature set, including support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gbps LAN. But does it deliver on its promise of performance and reliability? I put this motherboard through its paces to see how it stacks up.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this review:
Introduction
The MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI AM5 is part of MSI’s “MAG” series, known for offering a balance of performance and affordability. This motherboard targets gamers and PC enthusiasts looking for a solid foundation for their AMD Ryzen 7000 Series build. Its sleek black and silver design with subtle RGB accents adds a touch of style to your system.
Features
Let’s dive into the key features that make the MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI AM5 a compelling option:
- AMD B650 Chipset: This chipset provides support for AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 Series CPUs, unlocking impressive performance gains.
- DDR5 Memory Support: With four dual-channel DDR5 slots, you can push your memory speeds to new heights.
- PCIe 5.0: One of the PCIe slots on the motherboard supports PCIe 5.0, allowing you to take full advantage of the latest high-speed graphics cards.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Enjoy super-fast wireless connectivity with the built-in Wi-Fi 6E module.
- 2.5Gbps LAN: Get a wired connection boost with the 2.5Gbps Ethernet port.
- Three M.2 Slots: The motherboard includes three M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs, providing ample storage expansion options.
- Robust Power Delivery: The motherboard features a 14+2+1 phase digital VRM for stable and reliable power delivery to your CPU.
- MSI Mystic Light Sync: Customize your system’s RGB lighting with Mystic Light Sync for a personalized look.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset | AMD B650 |
| Socket | AMD AM5 |
| Memory Support | DDR5, up to 128GB |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2x PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| M.2 Slots | 3x M.2 (1x PCIe 5.0, 2x PCIe 4.0) |
| LAN | 2.5Gbps LAN |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Rear I/O | 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB 2.0, Audio Jacks |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 codec |
| Dimensions | ATX |
| RGB Lighting | MSI Mystic Light Sync |
Performance
The MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI AM5 delivers solid performance, especially when paired with AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors. During my testing, I was able to achieve impressive overclocking results with my Ryzen 7 7700X CPU, pushing it beyond its stock frequencies. This motherboard provided a stable platform for both gaming and demanding workloads.
I was particularly impressed with the PCIe 5.0 support, which allowed my RTX 4080 graphics card to reach its full potential. The motherboard’s robust power delivery ensured stable performance during intensive gaming sessions and benchmark runs.
The built-in Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN offered fast and reliable internet connectivity, making it a great choice for online gaming and streaming.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI AM5’s strengths and weaknesses:
- Pros:
- Solid performance for AMD Ryzen 7000 Series CPUs
- Support for DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN for fast connectivity
- Three M.2 slots for ample storage expansion
- Robust power delivery for stable performance
- Affordable price point compared to high-end models
- Cons:
- Limited RGB lighting options compared to some other MSI motherboards
- No integrated Thunderbolt 4 port
Final Verdict
The MSI MAG B650 TOMAHAWK WIFI AM5 is a strong contender in the mid-range motherboard market. It delivers a solid feature set, impressive performance, and reliable stability. If you’re looking for a solid platform for your AMD Ryzen 7000 Series build, especially one that supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, this motherboard is definitely worth considering.
While the lack of Thunderbolt 4 and extensive RGB lighting options might be a drawback for some, the overall performance and value make it a great choice for gamers and PC enthusiasts on a budget.