MSI's refreshed B850 Tomahawk Max Wifi II offers four M.2 slots, OC Engine chip, and stealthy black design at $269.99, delivering solid performance for budget-conscious builders.
The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max Wifi II represents a modest but meaningful evolution of MSI's popular budget motherboard line. With a $269.99 price tag that sits above the original Max Wifi, this refreshed model brings several key improvements that may justify the premium for certain users.
Design and Aesthetics
The most noticeable change is the aesthetic overhaul. MSI has ditched the signature highlighter-yellow accents that defined previous Tomahawk models, opting instead for an almost all-black design. Only four tiny lines on the chipset heatsink retain any color, giving the board a more premium, subdued appearance. The VRM heatsinks are now both black, and the overall stealthy look gives off more sophisticated vibes than its flashier predecessors.
Storage Expansion
One of the most significant upgrades is the addition of a fourth M.2 socket. The Tomahawk Max Wifi II now features four M.2 slots total - two running at PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps) and two at PCIe 4.0 x4 (64 Gbps). This represents a substantial improvement for storage enthusiasts who need multiple high-speed drives. The top two M.2_1/2 sockets source bandwidth directly from the CPU and support larger 110mm modules, while M.2_3/4 receive bandwidth from the chipset.
Overclocking Capabilities
The inclusion of the OC Engine chip is a notable addition for enthusiasts. This dedicated hardware allows for independent BCLK overclocking, separating it from other clock domains. This feature, combined with the 64MB BIOS ROM (up from the standard 32MB), provides more headroom for extreme overclocking scenarios. The board also includes a 2-pin Direct OC jumper for manual BCLK adjustment.
Connectivity Options
Network capabilities see a significant boost with 5 GbE Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7 support. The Mediatek MT7927 Wi-Fi 7 module offers speeds up to 5.8 Gbps across 320 MHz channels, including 6 GHz support. However, the board notably lacks USB4 ports, which may disappoint users seeking the latest connectivity standards.
Power Delivery
The 17-phase voltage regulator design includes 14 phases dedicated to Vcore, powered by 14 MPS2515 80A SPS MOSFETs. This robust power delivery system should handle anything from Ryzen 5 processors up to the Ryzen 9 9950X without issue. The board includes two 8-pin EPS connectors for CPU power, with one required for operation.
Performance and Features
In testing with a Ryzen 9 9900X and RTX 4080 combination, the board performed admirably across various workloads including rendering, office applications, and gaming. The performance was described as "average overall" but without any issues, indicating reliable operation for mainstream use cases.
The board includes several MSI-exclusive features:
- AI Engine with various AI-powered functions
- AI Boost for NPU overclocking (if supported by CPU)
- Frozr AI Cooling
- AI LAN Manager
- EZ DIY features including EZ M.2 installation and EZ PCIe release
Storage and Expansion
Beyond the M.2 upgrades, the board includes four SATA III 6 Gbps ports and a full-length PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for graphics cards. The second PCIe x16 slot runs at PCIe 3.0 x1, while the third slot supports PCIe 4.0 x4 but drops to x2 when M.2_3 is occupied.
Audio Solution
The mid-range Realtek ALC4080 codec provides adequate audio quality for most users. While not featuring any fancy DAC/AMP combinations, it represents a step up from the base ALC897 found on some competing budget boards.
Value Proposition
At $269.99, the Tomahawk Max Wifi II costs $60 more than the original Max Wifi ($209.99). Whether this premium is justified depends on your specific needs. If you require four M.2 slots, the OC Engine chip for BCLK overclocking, or prefer the stealthy black aesthetic, the additional cost may be worthwhile. However, users who don't need these specific features might find better value in the original model or competing offerings.
Final Thoughts
The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max Wifi II successfully refines an already solid budget motherboard. The storage expansion, overclocking features, and refreshed design make it an attractive option for users who need these specific capabilities. While the price increase may give some buyers pause, the additional features and improved aesthetics could justify the premium for the right user. For those building systems with multiple high-speed drives or planning extensive overclocking, this refreshed Tomahawk represents a compelling option in the budget motherboard segment.
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