Introduction
This review is the third in a series covering MSI Project Zero. Project Zero is a brand new design concept from MSI that primarily features Back-Connect motherboards. Together with this, MSI can also be offering a gaggle of purpose-built PC cases and in addition Project Zero video cards. We now have previously reviewed two of the motherboards within the series, the MSI B850 Gaming Plus WiFi PZ and the MSI B850M-A WiFi PZ, and on this review, we’ll evaluate the highest board on this particular stack, the MSI MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi PZ. (911-7E84-06S)
The MAG series of MSI gaming hardware represents the mainstream tier. The design is usually very subdued without much in the way in which of RGB or added extras. The components, nonetheless, are every bit as robust because the more feature-rich MPG or MEG levels offered by MSI. This MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi PZ will not be only unique resulting from the Back Connect features of Project Zero, however the design scheme is silver and white, which is a good distance from what we generally see from a MAG TOMAHAWK board.
Likewise, since all of the connectors and headers are positioned on the back side, we see additional metal heatsinks covering the front of the board. This offers a really unique look. The MAX within the name notes that it is a refreshed X870E version offering all of the up-to-date features of the chipset. For a pleasant reference on AMD chipset comparisons, please read this. Also, we reviewed the MSI MAG X870E TOMAHAWK WiFi previously. We recommend you’re taking a take a look at that review to check features and performance.
All the pieces within the PZ system is designed to connect with the back of the motherboard. This eliminates most of what builders have worked to perfect for a long time: a clean, uncluttered appearance to their PCs. The MSI PC cases are designed to enhance this idea, supplying you with loads of options for routing cables and adequate space to put all of the cabling. MSI also sent us their MAG PANO 100R PZ case to make use of in our reviews. We now have an Intro discussion here.
MSI also includes additional design elements on this motherboard: 14+2+1 Power Phase, heavy powder-coated metal heatsinks, 4 tool-less M.2 connections, PCIe EZ-Release, extensive connectivity including USB4 and a streamlined Click X BIOS. Included inside the BIOS is the X3D Gaming Mode, which we’re going to put to the test as a part of this review. To date in our part one and part two reviews, we’ve got been very impressed with what MSI has provide you with in Project Zero. We’re excited to point out you the top-tier of Project Zero motherboards, the MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi PZ. The present pricing for the board is $320 at Newegg and Amazon, and on the MSI web store. The warranty is 3 years.
MSI MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi PZ Highlights
Above, you can find the press release slides sent by MSI. We invite you to glance through these highlights that time out the highest features of the motherboard. The last ten slides we thought were very interesting. These covered what MSI has added or improved within the BIOS. Mostly, this has to do with allowing one-click overclocking of the CPU and memory. Note the ultimate slide, which discusses the X3D Gaming Mode, which we’ll spend a while evaluating as we go along.
Packaging and Contents
This package was received directly from MSI. It is a full retail version designed with an outer sleeve and an inner box. The general feel of the box is heavy if you pick it up. Once the sleeve is removed, there may be a slim-ish black box that opens hinged on the highest. Contained in the board is wrapped in a thick anti-static bag and guarded by cardboard inserts. On the underside of the box are the accessories. Included with the motherboard are: Quick-Start booklet, sticker sheet, USB flash drive with drivers, three EZ M.2 clips, a EZ M.2 clip remover tool, M.2 plate screw, two SATA cables, an EZ Front panel cable, 1-3 EZ Conn Cable and the WiFi antenna.
