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Introduction
Our review is once more taking a look at a refreshed release from the MSI MAG tier of motherboards. The MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi II is probably the most feature-rich B850 chipset motherboard within the MAG tier. Should you aren’t accustomed to how MSI stacks their motherboard lineup, MAG (MSI Arsenal Gaming) is the entry-level enthusiast tier. The entry level, nonetheless, isn’t shy on features or performance, and the TOMAHAWK branding is usually quite well laid out so far as expansion and connectivity, while being offered at an inexpensive price point.
We have now recently reviewed two other “MAX” boards from MSI. The MAX moniker indicates that the motherboard in query offers up the most recent improvements and additions within the line-up. Should you wish to upgrade throughout the socket AM5 AMD motherboard tiers, the MAX may have some features that “plain” or non-MAX prior releases won’t.
Throughout the review, we are going to indicate the features that make this board a “MAX”. So if there’s a MAX II, there have to be a MAX, right? Well, right you might be. We, in truth, reviewed the MSI B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi when it was first released, January 20, 2025. Should you aren’t on top of things on the AMD chipset hierarchy, here’s a nice chart. Pricing ought to be under $250; the motherboard has a three-year warranty. So off we go to take a look at what “MAX II” has to supply.
Packaging and Contents
The MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi II was sent to us directly from MSI. We received a full retail package in the usual motherboard box. Inside is the board in a thick anti-static bag. The WiFi antenna is individually boxed on top of the board, and the accessories there are were placed under the motherboard. The accessories include: one SATA right-angle cable, one RGB/fan EZ-CONN cable, three EZ Clip II screws, one EZ Clip tool, WiFi antenna, a sheet of stickers and one Quick Start Guide.
