MSI MAG B860 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR5 LGA 1851 ATX Motherboard - Black | 911-7E39-001

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The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WIFI is a full-sized ATX motherboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts seeking a balance of performance, features, and affordability. Built around the Intel B860 chipset, it supports the latest Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2) on the LGA 1851 socket, offering a platform for high-end gaming and demanding applications.

CPU and Chipset Support

At its core, the MAG B860 Tomahawk WIFI utilizes the Intel B860 chipset, providing a stable platform for Intel's high-performance Core Ultra Processors (Series 2). Its compatibility extends to the entire range of these processors, ensuring users can leverage the latest advancements in CPU technology. The LGA 1851 socket is designed for both current and future Intel CPUs in the Series 2 lineup, making it a future-proof investment.

Memory Support

The motherboard boasts four DDR5 DIMM slots, capable of supporting up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM. These slots support dual-channel memory configurations for optimal performance. The supported memory speeds range from standard JEDEC speeds up to impressive overclocked speeds of 8600+ MHz (depending on the specific CPU and memory modules used). The motherboard also supports Intel XMP 3.0 profiles for streamlined memory overclocking and optimized performance profiles.

Storage and Expansion

The MAG B860 Tomahawk WIFI provides ample storage options with three M.2 slots, all supporting PCIe 5.0 x4 speeds for high-speed NVMe SSDs. This allows for fast boot times and significantly improved load times for games and applications. In addition to the M.2 slots, the motherboard features four SATA 6Gbps ports for traditional SATA-based storage devices, providing flexibility for various storage needs [1][2][4]. Expansion capabilities are robust, with one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for high-end graphics cards, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots for additional expansion cards.

Networking and Wireless Connectivity

Networking is a key feature of the MAG B860 Tomahawk WIFI. It includes a 5G LAN port powered by the Intel I225-V 2.5G LAN controller, offering faster wired network speeds than standard Gigabit Ethernet. Wireless connectivity is provided by an integrated Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 solution, supporting the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard with speeds up to 5.8Gbps. This ensures fast and reliable wireless networking, ideal for online gaming, streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks. Bluetooth 5.4 is also integrated for seamless wireless peripheral connectivity [1][3][5]. Furthermore, it features a Thunderbolt 4 port which supports up to 40Gbps data transfer speeds and can power external devices.

Connectivity and USB Ports

The motherboard offers extensive connectivity options, including a wide array of USB ports. This includes multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports offering speeds up to 20Gbps, along with USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB 2.0 ports for backward compatibility. The rear panel includes a USB 10Gbps Type-C port and a USB 10Gbps Type-A port for convenient high-speed connectivity. Video output is supported through HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 connectors, accommodating various display configurations.

Power Delivery and Cooling

Power delivery is crucial for a high-performance motherboard, and the MAG B860 Tomahawk WIFI features a robust power delivery system to ensure stable power even under heavy loads and during overclocking. The design incorporates high-quality components and efficient heat dissipation to maintain optimal temperatures. This includes MOSFET thermal pads rated for 7W/mK and an extended heatsink design to efficiently cool the VRM and other critical components.

Audio and Additional Features

High-fidelity audio is delivered through the Realtek ALC897 codec, providing an 8-channel (7.1) high-definition audio solution. The motherboard also includes a range of additional features, such as MSI's Click BIOS 5 for easy BIOS navigation and customization, and EZ Debug LEDs for quick troubleshooting. The pre-installed I/O shield simplifies installation, while the durable Steel Armor reinforces the PCIe slots for added stability.