MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E Motherboard vs MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI Motherboard

Price Comparison

The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E Motherboard is priced at £119.99, while the MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI Motherboard is significantly higher at £208.99. This price difference of £89.00 suggests that the TOMAHAWK MAX may offer enhanced features justifying its premium cost. When evaluating a motherboard, price can be a major factor, especially for budget-conscious consumers. The GAMING PLUS provides a more economical choice for those needing solid performance without the bells and whistles that come with the TOMAHAWK MAX.

Power Delivery

In terms of power delivery, the MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX boasts a 14 Duet Rail Power System with an 80A specification, compared to the 12 Duet Rail Power System in the GAMING PLUS that employs the P-PAK VRM. This indicates that the TOMAHAWK MAX is designed for higher stability and efficiency under load, making it more suitable for overclocking and high-performance computing. The ability to support demanding Ryzen 9000 processors is enhanced in the TOMAHAWK MAX, thereby catering to users who prioritise power stability.

Cooling Features

Cooling is a critical aspect of motherboard performance, and the TOMAHAWK MAX excels with its premium FROZR GUARD features, including an EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II. It also utilises 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads and an Extended Heatsink, which are essential for maintaining optimal temperatures. The GAMING PLUS, while also featuring robust cooling solutions, relies on the standard M.2 Shield Frozr. Those considering high-performance builds may prefer the advanced cooling capabilities of the TOMAHAWK MAX, which can prevent thermal throttling more effectively.

Memory and Expansion Slots

The MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX offers a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot with a bandwidth of 128GB/s, allowing for superior graphics performance and future-proofing. In contrast, the GAMING PLUS provides a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot with a maximum bandwidth of 64GB/s. Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, but the TOMAHAWK MAX enables extreme memory overclocking speeds of 8400+ MT/s, compared to the 8200+ MT/s capability of the GAMING PLUS. For users looking to maximise their memory performance, the TOMAHAWK MAX presents a significant advantage.

Storage Options

When it comes to storage, the TOMAHAWK MAX features quadruple M.2 connectors, incorporating two M.2 Gen5 x4 slots and one M.2 Gen4 x4 slot along with another Gen4 x2 slot. This abundance of storage options facilitates faster data access and supports various configurations for high-speed SSDs. The GAMING PLUS, with its dual M.2 connectors, may be sufficient for general use but lacks the versatility offered by the TOMAHAWK MAX. Users with extensive storage needs or those who wish to set up a high-speed RAID configuration should consider the latter.

Connectivity Features

The connectivity options differ significantly between the two motherboards. The TOMAHAWK MAX is equipped with a full-speed Wi-Fi 7 module and Bluetooth 5.4, alongside 5Gbps LAN support. In comparison, the GAMING PLUS features a Wi-Fi 6E module with Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.5Gbps LAN. Although both motherboards offer modern wireless capabilities, the TOMAHAWK MAX stands out with its advanced Wi-Fi and LAN configurations, which can lead to a smoother online experience, especially for gamers and professionals who require reliable network performance.

Audio Performance

Audio quality is another area where the TOMAHAWK MAX shines, offering 7.1 USB High Performance Audio with Audio Boost 5, which supports S/PDIF output. Meanwhile, the GAMING PLUS also provides 7.1 HD Audio with Audio Boost but lacks the advanced features of the TOMAHAWK MAX. Users who value high-quality audio for gaming or multimedia purposes might find the superior audio capabilities of the TOMAHAWK MAX more appealing for an immersive experience.

Which should you buy?

When deciding between the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E and the MSI MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI motherboards, your choice depends on your specific needs and budget. The GAMING PLUS offers excellent performance at a lower price point, making it suitable for general users and gamers who do not require cutting-edge features. However, the TOMAHAWK MAX justifies its higher price with superior power delivery, extensive cooling solutions, advanced connectivity, and enhanced audio performance, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts and professionals seeking the best possible performance. If budget permits, the TOMAHAWK MAX is the better investment for future-proofing your gaming or computing setup.