ASRock A520M-HDV Supports AMD AM4 Socket Ryzen™ vs MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Motherboard, ATX
Updated August 2026 — MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Motherboard, ATX leads on connectivity and cooling.
The ASRock A520M-HDV is a budget-friendly option for older Ryzen processors, while the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi offers advanced features for high-performance users.
Why ASRock A520M-HDV Supports AMD AM4 Socket Ryzen™ is better
Price
ASRock is significantly cheaper.
Compatibility
Supports older Ryzen processors.
Basic Features
Adequate for standard gaming.
Why MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Motherboard, ATX is better
Performance
Higher memory speeds with DDR5.
Power Design
Robust power system for high-end CPUs.
Connectivity
Includes Wi-Fi 7 and advanced audio features.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | ASRock A520M-HDV Supports AMD AM4 Socket Ryzen™ | MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Motherboard, ATX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM4 | AM5 |
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR5 |
| Max Memory | 32 GB | 128 GB |
| PCIe Version | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Power Phases | 6 | 14 |
Dimension comparison
Overview of the ASRock A520M-HDV and MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
The ASRock A520M-HDV is priced at $68.49, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to build a desktop with AMD's Ryzen processors. In comparison, the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is significantly more expensive at $209.99, targeting users who require advanced features and support for the latest technology. This price difference reflects the capabilities and specifications that each motherboard offers.
Compatibility with Processors
The ASRock A520M-HDV supports AMD AM4 socket processors, including the Ryzen 3000, 4000 G-Series, and 5000 series, making it a versatile choice for a range of AMD CPUs. On the other hand, the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is designed for the newer AMD AM5 socket, supporting Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors. This means that if you’re looking to invest in the latest AMD technology, the MSI motherboard is the clear choice.
Memory Support
When it comes to memory, the ASRock A520M-HDV supports DDR4 memory with speeds of up to 4733 MHz when overclocked, accommodating a maximum of 32 GB. Conversely, the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi offers DDR5 memory support with impressive speeds of 8400+ MT/s, making it highly suitable for users who want to push their system to the edge. The capability of the MSI motherboard to handle cutting-edge DDR5 memory provides a significant performance advantage for high-end gaming and content creation.
Power Design and Cooling Features
The power design of the ASRock A520M-HDV includes a 6-phase power system, which is adequate for managing energy requirements of mid-range processors. In contrast, the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi boasts a more robust 14 Duet Rail Power System (80A, SPS), which is particularly advantageous for high-performance processors. Additionally, the MSI motherboard incorporates advanced cooling features such as MOSFET thermal pads and an Extended Heatsink, ensuring optimal performance even under heavy loads.
Expansion and Connectivity Options
The ASRock A520M-HDV features one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, providing decent expansion possibilities for users on a budget. However, the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi significantly expands on this with a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and multiple M.2 connectors for faster storage options. This includes two M.2 Gen5 slots, which can transfer data at 128 Gbps, making the MSI motherboard far superior for users focused on high-speed storage and advanced graphics performance.
Graphics Output Capabilities
For graphics output, the ASRock A520M-HDV includes D-Sub, DVI-D, and HDMI ports, supporting up to 4K resolution at 60Hz. This is adequate for standard gaming and media consumption. However, the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi goes beyond basic outputs, featuring improved support for high-end graphics cards through its PCIe 5.0 architecture. This level of support is crucial for gamers and professionals who demand the best visual performance and responsiveness.
Network and Audio Features
The ASRock A520M-HDV does not highlight specific networking capabilities, which may limit its appeal for users looking for high-speed connectivity. In contrast, the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is equipped with full-speed Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, as well as Realtek 5G LAN, providing superior connectivity options for online gaming and streaming. Additionally, MSI's audio capabilities, including 7.1 USB High Performance Audio with Audio Boost 5, further enhance the multimedia experience, making it suitable for gamers and content creators alike.
Price Comparison
The ASRock A520M-HDV is priced at $68.49, making it about 67% cheaper than the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi, which retails for $209.99. This substantial price gap signifies the difference in target markets and intended use cases. While the ASRock model is a great entry-level option for budget-conscious consumers, the MSI motherboard provides the advanced features and capabilities needed for serious gamers and high-performance users.
Which should you buy?
Choosing between the ASRock A520M-HDV and the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're assembling a budget-friendly build with older Ryzen processors, the ASRock A520M-HDV is a practical choice that offers solid performance at a fraction of the cost. However, if you’re looking to future-proof your system with the latest Ryzen processors and desire high-speed memory and storage options, the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is undoubtedly the superior option, despite its higher price tag.