The MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk Wi-Fi ($219.99 MSRP; usually $199 or much less on sale) is a full-featured ATX-size motherboard from the finances aspect of the tracks. So long as overclocking your processor is not a requirement (bear in mind the B760 chipset can overclock reminiscence however not the CPU), this reasonably priced board has a broad characteristic set together with three M.2 sockets and 4 SATA ports for storage, energy supply appropriate for Intel’s flagship processors, loads of rear I/O together with a 20Gbps USB Kind-C port, and a low-end however acceptable audio resolution. It is not flashy, but it surely’s a reliable platform with respectable efficiency.
Board Design, CPU, and Reminiscence
MSI’s full-size Tomahawk sits on a 6-layer matte black PCB with 2-ounce thickened copper that MSI says improves signaling and communication. Like different boards in its value vary, it has giant heatsinks overlaying the VRMs and others overlaying the chipset and M.2 sockets. The heatsinks have a brushed aluminum end with white stenciled branding in MSI’s cruise missile or army theme. The first PCI Specific slot has metallic reinforcement to forestall shearing from heavy graphics playing cards. The B760 Tomahawk doesn’t include built-in RGB lighting, however has loads of headers to attach your personal. It would not stand out like motherboards with fancy LEDs, however the impartial, all-black look suits in with most construct themes.
Since 1982, PCMag has examined and rated 1000’s of merchandise that will help you make higher shopping for choices. See how we check.
(Credit score: Joe Shields)
The B760 Tomahawk Wi-Fi helps Intel’s twelfth and thirteenth Technology Core processors. The VRMs tasked with powering the CPU make the most of a 12-phase design with 75-amp DrMOS MOSFETs. The 900A out there for the CPU is greater than sufficient for flagship-class chips just like the Core i9-13900K we use for testing. For the reason that B760 platform would not permit processor overclocking, piling on the ability will increase price with little profit to the person.
MSI lists reminiscence assist for the Tomahawk at as much as DDR5-7000+ (OC) with a most capability of 192GB (48GB in every of the 4 slots). That supported pace is common to barely beneath common for this Intel platform, however with DDR5’s present candy spot for Intel sitting across the 6,000MHz to six,400MHz vary, you may discover loads of headroom if you wish to spend extra on sooner or higher-capacity kits.
(Credit score: Joe Shields)
In the event you’re into overclocking your RAM to squeeze the final couple of p.c out of your PC, the MSI BIOS offers numerous reminiscence tweaking choices together with all the first, secondary, and tertiary timings and voltages. Our base DDR5-5600 and DDR5-6000 kits labored advantageous by setting the XMP and EXPO profiles as anticipated.
Structure and Inside Connectors
Beginning on the prime left of our cruise-missile-named motherboard, we see two 8-pin EPS connectors (one required) to energy the processor. Surrounding these connectors are two beefy heatsinks to chill the VRMs beneath. Their heavy mass and several other cutouts preserve the MOSFETs working effectively inside spec.
(Credit score: Joe Shields)
Transferring previous the socket space, we encounter the 4 unreinforced DRAM slots with locking mechanisms on each side. Above them is the primary set of headers, on this case two 4-pin fan headers. The board incorporates seven in whole, every capable of energy and management 3-pin DC or 4-pin PWM-type followers and pumps. The CPU and system fan headers output as much as 2A/24W, whereas the pump fan header helps a whopping 3A/36W. You will not run out of energy with these headers, with loads of them to go round. (However don’t overload them!) You management related gadgets via the BIOS (sadly, not via the MSI Middle app but).
Additionally on this space are the primary two RGB headers, one 3-pin ARGB and one 4-pin RGB. For the reason that Tomahawk lacks any RGB lighting of its personal, you may want so as to add your personal bling through these 4 headers (the opposite two are situated on the underside of the board). Management over these headers is managed via the Mystic Mild part of the MSI Middle app.
Transferring down the suitable edge, we run into two extra fan headers, the EZ Debug LED, and the 24-pin ATX connector to energy the board. Under are a front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) Kind-A header and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) Kind-C header.
Growth, Storage, and Rear I/O
On the left aspect of the board, we get a more in-depth take a look at the audio part, with the budget-class Realtek ALC897 chip on full show. You will discover the acquainted audio separation line to maintain the extra delicate audio bits away from the remainder of the motherboard and a few devoted audio caps. Whereas the ALC897 is not the newest and biggest, many customers nonetheless discover this audio resolution acceptable, though extra vital listeners might wish to use a sound card.
(Credit score: Joe Shields)
In the midst of the board are a few enlargement slots and three M.2 sockets, the latter hidden underneath heatsinks. The highest PCIe slot, the first slot for graphics playing cards, connects via the CPU and runs at PCIe 5.0 x16 speeds. The second full-length and backside x1 slots join via the chipset, with the full-length slot working at PCIe 3.0 x4 and the x1 slot at PCIe 4.0 x1.
For storage, the highest M.2 socket connects via the CPU working at PCIe 4.0 x4 (64Gbps) speeds, whereas the others supply their lanes via the chipset. The highest socket helps as much as 110mm modules whereas the underside two sockets, additionally PCIe 4.0 x4 (64Gbps), maintain drives as much as 80mm in size. In case you have a SATA-based M.2 module, the underside M.2_3 socket helps it.
Lastly come 4 SATA3 6Gbps ports for extra conventional storage. If you wish to use RAID, MSI solely helps RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 modes on SATA-connected gadgets. You will see some lane sharing when an M.2 SATA drive is positioned within the M2_4 slot (SATA7 is disabled). If it is a PCIe module you’ll be able to run all storage concurrently.
(Credit score: Joe Shields)
The rear I/O is typical MSI fare. The panel has a black background with gentle grey port labels and MSI MAG branding. You will discover a whole of 9 USB ports right here: one 20Gbps Kind-C, 4 10Gbps Kind-A, and 4 USB 2.0 (480Mbps) ports. Amongst all these are HDMI and DisplayPort video outputs to make use of with the CPU’s built-in graphics. Simply above the USB ports is the Realtek 2.5Gbps Ethernet jack, in addition to antenna connections for the included Wi-Fi 6E adapter. Final, on the suitable edge is the audio stack comprising 5 analog ports and one SPDIF.
UEFI BIOS and Utilities
Like practically all desktop BIOSes, MSI’s begins in Straightforward Mode. This mode is informative, with system particulars listed throughout the highest, and practical, with the flexibility to alter a number of choices together with boot precedence, XMP profiles for RAM, and Recreation Increase. General, it offers loads of useful info.
The superior model of the BIOS is exclusive in contrast with different motherboard makers: As an alternative of arranging the foremost headings throughout the highest, it places them off to the perimeters. You will see all the data the BIOS offers within the center, whereas the system abstract stays seen up prime with different sections on the aspect.
Within the Settings part, you’ll discover particulars on the system, boot, and safety performance and choices to regulate issues like peripherals, USB, graphics, and extra.
(Credit score: MSI)
Subsequent, the OC setting holds every part it is advisable to tweak the RAM and processor. Customers can modify the CPU pace, however solely as much as turbo settings. In the event you’re into overclocking the reminiscence, you may discover extra timings than you’ll be able to wrap your head round (as is the norm with B760 boards).
(Credit score: MSI)
The {Hardware} Monitor part shows related system info starting from CPU and motherboard temperatures to fan speeds and voltages. Inside this part, you’ll be able to modify the fan speeds of all of the onboard 4-pin fan headers and arrange customized profiles for all objects hooked up to the headers.
(Credit score: MSI)
MSI’s BIOS is as feature-rich and as straightforward to navigate as its opponents. The system was steady throughout our transient testing interval and we encountered no glitches or issues.
On the software program aspect, MSI has up to date MSI Middle, a single app you’ll be able to obtain and launch different functions from. This consists of MSI Companion, Gaming Mode, Tremendous Charger, Mystic Mild for RGB management, and plenty of others. It additionally offers {hardware} monitoring, although it lacks overclocking options (not related for B760 platforms anyway).
(Credit score: MSI)
The {hardware} monitoring part is detailed, displaying CPU use, frequency, and temperature together with system temps together with DRAM, CPU, MOSFETs, chipset, and important voltages. It is informative, however nothing you’ll be able to tweak or modify.
(Credit score: MSI)
Final contained in the MSI Middle software program is the Mystic Mild app. Right here you’ll be able to set profiles, change brightness, sync RGBs, and modify components individually for elements related to the RGB headers.
(Credit score: MSI)
Verdict: First rate Specs and Seems to be However Not the High Worth
General, MSI’s B760 Tomahawk Wi-Fi is likely one of the higher choices within the finances B760 house. From its military-themed black aesthetic to the 20Gbps USB-C port on the rear, it seemingly has what you are searching for in an reasonably priced motherboard. Whereas B760 would not have all of the options Z790 does, most customers do not want them and positively needn’t pay further for them. Whereas the Tomahawk is not the most affordable B760 platform, you get respectable efficiency (together with gaming) for the cash, succesful energy supply, tolerable audio, three M.2 sockets, 4 SATA ports, and built-in Wi-Fi 6E.
(Credit score: Joe Shields)
MSI’s opponents all have motherboards that compete with the Tomahawk, with the Asus TUF Gaming B760-Plus Wi-Fi D4 carrying the identical $199.99 price ticket and the Gigabyte Aorus Elite AX and ASRock B760 Professional RS DDR4 cheaper at $169.99. All these boards have three M.2 sockets, Realtek’s finances audio codec, 2.5GbE LAN assist, and 4 SATA ports. All however the ASRock embrace Wi-Fi (although the Asus has simply Wi-Fi 6 as an alternative of 6E). For many builders, the selection comes all the way down to the necessity for the quickest Wi-Fi or 20Gbps USB-C as offered by MSI and Asus.
In the end, the MSI earns a excessive score as probably the most full options, although you may spend a bit extra on its required DDR5 reminiscence. We think about the Aorus Elite AX a barely higher cut price, although it lacks a 20Gbps USB port. Your desire will come down to cost and design.
MSI MAG B760 Tomahawk Wi-Fi
Professionals
The Backside Line
Constructing with the newest Intel CPUs on a finances? MSI’s B760 Tomahawk Wi-Fi is a well-outfitted, decently performing, all-black ATX motherboard that’s straightforward on the pockets.
Like What You are Studying?
Join Lab Report to get the newest critiques and prime product recommendation delivered proper to your inbox.
This text might comprise promoting, offers, or affiliate hyperlinks. Subscribing to a e-newsletter signifies your consent to our Phrases of Use and Privateness Coverage. It’s possible you’ll unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
