Msi MAG B850 Tomahawk WiFi Motherboard Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk WiFi motherboard is a solid choice for AM5 builders who need modern connectivity. If you are looking for msi mag b850 tomahawk wifi motherboard alternatives, this list helps you compare options that share similar core specifications. The original board excels with its 14-phase power delivery and Wi-Fi 7 support. It also offers a 5 GbE LAN port and PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards. These features make it ideal for users prioritizing network speed and future-proofing over other traits.
You might want a different option if you need more M.2 slots or a different chipset tier. Some alternatives use the X870 chipset, which may offer additional connectivity like USB4. Others provide dual USB4 ports or different Ethernet speeds. This guide compares 6 boards that overlap with the original in key areas like socket type, form factor, and memory support. Each pick is selected because its specs align with what you likely need. You can choose based on whether you prioritize storage expansion, network bandwidth, or specific brand preferences. The list focuses on practical differences in power systems, cooling, and I/O to help you decide.
How alternatives compare to Tomahawk
ASUS Prime X870 ATX Motherboard
The ASUS Prime X870-P WiFi shares the AM5 socket, ATX form factor, and Wi-Fi 7 support found in the MSI Tomahawk. It also supports PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards. However, it drops the 5 GbE Ethernet port for a standard 2.5 GbE connection. This makes it less ideal for users requiring maximum wired network throughput. The X870 chipset generally offers more expansion lanes than the B850. You should choose this board if you prioritize extensive M.2 storage slots and modern chipset features over the Tomahawk’s faster wired networking speeds. It is a practical alternative for builders who do not need the highest Ethernet bandwidth.
MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi ATX Motherboard
The MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi uses the same AM5 socket and ATX layout as the B850 Tomahawk. It includes Wi-Fi 7 and PCIe 5.0 support. The key difference is the inclusion of USB 4 connectivity, which the B850 model lacks. This provides higher bandwidth for compatible devices. It also features the X870 chipset, which may offer different expansion capabilities. You should pick this board if you need USB 4 for fast external storage or docking stations. It is a better choice for users who value versatile high-speed ports over the specific networking advantages of the B850 Tomahawk. The weight is slightly lower, making installation marginally easier.
MSI MPG Carbon WiFi AM5 ATX Motherboard
The MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi is a premium option that shares the AM5 socket, ATX form factor, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. It supports PCIe 5.0 for graphics. The X870E chipset is designed for high-end performance. This board is heavier, weighing 5.49 pounds compared to the Tomahawk’s 4.54 pounds. It targets gamers who need robust power delivery and extensive connectivity. You should choose this if you want a higher-tier build with more premium features. It gives up the compact efficiency of the B850 for more advanced chipset capabilities. This is the best pick for users who prioritize top-tier gaming performance and are willing to accept a larger, heavier board.
GIGABYTE AORUS Elite WiFi 7 ATX Motherboard
The Gigabyte X870E AORUS Elite WiFi 7 shares the AM5 socket, ATX form factor, and Wi-Fi 7 support. It includes PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards. A major difference is the inclusion of dual USB4 ports, which the B850 Tomahawk does not have. It also features a 2.5 GbE Ethernet port, which is slower than the Tomahawk’s 5 GbE. You should select this board if you need USB4 for high-speed peripherals. It is a strong alternative for builders who want modern connectivity options like USB4. The trade-off is the slower wired network speed. It offers a solid feature set for users who value USB4 over maximum Ethernet bandwidth.
GIGABYTE AORUS Elite Wi-Fi 7 ATX Motherboard
The Gigabyte X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7 is another ATX board with AM5 support and Wi-Fi 7. It includes PCIe 5.0 for graphics. Like the other Gigabyte option, it provides USB4 connectivity, which the B850 Tomahawk lacks. It uses a 2.5 GbE Ethernet port, which is slower than the Tomahawk’s 5 GbE. This model is lighter, weighing only 2.71 pounds. You should choose this if you want a lighter board with USB4 support. It is suitable for builders who prioritize USB4 and lower weight. The main compromise is the reduced Ethernet speed. It offers a practical balance of modern features for users who do not require the fastest wired network connection.
ASUS TUF B850-PLUS WiFi ATX
The ASUS TUF B850-PLUS WiFi shares the B850 chipset, AM5 socket, and ATX form factor. It includes Wi-Fi 7 and PCIe 5.0 support. The primary difference is the 2.5 GbE Ethernet port, which is slower than the Tomahawk’s 5 GbE. It also has three M.2 slots, whereas the Tomahawk has four. You should pick this board if you prefer the ASUS TUF series design and features. It is a standard choice for AM5 builds that do not need the highest network speeds. The trade-off is fewer M.2 slots and slower Ethernet. It is a solid alternative for users who prioritize reliability and standard connectivity over maximum expansion and network bandwidth.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk WiFi Motherboard
Best for: Ryzen 9000 builds needing Wi-Fi 7
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- AMD B850
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 4
View on Amazon: MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk WiFi Motherboard Affiliate link
This MSI motherboard uses the AMD B850 chipset and supports AM5 Ryzen processors. It features a 14-phase power system with 80A DrMOS for stable performance. You get Wi-Fi 7, 5 GbE LAN, and PCIe 5.0 support. The board includes four M.2 slots with Gen 5 options. It suits users who need modern connectivity and strong power delivery for Ryzen 9000 series CPUs.
Pros
- 14-phase 80A DrMOS power design
- Wi-Fi 7 and 5 GbE LAN
- PCIe 5.0 x16 slot
- Four M.2 slots with Gen 5 support
Cons
- B850 chipset lacks PCIe 5.0 for storage compared to X870 options
- No USB4 or Thunderbolt support listed
- Heavier build at 4.54 pounds
Good fit if
- You want Wi-Fi 7 and 5 GbE networking
- You plan to use Ryzen 9000 series processors
- You need PCIe 5.0 for graphics cards
Skip if
- You require USB4 connectivity
- You need PCIe 5.0 M.2 storage speeds
- You prefer a lighter motherboard build
Verdict: MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi ATX provides robust power and modern networking for Ryzen 9000 users. It is ideal for builders who prioritize Wi-Fi 7 and strong VRMs over PCIe 5.0 storage speeds.
ASUS Prime X870 ATX Motherboard
Best for: AM5 builders needing Wi-Fi 7 and four M.2 slots
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- X870
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 4
View on Amazon: ASUS Prime X870 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
The ASUS Prime X870-P WiFi is an ATX motherboard built for AMD AM5 processors. It features a 14+2+1 phase power design with 80A DrMOS stages. You get Wi-Fi 7, PCIe 5.0 support, and four M.2 slots. This board suits builders who want modern connectivity and stable power delivery for Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series CPUs.
Pros
- 14+2+1 80A DrMOS power stages for stable delivery
- Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gb Ethernet connectivity
- Four M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support
- Comprehensive cooling with large VRM and PCH heatsinks
Cons
- Lacks USB4 ports despite having USB Type-C
- No mention of onboard RGB lighting headers
- No mention of integrated display outputs
Good fit if
- You want Wi-Fi 7 for future-proof networking
- You need four M.2 slots for storage expansion
- You are building with an AMD AM5 processor
Skip if
- You require USB4 connectivity for high-speed peripherals
- You prefer a smaller Mini ITX form factor
- You need built-in display outputs for troubleshooting
Verdict: ASUS Prime X870-P WiFi ATX offers robust power and modern I/O. It fits users prioritizing Wi-Fi 7 and extensive M.2 storage options over USB4 or display outputs.
MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi ATX Motherboard
Best for: AMD Ryzen builds needing Wi-Fi 7 and USB 4
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- X870
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 7
View on Amazon: MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
The MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi is an ATX motherboard built for AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors. It features the X870 chipset and supports DDR5 memory. Key specs include PCIe 5.0 connectivity and Wi-Fi 7. It also includes a 5 Gbps Ethernet port and a USB 4 port for fast data transfer. This board suits gamers seeking modern standards.
Pros
- Supports AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series Desktop Processors
- Includes a built-in USB 4 port with 40Gbps transmission speed
- Features 5 Gbps Ethernet for high-speed networking
- Equipped with Wi-Fi 7 for wireless connectivity
Cons
- Heavier build at 4 pounds compared to lighter alternatives
- Standard 5 Gbps Ethernet instead of 10 Gbps
- Lacks mention of Thunderbolt certification despite USB 4 support
Good fit if
- You need a motherboard with Wi-Fi 7 for future-proof wireless speeds
- You want a 5 Gbps Ethernet port for fast wired networking
- You are building a system with AMD Ryzen 9000 series processors
Skip if
- You require a smaller micro-ATX or mini-ITX form factor
- You need 10 Gbps Ethernet for specialized high-speed network setups
- You prefer a lighter motherboard for easier installation in small cases
Verdict: MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi ATX delivers solid modern connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and USB 4. It fits users who want a robust ATX board for AMD Ryzen processors without needing extreme networking speeds.
MSI MPG Carbon WiFi AM5 ATX Motherboard
Best for: Gamers needing PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 7
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- X870E
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- Wi-Fi Standard
- Wi-Fi 7
View on Amazon: MSI MPG Carbon WiFi AM5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
The MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi is an ATX motherboard for AMD AM5 processors. It features PCIe 5.0 support for high-speed data transfer and includes Wi-Fi 7 connectivity. The board also provides dual LAN with 5 Gbps Ethernet speeds. Its premium thermal design uses heavy plated heatsinks and heat pipes to manage temperatures. This setup suits gamers who need robust connectivity and modern expansion standards.
Pros
- Supports PCIe 5.0 for maximum transfer speeds
- Includes Wi-Fi 7 for fast wireless networking
- Features dual LAN with 5 Gbps Ethernet
- Uses heavy plated MOSFET heatsink with heat pipes
Cons
- Heavier build at 5.49 pounds
- Larger dimensions at 13.5 by 10.6 inches
- No mention of USB-C connectivity in specs
Good fit if
- You need PCIe 5.0 support for future graphics cards
- You want Wi-Fi 7 and dual LAN options
- You prefer a robust thermal design for sustained performance
Skip if
- You require a smaller form factor than ATX
- You prioritize lightweight components for easy handling
- You are building a budget system with older PCIe standards
Verdict: MSI MPG X870E Carbon WiFi offers strong connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and PCIe 5.0. It fits gamers who value high-speed data transfer and reliable networking over compact size.
GIGABYTE AORUS Elite WiFi 7 ATX Motherboard
Best for: AM5 builders wanting PCIe 5.0 and USB4
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- X870E
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 4
View on Amazon: GIGABYTE AORUS Elite WiFi 7 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
This ATX motherboard pairs the AMD X870E chipset with a robust 16+2+2 power phase design. It supports DDR5 memory via four DIMM slots and includes four M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support. You get dual USB4 ports, Wi-Fi 7, and 2.5GbE LAN for modern connectivity. It suits builders who want high-end features without the premium price of top-tier models.
Pros
- 16+2+2 power phase design for stable CPU power delivery
- Four M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support
- Dual USB4 ports for high-speed data transfer
- Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5GbE LAN connectivity
Cons
- 2.5GbE Ethernet is slower than the 5GbE or 10GbE found on some competitors
- ATX form factor may not fit smaller cases
- Lacks the premium VRM heatsinks of higher-tier X870E boards
Good fit if
- You need PCIe 5.0 storage and dual USB4 ports
- You want Wi-Fi 7 and modern AMD AM5 support
- You prefer a standard ATX layout with strong power delivery
Skip if
- You require 10GbE or higher Ethernet speeds
- You are building in a compact ITX or mATX case
- You need the absolute highest-tier VRM cooling available
Verdict: Gigabyte X870E AORUS Elite WiFi 7 delivers a strong feature set with PCIe 5.0 and dual USB4. It is a practical choice for users who want modern connectivity and solid power delivery without paying for flagship-level aesthetics.
GIGABYTE AORUS Elite Wi-Fi 7 ATX Motherboard
Best for: builders needing four M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- X870
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 4
View on Amazon: GIGABYTE AORUS Elite Wi-Fi 7 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link
This ATX motherboard supports AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors via the AM5 socket. It features a 16+2+2 power phase design and four DDR5 DIMM slots. You get four M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 support, dual USB4 ports, and Wi-Fi 7. The 2.5GbE LAN and Thermal Guard cooling make it a solid foundation for high-end builds.
Pros
- Supports AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series CPUs
- Four M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 connectivity
- Includes dual USB4 ports and Wi-Fi 7
- 16+2+2 power phase design for stable performance
- Equipped with VRM and M.2 Thermal Guard
Cons
- 2.5GbE Ethernet is slower than 10GbE options
- No mention of onboard audio specifications
- Heavier build at 2.71 pounds
Good fit if
- You need Wi-Fi 7 and USB4 connectivity
- You want four M.2 slots for storage
- You are building with AMD Ryzen 7000 or newer
Skip if
- You require 10GbE Ethernet speeds
- You prefer a smaller form factor than ATX
- You need explicit onboard audio details
Verdict: GIGABYTE X870 AORUS Elite WIFI7 ATX delivers robust power and modern connectivity for AMD Ryzen users. It is best for builders who prioritize fast storage expansion and wireless standards.
ASUS TUF B850-PLUS WiFi ATX
Best for: Standard AM5 builds needing Wi-Fi 7
- CPU Socket
- AM5
- Chipset
- B850
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 3
View on Amazon: ASUS TUF B850-PLUS WiFi ATX Affiliate link
The ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi is an ATX motherboard built for AMD AM5 processors. It features a 14+2+1 80A DrMOS power solution and supports DDR5 memory. You get Wi-Fi 7, PCIe 5.0 expansion, and three M.2 slots with heatsinks. This board suits users who want robust connectivity and stable power delivery for modern Ryzen CPUs without premium pricing.
Pros
- 14+2+1 80A DrMOS power stages for stable delivery
- Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gb Ethernet connectivity
- Three M.2 slots including one PCIe 5.0
- Thunderbolt (USB4) header support
Cons
- B850 chipset limits CPU overclocking compared to X870 options
- Only one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, others are PCIe 4.0
- No dedicated VRM heatsinks mentioned in specifications
Good fit if
- You need Wi-Fi 7 for future-proof connectivity
- You want PCIe 5.0 support for GPUs and storage
- You prefer a reliable ATX board for AM5 CPUs
Skip if
- You require extensive CPU overclocking capabilities
- You need multiple PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots
- You are building a compact ITX system
Verdict: ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi ATX offers solid power and modern connectivity for standard AM5 builds. It fits users who prioritize Wi-Fi 7 and PCIe 5.0 over advanced overclocking features.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk WiFi Motherboard | ASUS Prime X870 ATX Motherboard | MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi ATX Motherboard | MSI MPG Carbon WiFi AM5 ATX Motherboard | GIGABYTE AORUS Elite WiFi 7 ATX Motherboard | GIGABYTE AORUS Elite Wi-Fi 7 ATX Motherboard | ASUS TUF B850-PLUS WiFi ATX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Socket | AM5 | AM5 | AM5 | AM5 | AM5 | AM5 | AM5 |
| Chipset | AMD B850 | X870 | X870 | X870E | X870E | X870 | B850 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX | ATX |
| Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| M.2 Slots | 4 | 4 | not stated | not stated | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | WiFi 7 | WIFI7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Ethernet Speed | 5G LAN | 2.5Gb | 5Gbps LAN | 5Gbps LAN | 2.5GbE | 2.5GbE | 2.5Gb LAN |
| Power Phases | not stated | 14+2+1 | not stated | not stated | 16+2+2 | 16 plus2 plus2 | 14+2+1 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Use Case | not stated | not stated | Gaming | Gaming | not stated | not stated | Gaming |
| Dimensions | 13.5 × 10.8 × 2.91 inches | 14 × 10.8 × 2.8 inches | 13.5 × 10.6 × 2.76 inches | 13.5 × 10.6 × 2.76 inches | 13.4 × 10.8 × 3.3 inches | 9.61 × 12 × 1.38 inches | 12 × 9.61 × 1.89 inches |
| Weight | 4.54 pounds | 4 pounds | 4 pounds | 5.49 pounds | not stated | 2.71 pounds | 2.91 pounds |
| Size | 256 GB | ATX|M.2x4|WiFi7 | 13.4"L x 10.9"W x 3"H | 13.6"L x 3"W x 10.7"H | ATX | ATX | 3X M.2|WiFi7|2.5Gb LAN |
| Color | Black | BLACK | not stated | Carbon Black | ELITE | ELITE | BLACK |
| Model | MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi | PRIME X870-P WIFI | MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI | MPG X870E CARBON WIFI | X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7 | X870 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 | TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI |
Frequently asked questions
Which MSI motherboard offers USB 4 connectivity?
The MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi ATX Motherboard includes USB 4 support. This feature is not listed for the B850 Tomahawk WiFi. Both boards use the AM5 socket and support Wi-Fi 7. The X870 model is positioned as a solid option for users who need faster peripheral connectivity alongside standard gaming features.
Does the ASUS Prime X870 have four M.2 slots?
Yes, the ASUS Prime X870 ATX Motherboard provides four M.2 slots. The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk WiFi does not list this specific storage count in its attributes. The ASUS board also includes Wi-Fi 7 and PCIe 5.0 support, making it a strong alternative for builders prioritizing extensive storage expansion options.
Which alternative is best for users who want USB 4?
The MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi ATX Motherboard is ideal for users wanting USB 4. The GIGABYTE AORUS Elite WiFi 7 ATX Motherboard also offers dual USB4 ports. These options suit builders who need high-speed data transfer capabilities that the standard B850 Tomahawk WiFi does not explicitly list.
Is there a premium MSI option with PCIe 5.0?
The MSI MPG Carbon WiFi AM5 ATX Motherboard is the premium choice. It supports PCIe 5.0 for graphics and storage. This board weighs 5.49 pounds, making it heavier than the B850 Tomahawk WiFi. It targets gamers who value high-speed data transfer and robust networking over compact size or lighter builds.
Which board supports 2.5GbE Ethernet?
Several alternatives support 2.5GbE Ethernet, including the ASUS Prime X870, GIGABYTE AORUS Elite WiFi 7, and ASUS TUF B850-PLUS WiFi. The B850 Tomahawk WiFi does not list Ethernet speed in its attributes. These boards provide reliable wired connectivity alongside Wi-Fi 7 for modern networking demands.
What is the lightest motherboard on this list?
The GIGABYTE AORUS Elite Wi-Fi 7 ATX Motherboard is the lightest at 2.71 pounds. This is significantly lighter than the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk WiFi, which weighs 4.54 pounds. The lighter board still offers four M.2 slots and Wi-Fi 7 support for efficient AM5 builds.
Which board is best for standard AM5 builds?
The ASUS TUF B850-PLUS WiFi ATX is designed for standard AM5 builds. It offers solid power and modern connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7 and PCIe 5.0. It prioritizes these core features over advanced overclocking capabilities, making it a practical choice for users who do not need extreme performance tweaks.