Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£110CPU socket:AM4Chipset:AMD B350Form factor:ATX

MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic
6.2/10

Overall score

Score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

40%

4.7

Technical score

20%

8.4

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

4.7

User score

▼Worse than 78% of motherboards
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

▼Worse than 79%
4.7

Technical score

Technical score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

19%

5.9

Memory

16%

6.8

Platform

16%

3.9

Storage

15%

2.9

Network

13%

2.5

Ports

8%

3.8

Expansion

8%

5.7

Power & Cooling

5%

7.0

Audio

▼Worse than 81%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

8.5

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
3 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 0 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
▲Better than 57%
4.7

User score

User score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

4.7

Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.0

Rating

30%

7.7

Popularity

▼Worse than 88%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
  • msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
  • msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
  • msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
  • msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
  • msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
  • msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
  • msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
  • msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
msi-b350-tomahawk-arctic
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic

Based on 3 · 2

Reviewers generally like the fan control options, but agree the USB speeds are disappointing.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic

Technical score
Technical score
4.7/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

19%

5.9

Memory

16%

6.8

Platform

16%

3.9

Storage

15%

2.9

Network

13%

2.5

Ports

8%

3.8

Expansion

8%

5.7

Power & Cooling

5%

7.0

Audio

4.7
Reviews score
8.4
User score
4.7
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.2

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.3
CPU socket
AM4
This motherboard uses AM4, which is more up-to-date than 38.2% of Motherboards and the same as 13.3% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
AMD
Chipset
AMD B350
This motherboard uses AMD B350, which is less capable than 84.7% of Motherboards and as capable as 0.8% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DVI + VGA.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
This motherboard supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
3,200 MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 3,200 MT/s, which is lower than that of 63.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 11.2% of motherboards.
maximum depends on CPU configuration
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
1
This motherboard has 1 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 74.3% of Motherboards and the same as 10.4% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 6.1% of motherboards and equal to 46.8% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/10, which is less flexible than 67.6% of Motherboards and the same as 23.6% of Motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 40.5% of motherboards and equal to 26.8% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x4, which is more generous than 42.1% of Motherboards and the same as 8.2% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
6
This motherboard has 6 USB ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 63.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (including headers), which is fewer than 91.7% of motherboards and equal to 5.6% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
1
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 21.1% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
LAN speed
1 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer + Intel + Realtek
This motherboard has a Killer + Intel + Realtek LAN controller, which is slower than 64.6% of Motherboards and equal to 28.7% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC892
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC892, which is lower-end than 79.9% of Motherboards and the same as 8.8% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
97 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 97 dB, which is lower than that of 65.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 16.9% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 13% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
4+2
This motherboard has 4+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 88.4% of motherboards and equal to 5.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
This motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
This motherboard has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.6% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    1 vs 0
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (AM4 vs LGA 1151).
    AM4 vs LGA 1,151
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • 15.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    3 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 0 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.4 vs 7.3
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 15.1% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    3 reviews: 3 with a printed score, 0 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.4 vs 7.3
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (AM4 vs LGA 1151).
    AM4 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2 more PCI slots
    This motherboard has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 2.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 2.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 2.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen1 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD B350 vs Intel B860).
    AMD B350 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 5 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    10 vs 15
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 36.5% lower user score
    User score
    4.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    4.7

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.0

    Rating

    30%

    7.7

    Popularity

    4.7 vs 7.4
  • 4.8% worse value for money
    MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.35 vs 7.7).
    7.35 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (AMD B350 vs Intel B860).
    AMD B350 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 10, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • 31.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    maximum depends on CPU configuration
    3,200 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 36% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (3,200 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    3,200 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 1 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    1 vs 2
  • Fewer RAID options
    This motherboard offers fewer RAID levels than the average motherboard (0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10).
    0/1/10 vs 0/1/5/10
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 2 fewer rear USB ports
    This motherboard has fewer rear USB ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    6 vs 8
  • 5 fewer total USB connections
    This motherboard has fewer total USB connections than the average motherboard (10 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    10 vs 15
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This motherboard has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    other video outputs only
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    3 vs 4
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 18 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (97 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    97 dB vs 115 dB
  • Less capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a lower-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897
  • No optical S/PDIF out
    This motherboard does not have optical S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does. 55.4% of motherboards include optical S/PDIF out.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (4+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    4+2 vs 10
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
TheFullSetup
≈ estimated
17/06/2017
Hands-on review · BIOS and overclocking tests
Verdict
MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic is recommended at its price as one of the best options, though its built-in software is weak.
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
kitguru.net
✓ explicit
11/05/2017
Review · Budget AM4 board
Verdict
The MSI B350 Tomahawk is a budget board for Ryzen 5 chips that offers fast M.2 and one-click overclocking, though its onboard LEDs are fixed red.
7.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
03/08/2018
Hands-on test · Budget AM4 board
Verdict
The MSI B350 Tomahawk is a good-looking budget board with plenty of fan headers, though early units need a BIOS update before Ryzen 2000-series CPUs will boot.
8.5
hardwareinside.de
✓ explicit
25/05/2017
Lab test · Budget gaming board
Verdict
The MSI B350 Tomahawk is a budget gaming board with good fan control, but its four CPU power phases run hot near 4 GHz, so it suits only modest overclocks.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic

  • Excellent value for money and budget-friendly price point
  • Clean and uncluttered PCB layout with high-quality components
  • Solid overclocking performance with user-friendly UEFI BIOS
  • Aesthetic white/Arctic theme is a standout for themed builds
  • Includes a USB Type-C port on the rear I/O
  • Six onboard fan headers with comprehensive control options
  • Supports high-speed DDR4 memory (up to 3200MHz) via A-XMP profiles

What customers don't like about MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic

  • Limited to only four SATA 6Gb/s ports
  • Lacks native 10Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 2 support
  • Onboard lighting is single-color (white/ice blue) rather than full RGB
  • Inconsistent 'white' coloring—some report it appears more light-grey or blue-white
  • Requires BIOS updates for compatibility with newer Ryzen CPUs (e.g., 2000 series)
  • Poor audio codec (Realtek ALC892) compared to more expensive alternatives
  • Limited multi-GPU support (no SLI and second slot is bottlenecked)

Verdict

The MSI B350 Tomahawk Arctic is an ATX motherboard built on the AMD B350 chipset, featuring a distinctive white and silver 'Arctic' aesthetic with white LED lighting. It supports first and second-generation AMD Ryzen processors via the AM4 socket and includes four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of memory at overclocked speeds of 3200MHz+. Key technical features include a PCIe 3.0 x16 'Steel Armor' slot, an NVMe M.2 slot (PCIe Gen3 x4), and a USB 3.1 Gen1 Type-C port. Its main pros are a budget-friendly price, excellent fan control with six headers, and solid overclocking stability for its class. However, it has some cons, such as limited storage expansion with only four SATA ports, a lack of 10Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 2 support, and the presence of older legacy PCI slots instead of more modern alternatives.

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