OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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 MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£190CPU socket:LGA 1851Chipset:Intel B860Form factor:ATX

MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi Review: Compare 109 technical specifications, 21 expert and video reviews and 6 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi
8.5/10

Overall score

Score
8.5/ 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
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

40%

8.4

Technical score

20%

8.6

Reviews score

20%

9.5

List score

10%

?

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

10%

8.5

User score

★Better than 99% of motherboards
8.8

Value for money

Value for money
8.8/ 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
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

★Better than 99%
8.4

Technical score

Technical score
8.4/ 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
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

19%

9.7

Memory

16%

9.1

Platform

16%

7.7

Storage

15%

8.7

Network

13%

7.8

Ports

8%

6.1

Expansion

8%

8.8

Power & Cooling

5%

7.8

Audio

★Better than 91%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 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
▲ Better than 78% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

9.8

Popularity

Grades by review (21)
18 reviews: 13 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 3 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 78%
8.5

User score

User score
8.5/ 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
▲ Better than 55% of models

70%

8.7

Rating

30%

8.0

Popularity

▲Better than 55%
9.5

List score

List score
9.5/ 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 (6)
List score: in 6 of 57 lists (11%)
★Better than 99%
  • msi-mag-b860-tomahawk-wifi
  • msi-mag-b860-tomahawk-wifi
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  • msi-mag-b860-tomahawk-wifi
  • msi-mag-b860-tomahawk-wifi
  • msi-mag-b860-tomahawk-wifi
  • msi-mag-b860-tomahawk-wifi
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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 MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi

Based on 18 · 3

Reviewers find it easy to build with and praise the Wi-Fi and Ethernet, but audio, PCIe lanes and overclocking disappoint.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi

Technical score
Technical score
8.4/ 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
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components:

19%

9.7

Memory

16%

9.1

Platform

16%

7.7

Storage

15%

8.7

Network

13%

7.8

Ports

8%

6.1

Expansion

8%

8.8

Power & Cooling

5%

7.8

Audio

8.4
Reviews score
8.6
User score
8.5
List score
9.5
Value for money
Value for money
8.8/ 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
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

8.5

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

8.8
CPU socket
LGA 1851
This motherboard uses LGA 1851, which is more up-to-date than 77.5% of Motherboards and the same as 8% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel B860
This motherboard uses Intel B860, which is more capable than 85.2% of Motherboards and as capable as 3.4% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort + USB4 / Thunderbolt.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR5
This motherboard uses DDR5, which is more modern than 63.8% of Motherboards and the same as 36.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
256 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 82.5% of motherboards and equal to 16.7% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
6,400 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 6,400 MT/s, which is higher than that of 72.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.4% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of M.2 sockets
3
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 3 M.2 sockets, which is more than 65.1% of motherboards and equal to 18.9% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4, which is faster than 84.4% of Motherboards and the same as 3.3% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
Market range: <4 – >8
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
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
SATA only
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.4% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
2
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 90.9% of motherboards and equal to 6.4% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x4/x4, which is more generous than 88.1% of Motherboards and the same as 1.7% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x16/x0/x4, x16/x1/x2.
Show more
What reviewers say
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.7% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 18 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 81.8% of motherboards and equal to 5.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 84.2% of motherboards and equal to 12.2% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
3
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 84.7% of motherboards and equal to 10.9% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt excluded.
Show more
What reviewers say
LAN speed
5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 90.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.3% of motherboards.
LAN controller
Killer E5000
This motherboard has a Killer E5000 LAN controller, which is faster than 89.6% of Motherboards and equal to 0.1% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), which is newer than 88.2% of Motherboards and the same as 11.8% of Motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
Audio codec
Realtek ALC897
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC897, which is higher-end than 20.2% of Motherboards and the same as 29.9% 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
?
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
2
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 2 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 88.8% of motherboards and equal to 10.8% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
VRM phases
12+1+1+1
This motherboard has 12+1+1+1 VRM phases, which is more than 74.8% of motherboards and equal to 0.3% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
7
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 7 fan headers, which is more than 72.4% of motherboards and equal to 9.8% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.2% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1851 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,851 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • 1 more top-speed NVMe slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    4 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E5000 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Killer E5000 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 21.8% higher list score
    List score
    9.5/ 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 (6)
    List score: in 6 of 57 lists (11%)
    9.5 vs 7.8
  • 17.8% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.6/ 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
    ▲ Better than 78% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    9.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (21)
    18 reviews: 13 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 3 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.
    8.6 vs 7.3
  • 14.8% better value for money
    MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi has better value for money than the average motherboard (8.84 vs 7.7).
    8.84 vs 7.7
  • 14.9% higher user score
    User score
    8.5/ 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
    ▲ Better than 55% of models

    70%

    8.7

    Rating

    30%

    8.0

    Popularity

    8.5 vs 7.4
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1851 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,851 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 36.2% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (6,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    6,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 84% higher overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (9,200 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    9,200 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 1 more top-speed NVMe slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    2 vs 0
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x4/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 3 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    4 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 3 more total USB connections
    This motherboard has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    18 vs 15
  • 2 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    3 vs 1
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    10Gbps Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more Thunderbolt 3 ports
    This motherboard has more Thunderbolt 3 ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 3 port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB4 40Gbps ports
    This motherboard has more USB4 40Gbps ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 40Gbps port/s.
    USB4 via Thunderbolt 4.
    1 vs 0
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Killer E5000 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Killer E5000 vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • 2x higher LAN speed
    This motherboard has a higher LAN speed than the average motherboard (5 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    5 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+1+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    12+1+1+1 vs 10
  • 1.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (7 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    7 vs 5.5
  • 1 more RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    0 vs 4
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 11 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 11 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    2 vs 3
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 11 vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 11 vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • No NVMe RAID support
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No multi-GPU support
    This motherboard does not support multi-GPU, while the average motherboard does. 53.9% of motherboards support multi-GPU.
  • 1 fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    0 vs 4
  • 1 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    2 vs 3

Video reviews

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

9.0
techandtips
≈ estimated
28/02/2025
Hands-on review · CPU, RAM and SSD thermal tests
Verdict
MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi offers solid design and strong performance for its price, though a Gen 5 SSD needs extra cooling.
9.0
Level1Techs
≈ estimated
14/01/2025
Hands-on review · test bench and BIOS update
Verdict
MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is a solid board for Core Ultra, pairs best with the i7, and has only minor complaints.
Not graded
Overview video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.8
thefpsreview.com
✓ explicit
13/01/2025
Lab test · B860 motherboard
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 TOMAHAWK WIFI is a sturdy, well-supplied B860 board, cheaper than the Z890 version, but has one Thunderbolt port where Z890 has two.
7.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
26/01/2025
Lab test · Killer networking board
Verdict
The MSI B860 Tomahawk Wifi is a well-rounded B860 board with Killer 5GbE and Wi-Fi 7, though it is among the pricier B860 boards with limited bandwidth.
9.0
pcguide.com
✓ explicit
03/02/2025
Hands-on review · EZ DIY features
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi suits first-time builders, with a tool-free M.2 cooler and easy BIOS, but it skips power buttons and a debug display.
8.0
hwcooling.net
≈ estimated
24/02/2025
Lab test · Cheaper Arrow Lake board
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi gives Core Ultra CPUs PCIe 5.0 graphics and SSD slots plus 5GbE at a lower price than Z890, but CPUs cannot be overclocked.
9.0
overclock3d.net
≈ estimated
19/03/2025
Lab test · Arrow Lake B860 board
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is the right B860 board for most people, delivering performance close to pricier rivals in Cinebench and games.
8.0
techpowerup.com
✓ explicit
20/03/2025
Lab test · Z890 comparison
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk Wi-Fi is a trimmed-down alternative to the Z890 version, so the Z890 may be worth its extra cost if you need more ports.
8.5
mezha.ua
✓ explicit
15/04/2025
Lab test · Full-size ATX board
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 TOMAHAWK WIFI is a full-size board with a reinforced top PCIe slot and three M.2 ports, though some slots share lanes.
7.0
kitguru.net
✓ explicit
24/04/2025
Hands-on review · Budget chipset board
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is easy to build and cools well, but it costs nearly the same as the Z890 Tomahawk, which is the better buy.
8.6
funkykit.com
✓ explicit
10/11/2025
Review preview · Gaming motherboard
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is a gaming board for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 chips, with strong cooling and fast networking.
8.9
tech4gamers.com
✓ explicit
13/01/2025
Hands-on review · Mid-range Intel board
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is a feature-packed, well-cooled board for gamers on a mid-range budget, but its basic audio and missing debug LED may disappoint.
7.0
hardwareluxx.de
✓ explicit
19/01/2025
Lab test · Intel B860 board
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is a solid Intel board with PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 7, held back by an old audio chip and a high price.
6.0
allround-pc.com
✓ explicit
25/03/2025
Hands-on test · Mid-range Intel board
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi suits buyers who skip CPU overclocking, offering PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 7, though its price is high for a B860 board.
8.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
04/12/2025
Lab test · Arrow Lake board
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is a solid cheaper route into Arrow Lake, with strong power and full rear ports, though its chipset trims some PCIe and USB.
8.4
ginjfo.com
✓ explicit
10/04/2025
Lab test · Gaming motherboard
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk Wi-Fi suits gaming builds with its clear BIOS and fast networking, but it skips power buttons, error code display and a driver USB stick.
9.0
overclocking.com
≈ estimated
01/02/2025
Lab test · Gaming B860 board
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk Wifi is a capable gaming board for Core Ultra CPUs, with easy memory tuning and strong XMP support, though its BIOS navigation is clumsy.
8.0
lecafedugeek.fr
✓ explicit
08/06/2026
Review · Intel B860 board
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is an easy-to-build, well-equipped board for recent Intel Core Ultra chips, though its green styling may not suit everyone.
9.5
hardwarecooking.fr
≈ estimated
14/03/2025
Review · Core Ultra 200S board
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi suits Core Ultra 200S builds with fast PCIe 5.0, but its price sits at the top of the B860 range.
9.0
elchapuzasinformatico.com
≈ estimated
21/02/2025
Hands-on review · Budget Intel board
Verdict
The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is a value Intel board for Core Ultra 200S, with Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4, though its power section is trimmed.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi

  • High-speed connectivity including Wi-Fi 7 and 5GbE LAN
  • Support for modern features like Thunderbolt 4 and PCIe 5.0 for both GPU and M.2
  • Excellent value for users who do not require the enthusiast-level Z890 chipset
  • Robust thermal management with large VRM and M.2 heatsinks
  • User-friendly DIY features like quick-release M.2 slots and easy PCIe release
  • Reliable and stable performance even with flagship-class processors
  • Clean, professional black-on-black aesthetic without excessive RGB

What customers don't like about MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi

  • Priced closely to some entry-level Z890 boards, which may offer more features for a small extra cost
  • Limited overclocking capabilities compared to Z-series motherboards
  • Fewer high-speed PCIe lanes and USB ports compared to the Z890 version
  • Onboard audio is powered by the older Realtek ALC897 codec
  • Rear I/O includes several USB 2.0 ports instead of all high-speed USB 3.0+ options
  • Memory overclocking is primarily limited to XMP profiles on this chipset

Verdict

The MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is an ATX motherboard built for the Intel LGA 1851 socket, supporting Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors with a 12+1+1+1 duet rail power system and 60A SPS. It features four DDR5 DIMM slots supporting speeds up to 9200+ MT/s (OC) and a maximum capacity of 256GB, along with advanced storage options including one PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slot and two PCIe 4.0 x4 slots. High-speed connectivity is a standout characteristic, offering a native Thunderbolt 4 port (40Gbps), 5Gbps LAN, and Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 5.4. Pros include its robust DIY-friendly features like the EZ PCIe Release and M.2 Shield Frozr II, alongside premium networking usually reserved for higher-end chipsets. However, main cons include the lack of CPU multiplier overclocking inherent to the B860 chipset, a limited number of SATA ports (four), and the use of the older Realtek ALC897 audio codec compared to enthusiast-tier alternatives.

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