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MSI X299 Tomahawk Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£280
  • Avg. price in US: ~$280
  • CPU socket: LGA 2066
  • Chipset: Intel X299
  • Form factor: ATX

MSI X299 Tomahawk review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

6.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
6.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

8.6

Memory

16.0%

6.5

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.5

Storage

15.0%

5.3

Network

13.0%

6.3

Ports & USB

8.0%

4.3

Expansion

8.0%

8.4

Power & Cooling

5.0%

9.2

Audio

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 5.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.0

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    5.5

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    2.5

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £280

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The MSI X299 Tomahawk is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel X299 chipset and LGA 2066 socket, supporting Intel Core X-Series processors. It features eight DDR4 DIMM slots for quad-channel memory up to 128GB, four PCIe 3.0 x16 slots with Steel Armor for multi-GPU setups (3-Way SLI/CrossFire), and extensive storage options including two M.2 slots (one with M.2 Shield), a U.2 port, and eight SATA 6Gb/s ports. High-speed connectivity is provided via USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A and Type-C ports, alongside Intel I219-V Gigabit LAN and Audio Boost 4 with the Realtek ALC1220 codec. Main pros include its robust Military Class 5 build quality, convenient BIOS Flashback+ and Dual BIOS features, and dedicated onboard power/reset buttons for enthusiasts. However, some models lack integrated Wi-Fi, and the primary PCIe slots can physically block the chipset LED or M.2 heatsink access once high-end graphics cards are installed.

Technical Specifications of MSI X299 Tomahawk

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

?

Memory

16.0%

?

Platform & Features

16.0%

?

Storage

15.0%

?

Network

13.0%

?

Ports & USB

8.0%

?

Expansion

8.0%

?

Power & Cooling

5.0%

?

Audio

6.8
MSI X299 Tomahawk has a technical score of 6.79 points, which is higher than that of 59% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
MSI X299 Tomahawk has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 77.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

6.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.0

Price

7.5
MSI X299 Tomahawk has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is higher than 54% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

MSI
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 2066
MSI X299 Tomahawk uses the LGA 2066 CPU socket, which is more advanced than that of 51.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel X299
MSI X299 Tomahawk uses the Intel X299 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 65.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 2% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

ATX
MSI X299 Tomahawk has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
MSI X299 Tomahawk uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 51% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

8
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 8 Memory slots, which is more than 94% of motherboards and equal to 5.7% of motherboards.
some CPUs use only 4 slots
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

256 GB
MSI X299 Tomahawk supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 82.8% of motherboards and equal to 16.5% of motherboards.
capacity depends on supported CPU
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

4
MSI X299 Tomahawk supports 4 memory channels, which is more than 92.8% of motherboards and equal to 6.9% of motherboards.
some CPUs use only 2 channels
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

2,667 MT/s
MSI X299 Tomahawk supports memory speeds up to 2667 MT/s, which is lower than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

2
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.6% of motherboards.
plus 1 Key E for Wi-Fi.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

2x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
MSI X299 Tomahawk offers 2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 67.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.8% of motherboards.
Key E Wi-Fi slot excluded.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 8 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 85.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
MSI X299 Tomahawk supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI X299 Tomahawk supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

4
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 4 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 93.9% of motherboards and equal to 3.5% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

x16/x4/x16/x8, x16/x4/x8/x4, x8/x4/x8/x0
MSI X299 Tomahawk uses x16/x4/x16/x8, x16/x4/x8/x4, x8/x4/x8/x0 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 97.1% of motherboards.
Depends on CPU.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI X299 Tomahawk supports PCIe bifurcation. 39.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

?
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

17
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 17 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 72.1% of motherboards and equal to 10.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

1
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.4% of motherboards and equal to 48.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

2
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
10Gbps excluded.
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LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

1 Gbps
MSI X299 Tomahawk supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.1% of motherboards.
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel I219-V
MSI X299 Tomahawk uses the Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 41% of motherboards and equal to that of 14.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

1
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 1 RJ45 ports, which is equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MSI X299 Tomahawk does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

N/A
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC1220
MSI X299 Tomahawk uses the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 65.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 13% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
MSI X299 Tomahawk offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

120 dB
MSI X299 Tomahawk has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI X299 Tomahawk supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

?
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

6
MSI X299 Tomahawk has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50.3% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI X299 Tomahawk has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

2 A
MSI X299 Tomahawk supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 43.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 33.4% of motherboards.
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MSI X299 Tomahawk vs the average motherboard

  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    capacity depends on supported CPU
    What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
    When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    MSI X299 Tomahawk 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
  • 4 more memory slots
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    some CPUs use only 4 slots
    What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=4

    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.8 vs 4
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x16/x8, x16/x4/x8/x4, x8/x4/x8/x0 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    Depends on CPU.
    What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
    When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x16/x8, x16/x4/x8/x4, x8/x4/x8/x0 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.x16/x4/x16/x8, x16/x4/x8/x4, x8/x4/x8/x0 vs x16/x1
  • 1 more U.2 sockets
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of U.2 connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use enterprise-style U.2 storage devices.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.1 vs 0
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=2

    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.2 vs 1
  • Newer CPU socket
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2,066 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
    What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
    When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI X299 Tomahawk has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2,066 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.LGA 2066 vs LGA 1151
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    MSI X299 Tomahawk 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.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster rear USB-C connectivity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    MSI X299 Tomahawk 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
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI X299 Tomahawk 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
    What it is: The number of internal USB 3.2 Gen1 headers for front-panel Type-A ports.
    When it matters: When your case has front USB-A ports to connect.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    MSI X299 Tomahawk 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.2 vs 1
  • Newer CPU socket
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2,066 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
  • Broader Windows support
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has broader Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • Includes onboard power button
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
  • 4 more memory slots
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
  • More memory channels
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more memory channels than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 memory channel/s.
  • 1 more U.2 sockets
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more U.2 sockets than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 U.2 socket/s.
  • 4 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x16/x8, x16/x4/x8/x4, x8/x4/x8/x0 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 3 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (4 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 USB-C ports
    MSI X299 Tomahawk 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 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    MSI X299 Tomahawk 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.
  • 2 more total USB connections
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (17 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    MSI X299 Tomahawk 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.
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • Better audio codec
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1,220 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 1 more fan headers
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more fan headers than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.

Total
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X299 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No integrated graphics support
    MSI X299 Tomahawk does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • 4 years older release date
    MSI X299 Tomahawk is older than the average motherboard (2,017 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    June 2017
  • 42% lower maximum RAM speed
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,667 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    Key E Wi-Fi slot excluded.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    no onboard video outputs
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI X299 Tomahawk 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.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    MSI X299 Tomahawk does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has older Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (4.2 vs 5.4). The average motherboard supports Bluetooth 5.4.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X299 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI X299 Tomahawk has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X299 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel X299 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    MSI X299 Tomahawk 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.
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    MSI X299 Tomahawk 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 M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    Key E Wi-Fi slot excluded.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI X299 Tomahawk has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.2x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    MSI X299 Tomahawk does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
    What it is: Shows whether the external Wi-Fi antenna is included with the motherboard package.
    When it matters: When the board has Wi-Fi and you want it ready to use right away.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI X299 Tomahawk does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • No integrated graphics support
    MSI X299 Tomahawk does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can output video from CPUs that include integrated graphics.
    When it matters: When you want video output without installing a graphics card.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI X299 Tomahawk does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    What it is: The number of 3-pin addressable RGB headers available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect more ARGB lighting devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    MSI X299 Tomahawk has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.0 vs 2
  • 42% lower maximum RAM speed
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,667 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
    What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=6400 MT/s

    MSI X299 Tomahawk has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,667 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.2667 MT/s vs 4600 MT/s
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    MSI X299 Tomahawk has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    no onboard video outputs
    What it is: The number of DisplayPort video outputs on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect compatible displays through the rear I/O.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=1

    MSI X299 Tomahawk has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.0 vs 1
Total
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI X299 Tomahawk?

  • Excellent value for the price, offering HEDT (High-End Desktop) features at a more accessible entry point
  • Unique and classy aesthetic design, particularly praised in the 'Arctic' white edition
  • Feature-packed for a budget-tier board, including a BIOS flashback button and rear CMOS reset
  • Robust storage options with two M.2 slots (one including a thermal heatsink) and 8 SATA connectors
  • Beginner-friendly software features like MSI XBoost for easy performance presets
  • Solid build quality with reinforced PCIe slots for heavy graphics cards

What customers dislike about MSI X299 Tomahawk?

  • Not ideal for extreme or hardcore overclocking due to an underwhelming VRM design compared to high-end models
  • Limited power delivery for high-core count CPUs, featuring only a single 8-pin power connector
  • Rear I/O connectivity is somewhat lacking in USB ports compared to premium competitors
  • Launch-day BIOS stability issues were reported, occasionally impacting features like Turbo Boost 3.0
  • Lack of integrated Wi-Fi on the standard Tomahawk model; users must step up to the AC version for this feature
  • BIOS interface can feel slightly disjointed or slow due to on-screen animations

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