MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk MAX Wifi PZ Review: Project Zero cleans up the cables

MSI’s Project Zero concept cleans up wiring by moving most connectivity to the rear

Reviews
By published
MSI X870E Tomahawk MAX Wifi PZ
(Image: © Future)

Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Firmware

With X870, MSI has updated its BIOS, renaming it “Click X,” and improved the aesthetic and functionality in the process. The company changed the format with the headings on the left side, details in the middle, and system status information on the right. Like most other board partners, it features an informational EZ Mode, which allows for limited functionality, including Game Boost, PBO, and more.

Overall, I like the new layout, and maneuvering around is intuitive after a short time, though it does take some getting used to. The dark, fading yellow/green background (that matches the board’s aesthetic) and white labeling are easy to read, and most of what you need is at your fingertips.

Image 1 of 26
MSI X870E Tomahawk MAX Wifi PZ BIOS
(Image credit: Future)

Software

MSI Center is a single utility that offers a wide range of functionality. From hardware monitoring to RGB control with Mystic Light, the software features numerous applets and serves as a one-stop shop for downloading additional utilities, including overclocking and fan control. Those looking to use the Gamebar feature, Super Charger, or any other utilities MSI offers will find them all in MSI Center.

Image 1 of 6
MSI X870E Tomahawk MAX Wifi PZ
(Image credit: Future)

Test System / Comparison Products

We’ve updated our test system to Windows 11 (23H2) 64-bit OS with all updates applied as of late September 2024 (this includes the Branch Prediction Optimizations for AMD). Hardware-wise, we’ve updated the RAM kits (matching our Intel test system), cooling, storage, and video card. Unless otherwise noted, we use the latest non-beta motherboard BIOS available to the public. The hardware we used is as follows:

TEST SYSTEM COMPONENTS

MSI X870E Tomahawk MAX Wifi PZ

(Image credit: Future)
Swipe to scroll horizontally

Sound

Integrated HD audio

Network

Integrated Networking (GbE to 10 GbE)

Graphics Driver

GeForce 561.09

Benchmark Settings

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Synthetic Benchmarks and Settings

Procyon

Version 2.8.1352 64

Office 365, Video Editing (Premiere Pro 24.6.1), Photo Editing (Photoshop 25.1.2, Lightroom Classic 13.5.1)

3DMark

Version 2.29.8294.0 64

Speed Way and Steel Nomad (Default)

Cinebench R24

Version 2024.1.0
Open GL Rendering Benchmark - Single and Multi-threaded

Blender

Version 4.2.0
Full benchmark (all 3 tests)

Application Tests and Settings

LAME MP3

Version SSE2_2019

Mixed 271MB WAV to mp3: Command: -b 160 --nores (160Kb/s)

HandBrake CLI

Version: 1.8.2

Sintel Open Movie Project: 4.19GB 4K mkv to x264 (light AVX) and x265 (heavy AVX)

Corona 1.4

Version 1.4

Custom benchmark

7-Zip

Version 24.08

Integrated benchmark (Command Line)

Game Tests and Settings

Cyberpunk 2077

Ultra RT: - 1920 x 1080, DLSS - Balanced.

F1 2024

Ultra High Preset - 1920 x 1080, 16xAF/TAA, Great Britain (Clear/Dry), FPS Counter ON

MORE: Best Motherboards

MORE: How To Choose A Motherboard

MORE: All Motherboard Content

TOPICS
Joe Shields
Joe Shields
Staff Writer, Components

Joe Shields is a staff writer at Tom’s Hardware. He reviews motherboards and PC components.

2 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Misgar
    "The other full-length slots connect through the chipset, running at PCIe 3.0 x1 (PCI_E2) and PCIe 4.0 x4 (PCI_E3), which should provide sufficient bandwidth for most expansion cards."
    Whilst I welcome the use of full length slots, why bother when PCI_E2 has only one lane?

    How many people will fit a full x16 or x8 lane card if they can only use a single lane.

    I install 10Gig NICs and SAS HBA controller cards in the second and third slots on a number of machines, so I buy mobos to suit.

    On my non-Xeon platforms, I accept the fact I can only use 4 lanes on some secondary or tertiary slots with an 8 lane card, but a single lane just isn't enough when you need more bandwidth.

    It would make more sense to fit a x4 lane connector or be brutally honest and use a x1 socket, but that would spoil the aesthetics and would be sacrilege.

    By the time you've added hardware and possibly a riser card for a GPU, the second PCIe slot might be obscured, so what's the point of wasting money on a x16 connector?

    I suspect it's just a marketing ploy and to hell with any confusion caused to the uninitiated. They'll plug in their x4, x8 or x16 card and wonder why it doesn't perform as advertised.

    Trouble is, a x1 connector would look plain ugly and sales might suffer.
    Reply
  • decembermouse
    I'm not sure I like having the fan headers on the back of the mobo. I'd have to stretch the cables around the edge of the board. That doesn't really help hide the cables any better than if they were on the front of the board. What might be nice would be to have a hole large enough for the connector and wire to pass through, right next to the CPU, and a plug to go in the hole once the wire is through. I've never seen a mobo with holes in it though and there may be good reasons not to do this. I'm just not a fan of having fan wires cover even more ground on their way to the headers than they already do. The longer the distance the fan wires have to cover, the more visually obvious they are.
    Reply