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Benchmark Results
Our standard benchmarks and power tests are performed using the CPU’s stock frequencies (including any default boost/turbo) with all power-saving features enabled. We set optimized defaults in the BIOS and the memory by enabling the XMP profile. For this baseline testing, the Windows power scheme is set to Balanced (default) so the PC idles appropriately.
Synthetic Benchmarks
Synthetics offer a valuable method for evaluating a board's performance, as identical settings are expected to yield similar results. Turbo boost wattage and advanced memory timings are areas where motherboard manufacturers can still optimize for stability or performance, though, and these settings can impact specific testing scenarios.
Performance in our synthetics tests was right around average for the Tomahawk. The Procyon tests were all over the map, displaying generally slower performance in the Office apps and video editing, but the fastest result was in photo editing. Still, there’s nothing to be concerned about so far.
Timed Applications
In the timed applications, the system's results were consistent with those of the other tests. Nothing out of the ordinary here, either.
3D Games and 3DMark
Starting with the launch of Zen 5, we’ve updated our game tests. We’re keeping the EA’s F1 racing game and have upgraded to the most current version, F1 24. We also dropped Far Cry 6 in favor of an even more popular and good-looking game in Cyberpunk 2077. We run both games at 1920x1080 resolution using the Ultra preset (details listed above). Cyberpunk 2077 uses DLSS, while we left F1 24 to native resolution scaling. The goal with these settings is to determine if there are differences in performance at the most commonly used (and CPU/system bound) resolution with settings most people use or strive for (Ultra). We expect the difference between boards in these tests to be minor, with most falling within the margin of error differences. We’ve also added a minimum FPS value, which can affect your gameplay and immersion experience.
Gaming results were also solid, particularly well in Cyberpunk 2077 testing, leading the pack in minimums and one frame per second shy of the average. F1 24 also had a decent showing, with good minimums and average FPS compared to the rest.
Overclocking
Over the past few CPU generations, overclocking headroom has been shrinking on both sides of the fence while the out-of-box potential has increased. For overclockers, this means there’s less fun to have. For the average consumer, you’re getting the most out of the processor without manual tweaking. Today’s motherboards are more robust than ever, and they easily support power-hungry flagship-class processors, so we know the hardware can handle them. There are multiple ways to extract even more performance from these processors: enabling a canned PBO setting from the BIOS, manually tweaking the PBO settings, or just going for an all-core overclock. Results will vary and depend on the cooling as well. In other words, your mileage may vary. Considering all the above, we will not be overclocking the CPU. However, we will try out all our different memory kits to ensure they meet the specifications.
Our memory adventures were similar to those of other boards of this ilk. In this case, the Klevv DDR5-8000 kit wouldn’t boot (not on the QVL), but the TeamGroup DDR5-7200 kit worked without issue. AMD’s sweetspot is still in that DDR5-6000 to 6400 MT/s range, so pushing to higher speeds isn’t terribly beneficial, especially when looking at price-to-performance increases.
Power Consumption / VRM Temperatures
We used AIDA64’s System Stability Test with Stress CPU, FPU, Cache, and Memory enabled for power testing, using the peak power consumption value from the processor. The wattage reading is from the wall via a Kill-A-Watt meter to capture the entire PC (minus the monitor). The only variable that changes is the motherboard; all other parts remain the same. Please note that we have transitioned to using only the stock power use/VRM temperature charts, as this section aims to ensure the power delivery can handle flagship-class processors.
The MSI X870E Tomahawk MAX WiFi PZ peaked at 260W and idled at 85W. Surprisingly, it uses more power than most boards we’ve tested, but isn't out of line to make a real complaint.
The Tomahawk MAX’s VRM temperatures were well within specification. The 80A MOSFETs and large heatsinks easily kept things in check. Our Ryzen 9 9900X peaks at approximately 46 degrees Celsius on our sensors (48 degrees on the integrated one), and the CPU averaged 150W during the test. You can easily run a Ryzen 9 9950X/X3D and even overclock it with this board. Your cooling will hold you back before the board does.
Bottom Line
MSI’s Project Zero ecosystem provides a comprehensive solution for users seeking a back-connect system, encompassing a range of compatible cases and motherboards across various sizes and price points. Currently, the company only offers one video card, but we hope that will be expanded to other models for improved cable management. MSI’s PZ hardware is also compatible with competitors' BTF/Stealth back-connect hardware, offering a range of options that work with MSI PZ motherboards (and vice versa). One of the main drawbacks of moving to a back-connection-supported system is that you’ll need to purchase a new case or get creative with a Dremel to modify your current one to accommodate the motherboards.
The X870E Tomahawk MAX Wifi PZ motherboard’s feature list is as comprehensive as the non-PZ Tomahawk model. Priced at just under $320, it includes capable VRMs, USB 4 support, ample storage options, high-speed networking, multiple DIY/EZ features to simplify the building process, and, of course, a visually appealing, connector-free aesthetic. If you’re in the market for a back-connect system, MSI’s X870E Tomahawk MAX Wifi PZ is a great base to build your back-connect system around, but it fell just short of making our best motherboard list.
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