Leading Japanese capsule toy maker Tarlin International has announced an official collaboration with “the four major manufacturers” of the PC components industry. The teased result means that gachapon fans will be able to get their hands on tiny models of ASRock, Gigabyte, MSI, and Intel parts (plus fans, PSUs, and cases), accurate enough “that you can assemble and play with.” In 2026, PC building has become so expensive that perhaps Tarlin’s latest wares will fill an emotional vacuum in the market.

In the image above, you can see Tarlin has inked some kind of official licensing deal with ASRock, Gigabyte, MSI, and Intel. There’s already been four series of networking equipment gachapon launched by Tarlin, for some context.

As far as we can see from the social media posting, the new Tarlin gachapon series includes three branded miniature motherboards: the ASRock Z890 Steel Legend WiFi, the Gigabyte Z890 Aorus Elite WiFi7 Plus, and the MSI MEG Z890 Ace. Premium stuff. Intel’s Core Ultra 7 270K Plus seems to be the only CPU choice. There are also case fans, a PSU, and a tower case for your minuscule components PC build.

Tarlin’s eccentric gachapon pedigree

Compared with gachapon rivals like Bandai and Takara Tomy, Tarlin has carved a niche, eccentric furrow in the industry. It has a reputation for turning everyday, mundane, or highly technical objects into accurate scale miniatures.

Examples of other incredibly niche Tarlin-produced capsules include its Temporary Toilet Series, a realistic Articulated Crayfish, and its series of Cisco rackmount network gear toys. In this context, it's “serious spec” PC component capsule toys, which are made to such exacting precision that they can be assembled to make tiny tower PCs, aren’t so unusual.

In 2024, we spotted a Japanese capsule toy machine filled with Intel CPUs. One gacha chancer acquired an Intel Core i7-8700 CPU after inserting 500 Yen (around $3.25) and twisting the customary knob.

It’s hard not to be impressed by what manufacturers have achieved with the numerous options that are now available among the best PC gaming handhelds. What was once a domain left largely to Valve with the Steam Deck has evolved into a broader market, with the bulk of the systems available running Windows 11.

These devices pair sleek exteriors with high-refresh IPS or OLED displays and pack powerful (for a handheld) computing hardware inside. However, even the gaming handheld market has been squeezed by rising component prices, leading us to the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+, the subject of this review. It’s by far the most powerful gaming handheld we’ve ever tested, thanks to its Intel Arc G3 Extreme SoC, but it’s also the most expensive ($1,799).

At every turn, the Claw 8 EX AI+ impressed with its performance, but the staggering price tag incessantly looms over the experience.

Design of the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

We hope you like purple, as that’s the only color currently available for the Claw 8 EX AI+. Purple isn’t my favorite color in the world (that distinction belongs to blue), and it gives me Joker vibes from the 1989 Batman starring Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Not only is the top of the chassis molded in purple plastic, but it also has a sparkly finish that makes it look a bit jewel-like. The lower half of the system is constructed of traditional black plastic.

The handgrips on the Claw 8 EX AI+ are well-spaced, perfectly sized for my hands, and evenly distribute weight, which helps mask the system’s 785-gram heft. Speaking of the handgrips, there’s a laser-etched dot texture molded where your palms and index fingers rest on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ — this helps keep it in place instead of sliding around in your hands (especially if they perspire during long gaming sessions).

Controls-wise, the Claw 8 EX AI+ doesn’t break any new ground, which is generally a good thing. If you’re familiar with an Xbox controller, there are backlit ABXY buttons on the right, with a joystick just below, along with another joystick on the left side, with a D-pad (which features a metal dome) below it. Both joysticks sport an RGB ring at their bases. There are also four buttons on the face of the handheld, flanking the display, with the bottom-left button assigned to bringing up the MSI Quick Settings overlay for the Xbox Game Bar. The bottom right button launches MSI Center M, for launching and configuring games.

You’ll find the usual allotment of bumper and triggers at the top of the Claw 8 EX AI+. While the triggers feel nice, the bumpers are a smidge “wiggly,” but that’s a nitpick on my part. If you’re a fan of macro buttons, you may be disappointed to find that there are only two on the back of the Claw 8 EX AI+, versus the three or four you’ll find on competing systems like the Steam Deck.

Unlike Lenovo’s Legion Go series of handhelds, you won’t find a touchpad on the Claw 8 EX AI+. So all of your screen navigation will be limited to touching the screen with your finger, or using the joysticks in the Xbox overlay or MSI Center M.

All of the I/O ports are located at the top of the unit; here you’ll find a power button that doubles as a fingerprint reader, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a microSD reader, a 3.5mm audio jack, and volume buttons.

There are two intakes (one for each cooling fan) located beside the macro buttons, while vents below the IO panel exhaust heat.

Although I’ll talk about the screen in detail later on, I must mention that the display doesn’t fit neatly within the confines of the center mass of the Claw 8 EX AI+. Instead, the bottom portion of the screen extends roughly half an inch below the body. It looks a little wonky at first, but it seems to be the only way that MSI could fit the 8-inch display, at least without making the whole device bigger.

The Claw 8 EX AI+ measures 12.6 x 5.12 x 1.98 inches, compared to 11.42 x 4.76 x 2.00 inches for the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, 11.64 x 5.38 x 1.66 inches for the Lenovo Legion Go 2, and 11.73 x 4.6 x 1.97 inches for the Steam Deck OLED.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Specifications and Components

Gaming and Graphics Performance on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

The Claw 8 EX AI+ features the new Intel Arc G3 Extreme SoC, which includes a 14-core GPU (4.7 GHz max clock) and a 12-core Arc B390 GPU that clocks up to 2.3 GHz.

The default power mode is MSI's AI Engine, which typically runs games at 25 watts, but can vary between 15 watts and 30 watts depending on the workload. There's also an Endurance Mode, which leverages the Intel Endurance Gaming Efficiency Preset. This limits the chip to 15 watts and targets 30 frames per second (FPS) while gaming. Finally, Manual Mode allows you to run PL1 Max at 35 watts.

For our testing, we used the default AI Engine Mode when on battery, and Manual Mode when plugged in (35 watts PL1 Max, 45 watts PL2 Max). We ran games at 1280 x 800 and 1920 x 1200 resolutions on the handheld, leveraging the Xbox Full Screen Experience to limit resource consumption from additional Windows software. Please note, however, that the ROG Xbox Ally X benchmarks were run at 720p/1080p due to its 16:9 aspect ratio display, while the Steam Deck is limited to 1280 x 800 resolution.

While playing Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, I was able to easily achieve 150-160 FPS on medium graphics settings at 800p with XeSS Balanced and the AI Engine power mode engaged. Battlefield 6 saw performance in the 70 fps range at 800p, with Auto detail settings and XeSS Balanced enabled.

Spoiler alert: the Arc 3 Extreme powering the Claw 8 EX AI+ is an absolute beast (in the handheld segment), delivering a 20 to 30+ FPS advantage over its peers across all the games in our benchmark suite. Starting with Shadow of the Tomb Raider benchmark (Medium, DX12), the Claw 8 EX AI+hit 98 FPS at 800p on battery power and 112 fps when plugged in (a 30+ FPS advantage over the ROG Xbox Ally X. Bumping the resolution to 1200p, the Claw 8 EX AI+ was faster at 1200p on battery power (67 FPS) than the ROG Ally X and Legion Go 2 were at 720p/800p on battery power. The system also impressed, reaching 72 FPS at 1200p when plugged in.

When benchmarking Cyberpunk 2077 (Steam Deck preset), the Claw 8 EX AI+ again showed its performance might, crushing all rivals. It delivered 78 FPS on battery power and 85 FPS when plugged in at 800p. At 1200p, those figures fell to 48 FPS and 52 FPS, respectively. We're at least getting a semblance of playability at 1200p resolution in the handheld space.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (Favor performance, Vulkan) saw the Claw 8 EX AI+ run the tables again, hitting 115 FPS at 800p and 87 FPS at 1200p while plugged in to the wall. Of course, those numbers fell slightly on battery power, but were still above anything that the ROG Xbox Ally X or Legion Go 2 could muster.

It was more of the same in Borderlands 3 (Medium, DX11), which saw the largest performance variance between the Claw 8 EX AI+ on battery power and when plugged in. The handheld hit 94 FPS at 800p while plugged in, a full 18 FPS faster than with battery power. At 1200p while plugged in, it still managed to pull 78 FPS at 1200p.

Forza Horizon 6 is the newest addition to our benchmark suite, so we only have Steam Deck numbers to compare with the Claw 8 EX AI+. The Claw 8 EX AI+ hovered around the 100 FPS mark at 800p and managed 72-76 FPS at 1200p, depending on whether it was running on battery power.

For stress testing, we ran Metro Exodus 15 times at 800p at Medium quality settings to simulate roughly 30 minutes of gameplay. The Claw 8 EX AI+ hit an average frame rate of nearly 70 FPS on the benchmark. For comparison, the ROG Xbox Ally X managed 63.44 FPS using the same settings.

The Claw 8 EX AI+’s two performance cores averaged 4.06 GHz, the eight efficiency cores averaged 3.18 GHz, and the four low-power efficiency cores averaged 3.0 GHz.

Windows 11 and MSI Center M on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

The Claw 8 EX AI+ supports the Xbox Full Screen Experience, just like the ROG Xbox Ally X. However, it doesn't have its own dedicated Xbox app. You can access the interface by opening the Xbox app and selecting Full Screen from the top-right corner. You'll then be able to reboot the system directly into the Full Screen Experience, bypassing unnecessary Windows 11 components that could affect gaming performance.

All the benefits and limitations of the Full Screen Experience, as discussed in our ROG Xbox Ally X review, apply here, so I won't belabor those points. I would like to elaborate on the MSI Center M, which provides its own dedicated, gaming-centric interface. The full-screen interface can be navigated using the thumbpads, eliminating the need to tap the screen.

MSI Center M pulls in all of your games from multiple sources, including the Xbox Store, GOG Galaxy, Epic Games, and Steam (among others). It pulled games from all those sources, and most of them displayed a nice, high-resolution thumbnail. One exception was Cyberpunk 2077, which only displayed a low-resolution Start Menu icon that was blown up to a blurry mess.

You can customize navigation within MSI Center M to use the joysticks in Gamepad Mode (for gaming) or Desktop Mode (for using the standard Windows 11 interface). You can tweak sensitivity for the joysticks, and the Desktop Mode provides key mapping so that you can see which UI shortcut each button corresponds to.

Another component of the software package is MSI Quick Settings, an overlay that appears in the Xbox Game Bar. It can be recalled using the MSI Quick Settings button beside the left joystick. MSI Quick Settings features a sleek, easy-to-use interface that provides access to power profiles, screen brightness, gamepad control modes, display refresh rate, and screenshot capture (among other things).

Display on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

The Claw 8 EX AI+ features an 8-inch IPS display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a 1920 x 1200 resolution. Given the $1,799 price tag, it would have been more fitting for MSI to include an OLED display, as we saw with the Legion Go 2. I think that’s a big miss by MSI, and one that I hope will be rectified in future versions.

Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were unable to perform detailed, instrumented tests on the Claw 8 EX AI+’s display. So you’ll have to trust my eyeballs and the manufacturer’s specs for the time being. MSI claims that the display on the Claw 8 EX AI+ covers 100% of the sRGB color space and offers a peak brightness of 500 nits.

Although I didn’t have a Legion Go 2 on hand for a side-by-side comparison, I do have a Legion Go and a Legion Go S on my testing bench. We measured the former at 476.7 nits, and the Claw 8 EX AI+ seemed at least as bright (at maximum brightness) as the Legion Go, if not brighter, across multiple games and while using the Windows 11 interface.

Games generally looked good on the Claw 8 EX AI+, with good color balance. I racked up plenty of hours in Battlefield 6, trying my best to soak in the lush reds, oranges, and greens of the city architecture of the Saints Quarter map without getting my head blown off. Forza Horizon 6 looked magnificent in the colorful Japanese landscape, with vibrant city centers and majestic outdoor environments reflected in the vehicles' finishes. Everything looked good, but color vibrancy and overall visual “pop” would have been even better with an OLED panel, but I digress.

Battery Life on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

I’ve been spending quite a bit of time recently playing more laid-back games; ones that won’t make my blood boil because of tense online matches. In particular, I’ve spent time playing Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

I played the game at 800p with medium settings, Intel XeSS Balanced, power mode set to AI Engine, and display set to 50 percent. After playing for an hour (with an average of around 150 FPS), the battery dropped from 100 percent to 52 percent. Switching the power mode to Endurance, locked at 30 FPS, I still had 66 percent battery after an hour (when starting at 100 percent).

If I were to drop the brightness a bit, I could see battery life extending past 3 hours in Endurance mode.

Audio on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

The Claw 8 EX AI+ has a pair of 2-watt speakers, which are fine. They’re perfectly serviceable for most games. Given that I spent plenty of time playing Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, I noticed that the character voices sounded pretty good, and the plastic “clicking” sound of Lego stacking together during building exercises came through loud and clear.

Sound output was a bit more muddled in Battlefield 6, although I prefer to play games like that with headphones on anyway. In fact, given the mobility of handheld gaming PCs, most people will likely default to headphones for the best possible audio experience with the Claw 8 EX AI+.

Heat on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

While running the Metro Exodus stress test, the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ registered around 90 degrees Fahrenheit on the back of the chassis, close to dead-center. Moving towards the top of the unit, heat levels rose sharply to around 109 F near the cooling fans' exhausts.

The Arc G3 Extreme chip averaged 77.3 degrees Celsius.

Upgradeability on the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+

Cracking open the Claw 8 EX AI+ is incredibly easy – only six Phillips-head screws hold the back panel in place. Once the screws are removed, you can use a well-placed plastic pry tool to insert it between the black and purple halves of the chassis where they meet. Once you pry open a small section, the rest pops off easily.

Once inside, you’ll see the battery in the lower portion of the chassis and a full-length 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD nestled between the two cooling fans (secured with one screw). In our review unit, the SSD was a 1TB Micron 2500 with QLC NAND.

MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ Configurations

As of now, there’s only one configuration available of the Claw 8 EX AI+ with an Arc G3 Extreme SoC. Our system came with the aforementioned Arc G3 Extreme chip, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an 8-inch 120Hz 1200p IPS touchscreen, for a whopping $1,799.99 at Best Buy.

Bottom Line

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is an impressive machine that offers a solidly-built chassis, good ergonomics, and good battery life. However, the most impressive aspect of the handheld is its performance. The Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip allowed the Claw 8 EX AI+ to absolutely dominate our gaming benchmarks, delivering anywhere from a 20 to over 30 FPS advantage at 1200p or 800p resolution.

But that performance comes at a steep price: $1,799. That’s more than just expensive; it’s MacBook Pro pricing for a handheld, which is shocking, to say the least. For comparison, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 with 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an OLED display retails for $1,349.99, and we already had extreme reservations concerning its price tag.

The Claw 8 EX AI+ is $450 more expensive and doesn’t even have the OLED display of the Legion Go 2. The saving grace for the Claw 8 EX AI+ is the Arc G3 Extreme chip, which gives unmatched performance across the board. However, it remains to be seen if the price premium is enough of a draw to more casual gamers.

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The Cyborg 15 is the definite value play wth its $1,089 asking price (a $510 discount). That price gets you an Intel Core 7-240H processor, 16GB of DDR5 memory, and a 1TB SSD. The Series 2 “Raptor Lake” processor has a maximum turbo frequency of 5.2 GHz and 10 cores in total: 6 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores. You’ll also find an 8GB GeForce RTX 5070 discrete GPU.

Front and center is a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display with a maximum refresh rate of 144 Hz. Also on deck are a four-zone RGB keyboard, Wi-Fi 6E/Bluetooth 5.3, and a 55.2 WHr battery. Regarding ports, the Cyborg 15 has a healthy balance of USB-A and USB-C ports along with a GbE port (which is becoming rarer these days as manufacturers aim for thinness).

If you need a bit more spring in your gaming step, look no further than the MSI Vector 16, priced at $1,899, or a discount of $800. This system delivers a healthy performance boost over the Cyborg 15, which uses a Core Ultra 9 275HX processor. This “Arrow Lake” chip has 24 cores in total (8 performance, 16 efficiency), a maximum turbo frequency of 5.4 GHz, and 40MB of total L2 cache.

You still get 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB SSD, but you also get a big performance boost with a 16GB GeForce RTX 5080 GPU. Not only do you get a higher-resolution, larger 16-inch panel (2560 x 1600) with a 240 Hz refresh rate, but you also get a much larger 80 Wh battery to power the system. As for the keyboard, you get another upgrade courtesy of a 24-zone RGB setup.

Both of these MSI laptops are compelling options for gamers, no matter your budget. Especially with the Vector 16, which offers a lot of bang for the buck at $1,799. After all, that value proposition is made even more abundantly clear, as who would have thought we’d live in the age of $1,800 handheld gaming PCs?

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MSI unveiled its Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld at Computex earlier this month, and it has just appeared on the company's website for $1,799, while Newegg has it listed for $1,699. It features Intel's new Arc G3 Extreme APU with flagship Arc B390 integrated graphics and 32GB of LPDDR5X memory. MSI says it tried everything to keep costs as low as possible, and that it'll be a tough year ahead with chances of even more price hikes.

Andy Chu, the brand's product marketing lead, told FRVR that "it’s a really difficult year for Intel and especially the OEM like us [...] because we also need to take those cost hikes for those key components like memory and also storage.” It's no secret at this point that DRAM and NAND prices have skyrocketed over the past few months, and even major vendors are struggling to keep up.

Every console is now more expensive than it was at launch, including the once bastion of affordability: the Steam Deck. The OLED version of Valve's handheld retails for $949 despite featuring last-gen hardware. The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ brings a huge performance boost over it, so the price almost looks justified in comparison. The ROG Xbox Ally X with the Ryzen Z2 Extreme is available for $999 everywhere, and that's AMD's mainstream rival to the Arc G3 Extreme at the moment.

"All I can say is we have tried every approach to get the memory and also storage at a lower cost. Like, deepen the relationship between us and also those suppliers, like to have some deals… and I think we have done everything we can do to make our system as affordable as possible," continued Chu. Not much you can do when hyperscalers annex all the production lines, offering fatter margins to these manufacturers.

It's a bit ironic to explicitly market your product as "AI+" while publicly complaining about the very consequences of said AI boom, but we digress. "Unfortunately, I think the situation, the result is what you see right here. So, I would say, yes, it will be a tough year for us and for the gamers,” warns Chu. We've already heard plenty of admonitions from various companies, but it's disheartening nonetheless to see the situation perpetually spiral out of control.

The executive goes on to say that "there’s much room for another price hike," so even the $1,799 price tag could go up in the following months. For context, you can find AMD's Strix Halo-equipped handhelds above the $2,000 mark, and they are significantly more capable machines. Even though they're far and few in between, let's not discount laptops either that have Panther Lake silicon and cost less than $2,000.

To be clear, the Claw 8 EX AI+ is a competent device that we were impressed by in our hands-on at Computex. Since Intel is only launching the Arc G3 Extreme right now, there was no cheaper base Arc G3 to put inside this thing either. Intel has mandated memory speeds for Panther Lake, but MSI could've surely cut down on the 32GB pool to save costs and make the handheld more affordable overall with 24GB or even 12GB configs.

The latest liquid cooler from MSI to land on our test bench is the new MPG Coreliquid P22 360. While it packs a budget price of only $129.99, it doesn’t cut corners, featuring good thermal performance, low noise levels in common scenarios, and a fancy 2.1-inch IPS display.

Let's take a look at the specifications and features of this eye-catching AIO, then we’ll go over thermal and noise benchmarks, and decide if MSI’s MPG Coreliquid P22 360 deserves to make our list of the best CPU coolers.

Cooler specifications

Features of MSI’s MPG Coreliquid P22 360

▶️ Frame compatible with both AMD and Intel systems

Usually when you purchase an AIO, there’s at least one frame included, designed for a specific AMD or Intel socket.

MSI has simplified the install process here, with a single-frame design that’s compatible with both AMD AM4/AM5 and Intel LGA 1700/1851.

▶️ 2.1-inch 540x540 IPS display

A 2.1-inch IPS display with a resolution of 540x540 is included with this AIO, allowing users to observe performance metrics by glancing at the screen. Four preset backgrounds are included with the AIO’s software, and custom images and videos up to 500MB are supported.

To customize the AIO, you’ll need to download MSI’s EZ Display software, which is simple to use but a little rough around the edges. You can set it to use one background by enabling the “repeat” button, or you can have it alternate between the images and videos you have loaded in the software.

My biggest complaint here is that you can’t disable or remove the preset images, which means they’ll be included in the rotation of images displayed unless you’ve set the AIO to show only one image or video by selecting the “repeat” button.

▶️ RAM Clearance

As with most liquid coolers, the design of thisAIO is such that the CPU block doesn’t overhang or interfere with the DIMM slots in any manner, ensuring that all sizes of RAM, no matter how tall, are compatible.

▶️ 120mm fans

There’s more to a cooler than just the radiator and pump. The included fans have a direct impact on aesthetics, noise levels, and overall thermal performance. Conveniently, the trio of fans here arrive pre-installed, saving a few moments during installation. They also feature a daisy-chaining quick-connect system, designed to eliminate cable clutter.

▶️ Packaging

The outer packaging is a bit flashy, at least, in comparison to your normal AIO box. It features a rendering of the cooler against a background of black, blue, purple, and pink.

The inner packaging is typical of most liquid coolers, with molded foam, cardboard, and plastic coverings protecting the contents during shipping.

Included with the package are:

• Mounting hardware for AMD and Intel platforms
• Aesthetic cover for mounting hardware
• A small tube of thermal paste
• 360mm radiator and pre-installed 120mm fans
• 2.1-inch display

▶️ AM5 Installation

This section assumes you’ve already mounted the 360mm radiator. Installation of AIOs is much easier when you have already secured the radiator to your case.

To begin putting things together, you’ll first need to remove the default AM4/5 retention.

The next step is to screw in the mounting studs, followed by an application of thermal paste to the CPU. If you’re not sure how to do that, we have a handy thermal paste application guide that covers the different methods you can use.

After thermal paste is applied, take the CPU block and press it against the studs, using the included screws and a screwdriver to secure it in place.

There are two final steps. First, place the aesthetic cover on the CPU block. Then attach the USB, PWM, and ARGB connections to their corresponding motherboard headers.

Real-world testing configuration – AMD AM5 platform

We’ve tested coolers with both the Ryzen 9950X3D and its non-V-Cache sibling, the 9950X. There are some differences in how the 9950X and 9950X3D CPUs are impacted by thermal events. While the heat output of the CCDs of AMD’s 9950X3D is relatively balanced, the 9950X I used has one CCD that runs much hotter than the other, with a difference of over 10 degrees Celsius in some scenarios, shown below.

We’ve since returned to using a 9950X3D for cooler testing, as it has a more balanced heat profile, and is almost certainly a more widely adopted CPU. The benchmark results shared in these reviews may differ from others because I emphasize results that are comparable to real-world use. This means I generally test CPU coolers inside of a closed desktop case, which increases cooling difficulty compared to other testing methods.

Many reviewers test on open test benches, which have a combination of lesser airflow needs and lowered ambient temperatures. This results in making weak coolers appear stronger than they really are. Some have also used generic thermal plates to test cooling solutions. I reject both of these methods because they don’t accurately reflect real-world cooler conditions.

Our latest testing setup uses the FLOVA F50 computer case from Tryx.

This case features a unique “crossflow” fan that pulls air from the side, which the company claims is more effective than traditional intake fans. For air cooling tests, we’ve added a single Noctua NF-A12 G2 intake fan.

PBO Performance and maximum noise levels

We’re going to start this review’s benchmark section by focusing on a traditional maximum performance test, with the CPU cooler’s fans allowed to reach their fastest speeds, for the best cooling possible.Turning on PBO allows AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D to stretch its legs to an extent and consume over 260W. Enabling PBO incrteases max power consumption and heat output. We use MSI’s X870E Carbon Wifi motherboard, and often the CPU will reach its TJ Max (peak temperature) of 95 degrees C (203 F) and thermally throttle to some extent with most coolers. When this throttling occurs, I’ve measured the average power consumption to determine performance.

High-end AIO liquid coolers, however, are expected to be able to keep AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D under TJ Max during the duration of the benchmark – in these cases, we compare the CPU’s actual temperature.

Today’s review is a bit unique, in that we have the results from a prototype and final version of the AIO being reviewed today – giving us some insight into how these products evolve during the design and manufacturing process.

Both the prototype and retail versions of MSI’s MPG Coreliquid P22 360 handle this test with ease, with an average temperature of 84.7C (184.5F) – one of the best results we’ve seen on this test bench.

Some coolers perform well in maximum-strength tests, but run loudly at full speeds. Noisy fans in this scenario aren’t necessarily a bad thing; some folks prefer to hear them as a way to be aware when the CPU is getting hot.

One issue I raised when I tested the prototype of this AIO was that it ran louder than it needed to. 48.9 dBA is pointlessly loud for most users. MSI took that feedback to heart, and the fans included with MSI MPG Coreliquid P22 360 reach 44.9 dBA at 100% RPM, a moderate volume level that is much quieter than the maximum noise levels of competitor liquid coolers. Those who prefer to implement speed restrictions for silent operation need not worry; our noise-normalized benchmarks show good performance even when the fans are set to run quietly.

200W thermal benchmarks

For the next thermal test, I leave the motherboard settings at their defaults, which results in a power limit of 200W when running Cinebench R23.

In this test, with a standard power limit enabled, MSI’s Coreliquid P22 performs in the middle of the results we have from other liquid coolers – 1.2 degrees C behind our best result, and 3.6 C cooler than the worst result from another AIO.

150W + GPU thermal results, noise levels

Our next test runs Cinebench on the CPU with a 150W power limit, while also running Furmark on MSI’s RTX 4070 Ti Super Ventus 3x OC. This causes the GPU to consume ~295W of power. This test is designed to emulate the thermals of games, which stress the CPU and GPU.

In this test, designed to emulate the thermal conditions of a CPU-intensive AAA game, MSI’s P22 continues to deliver outstanding performance – the result of 37.1 C over ambient (59.1 C actual temperature) is our third-best result, and an improvement of one degree compared to the prototype of this AIO.

Noise-normalized testing

Most testing is performed with the cooler tied to the default fan curve of our MSI X870E Carbon motherboard, but some of y’all prefer to see tests when the noise levels of coolers are equalized. This is especially important to those of you who prefer silent computers. This next test has the CPU cooler noise-normalized to 38.9 dBA, with PBO enabled for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU. Most coolers will not be able to keep the CPU from reaching its peak temperature (TJ Max) in this stress test. So we’ll look at this in terms of average CPU power consumption, which averaged 255.8 watts.

This test is especially difficult, because in addition to the reduced noise from the CPU cooler, our current test bench’s system fans are configured to run extremely silently, below the floor of the noise meter I use to measure dBA.

While I prefer to look at the power consumption in a scenario where the CPU reaches TJ Max (the processor’s peak temperature), I’ve also included the average CPU temperature in the chart below.

Karhu DDR5 RAM thermals testing

Your CPU cooler does not operate in isolation. It has an impact on not just your CPU’s temperatures, but also the other components in your build, like your RAM and GPU. To that end, I’ve run the Karhu RAM stress test. This places a load of ~153W on the CPU and ensures system RAM (DDR5 in my case) is fully stable. In this type of scenario, most AIOs tend to produce worse results than air coolers.

DDR5 temperatures were excellent in this test, on par with ASRock’s Steel Legend, which features an integrated VRM fan. The only result showing better performance is from Silverstone’s IceMyst Pro, with fans that directly cool system DIMMs.

Conclusion

MSI is back in the AIO game with the MPG Coreliquid P22 360. This AIO has a relatively low price tag while featuring a 2.1-inch IPS display, excellent thermal performance, and low noise levels in common scenarios. It’s a solid choice if you’re after a cooler with a round display that cools well. Just note that if you can live without a display, there are excellent options that cost quite a bit less, like Arctic’s Liquid Freezer III Pro, which sometimes sells for less than $85.

AMD announced EXPO Ultra Low Latency at Computex this month, promising to bring it to most AM5 motherboards as part of the EXPO 1.2 update. We've known about EXPO 1.2 since April, when it first showed up in BIOS releases, and it has already been available on 800-series motherboards for a while. Now, the first batch of 600-series motherboards have begun receiving ULL support as well.

MSI and Asus have both just pushed out new AGESA 1.3.0.1b BIOSes to various X670 products. Asus has updated the X670E Hero, X670E Gene, X670 Extreme, X670E-A Gaming Wi-Fi, X670E-E Gaming Wi-Fi, X670E-F Gaming Wi-Fi, and X670 Creator Wi-Fi. The X670E-I Gaming Wi-Fi, X670E-Plus, and X670-E Plus Wi-Fi are missing their subsequent updates for now, but they should be coming soon.

These are all beta releases, so keep in mind they're not intended for most users. We also checked a bunch of B650 support pages manually (since they don't have a dedicated thread like X670), and no Asus motherboard seems to have been updated to AGESA 1.3.0.1b yet. They're all running the AGESA 1.3.0.0 or 1.3.0.1 releases from months ago, but don't explicitly mention EXPO ULL support being added.

Similarly, MSI has updated its X670-E motherboards to AGESA 1.3.0.1b, and the release notes highlight EXPO ULL, while X670 (non-E) boards also received Ultra Low Latency updates with AGESA 1.3.0.1 BIOSes during this or the past week. Some models like the MAG X670-E Tomahawk Wi-Fi actually added ULL support back on May 27th when they were updated to 1.3.0.1, but that news was missed by most of the community.

MSI has also updated their B650 lineup with AGESA 1.3.0.1b this week, with ULL support mentioned in the release notes for all models we checked, including budget A620 offerings. Gigabyte follows a similar pattern; all of its B650 and X670(E) motherboards have the latest AGESA release with Ultra Low Latency checked off in the patch notes. Lastly, we took a look at ASRock and, unfortunately, that was a bit of a confusing endeavor.

First of all, none of its motherboards, not even the highest-end X870E models, have been updated to the very recent 1.3.0.1b release; rather, they're all on 1.3.0.1. That's fine on its own, but the release notes only mention "Optimized Memory Compatibility," and we're pretty sure that doesn't refer to EXPO ULL, given the February/March release dates. At least even the entry-level units are updated with recent BIOSes, though.

The reason we dug this deep is that EXPO Ultra Low Latency can be very useful in eliminating the added latency penalty associated with modern AMD platforms. It can be particularly helpful if you're running a high-frequency kit that forces a 2:1 clock ratio, but even standard 6,000 MT/s CL30 kits can benefit. AMD says ULL profiles can help improve gaming FPS by up to 4% in non-X3D CPUs.

It doesn't help as much in chips equipped with 3D V-Cache because the large amount of SRAM reduces those CPUs' sensitivity to finer adjustments. Moreover, EXPO ULL is not just a software-side solution — you need new RAM kits compatible with the tech to use this feature since the tweaks are baked into the memory's physical SPD. It's not something you can update like your motherboard BIOS.

Technically speaking, AMD is simply codifying what overclockers have done manually for years into an official certification. If you don't want to buy new memory to get the one-click profile, which is understandable in the current RAMpocalypse, you can just mimic the subtimings one-by-one. Of course, going at it manually comes at the cost of potential stability issues.

Everyone is talking about next-gen OLED monitors at Computex, but there's a high-end LCD panel slowly creeping up with insane specs. MSI and Gigabyte have announced new 27" Mini-LED monitors featuring a native 5K resolution, enabling retina-level pixel density across 2,304 dimming zones that are further enhanced by a glossy coating. With dual- and even multi-mode support, along with a range of other features, these new monitors can genuinely rival OLEDs for certain use cases.

Both monitors use the same panel underneath (made by BOE), so they share identical specs for the most part. LG has already released its own model featuring this panel, but it has a matte coating instead. Glossy coatings are generally preferred for punchier colors and deeper blacks, and they can particularly help sell the illusion of pixel-level control with Mini-LED technology. But since Mini-LED monitors use IPS or VA panels, they've been almost exclusively matte... until now.

Let's start with MSI's offering, which is called the "MPG 271KRAW18." It uses a 27" Rapid IPS panel with a native resolution of 5,120 x 2,880, which comes out to 218 PPI and would be classified as "Retina" according to Apple. That means you won't be able to discern its individual pixels at regular viewing distances. At 5K, the monitor has a native refresh rate of 180 Hz that can be doubled to 330 Hz at 1440p, thanks to dual-mode support.

The Mini-LED backlight here consists of 2,304 dimming zones, up from 1,152 zone count limit we've seen for a long time. That allows for a DisplayHDR 1400 certification, meaning this monitor has a peak brightness of 1,400 nits. There's a quantum-dot layer in the LCD stack as well, which enables 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space and an average Delta-E of less than 2, so it's ready for even professional work.

For connectivity, you get a full-fat UHBR20 DisplayPort 2.1 port for up to 80 Gbps of bandwidth. There's also 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB Type-C (with DP Alt Mode and 98W power delivery), 2x USB Type-A, 1x USB Type-B and a 3.5mm audio jack. The monitor has a bunch of AI features and support for Nvidia G-Sync. There's no pricing but MSI says the MPG 271KRAW18 will come out next year in January.

Moving on to the Gigabyte model, it's called the "Aorus FM275K16P" and it has the same base features and specs. The main difference lies in its unique multi-mode support. Unlike the MSI that can only switch between 5K and 1440p, the Gigabyte model has a third mode. By default, it's 165 Hz at 5K, but it can be overclocked to 180 Hz, then you can switch to 330 Hz at 1440p, or 220 Hz at 4K.

The HDR certification is also different; Gigabyte only advertises DisplayHDR 1000 but says the monitor can hit 1,250 nits of peak brightness. Lastly, the connectivity gets a boost because the HDMI 2.1 port also features eARC, which is incredibly rare on monitors. But the power delivery on the USB-C port drops to just 15W. Apart from that, we get the same 2,304 dimming zones and a glossy coating.

Each of those zones is made up of 4 LEDs, which means there are almost 10,000 LEDs behind the IPS panel. And they're really right behind it because the BOE panel has "0-OD" or zero optical distance, meaning there's no physical gap between the backlight and the panel itself. This helps with dimming, reducing blooming and halos while maintaining proper blacks that aren't crushed by an aggressive dimming algorithm.

Gigabyte has both a price and a release window for this monitor. The Aorus FM275K16P is supposed to launch sometime in Q4 2026 and will cost $999. That's around $200 cheaper than LG's equivalent, but still in 4K OLED territory. Current 4K-class Mini-LED monitors retail for around $500, but since these 5K models bring so many improvements together, it makes sense why they'd be expensive initially.

Lastly, it's important to mention that the Gigabyte model comes with a built-in upscaling chip that handles 4K to 5K upscaling on the hardware level, similar to LG. MSI has not spoken of dedicated silicon, but it does have AI-based upscaling features that work at the software level. We'll have to wait and see how either implementation fares in person, but for now, these monitors look like a robust overall package.

MSI just unveiled a beast of a monitor ahead of Computex 2026, with truly flagship specs in every way — plus a few world firsts. The new MPG OLED 322URDX36 is a 32-inch 4K 360 Hz QD-OLED monitor powered by Samsung's latest dual-mode Penta Tandem QD-OLED panel that MSI has somehow turned into a triple-mode monster, allowing the monitor to ramp up to a whopping 680 Hz at 1080p.

First, let's talk about the underlying panel, since that was also recently unveiled by Samsung. We're looking at a 32-inch 4K 360 Hz screen with native dual-mode support — a first for QD-OLED monitors — so it can downclock to 1080p resolution at 680 Hz. This is lower than the 720 Hz some WOLED panels offer — but that's at a measly 720p resolution, which makes Samsung's offering better overall.

A few months ago, Samsung Display unveiled its 5th Gen QD-OLED panels featuring the Penta Tandem tech, referring to a five-layer OLED stack that improves brightness. A month before that, at CES 2026, the company also showed off its first-ever V-stripe QD-OLED panel that shifted away from a triangular subpixel layout to a more conventional RGB-stripe config. This new panel combines both of those together.

Not only that, but this seems to be the first panel in the world to achieve a VESA DisplayHDR 600 True Black certification. We haven't seen any OLED monitor go past True Black 500; in fact, Samsung's Penta Tandem technology was unveiled with a TB500 rating. A True Black 600-tier monitor represents 600 nits of peak brightness across a 10% window and 350 nits of brightness across the full screen.

Now that you understand just how impressive this panel is, onto the monitor itself. Between 4K 360 Hz and 1080p 680 Hz, the MPG OLED 322URDX36 adds a third 1440p 520 Hz option. Switching from 4K to 1080p can often feel jarring, so a 1440p middle ground is a great addition, especially when it's still boosting the refresh rate significantly.

To be clear, it's not "2K" as the marketing material emphasizes — it's more like 2.6K (2560x1440) since FHD (1920x1080) technically rounds up to 2K. Regardless, most monitors have stuck to a 1080p dual mode so far — including the native version of this very panel — because 4K scales perfectly to 1080p. Through integer scaling, two pixels combine to simply become a single pixel, and you achieve a lower resolution.

The same math doesn't work with 1440p because you'd have to combine 1.5 pixels into one, which is simply not possible and requires interpolation. Simulating 1440p across a 4K panel will, therefore, result in a blurry mess that looks way worse than a native 1440p panel. Keep in mind, we're talking about a 32" screen here, so pixel density is also a factor. Interpolated 1440p at 32 inches might even look worse than 1080p.

That said, MSI's implementation likely uses a hardware scaler where 1440p is being spatially interpolated at the silicon level. The true RGB stripe subpixel layout also helps here. But that's just a guess and we'll have to wait for reviews to see how the company manages to address this logical fallacy. It's still impressive as hell, though.

The MPG OLED 322URDX36 has a full-fat DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20 interface allowing for up to 80 Gbps of throughput. Thanks to the Penta Tandem panel, the monitor has a "DarkArmor" film that reduces black level raise and provides 40% deeper blacks. The surface hardness is also improved from 2H to 3H, making the monitor 2.5 times more scratch resistant. If you've owned a QD-OLED monitor before, you'll understand how much of a relief that is.

The HDR specs are also impressive. Beyond the True Black 600 rating, the MPG OLED 322URDX36 can achieve up to 1,500 nits of peak brightness in small windows, matching LG's Tandem OLED panels. There's also a feature called "Uniform Luminance" that will address the ABL (automatic brightness limiter) that most QD-OLED monitors come with. Apparently, you can customize the ABL curve yourself in the OSD.

There are other niceties such as a USB-C port with 98W power delivery, all the OLED care features, and the typical 3-year burn-in warranty that we've come to expect from high-end OLEDs. We're not going to mention the AI features but, of course, there's a "Gaming Intelligence" app and an "AI Care Sensor" that seems like a proximity sensor that'll turn off the display when it detects you've walked away. More details and pricing should be revealed soon on the show floor at Computex 2026.

At CES 2026, MSI unveiled a new lineup of power supplies under its MPG and MAG series. The 2026 MPG models are available in 1600W and 1300W variants and feature server-grade SiC MOSFETs designed to deliver a high level of stability and power efficiency. However, the standout addition is GPU Safeguard+, a new protection system aimed at preventing the overheating and melting issues associated with 12V-2x6 GPU power connectors.

Today, we will take a closer look at GPU Safeguard+. We will explore the PSU’s available software monitoring tools, explain how they work, and demonstrate how to use them. We will also evaluate the 12V-2x6 protection system in practice by simulating an improper cable connection to see how the safeguard mechanism responds. This should give us a decent indication of whether or not this feature works in practice, though naturally it would be impossible to test in all scenarios.

12VHPWR/12V-2x6 Connector Issues

12VHPWR/12V-2x6 Connector Issues

With the launch of the RTX 40-series in 2022, high-end GPUs adopted the new 12VHPWR power connector. The goal was to simplify cable management by replacing 3x8-pin configurations with a single connector. Under normal operating conditions, this setup is reliable. However, several factors can lead to an improper connection, potentially causing overheating issues.

One of the main issues with the implementation of this connector is the lack of load balancing. If the cable is not properly connected, excessive current can be routed through a single wire instead of being distributed evenly. This can lead to overheating and, in severe cases, melting of the cable or connector, potentially damaging the GPU, the power supply, or both.

What can cause a faulty connection?

At one point, improper cable insertion by the user was believed to be the primary cause of these failures. While this can still contribute to the problem, the updated 12V-2x6 connector specification introduced several changes intended to reduce the likelihood of user error. In addition, manufacturers implemented features such as colored connector housings to make it easier to verify that the cable is fully seated.

Many reported cases have also been linked to the use of 12VHPWR and 12V-2x6 adapter cables rather than native PSU cables designed specifically for those connectors.

The issue has continued to persist, with reports of damage affecting GPUs ranging from the RTX 5090 to the RTX 5070, as well as models of the 9070 XT that utilize the 12V-2x6 connector.

This is where GPU Safeguard+ comes in.

What is GPU Safeguard+?

What is GPU Safeguard+?

GPU Safeguard+ is a safety mechanism designed to combat the aforementioned issues with the 12V-2x6 connector. It does this through multiple phases.

First, the PSU detects a fault, such as a current imbalance between an abnormally uneven current distribution from the power supply’s 12V-2x6 connector or a sudden current spike that exceeds the safe load range.

After a fault has been detected, the PSU warns the user of the anomaly through a built-in buzzer or through various software tools, which we will discuss later. The buzzer continues to beep for 3 minutes after the fault has been detected.

If the current returns to normal, the buzzer continues to beep, but the PC remains powered on. The user must force shutdown the PC and reconnect or change the cable. The issue is recorded in a log automatically.

If the current is still abnormal, the buzzer continues to beep, but the power to the GPU is cut, and the screen goes black. The user must force shutdown the PC and reconnect or change the cable. The issue is recorded in a log automatically.

The best course of action is for the user to turn the PC off immediately once they hear the buzzer beeping. According to MSI, the three minutes between the first beep and the PSU cutting power to the GPU if the current remains abnormal are meant to allow the user to save their work before shutting down, or to take action on the user’s behalf if they are not around when the fault is detected.

Software Monitoring Tools

Software Monitoring Tools

The MSI MPG Ai1600TS power supply (along with the 1300W variant) comes with a USB-C Port and a USB-C to 9-pin cable that is plugged into the USB-C port in the PSU and the 9-pin USB connector on the motherboard. This allows the user to monitor PSU performance through various metrics in MSI Center, MSI Afterburner, and HWiNFO.

To access the PSU monitoring in MSI Center, go to the Features tab and select ‘power supply.’ This will take you to a page where you can view metrics such as total system output wattage, PSU efficiency, PSU temperature, and most importantly, per-pin current distribution for the 12v-2x6 connector. There is also a real-time dashboard where you can see the same info on several graphs, and also save this info as CSV for further analysis.

To enable PSU monitoring in MSI Afterburner, make sure you are using version 4.6.7 of Afterburner. Open up the settings in Afterburner and head to the Monitoring tab. Press the ellipsis next to “Active hardware monitoring graphs,” and you will get a pop-out window with available plugins. Scroll down and activate the PSU.dll plugin. Hit OK, and once you are back in the Monitoring tab, you will see several PSU metrics available, which you can add to the on-screen display.

You can also set alerts with customized values for these metrics. By selecting the ‘PSU 12VHPWR1 alarm’ or ‘PSU 12VHPWR2 alarm’, you can enable GPU Safeguard+ for the 12v-2x6 connectors. If a fault is detected, you will get a pop-up warning you of abnormal current. MSI Afterburner will then reduce the GPU power limit to 75% and will advise you to shut the PC down and check your connection.

Above, you can see the MSI Afterburner PSU metrics in action during gameplay. We tested in Alan Wake 2 and Cyberpunk 2077 at native 4K with path tracing and maxed out settings. Under these conditions, total system power draw occasionally exceeded 800W.

PSU efficiency remained high at 94%, and the cooling fan never needed to engage during testing. Out of the box, the PSU ships with a relatively relaxed fan curve, though it can be customized through MSI Center. By default, the fan only begins spinning once the PSU consistently reaches roughly half of its 1600W rated capacity. The brief power spikes observed during testing were not sustained enough to trigger active cooling, with PSU temperatures remaining in the low 50°C range throughout. This keeps the PSU nice and quiet during operation.

HWiNFO v8.42 added monitoring support for the MSI MPG Ai1600TS and MSI MPG Ai1300TS power supplies. Similar to MSI Center and MSI Afterburner, you can setup alerts for abnormal current distribution.

Testing GPU Safeguard+

Testing GPU Safeguard+

In order to test GPU Safeguard+ functionality, we simulated an improper connection of the 12v-2x6 cable into an RTX 5090. Do be aware that we cannot test every possible scenario, so view our results as a general indicator of how the tech would ideally work.

Test system

• MSI GeForce RTX 5090 Vanguard SOC
• AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• 64GB (2x32GB) G.SKILL Flare X5 DDR5 @6200 MHz CL30
• Crucial T700 Gen5 SSD
• ASUS ROG STRIX B850-F Gaming WiFi
• Corsair Nautilus 360 RS AIO Cooler
• HAGS enabled
• Windows 11 25H2 (Build 26200.8328)
• NVIDIA Driver 596.49

As you can see above, once we ran Furmark to apply 600W to the 5090, it did not take MSI Afterburner long to warn us of a fault. In addition to the pop-up warning, an audible alert sounded, and Afterburner automatically lowered the GPU power limit. MSI Center also detected a current imbalance, which also triggered a series of pop-up warnings, as did HWiNFO.

The alerts continued for three minutes before the PSU cut power to the GPU, causing the display to go black. At that point, we performed a forced shutdown of the system and properly reseated the cable. After powering the PC back on with the connector fully inserted, the system returned to normal operation.

Of the three software monitoring tools we tested, MSI Afterburner offers the most comprehensive monitoring and safety mechanisms. Not only does it issue a pop-up warning and an audible alert, but it also immediately limits the power to the GPU. It also allows you to conveniently monitor various metrics in real-time during gameplay.

Is Your GPU Safe?

Is Your GPU Safe?

The system worked well for us overall. The solution implemented by MSI is more comprehensive than simply having an improved cable that enlarges wire load capacity and reduces cable temperature. GPU Safeguard+ offers active protection that not only warns the user of an anomaly, but actually takes action to mitigate the risk of damage. Based on our testing, it works exactly as intended, but do be aware that we cannot simulate all possible failure scenarios or setups.

If we had one nitpick, it would be the three minutes between fault detection and the PSU finally cutting power to the GPU. In most scenarios, this is unlikely to cause any damage. Most users will also be close enough to their PC to hear the audible alerts and shut the PC down manually long before the protection kicks in. Still, we’d prefer a faster response for extra peace of mind. MSI says that the three-minute window is meant to allow users ample time to save their work before shutting down, but one to two minutes would also be plenty of time.

GPU Safeguard+ is an innovative protection feature that will hopefully become the standard on all high-end PSUs. Several other manufacturers have already announced similar technologies, and we hope to see every premium PSU adopt robust GPU protection in the near future. With the 12V-2x6 connector likely here to stay, features like this will be essential – especially for owners of power hungry GPUs.

If popularity and availability are any indication, the 27-inch 16:9 flat panel is the most desirable size for a desktop monitor. But I can’t imagine anyone would say no to a 32-inch display. The footprint isn’t much bigger, but the screen covers much more of the user’s peripheral vision, affords easy side-by-side document editing, and is a great size for a personal TV in an office or small media room.

When OLED enters the conversation, price is always a consideration, especially when we’re talking about the best 4K gaming monitors. You’ll pay around $200 more for a 32-inch 4K panel than a 27-inch one. If that’s doable for you, I recommend checking out MSI’s new MPG 322UR QD-OLED X24. It’s a 32-inch 4K Tandem OLED with Quantum Dot color, 4K resolution, 240 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, DisplayHDR 400 True Black, and accurate out-of-box color. Let’s take a look.

MSI MPG 322UR QD-OLED X24 Specs

Tandem OLED is a relative newcomer to the market, and it features OLED emitters arrayed in layers. There are four layers in the MPG 322UR QD-OLED X24, hereafter known as the MPG 322UR X24. This approach reduces overall power consumption, and it means that each layer can be driven more conservatively, which reduces heat and the risk of burn-in.

MSI further enhances the image with a screen coating called Dark Armor Film. It reflects ambient light neutrally, eliminating the purple tint seen on some QD-OLEDs. It also increases hardness and, therefore, scratch resistance. Black levels have a bit more impact, too.

The MPG 322UR X24 ships with a calibration data sheet, as with many monitors, and my sample measured nearly perfectly out of the box. You don’t need to tweak it, but if you wish, there are gamma presets, color temps, and color management settings available. The gamut is larger than DCI-P3, like most QD-OLEDs, and this one covers just over 107% of that space. There are pro modes too that provide reference to sRGB, Adobe, and DCI-P3.

For perfectly smooth gaming, there’s a 240 Hz refresh rate, which would be enough on its own, but MSI adds black frame insertion (MPRT), which helps keep the action clear at low frame rates. There’s Adaptive-Sync too, with support for Nvidia and AMD hardware. AI-labeled options include dynamic aiming points, sniper modes, screen protection, and brightness modulation. You can control everything from a desktop app called Gaming Intelligence if you’d rather not reach for the handy OSD joystick. Other AI bits include automatic brightening of shadow areas, color shift, and customizable game profiles.

The MPG 322UR X24 doesn’t have internal speakers, but it does include USB ports with a KVM function. Video inputs are all maximum bandwidth, two HDMI 2.1 and a DisplayPort 2.1, along with USB-C that has 98 watts of power. A 3.5mm headphone jack provides personal audio. LED lighting shows up in a small graphical bar on the panel’s backside.

The MPG 322UR X24 is an impressive package with all the features a gamer could want, solid build quality, and a gorgeous image. It’s $869 at this writing, which is about average for a premium 32-inch UHD OLED.

Assembly and Accessories

MSI has gone with all-recyclable packaging for the MPG 322UR X24, which is secured in molded pulp forms. The base, upright and panel assemble without tools into a solid package that feels substantial and rugged. Bundled cables come in a zippered pouch and include high quality HDMI, DisplayPort and two USBs. IEC feeds the internal power supply, and you get a microfiber cleaning cloth.

Product 360

The MPG 322UR X24 has a relatively shallow profile, though it is completely steady on a very substantial stand with a heavy base. The panel is just a shade over three millimeters thick at the top and backed with a metal plate. The component bulge takes total depth to 2.8 inches, which is about average for a 32-inch OLED. The bulge has plenty of ventilation and heat was never an issue for me. A small LED graphic sits at the top with an MSI logo flanked by a fading pattern. The lighting can be tweaked in the OSD for different colors and effects.

The stand is monolithic and includes 5/15 degrees of tilt and 30 degrees of swivel. There is no portrait mode, but you can rotate the panel 10 degrees in either direction. Perhaps this is to ensure a level screen on a tilted desktop. Height adjustment range is 4.4 inches. Movements are super solid and befit a premium display like this one.

The OSD joystick is behind the bottom center where a small protrusion casts a glow on the desktop to indicate power status. There is a sensor here that when activated can dim or blank the screen when you leave the area. It can also sense room lighting and adjust brightness and color automatically if you wish.

The input panel is up and under and includes two HDMI 2.1, a DisplayPort 2.1a and a USB-C (DP alt). The latter has 98 watts of charging power. All inputs accept 4K signals up to 240 Hz with Adaptive-Sync and HDR. You also get USB 3.2 ports, one upstream and two down. There are no internal speakers but a 3.5mm headphone jack provides personal audio.

OSD Features

The MPG 322UR X24’s OSD is complete with many options for image control and gaming. Submenus are represented by icons, which is a little confusing, but most options include a brief explanation, which is helpful.

AI options include dynamic crosshairs, or you can pick one with fixed color. The position is customizable too. The Care Sensor blanks or dims the screen when you leave the monitor by using the sensor on the front of the bezel. You can also let the sensor modulate image brightness under changing room light conditions.

Further game enhancements include a sniper mode called Optix Scope with four different magnifications. This menu also has the KVM settings and MPRT, which is a backlight strobe. You don’t see this feature too often with OLEDs, but it is handy when frame rates drop below 160fps. That gives the MPG 322UR X24 flexibility to provide smooth operation with a wider range of video cards. It takes a lot of horsepower to move 8.3 million pixels around the screen. Here, you also get SDR Brightness, which is a toggle between uniform and variable brightness. For the highest peak output, choose Dynamic and for constant light, choose Uniform.

The MPG 322UR X24 is the first monitor I’ve encountered that lets you adjust HDR luminance in a 14-point scale. You start with either Peak 1000 or True Black 500 and from there, you can reduce brightness at any or all of the points. This keeps super bright highlights from being too harsh. It’s useful in a dark room, but for the most part, I did not have to make any changes for a great HDR picture. You can also reduce overall HDR brightness if you wish. This menu also includes a timer and a refresh rate indicator.

There are eleven picture modes in total. Eco is the default and it limits brightness significantly. I went for User to do my tests and calibration. You also get gamut-specific options for DCI-P3, Adobe RGB and sRGB that are very accurate. Each mode has its own settings for luminance and calibration. User leaves all adjustments available.

OLED protection is extensive. Not only are there a myriad of options, but many of them also let you specify how far the luminance reduction goes. You can let the MPG 322UR X24 sense taskbars, icons and corner logos and dim them to your preference, or not at all. There are pixel orbiters and a panel refresh routine as well.

RGB LED is the control for the backlit graphic on the back of the panel. There are options for color, effect and brightness. The four joystick directions can be programmed by the user for many different functions.

MSI MPG 322UR QD-OLED X24 Calibration Settings

The MPG 322UR X24 doesn’t need to be calibrated but the default gamma is a tad light in the brighter parts of the picture. I tried out the user color temp and its RGB sliders and was able to mostly correct the problem. Color is nearly perfect in either case. I’ve included my settings below along with brightness values for the uniform or dynamic settings of the SDR Brightness option.

HDR has five of its own modes, found in the DisplayHDR sub-menu. The two Custom modes have a 14-point luminance adjustment which is a first in my experience. You can also adjust the overall brightness if you wish.

Gaming and Hands-on

I recently reviewed an excellent Mini LED monitor, TCL’s 27R94, that has over 1,700 nits peak HDR brightness, 2,304 dimming zones and Quantum Dot color. And it has 4K in 27 inches, more pixel density than the MPG 322UR X24. But the MSI looks better thanks to its OLED panel. When you view detailed objects close up, I’m thinking of the zombies in Doom Eternal, you can see so many tiny bits like shiny goo and blood and textural gore (yes, textured gore is a thing), which makes the experience more real.

This monitor is simply stunning to look at. Color is richly saturated and completely natural in tone. Though it is slightly more colorful than DCI-P3, it never looks overblown. When I needed sRGB color, it was just a click away in the OSD, also very accurate. There’s an Adobe RGB mode though it doesn’t quite cover all of that spec’s green primary. But for P3 and sRGB, the MPG 322UR X24 is completely pro-level if you want to use it for photography or video postproduction.

Gaming is an addictive experience. This is one of the quickest screens I’ve tried and that includes comparisons to monitors with higher refresh rates. When you get to 240 Hz, the advantage of an even faster monitor is small at best. You’ll see in my response and lag tests that the MPG 322UR X24 is on par with the fastest screens I’ve reviewed. Movement and aim are super precise with easy repeatability. You can go, stop and turn exactly where you want to, and every mouse click is met with instant weapons fire. This monitor is a tool that any seasoned competitor will enjoy using.

My everyday monitor is also a 32-inch UHD OLED, but it’s curved and when looking at it next to the MPG 322UR X24, it looks smaller, or the MSI looks bigger, however you want to see it. Having so much screen is a real advantage when working with multiple documents or in Photoshop when you want many toolbars at hand. I can put up two Word files side-by-side and they’re easy to read. Or I can see a big spreadsheet without scrolling. If I’m browsing the web in a centered window, I can keep smaller apps open on the sides and glance at them when needed. This is a super convenient screen size and shape, and its footprint isn’t much bigger than the 27-inch display I used in the past.

The MPG 322UR X24’s build quality is first-rate. It feels solid and substantial in its physical interactions with a steady stand and easy but firm ergonomics. The USB ports are handy as are the video inputs which are all the latest versions. I missed internal speakers but there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack. I also enjoyed the small but colorful LED light feature in the back.

Takeaway: The MPG 322UR X24 is a superb monitor that’s great for anything work or play related. It’s a nice size for watching video up close and it’s a great tool for Photoshop, Word or Excel. There is nothing it does not do well and the image in every instance is gorgeous. Premium video processing puts it among the very best for gameplay.

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To compare the MPG 322UR X24’s performance, I’ve mined a group of 240 Hz 32-inch 4K OLEDs from my test database. They are Asus’ XG32UCWMG and PG32UCDM3, HP’s Omen 32 OLED, Acer’s X32 X3, and the Dough Spectrum Black 32.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

Some of the screens were tested before I had Nvidia’s LDAT sensor so for the response chart, I substituted the OLEDs from my most recent reviews. The Acer and Gigabyte have the quickest, and therefore smoothest panels with 0.12 and 0.16ms gray-to-gray times. The MSI comes close at 0.20ms, while the last three are equal at 0.24ms. I noted that the 360 Hz Asus was not the smoothest panel in the group.

All are on equal footing in the lag test, with only 240 Hz 4K panels represented. The MPG 322UR X24 is very quick at just 14.2ms of average total lag calculated with 25 mouse clicks. It is one of the quickest monitors I’ve tested to date.

Test Takeaway: The MPG 322UR X24 is fully qualified for competition, though you’ll need a fast video card to drive it at 240fps in 4K resolution. If you have the hardware, it’s a completely worthwhile experience, though. On a side note: the MPG 322UR X24 includes black frame insertion so you can get very smooth operation at lower frame rates with just a small brightness penalty and the occasional frame tear. Adaptive-Sync and MPRT don’t work together.

Viewing Angles

The MPG 322UR X24’s Quantum Dot layer creates a subtle red tint in the 45-degree horizontal plane. This is typical of the QD OLEDs I’ve tested. The tint is almost impossible to see in actual content. Brightness and gamma are unaffected by off-center viewing. The top view retains its peak output, but gamma is a bit lighter, which reduces detail and overall clarity.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

OLEDs as a category are pretty solid in the uniformity test but the MPG 322UR X24 is exceptional. 4.81% is a tiny number and you won’t see an issue in a field pattern of any brightness or color, and certainly not in real-world content.

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To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

Though Tandem OLED tech promises higher brightness, the MPG 322UR X24 doesn’t have any more output than its competitors. That is not a weakness because 495 nits peak is plenty of light. This was measured from a 25% window pattern with SDR Brightness set on Dynamic. A full field is around 300 nits which is also the peak when uniform brightness is in play. Again, that’s more than enough for an indoor setting. Black levels and contrast are immeasurable.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration has no effect on the results. To set 200 nits for both dynamic and uniform modes, you’ll need different values and the MPG 322UR X24 doesn’t remember them when switching back and forth. You can see the numbers in my settings table on page one. Black levels and contrast remain unmeasurable and there is no way to determine an ANSI result either.

Test Takeaway: The MPG 322UR X24 has the same infinite contrast and unmeasurable black levels as any OLED. It delivers about the same peak output as well, which isn’t super bright but more than bright enough. It lets you choose uniform or variable brightness for SDR content which is something not every OLED offers.

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The MPG 322UR X24 has some of the most accurate out-of-the-box color I’ve seen from a gaming monitor. It doesn’t need to be calibrated, but there is a gain to be had from a little tweaking. I ran the tests in the User mode since the default, Eco, limits peak brightness.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

You can see in the first chart that grayscale tracking has no visible errors with all values below 2dE. That is impressive indeed. But the gamma needs some love. The drop seen from 70 to 90% means that many highlights will lack clarity and depth. This casts a slight haze over the image. You can’t fix this with gamma presets so what to do?

Many monitors will change their gamma when you select the user color temp, even before the sliders are adjusted. Luckily, the MPG 322UR X24 is one of those. With a few changes to the RGB values, grayscale is better with all values below 1dE and gamma is considerably tighter. Only 90% takes a small dip and this is a difference you can see in a side-by-side comparison. This is excellent performance.

If you choose the sRGB gamut, you don’t get gamma choices, but you can change the color temp by Kelvin value while the RGB sliders are grayed out. There’s a dip at 10% brightness, which makes some shadow areas a little too light. Otherwise, this is pro-level result.

Comparisons

The MPG 322UR X24’s grayscale accuracy is nearly unmatched both before and after calibration. Going from 1.2dE to 0.47dE is like going from perfect to more perfect. The reason for the adjustment is to improve gamma, which is a good thing. The 90% dip widens the range of values to 0.19, but the average is 2.19, a 0.45% deviation.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The MPG 322UR X24’s color is exemplary with just a 1.44dE average error out of the box when referenced to DCI-P3. Like nearly all QD-OLEDs, there’s a bit of red oversaturation while the other colors are spot-on. Green is fully covered. It doesn’t get much better than that but after a grayscale calibration, the error drops to 1.05dE. When viewing a color bar pattern, there’s no difference but in practice, you get a bit more depth and texture in the image.

The sRGB gamut is at reference level with a 0.98dE average error. The MPG 322UR X24 is fully qualified for color critical applications.

Comparisons

The MPG 322UR X24’s color gamut accuracy is certainly impressive, but the other screens are equally precise. When a monitor comes in fourth with a 1.05dE score, you know it’s a tight race between excellent displays. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a bad OLED from any brand.

In the volume test, the MPG 322UR X24 sits at the top with the PG32UCDM3 at over 107% coverage of DCI-P3. That’s better than some QD-OLEDs but not all. I’ve seen a few 27-inch models like Alienware’s AW2726DM top 110%. But among 32-inch 4K models, MSI is one of the best. sRGB is just short of 100% coverage due to slight undersaturation in green and blue. This would not be visible in content.

Test Takeaway: The MPG 322UR X24 has extremely accurate color and just needs a tweak to tighten up its gamma. But if you just used it out of the box, you’d be satisfied. The picture is natural and vivid in every case. Specific gamut modes for sRGB, Adobe and DCI-P3 are useful in professional settings. And it has comparable color volume to other 32-inch 4K Quantum Dot OLEDs.

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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The MPG 322UR X24 is rated for VESA DisplayHDR 400 and supports HDR10 content with an automatic switch. There are five HDR modes, two of which feature 14-point adjustable luminance, a first in my experience.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

To get the highest HDR output, I used the Peak 1000 mode because it has a slightly more accurate EOTF curve. In either mode, you get about 500 nits from a 25% window pattern. Smaller windows would be brighter, and in practice, the HDR image is very impactful.

The adjustable HDR modes can be used to reduce the brightest highlights. This is handy when using the MPG 322UR X24 in a dark room. You cannot increase peak brightness in these modes. If you were to lower all 14 points to their minimums, the result would be uniform brightness with a 300-nit peak. I noted that the EOTF became skewed when adjusting these modes. This can obscure detail in some content. They are there for personal preference only. My recommendation for those who want to dial back the MPG 322UR X24’s HDR brightness is to use the slider at the bottom of the menu labeled HDR Brightness. That will lower all values while maintaining the EOTF’s integrity.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The MPG 322UR X24 is very accurate in HDR mode with visually perfect grayscale tracking. All values are less than 2dE, which is excellent performance. The EOTF in Peak 1000 mode rides just below the reference. It’s a tad too dark, but since it progresses linearly, there is no loss of detail. That precision carries over to the color test where you get a linear amount of oversaturation, just enough to make an impact without clipping any detail. In the BT.2020 test, color runs out at 90% red, 80% green and 95% blue.

Test Takeaway: The MPG 322UR X24 isn’t super bright, but its HDR presentation is enhanced by accurate color, grayscale and luminance tracking. It’s better than most HDR monitors in this regard and the picture benefits from a high level of precision. MSI is the first company I’ve seen to offer a multi-point HDR luminance adjustment. Though it isn’t strictly accurate, it’s a nice option for those who want to dial back the bright highlights a bit.

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Just looking at the numbers, I get at least three or four 27-inch monitors to review for every 32-inch model. 27 inches offers a lot of bang for the buck, but once you’ve used a 32, it’s hard to go back. There is a price premium in the OLED category of around $200 for a 4K screen, but again, it’s hard to go back. And no one will say that their monitor is too big.

The MSI MPG 322UR X24 is an excellent mascot for this premium category. It renders a gorgeous and clear image with vivid, accurate color and the deep contrast that only an OLED can deliver. For gaming, it delivers quick panel response for perfect motion resolution at frame rates over 160fps. And for lower speeds, it offers MPRT black frame insertion so you can pair it with a mid-tier video card. AI features let you modulate brightness and color as the room lighting changes. And it ships with no calibration needed and pro-level color, gamma and grayscale accuracy. It can be both a gamer’s weapon and a photographer’s creative tool.

There are no real flaws here. I usually ding monitors for leaving out internal speakers, but the MPG 322UR X24 is so good, I’m giving it a pass. It is nearly perfect in every other respect. At the current price of $869, it’s competitive in the high-end category. But with exceptional speed and adjustable HDR luminance, it offers a bit more than others.

If you have the budget and a sufficiently fast video card, a 32-inch 4K OLED like the MSI MPG 322UR QD-OLED X24 is a great choice. Definitely check it out.

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MSI’s Raider 16 Max HX (starting at $2,999) is one of the fastest gaming laptops, featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus CPU and up to an Nvidia RTX 5090. Besides performance, this laptop delivers a vibrant OLED display and lasts much longer on battery than expected.

While it’s missing a mechanical keyboard and could use a faster storage drive, it remains a viable pick if you’ve got the cash – our RTX 5090 review model is priced at a lofty $4,099.

Design of the MSI Raider 16 Max HX

The Raider’s thick chassis, flashy LED lighting, and lid graphics make no attempt to hide its gaming pedigree. The light bar along the front edge of the chassis and the shield logo on the lid back are customizable for effects and colors in the SteelSeries GG app. The laptop pulls off an aggressive look without overdoing it. Ignoring its size, there’s not a lot to attract the eye with the lighting disabled.

Measuring 14.29 by 10.62 by 1.14 inches (WDH), the Raider occupies a similar footprint compared to the Alienware 16 Area-51 (14.37 by 11.41 by 1.12 inches) and Asus ROG Strix Scar 16 (13.94 x 10.55 x 0.90 inches). However, the MSI is easily the lightest of the group, at 5.73 pounds versus Alienware’s 7.49 and Asus’ 6.28 pounds.

The Raider's construction might have something to do with that – while the chassis feels solid enough, it definitely feels plasticky. The lid is aluminum, but it feels thin and flexes more than I expected. At least the lid’s hinges are smooth and sturdy.

MSI’s port selection is practical, with ports on three sides. On the left are two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports and an SD card reader; on the right, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 and an audio jack; and on the back, 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, and another USB-A port. The 400 W power brick attaches to a USB-like proprietary connector on the back. The laptop also features a cable lock slot on the left edge. Inside, the Raider utilizes a Killer BE1750 networking card supporting the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 standards.

MSI Raider 16 Max HX Specifications

Gaming and Graphics on the MSI Raider 16 Max HX

We tested the Raider 16 Max HX in flagship form, featuring a Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor, RTX 5090 graphics card, and 32GB of RAM.

Playing F1 24 at 2560 x 1600 with Ultra High settings and DLSS disabled, I saw the game average in the mid to low 90s when monitoring frames per second. The Raider didn’t skip a beat.

The high-end gaming laptops in our comparison lineup include the Alienware 16 Area-51 (Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, RTX 5080 175 W, $4,309), Asus’ ROG Strix Scar 16 (Core Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5080 175 W, $3,299), and Razer’s last-gen Blade 18 (Core Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5090 175 W, $5,199). All share the same class of CPU, with our MSI and the Alienware sporting the Arrow Lake Refresh chips, and all use an Nvidia RTX graphics card with a maximum graphics power rating of 175 W.

Our comparisons focus on FPS at 1920 x 1080, but we also included results at each laptop’s native resolution, which was 2560 x 1600 for all except the Razer’s 3840 x 2400.

On Shadow of the Tomb Raider at the Highest detail preset, the Raider’s 197 FPS at 1080p was second only to the Razer (213 FPS) and edged ahead of the Alienware (191 FPS). The Raider produced the best numbers at native resolution, with 134 FPS next to the Alienware’s 116 FPS and the Asus’ 112 FPS. These differences are slight but show that the RTX 5090, which is also present in the Razer, offers a touch more performance than the RTX 5080 found in the Alienware and Asus.

Running Cyberpunk 2077 at the Ray Tracing Ultra preset, the RTX 5090 laptops continued distinguishing themselves, with the Raider again topping the charts. Its 70 FPS was just behind the Razer (74 FPS) but well ahead of the Alienware (63 FPS) and Asus (61 FPS). It maintained that lead at native resolution, producing 42 FPS against Alienware’s 39 FPS and Asus’ 35 FPS.

Moving to Far Cry 6 at the game’s Ultra preset, these laptops produced mostly indistinguishable performance, though the Raider slightly edged ahead of the Alienware and Asus at 1080p.

The Raider continued its strong performance in Red Dead Redemption 2 at Medium settings, where its 130 FPS at 1080p outpaced the Alienware’s 123 FPS but was just shy of Razer’s 132 FPS. Meanwhile, it dominated native resolution, with 90 FPS against the 77 FPS each produced by Alienware and Asus.

Testing Borderlands 3 at the “Badass” preset, the Raider tied with Razer with 189 FPS for the highest 1080p number, clearly surpassing the Alienware (164 FPS) and Asus (156 FPS). This gap is wider than we saw in some of the other games.

MSI’s Raider delivers excellent gaming performance, landing neck-and-neck with the larger Blade 18. Its RTX 5090 delivers marginal but measurable performance advantages over Alienware’s RTX 5080 system, which runs at the same maximum graphics power. That said, the differences might not be noticeable to most gamers; MSI also offers this laptop with RTX 5080 for about $600 less. The RTX 5090’s other differentiator is its larger 24GB frame buffer versus the RTX 5080’s 16GB, though the latter is already more than enough for today’s games.

We stress test gaming laptops running 15 loops of the Metro Exodus stress test at RTX settings. During the test, the Raider averaged 142.3 FPS across all runs with almost no variance, starting the first loop at 143.5 FPS and finishing the final loop at 142.8 FPS. The Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus averaged 4.51 GHz on its P-cores and 2.59 GHz on its E-cores while the RTX 5090’s average boost clock was 1.99 GHz.

Productivity Performance on the MSI Raider 16 Max HX

We evaluated the Raider with a Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It’s notable MSI includes a PCIe 4.0 drive, not a PCIe 5.0 drive as we’d expect in a high-end gaming laptop. (One of its two M.2 slots supports PCIe 5.0 drives, MSI simply doesn’t equip it with a PCIe 5.0 drive.)

In Geekbench 6, these laptops are essentially neck-and-neck, though the refreshed Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus chips in the Raider and Alienware perform marginally better than the Core Ultra 9 275HX in the others. The real-world differences between these chips will likely go unnoticed.

In our 25GB file transfer test, MSI’s Raider performed well below par, with 1,357.93 MBps against the next-fastest Asus, with 1,841.41 MBps, and nowhere near the Alienware’s 2,738.9 MBps.

The Raider bounced back in Handbrake, completing the test in the shortest time at 1 minute and 51 seconds. The Alienware was the next quickest at an even two minutes, with the Razer (2:07) and Asus (2:24) trailing.

Display on the MSI Raider 16 Max HX

The Raider’s 2560 x 1600 OLED display is one of its best features, offering a world-class picture for multimedia and everything else. Watching Blade Runner 2049, I noticed subtle creases on K’s trench coat, mesmerizing colors on Joi’s holograph, and the intricate detail in Wallace’s eyes. I also admired the searing brightness of my lightsaber and the feel of total blackness in caves and unlit rooms in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The 240 Hz refresh rate translates to smooth scrolling and no frame tearing. For immersion in any kind of media, this screen is sure to please.

These laptops use different screen technologies – OLED for the MSI and Alienware and mini-LED for the Asus and Razer. OLED demonstrates better color coverage, with the Raider’s 86.1% higher than Asus’ 81.2% and Razer’s 80% but not quite matching the Alienware’s 93.7%. However, the Raider’s 456-nit peak brightness was much sunnier than the Alienware’s 369 nits and practically tied the Asus and Razer.

In our HDR testing, not shown in the charts, the Raider’s 40% average was 991 nits and 100% average was 600 nits.

Keyboard and Touchpad on the MSI Raider 16 Max HX

MSI’s keyboard prioritizes gaming and makes some curious layout choices in the process. There’s no left Fn key, which has been moved next to the arrow keys. Oddly, another slash key is there, too. The MSI Center app allows toggling the Windows key and/or swapping it with the Fn key, but those use to left-handed Fn and Windows key shortcuts will need to adjust.

The arrow keys are full-size but the three-column number pad isn’t, which has a strange layout and tiny keys – it probably should have been left out in favor of dedicated macro or media control keys. Macros can still be configured in the SteelSeries GG app, but nothing beats dedicated keys.

Typing feel is quite satisfying, though, with a crisp keypress, just enough travel, and a rigid deck. I managed 119 words per minute with 99% accuracy in my usual MonkeyType run. A mechanical keyboard might further improve the typing experience; alas, MSI doesn’t offert one on this model, though Alienware does on its Aurora..

Keyboard backlighting is also more than bright enough and customizable in per-key RGB fashion, with patterns and layered effects using SteelSeries GG. In another gaming flourish, the WASD and arrow keys are transparent and appear extra bright.

MSI’s touchpad is also superb. Though it’s top-hinged rather than haptic, it clicks predictably and has plenty of surface area relative to the 16-inch display.

Audio on the MSI Raider 16 Max HX

MSI’s built-in speakers satisfy casual listening. User-facing in the screen hinge, they project well even if the laptop isn’t on a solid surface. Bass doesn’t thump but is present, adding a sense of immersion in games and movies. The included Nahimic audio app provides equalizers that make the speakers sound much fuller than they would otherwise be, though beyond enabling the basic preset for Movies, Music, or Gaming, I didn’t hear a benefit to tweaking the other settings, such as bass and treble boost.

In Blade Runner 2049, I could hear the subtle strain in Lieutenant Joshi’s voice as she was being interrogated and the delicate patter of rainfall on the city streets. The Movie equalizer proved useful here, though I disabled the volume leveling feature as it made quiet scenes too loud. I also appreciated the audio in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, from the crunch of my footsteps over rocks to the piercing ignition of my lightsaber.

Upgradeability of the MSI Raider 16 Max HX

MSI simplified the Raider’s upgradeability by housing all common components under a dedicated upgrade panel, secured with two Philips-head screws.

Behind the panel are the two SODIMM slots and two M.2 2280 PCIe slots, making these upgrades simple.

Removing the entire bottom panel is necessary to access the 92 Whr battery and the M.2 2230 wireless card. After removing the Philips-head screws around the edges, all of which are the same length, I found there was one more in the center under the upgrade panel that was hard to spot. Finding a gap between the chassis halves where I could fit my trim removal tool proved challenging, but I was able to make one along the LED lightbar on the front edge. The panel popped free after I freed the clips along the edges.

Battery Life on the MSI Raider 16 Max HX

Our battery test consists of web browsing, running OpenGL tests, and streaming videos with the screen at 150 nits while connected to Wi-Fi. The Raider distinguished itself with a commanding time of 8 hours and 34 minutes, over two hours more than the Asus (6:30) and totally outclassing the Alienware’s 3:33.

Heat on the MSI Raider 16 Max HX

We measure gaming laptop surface temperatures while running the 15 loops of our Metro Exodus stress test. During the test, the Raider peaked at 87 degrees Fahrenheit between the keyboard G and H keys, 74 F on the touchpad, and 109 F on the underside towards the exhaust vents. Internally, the Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus ran at 75 degrees Celsius across all cores while the RTX 5090 averaged 72 C.

Fan noise is well-controlled on the Raider – while gaming, the laptop’s built-in speakers are able to overpower the fan noise, and the fans are hardly noticeable for everyday tasks.

Webcam on the MSI Raider 16 Max HX

MSI’s webcam produces satisfactory video quality. Though its 1080p resolution is the minimum accepted these days, it accurately exposed my face despite the window behind me and didn’t show any grain, even in the shadows of my black t-shirt. The webcam also includes an infrared (IR) sensor for facial logins with Windows Hello and a sliding privacy shutter.

Software and Warranty on the MSI Raider 16 Max HX

Minimal software is included on the Raider. MSI Center provides hardware monitoring, support access, and settings: the Windows key can be toggled and/or swapped with the Fn key, and there’s a toggle for USB power share. The app also provides power profiles for Extreme Performance, Balanced, or Eco (Silent), and features a MUX switch for disabling the onboard graphics.

Tinkering with the keyboard and external lighting is done through the familiar SteelSeries GG app, which sees the Raider as a device. Preset lighting patterns and color themes are included, and the app provides in-depth settings for creating your own, including layered effects.

MSI backs the Raider with a one-year warranty.

MSI Raider 16 Max HX Configurations

MSI offers three Raider 16 Max HX configurations through Micro Center, all of which feature a 240 Hz OLED display, Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The only difference between them is the GPU, with the base RTX 5070 Ti model (B2WJ-002US) commanding $2,999, the RTX 5080 $3,499 (B2WI-003US), and our tested RTX 5090 model $4,099 (B2WH-004US). Our model was discounted to $3,499 at review time.

MSI’s pricing is competitive among RTX 5090 laptops. The ROG Strix Scar 16 was $4,499 directly from Asus, though it included a 2TB SSD. Meanwhile, Alienware’s 16 Area-51 listed at $4,699, though a flash sale temporarily brought it down to $3,699.

Bottom Line

MSI’s Raider 16 Max HX delivers an elite gaming experience in a laptop: its Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and RTX 5090 push high frame rates with ease, the OLED panel looks superb, and the system stays impressively cool and quiet under load. Customizable lighting and practical connectivity round out its appeal.

At this price, though, a PCIe 5.0 SSD and more premium chassis materials would feel more appropriate. Compared with Alienware’s 16-inch Area-51, the Raider lacks a mechanical keyboard and isn’t quite as showy, but it counters with far better battery life and a noticeably brighter display. All in all, the Raider is a compelling option for anyone with the money to spend on it.

Motherboard sales are collapsing amid unprecedented shortages fueled by AI, causing prices for many major PC components to rise across the board during the past six months, with memory modules and storage drives leading the way.

Those shortages are being exacerbated by chipmakers like Nvidia, Intel, and AMD, which have reduced production of consumer chips so they can manufacture more AI processors. The AI infrastructure buildout is also causing shortages for Intel and AMD CPUs (and even high-end Macs), as interest in agentic AI rockets through the roof.

Because of this, users who lack deep pockets are putting off upgrading their PCs and holding on to their current devices longer. Motherboard manufacturers have begun to feel the effects of these delayed purchases, with Digitimes [machine translated] reporting that the four major firms are revising target sales downward.

Asus, which sold 15 million motherboards in 2025, has shipped only a little more than 5 million in the first half of 2026. The company will have to push hard to even move 10 million units by the end of the year, marking a 33% decrease in sales year-on-year. Gigabyte and MSI sold 11.5 million and 11 million motherboards last year, respectively. The companies have revised their internal forecasts for 2026 to 9 million (Gigabyte) and 8.4 million (MSI), a 22% drop for the former and a 24% contraction for the latter.

ASRock will be hardest hit by the situation: The company’s shipments are projected to fall by 37%, from 4.3 million in 2025 to just 2.7 million by the end of the year. This marks a contraction of 28% for the overall motherboard market, at least for the big four manufacturers.

AI’s demand for memory, storage, and processors is the primary driver for this drop in sales. Shortages that have been caused by their massive purchases have forced PC builders and enthusiasts to fight over a smaller pie of PC components, resulting in higher overall prices for these components.

Aside from this, AMD continues to use the AM5 socket for its latest processors, while Intel's Nova Lake, which will reportedly use LGA 1954, isn’t available until later this year. The situation is further compounded by Nvidia not releasing a refreshed RTX 50 Super series this year, while rumors claim that the RTX 60 series will not debut until 2028. This confluence of factors is discouraging PC builders from upgrading their current systems.

Despite this drop in sales, these companies aren’t exactly struggling. Asus, Gigabyte, and ASRock have pivoted some of their production towards AI servers, allowing them to capture some of the investments that hyperscalers are generously pouring into their data centers.

If you’re planning to build a completely new PC from scratch, you might be able to find good deals on motherboard combos, especially as retailers are keen on getting their inventories moving. Although these discounts might not be enough to offset the increased costs of memory, storage, and, to some extent, processors, it will at least save you a few dollars as you navigate the current chip crisis.

MSI is no stranger to PC peripherals and components, but the power supply market is one where reputation is built slowly and lost quickly. The MAG A1200PLS PCIE5 sits at the higher end of MSI's current consumer PSU lineup, rated at 1200 watts and carrying an 80Plus Platinum badge on the box. It is a bold entry into a segment where established names compete fiercely, and where buyers expect both electrical precision and long-term reliability at the price point MSI has chosen.

The platform comes from Channel-Well Technology, a Taiwanese OEM with a long and largely positive history in mid-to-top-tier PSU manufacturing. Channel-Well has supplied the internals for well-regarded units across multiple brands over the past two decades, so the foundation here is not a concern in principle. What matters is how MSI has specified and tuned the design, and whether the result justifies a $250 retail price. And if so, how does it rank among the best power supplies on the market today?

Specifications and Design

In the Box

The packaging is hard to ignore - the outer box is large, sturdy cardboard with a militaristic design language: brushed metal backgrounds, angular fonts, yellow accents, and a clear image of the unit itself. We feel that it communicates aggression and premium positioning. Inside, the unit is protected by a fabric pouch and foam inserts on both ends.

The bundle itself is rudimentary. You get the mounting screws, an AC power cable, a few basic cable ties, and a printed manual. Nothing else. Given the price, some buyers would reasonably expect a little more.

Cable consistency and quality are good. All cables are fully modular, all-black from connector to tip, and use what MSI markets as embossed jacket wires, which produce a scaled, textured look. Cable combs come preinstalled on all cables except the SATA and PATA ones. The connector complement includes one 12V-2x6 cable and four 6+2 pin PCI Express connectors. Two of the PCIe connectors arrive on individual cables, while the third cable carries two 6+2 connectors in a piggyback arrangement. For a 1200W unit, having only one 12V-2x6 connector is kind of a limitation. The 12V-2x6 connector features a dual-color design with a yellow lower section that disappears entirely once the plug is fully seated, giving the user a clear visual confirmation that insertion is complete.

External Appearance

At 150mm in length, the MAG A1200PLS PCIE5 is only marginally longer than what the ATX design guide recommends, and it will fit without difficulty in any modern case with a respectable PSU chamber. Power density is solid for a unit of this output. The chassis finish is matte black with a light texture, applied evenly across all surfaces with no visible imperfections.

The overall aesthetic is complex. Yellow accent lines run across multiple sides, decorative stickers cover the left and right panels, and the top surface carries the sticker with the electrical specifications and certifications. The fan guard is hexagonal rather than the more common circular wire shield, and the MSI logo sits centrally above the fan motor. These aggressive intentional styling choices are meant to set the unit apart visually, though opinions on how far to take decorative elements on a PSU will vary.

The front panel holds only the standard rocker switch and the AC receptacle. The rear carries the modular connectors array with a basic legend alongside each socket group.

Internal Design

Cooling is handled by a Power Logic PLA13525S12H 135mm fan using a fluid dynamic bearing (FDB) engine. FDB remains the preferred bearing type for balancing acoustic performance and service longevity, sitting comfortably between the quietness of sleeve bearings and the durability of dual ball bearings. The rated maximum speed is 2300 RPM, which is high for this fan diameter but not unreasonable given that 1200 watts generates meaningful heat even in an efficient design. MSI has integrated a rotation sensor with an audible alarm that activates if the fan stops spinning, an appreciated safety feature that gives the user immediate audible feedback in the event of a fan failure.

The OEM, Channel-Well Technology, brings a platform built around established topologies. Input filtering is adequate, with six Y capacitors, two X capacitors, and two common-mode inductors. Two rectifying bridges share a generously sized heatsink immediately after the filtration stage.

The APFC circuit uses two CRmicro CRJQ60N65G2BF MOSFETs and a diode, mounted on the largest heatsink in the unit. A large encased inductor and a Teapo 1000μF bulk capacitor complete the APFC stage. The primary inversion stage is a half-bridge topology using two familiar STMicroelectronics STW43N60DM2 MOSFETs. STMicroelectronics needs no introduction in power electronics, and the choice of their silicon here is a positive. These MOSFETs share a basic aluminum slab heatsink that seems borderline functional and hints of the high efficiency these MOSFETs have.

The secondary side generates the 12V rail using eight ChongQing PingWei Enterprise C009N04ES MOSFETs in a synchronous rectification topology, mounted on a vertical PCB. The 3.3V and 5V lines are produced by DC-to-DC converters on a separate daughterboard, which is the correct modern approach for minor rail quality and stability.

Secondary electrolytic capacitors come from Teapo and ChengX. Solid-state capacitors are sourced entirely from Teapo. Neither brand is disreputable, but Teapo is typically found in mid-tier designs and ChengX in low-to-mid-tier designs. Seeing ChengX capacitors in a unit priced at $250 is notable and not in a positive way. Buyers at this price range are entitled to expect Japanese-origin components from manufacturers like Rubycon or Nippon Chemi-Con.

Cold Test Results

Cold Test Results (25°C Ambient)

For the testing of PSUs, we are using high precision electronic loads with a maximum power draw of 2700 Watts, a Rigol DS5042M 40 MHz oscilloscope, an Extech 380803 power analyzer, two high precision UNI-T UT-325 digital thermometers, an Extech HD600 SPL meter, a self-designed hotbox and various other bits and parts.

At 115 VAC, average nominal load efficiency is 90.9%. At 230 VAC, it reaches 92.8%. Both results satisfy the Cybenetics and PPLP.Info Platinum certification thresholds, which are averaged across the load range rather than requiring every individual test point to clear. The unit did not, however, verify its 80Plus Platinum performance at maximum load during our testing, where efficiency drops enough to fail the standard’s requirements. Checking CLEAResult’s report, we can see that the test unit only barely met the criteria during laboratory testing – something we could not reproduce, even if the difference is very small.

Efficiency peaks at approximately 30-40% load, which is lower than where PSUs typically are the most efficient. It remains relatively stable and well-behaved through most of the operating range before declining noticeably above 60 to 70% load. The fan operates continuously from startup, though it is effectively silent at low loads. Speed picks up sharply beyond 800 watts but the unit does not become intrusive under cold ambient conditions. Thermal performance under these conditions is adequate.

Hot Test Results

Hot Test Results (~45°C Ambient)

Elevated ambient temperature reveals meaningful weaknesses. At 115 VAC, average nominal efficiency drops to 88.9%. At 230 VAC, it falls to 90.9%. The two-percentage-point degradation is notable, though not catastrophic, but does reveal thermal stress as the degradation is more severe across the higher load part of the spectrum.

Fan behavior shifts more aggressively under these conditions. Speed increases at a faster rate than in cold testing and hits maximum output at approximately 90% load, well before the unit reaches rated output. Above that point, the fan is already turning at its ceiling and has no further capacity to compensate, which causes internal temperatures to climb at a steeper rate during the final portion of the load range. The unit did not trigger over-temperature protection during testing, but the thermal margin at full load in a warm environment is not generous. Under high sustained loads in a hot enclosure, acoustic output becomes noticeable. At low to moderate loads, the unit remains quiet even under elevated ambient temperatures.

PSU Quality and Bottom Line

Power Supply Quality

Voltage regulation is competent without being exceptional. The 12V rail holds to within 1.2% across the full load range, the 5V rail to 1.4%, and the 3.3V rail to 1.6%. These are acceptable numbers by current standards, though for a unit priced at $250, the expectation sits somewhat higher. Ripple filtering is where the MAG A1200PLS PCIE5 more clearly earns its tier. The 12V rail peaks at 44 mV, the 5V rail at 26 mV, and the 3.3V rail at 28 mV. All figures clear the ATX specification limits by a comfortable margin and represent genuinely clean output across all three rails.

During our routine evaluation, we examine the fundamental protection features of all power supply units we review, including Over Current Protection (OCP), Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Power Protection (OPP), and Short Circuit Protection (SCP). Protection circuit behavior is broadly well-tuned. The 3.3V OCP triggers at 136% of rated current and the 5V at 132%, both reasonable margins. The 12V OCP activates at 128%, giving enough headroom for transient loads without being dangerously lax. OPP under hot conditions engages at 126% of rated output, which is a responsible threshold given the thermal behavior observed at high load.

Bottom Line

The MSI MAG A1200PLS PCIE5 is a competent 1200W unit from a known and capable OEM, with good power quality, and efficient room-temperature performance. Much of the marketing efforts are based on the striking, militaristic exterior design. The cable implementation is thoughtful, the fan alarm is a valuable inclusion, and the visual insertion confirmation on the 12V-2x6 connector partially addresses a real-world issue. There is genuine engineering consideration evident in the design.

The criticisms, however, accumulate at the price point MSI has chosen. Overall, we feel that the MAG A1200PLS is inadequate as a top-tier 1200W unit and should not require negotiation at $250. The secondary capacitor selection, with ChengX and Teapo where Rubycon or Nippon Chemi-Con would be expected, is a cost-cutting decision that conflicts with the premium positioning. The efficiency certifications are there and we cannot claim otherwise but we could not replicate equally good results. Even looking at the certification datasheets, they do tell a tale, with the efficiency peaking early and plummeting at higher loads, suggesting that the unit may be a little overdriven compared to its actual capabilities. And the thermal behavior under hot ambient conditions at high load, while not dangerous, is a reminder that this platform is working near its limits when conditions are unforgiving.

At $170 or even just below $200, many of these objections soften considerably. At $250, the MAG A1200PLS PCIE5 enters a tier where the competition is unforgiving, and the standards are higher. Buyers who operate primarily in the 40 to 70% load range and prioritize build aesthetics alongside electrical quality and quiet operation will find a capable and visually distinctive unit. Those planning sustained high-load operation or who expect both the aesthetics and components to match the stated tier should look carefully before committing.

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'Tis the season for refreshed motherboards, and we have another in the test lab. This time, we get a chance to look at MSI’s X870E Carbon Max Wifi, a refresh of the original X870E Carbon Wifi we covered all the way back in 2024, just after release. The updated Carbon Max Wifi offers a couple of changes over the original, including the OC Engine chip for overclocking, a 64MB BIOS, and a slightly different design aesthetic to the premium mid-range offering. Outside of that, it’s a boring update (and to be fair, most refreshes are). But there’s not a lot you can do hardware-wise at this point to freshen things up without blurring the lines between SKUs.

At $499, the Carbon Max Wifi isn’t not cheap, but still offers some high-end hardware, including multiple LAN ports (5 and 2.5 GbE) and Wi-Fi 7, 13 USB ports on the rear IO (2x 40 Gbps Type-C), ample storage options with four M.2 sockets (two PCIe 5.0) and four SATA ports, a solid current-gen audio solution, and robust power delivery designed to support flagship-class processors and overclocking. MSI also packs the Carbon Max with EZ DIY features, including PCIe Release, EZ M.2, and EZ Button features to simplify installation and removal of parts. Like most others, it also offers ‘AI’ functionality to help with overclocking, networking, cooling, and even an NPU boost (if your CPU has one).

Performance using the latest BIOS and AGESA was average overall. It was slower in our Handbrake encoding tests, but otherwise performed well across a wide variety of activities, including rendering, office work, and, of course, gaming. In short, performance isn’t a concern. The board happily ran our Ryzen 9 9900X and RTX 4080 combo without issue.

Below, we’ll examine the board's performance and other features to determine whether it deserves a spot on our list of the best motherboards. But before we share test results and discuss details, here are the specifications from MSI’s website.

Specifications of the X870E Carbon Max Wifi

Inside the Box

The X870E Carbon Max includes a few accessories to get you started. You get your typical collection of cables, clips, and screws, but nothing extraordinary. In fact, it isn’t much different than the X870 Edge Ti we recently covered. Below is the full list.

• EZ Wi-Fi Antenna
• Cable Stickers/Installation Guide
• 1 to 3 EZ Conn-cable (v2)
• 1 to 3 ARGB Gen 2 extension cable
• (2) SATA cable
• EZ Front Panel cable
• EZ M.2 Clip II remover
• EZ M.2 Clip II

Design of the Carbon Max Wifi

The X870E Carbon Max maintains the carbon-black aesthetic of its predecessor, featuring a ‘server-grade’ 8-layer PCB and a reflective Mystic Light RGB lighting accent (the MSI dragon) atop the VRM heatsink. Compared to the non-Max, it doesn’t look much different, with the only changes being accent lines on the plate heatsinks and the VRM. The large M.2 Shields Frozr II heatsink for the top PCIe 5.0 M.2 socket also features RGB, with the Carbon branding tastefully shining through. We rarely mention the back of the board, but in this case, MSI’s PinSafe design uses a pin-less backside so you don’t get poked, or your clothing doesn’t get caught on the solder points all over the rear.

In the end, we still like the board’s aesthetic, and there’s no doubt it looks good inside a chassis, but it isn’t significantly changed over the already good-looking original.

Focusing on the top half of the board gives us a better view of the large heatsink cooling the VRMs. The oversized heatsinks are connected by a direct-touch heat pipe that distributes the load between them. There’s a lot of mass and surface area, so we expect them to perform well during testing. Above the VRMs are two 8-pin EPS power connectors (one required) for the processor. Between the capable MOSFETs below and the large cooler, you can overclock any compatible processor, whether with PBO or manually, without worry.

Moving right and past the socket area, the next thing we see are four DRAM slots, with a single locking mechanism at the top (where you have more room for access). MSI lists support for up to DDR5-9000 (with an APU, 8400 MT/s with a desktop-class processor), which is well past AMD’s sweet spot. Our DDR5-7200 kit worked without issue with the desktop-class CPU. With our recently acquired Ryzen 5 8600G APU, the board also happily ran our Klevv DDR5-8000 kit.

Just above the RAM slots are the first three (of seven, plus the JAF header, detailed in the next paragraph) four-pin fan headers. Each header supports both PWM- and DC-controlled devices, with the output varying for each. The system fans are the lowest at 1A/12W, CPU_FAN1 next at 2A/24W, and the PUMP-SYS1-2 header (defaults to PWM mode) is the most at 3A/24W. This is plenty of power for most cooling systems. If you’re pushing the limits, be sure to connect the supplemental PCIe (6-pin) power to ensure the board can safely output all that juice.

Working our way down the right edge, we find another fan header and the first 3-pin ARGB header. MSI Control Center and the company’s Mystic Light application control the integrated RGBs and those attached to the headers. Next up is the two-character debug (a new, smaller, less chunky version than we’ve seen), 24-pin ATX power for the board, and the combo JAF_2 header that combines fan, USB, and RGB into one connector (EZ Con-cable included).

Power delivery on the X870E Carbon Max consists of 21 total phases, with 18 dedicated to Vcore. Power heads from the 8-pin EPS connector(s) in the top-left corner, then to a Renesas RAA229620 controller. From there, it moves to the 18 Renesas R2209004 110A SPS MOSFETs. It’s a robust solution that matches the more expensive X870E Ace Max and will handle anything you throw at it, including the Ryzen 9 9950X or the purported Ryzen 9 9950X3D2.

On the bottom half of the board, hidden under a metal shroud labeled Audio Boost 5 on the left side, is the audio section. The Carbon Max uses the mid-range Realtek ALC4080 codec. You won’t find any fancy DAC/AMPs, but this audio solution will be fine for an overwhelming majority of users.

In the middle are three full-length PCIe slots for graphics and expansion. The top two slots connect to the CPU. The top slot, which is primary for graphics and runs at PCIe 5.0 x16, uses the EZ PCIe release button, while the middle slot runs at PCIe 5.0 x8. If the second slot is populated, the top slot drops to x8 as well. The bottom x4 slot connects through the chipset and supports PCIe 4.0 x4.

Among the slots are four M.2 sockets, with a fifth on the back of the board. The top two sockets, M.2_1/2, source their bandwidth from the CPU and run up to PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps) while supporting up to 80mm devices. M.2_3/4/ receive their bandwidth from the chipset and all run up to PCIe 4.0 x4 (64 Gbps) while supporting 80mm devices (M.2_3 supports up to 110mm).There is some bandwidth sharing; M.2_2 shares with the USB4 Type-C ports. So when that specific M.2 socket is used, bandwidth drops to x2 speeds for both. Like PCIe lanes, you can force an x4 connection, but you’ll lose both USB4 ports in the process. If you have many M.2 drives and would like to use the full bandwidth of the USB4 ports, do not populate M.2_2.

Past the one-touch plate heatsinks to the right edge, we run into the front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps with 27W charging) connector, followed by four SATA ports and two 19-pin USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) connectors—standard fare, and again, the same as on the more expensive Ace Max.

We also included images of several chips used on the board. MSI uses mainly Realtek (audio, USB, PWM controller, ASMedia (USB4), and Renesas (PWM and MOSFETs).

Along the bottom are several headers, ranging from the front panel to fans and supplemental PCIe power, and more. From left to right, we’ve listed them below. One item worth mentioning is the supplemental PCIe power connector for additional board power, so the board can actually output everything it’s rated for as well as the 2-pin Direct OC jumper (connect a simple button to raise/lower BLCK manually).

• Front panel audio
• 4-pin RGB
• 3-pin ARGB
• 2-pin LED on/off header
• (2) 2-pin thermistor headers
• (2) 4-pin System fan
• PCIe supplemental power
• (1) 4-pin System fan
• (2) USB 2.0 headers
• 3-pin ARGB
• Reset/Power buttons
• BCLK jumpers
• 2-pin battery header(CMOS reset)
• Front panel

The rear IO on the X870E Carbon Max is full of connectivity, including 13 USB ports. Starting on the left, there are six (of nine) USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps, red) ports, followed by the HDMI output and the two USB-C 40 Gbps ports. In the middle are three convenient buttons: BIOS Flashback, Clear CMOS, and a programmable Smart button. Next to that are the two Ethernet ports, 5 and 2.5 GbE, respectively, while below that are the other three USB 3.2 Gen2 ports. Finally, on the right is the quick-connect Wi-Fi 7 (fast 5.8 Gbps) and audio stack (two 3.5mm and SPDIF out)—plenty of ports to go around.

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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 to left-aligned headings, middle-aligned details, and right-aligned system status information, and it’s all logically laid out. Like most other board partners, it features an informational EZ Mode that provides limited functionality, with access to features such as Game Boost, PBO, and more. The Carbon Max uses a black and purple theme that's easy on the eyes with plenty of contrast.

Overall, we like the layout (it’s one of my favorites), and maneuvering around is intuitive after a short time, though it does take some getting used to.

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 has many applets and is a one-stop shop for downloading other 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. This is the latest version from early 2026.

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 publicly available non-beta motherboard BIOS. The hardware we used is as follows:

TEST SYSTEM COMPONENTS

• CPU - AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
• Cooling - Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420
• Storage - Crucial 2TB T705 M.2 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD
• RAM - Kingston Fury Beast DDR5-6000 CL36 (KF560C36BBEAK2-32)
• RAM - Teamgroup T-Froce Delta DDR5-7200 CL34 (FF3D518G7200HC34ABK)
• RAM - Klevv Cras XR5 RGB DDR5-8000 (KD5AGUA80-80R380S)
• GPU - Asus TUF RTX 4080 16G
• PSU - EVGA Supernova 850W P6
• Windows 11 64-bit (24H2)
• NVIDIA Driver 561.09

Benchmark Settings

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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.

The Carbon Max performed well in our synthetic benchmarks, achieving slightly above-average results across the dozens of motherboards we tested.

Timed Applications

The Carbon Max was hit-or-miss in our timed applications. It did well in Corona and LAME, but Handbrake testing was slower than most by a few seconds in both benchmarks. Noting out of the ordinary.

3D Games and 3DMark

Starting with the launch of Zen 5, we’ve updated our game tests. We’re keeping the F1 racing game but have upgraded to F1 24. We also dropped Far Cry 6 in favor of an even more popular 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. We’ve also added a minimum FPS setting, which can affect your gameplay and immersion.

In our 3DMark and game tests, the board did well in 3DMark (Speedway was average; Steel Nomad was faster than average) and in games. Overall, nothing to worry about here. The Carbon Max performs well across a wide variety of functions, including games.

Overclocking

Over the past few CPU generations, overclocking headroom has been shrinking on both sides of the fence, while the out-of-the-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; We know the hardware can handle them. There are multiple ways to extract even more performance from these processors: enabling a canned PBO setting, 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 our different memory kits to ensure they meet the specifications.

For memory testing, we start with our fastest non-clock driver kit: Klevv 32GB (2x16) DDR5-8000. Per usual on this platform, it booted to Windows but wouldn’t pass a stress test with our 9900X. The Team Group DDR5-7200 kit worked without issue. Those speeds are well past the ‘sweet spot’ for the AMD platform, and with today’s otherworldly RAM (and video card, and storage) prices, we doubt many people are looking at these higher speeds in the first place.

Dropping in a new Ryzen 5 8600G APU, we were able to run our Klevv DDR5-8000 kit without issue. We expect to see similar results moving forward, as the IMC on the APUs is generally better than the desktop processors we usually test with, and this one easily handles 8,000 MT/s.

Power Consumption / VRM Temperatures

We used AIDA64’s System Stability Test with Stress CPU, FPU, cache, and Memory enabled for power testing, using the processor's peak power consumption value. The wattage reading is obtained from the wall via a Kill-A-Watt meter, capturing the entire PC (excluding the monitor). The only variable that changes is the motherboard; all other parts remain the same. We've moved to using only the stock power use/VRM temperature charts, as this section aims to ensure the power delivery can handle flagship-class processors.

Stress testing the Carbon Max with our DDR5-7200 kit showed it to be fairly average in power consumption. At idle, it sat around 91W and peaked at 263W. This averages out to 177W, a middling result among X870 boards. There’s nothing out of the ordinary here, either.

VRM temperatures, surprisingly, ran warm on this machine, peaking at almost 51 degrees Celsius on our hottest sensor and about the same on the internal sensor. Although we’re only testing with a Ryzen 9 9900X, we’re certain the capable power delivery can handle any flagship-class processor and an overclock, without getting in the way.

Bottom Line

As we said up top, MSI’s refreshed X870E Carbon Max doesn’t arrive with significant updates. The OC Engine chip is a plus for manual overclockers, but it doesn’t offer much for PBO overclockers who adjust power limits and multipliers, leaving other adjustments, like BCLK, alone. You do get a higher-capacity 64MB BIOS for increased flexibility, retaining a full-featured BIOS without removing functionality or past processor support, and, of course, a minor facelift. Otherwise, the features and specifications remain the same.

There is plenty of competition around the $500 price point on this platform. Gigabyte’s X870E Aero X3D Wood ($499.99), which we recently reviewed and included on our best motherboard list, offers a unique aesthetic and, spec-wise, is similar to the Carbon Max (though it lacks a dedicated BCLK overclocking chip). Asus’ ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming (now $409.99 from $479 MSRP - that we also reviewed) packs a similar punch but is significantly cheaper (though you can find the original X870E Carbon Wifi for the same price). ASRock’s X870E Taichi OCF ($499 - another board we covered recently) is more focused on manual overclocking, but is more purpose-built and isn’t quite as attractive as the other boards.

In the end, the refreshed X870E Carbon Max feels more like a subtle refinement than a meaningful upgrade (as do most of the recent refreshed motherboards). If you’re a manual overclocker, the OC engine chip is helpful, but for those relying on PBO, it won’t change the experience. It’s a competitive market, and the Carbon Max does stand as a solid, premium mid-range option. Its value depends on how much you prioritize manual overclocking and MSI’s design over similarly comparable rivals, as comparables do exist for less money.

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MSI plans to raise the prices of its gaming products by 15-30% in 2026, general manager Huang Jinqing told investors at an earnings briefing on March 13, according to a report published by Taiwan's United Daily News. Shortages of DRAM and Nvidia GPU supply, compounded by AI infrastructure demand consuming the bulk of available memory production, are driving the increases.

"This year is the most severe year since the company was founded," Huang told investors. MSI estimates a 20% gap in Nvidia GPU supply and projects that the broader PC market will contract by 10-20% in 2026, a more pessimistic view than IDC's December forecast of a 9% contraction.

A 16GB module that was selling for roughly $40 around this time last year now costs $170-180, with some spot transactions reaching $200, Huang said. MSI currently holds one to two months of secure memory inventory and is pursuing three- to five-year supply contracts with manufacturers to reduce exposure to spot pricing.

Unfortunately, these price hikes will hit hardest at the lower end of MSI's gaming lineup, which the company is deliberately cutting back. Low-end SKUs previously accounted for 30% of its gaming portfolio; MSI plans to redirect those resources toward mid-range and high-end products, including RTX 5060- and RTX 5070-tier hardware. Fewer units at higher average prices is the stated path to revenue growth this year, with Huang noting that customers, anticipating further increases, are already showing willingness to pay more, which he expects to partially offset the volume decline.

We’re seeing the same thing happening with MSI’s motherboards, too. The company previously shipped boards with a DDR5-to-DDR4 ratio of roughly 8:2; it is now redesigning and revalidating products to flip that to 2:8 in favor of DDR4 per United Daily News. With 16GB DDR4 currently running $110-120 versus $170-180 for DDR5, the cost gap makes DDR4-compatible platforms considerably more accessible even after DDR4's own sharp price increases. MSI has already launched new B550-based AM4 motherboards as part of that pivot.

Huang also updated investors on MSI's AI server business, where the company is targeting 50-100% annual revenue growth over the next three to five years. Capital expenditure is rising from NT$30 billion to NT$50 billion in 2026, focused on a new facility in Taoyuan.

MSI’s Tomahawk line of motherboards has been around for several generations and is a staple in the budget motherboard segment. The latest and greatest in the line so far, the B850 Tomahawk Max Wifi II, differs from the original by adding more M.2 storage, a full-length PCIe slot, and native support for the recently released Ryzen 7 9850X3D. Like many refreshed boards, the Max Wifi II also includes a larger 64MB BIOS ROM (but no auto install of Wi-Fi drivers), and this one receives the OC Engine chip for overclocking BCLK independently of other clock domains. Aesthetically, it’s a bit more subdued than even the Max Wifi, losing the highlighter-yellow accents and going for an almost all-black look. There isn’t a whole lot that has changed, but the board has improved; we’ll cover all the details below.

Priced at $269.99, the Tomahawk Max Wifi II costs more than the Max ($209.99 at Newegg - now slightly discounted from $229.99 MSRP), but does add some new features and styling. For the money, you now get four M.2 sockets (2x PCIe 5.0) and four SATA ports, fast networking with 5 GbE and Wi-Fi 7, a mid-range current-gen audio solution, capable power delivery, and an updated (now stealthy) design that gives off more premium vibes than the previous versions with the splash of flashy colors. You also get a couple of EZ DIY features (EZ M.2 installation, EZ PCIe release, EZ button), and AI features (AI Engine, LAN Manager, Frozr AI Cooling, and AI Boost that overclocks the NPU - if your CPU has one) with this full-featured budget offering.

Performance with the latest BIOS and AGESA (v. 7E62v5A20/1.3.0.0 in this case) was average overall, performing well across a wide variety of activities, including rendering, office work, and, of course, gaming. In short, performance isn’t a concern. The board happily ran our Ryzen 9 9900X and RTX 4080 combo without signs of any issues.

Below, we’ll examine the board's performance and other features to determine whether it deserves a spot on our list of the best otherboards. But before we share test results and discuss details, here are the specifications from MSI’s website.

Specifications of the Tomahawk Max Wifi II

Inside the Box

The B850 budget motherboard includes a few accessories to get you started, but the bundled bits are pretty sparse. You get the quick installation guide and stickers, along with a single SATA cable, three EZ M.2 Clips II, an EZ M.2 Clip II remover, the EZ Wi-Fi antenna, and a 1 to 3 EZ Conn-Cable (V2). It’s not much, but is about what's expected for the budget tier.

Design of the Tomahawk Max Wifi II

The Tomahawk Max Wifi II looks remarkably similar to the original Max. The only significant difference is that MIS removed the bright yellow-green accents and made most of them black (only four tiny lines on the chipset heatsink retain that color). The VRM heatsinks are now both black as well. The large heatsinks are not connected, unlike higher-priced boards, but they still do a good job cooling the VRMs below. All the branding is in the same place, but the change to black, for me at least, makes it the best-looking Tomahawk of this generation.

Zooming in on the top half, we get a clearer view of the extended and plated heatsinks (as MSI calls them) and the MSI MAG branding. There’s plenty of mass and surface area to effectively cool what’s below, no matter what supported processor you choose. Above the VRMs are two 8-pin EPS connectors (one required) to power the CPU.

Moving right and past the socket area, the next thing we see are four DRAM slots, with dual locking mechanisms to secure the RAM. MSI lists support for up to DDR5-8400 (likely with an APU; lower with a desktop-class processor), which is well past AMD’s sweet spot. As with most other boards we've tested on this platform, our DDR5-7200 kit worked without issue using the desktop-class CPU. With our recently acquired Ryzen 5 8600G APU, the board also happily ran our Klevv DDR5-8000 kit, proving that our desktop-class processor’s IMC was the issue with other boards not running this kit.

Just above the RAM slots are the first three (of eight) four-pin fan headers. Each header supports both PWM- and DC-controlled devices, with the output varying. The system fans are the lowest at 1A/12W; CPU_FAN1 is next at 2A/24W; and the PUMP-SYS1 header (defaults to PWM mode) is the highest at 3A/24W. This is plenty of power for most cooling systems. If you’re pushing the limits, be sure to connect the supplemental PCIe (6-pin) power to ensure the board can safely output all that juice at the same time.

Working our way down the right edge, we find another fan header and the first 3-pin ARGB header. MSI Control Center and the Mystic Light application control the integrated RGBs and those attached to the headers. Next is the EZ-debug LEDs (VGA, Boot, RAM, CPU) that light up during the POST process if there’s an issue, the 24-pin ATX power for the board, and the combo JAF_2 header that combines fan, USB, and RGB into one connector (EZ Conn-cable v2 included).

Power delivery on the B850 Tomahawk Max Wifi II consists of 17 total phases, with 14 dedicated to Vcore. Power heads from the 8-pin EPS connector(s) in the top-left corner, then to a Monolithic Power Systems MPS 2515 controller. From there, it moves to the 14 MPS2515 80A SPS MOSFETs. It’s a capable solution that will handle anything you throw at it, including the Ryzen 9 9950X or the purported Ryzen 9 9950X3D2.

On the bottom half of the board, and hidden under a metal shroud labeled Audio Boost 5 on the left side, is the audio section. This board uses the mid-range Realtek ALC4080 codec, which is nice to see on a budget board. Often, companies will go last-gen or even down to the base ALC897 codec. You won’t find any fancy DAC/AMPs here, but the audio solution is sufficient for the vast majority of users.

In the middle are three full-length PCIe slots for graphics and expansion. The top slot, primarily for graphics cards, uses the EZ PCIe release button, connects through the CPU, and runs at PCIe 5.0 x16. The middle slot (PCI_E2) runs at a slower PCIe 3.0 x1, while the bottom slot PCI_E3 supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4. Note PCI_E3 will run at x2 speed when installing a device in M2_3. You can switch the slot to x4 in the BIOS, but this disables M2_3, so be aware if you plan on using the bottom slot.

Among the slots are four M.2 sockets (the original Tomahawk had three). The top two sockets, M.2_1/2, source their bandwidth from the CPU and run at up to PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps). M.2_1 supports larger 110mm modules, while M.2_2 supports 80mm. M.2_3/4 receive their bandwidth from the chipset, with M.2_3 running PCIe 4.0 x2 (32 Gbps) and the other the full PCIe 4.0 x4 (64 Gbps) supporting 80mm devices.

Past the one-touch plate heatsinks and on the right edge, we run into the front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps - your fastest port on the board) connector, followed by four SATA ports and two 19-pin USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) connectors—standard fare, and the same configuration as the more expensive X870E Carbon Max, and X870E Ace Max we recently reviewed.

We also included images of several chips used on the board. MSI uses mainly Realtek (audio), Genesys Logic (USB), Monolithic Power Systems (MOSFETs), and PWM controller ICs.

Along the bottom are several headers, ranging from the front panel to fans and supplemental PCIe power, and more. From left to right, we’ve listed them below. A couple items worth mentioning are the supplemental PCIe power connector for additional board power, so the board can actually output everything it’s rated for, and the 2-pin Direct OC jumper (connect a simple button to raise/lower BLCK manually).

• Front panel audio
• 4-pin RGB
• 3-pin ARGB
• 2-pin LED on/off header
• 3-pin system fan header
• PCIe supplemental power
• (2) USB 2.0 headers
• (2) 2-pin BCLK jumpers
• (2) 3-pin system fan headers
• 3-pin ARGB
• 3-pin system fan header
• 2-pin battery header(CMOS reset)
• Front panel

The rear IO on the Tomahawk Max Wifi II offers plenty of connectivity out back, including 10 total USB ports. Starting on the left, we see the convenient Clear CMOS and BIOS Flashback buttons, while to the right is the HDMI output for use with an iGPU. Along the bottom are three USB Type-C ports, all 10 Gbps. There are two USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-A ports, a single 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) port, and four USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) ports. There’s enough by number, but some may find the speeds lacking. Next, we spy the Realtek 5 GbE port, the EZ-connect Wi-Fi antenna, and the audio stack with two 3.5mm ports (line-out mic-in) and the SPDIF Out.

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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 to left-aligned headings, middle-aligned details, and right-aligned system status information, and it’s all logically laid out. Like most other board partners, it features an informational EZ Mode that provides limited functionality, with access to features such as Game Boost, PBO, and more. The Tomahawk uses a black background with a yellow highlighting theme and is easy to read.

Overall, we like the layout (one of my favorites), and maneuvering around is intuitive after a short time, though it does take some getting used to.

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 has many applets and is a one-stop shop for downloading other 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. This is the latest version from early 2026.

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 publicly available non-beta motherboard BIOS. The hardware we used is as follows:

TEST SYSTEM COMPONENTS

• CPU - AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
• Cooling - Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420
• Storage - Crucial 2TB T705 M.2 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD
• RAM - Kingston Fury Beast DDR5-6000 CL36 (KF560C36BBEAK2-32)
• RAM - Teamgroup T-Froce Delta DDR5-7200 CL34 (FF3D518G7200HC34ABK)
• RAM - Klevv Cras XR5 RGB DDR5-8000 (KD5AGUA80-80R380S)
• GPU - Asus TUF RTX 4080 16G
• PSU - EVGA Supernova 850W P6
• Windows 11 64-bit (24H2)
• NVIDIA Driver 561.09

Benchmark Settings

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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.

The Tomahawk Max II performed well in our synthetic benchmarks, achieving average (or slightly above-average) results across the slew of motherboards we've tested. Nothing alarming so far.

Timed Applications

In our timed applications, in LAME and Corona, it was the slower of the two timed results. Handbrake, the x264 test, was slightly faster than average, and the longer-running x265 test was slightly slower than average—still nothing to worry about.

3D Games and 3DMark

Starting with the launch of Zen 5, we’ve updated our game tests. We’re keeping the F1 racing game but have upgraded to F1 24. We also dropped Far Cry 6 in favor of an even more popular 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. We’ve also added a minimum FPS setting, which can affect your gameplay and immersion.

In our 3DMark and game tests, the board did well. In 3DMark, it was above average in Speedway and Steel Nomad, but it was ever so slightly slower than the average in games (nothing you’d notice without a frame counter). Overall, again there's nothing to worry about. The Tomahawk Max Wifi II performs well across a wide variety of productivity and gaming.

Overclocking

Over the past few CPU generations, overclocking headroom has been shrinking on both sides of the fence, while the out-of-the-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; We know the hardware can handle them. There are multiple ways to extract even more performance from these processors: enabling a canned PBO setting, 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 our different memory kits to ensure they meet the specifications.

For memory testing, we start with our fastest non-clock driver kit: Klevv 32GB (2x16) DDR5-8000. Per usual on this platform, it booted to Windows but wouldn’t pass a stress test with our 9900X. The Team Group DDR5-7200 kit worked without issue. Those speeds are well past the ‘sweet spot’ for the AMD platform, and with today’s RAM prices, we doubt many people are looking at these higher speeds in the first place.

Dropping in the Ryzen 5 8600G APU, we were able to run our Klevv DDR5-8000 kit without issue. We’ll continue to see this theme moving forward as the IMC on the APUs is generally better than the desktop processors we usually test with and most boards list support to that value or over. Again, AMD’s sweetspot is around 6000-6400 MT/s, and this board (really any board we’ve tested) can handle that, and then some.

Power Consumption / VRM Temperatures

We used AIDA64’s System Stability Test with Stress CPU, FPU, cache, and Memory enabled for power testing, using the processor's peak power consumption value. The wattage reading is obtained from the wall via a Kill-A-Watt meter, capturing the entire PC (excluding the monitor). The only variable that changes is the motherboard; all other parts remain the same. We've moved to using only the stock power use/VRM temperature charts, as this section aims to ensure the power delivery can handle flagship-class processors.

Stress testing the Dark Hero with our DDR5-7200 kit showed it to be slightly more power-hungry. At idle, it sat around 93W and peaked at 269W. This averages out to 181W, which is again slightly higher than the average X870E/X870-based boards, but expected due to all the onboard goodies.

VRM temperatures were also well within specification when stress testing with the DDR5-7200 kit. Temperatures peaked at just under 45 degrees Celsius on our sensors, and a few degrees higher on MSI’s internal sensor (just under 49 degrees). Although we’re only testing with a Ryzen 9 9900X, we’re certain the capable power delivery can handle any flagship-class processor and an overclock without getting in the way.

Bottom Line

MSI’s B850 Tomahawk Max Wifi II is a quality AM5 refresh board. As the story goes, there isn’t much difference among many refresh boards. The Tomahawk Max Wi-Fi II offers an improved aesthetic (albeit slight), losing most of the highlighter-yellow/green highlights, making it more black and, in this reviewer’s opinion, better-looking than previous iterations without those highlights. You also get the OC Engine chip to overclock BCLK independently, a 64MB BIOS to support additional BIOS features and maintain CPU support for all compatible processors, and all for $269.99 at Newegg (a $40 increase over Tomhawk Max Wifi).

Gigabyte and Asus have a couple of B850 options that compete with the Tomahawk Max Wifi II. Asus’ TUF Gaming B850-Pro Wifi7 W Neo ($269.99) is one which also offers an Asynchronous Clock generator for overclocking BCLK, three M.2 sockets, and enough USB ports on the rear IO - but lacks USB4 (40 Gbps) ports. Gigabyte’s B850 Aorus Stealth (X870 Stealth review coming soon) is a rear-connect motherboard in the same price bracket ($264.99). It offers similar specifications (three M.2 sockets, 1x PCIe 5.0), but also lacks USB4 ports. Its wow factor is the back-connect feature, though note that you’ll need a compatible case to take advantage of it (or any rear-connect board). ASRock doesn’t really have anything in the B850 space that competes, but the formidable X870E Taichi Lite is down to $299.99 and offers a lot more (USB4, flagship-class audio, four M.2 sockets, more robust power delivery, and loads of USB ports on the rear IO) if you want to spend an extra $30.

In the end, the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk Max Wifi II is a worthwhile refresh over the Max Wifi (sans “II”), especially if you’re into overclocking. The now-included OC Engine, 64MB BIOS, and the improved appearance are worth the price of admission, especially if you plan to use the independent overclocking it provides. If not, the ‘base’ Max Wifi is also solid and priced $60 lower at $209.99. It just has more of the bright accents and doesn’t come with a 64MB BIOS or as many M.2 slots. If you want a solid budget motherboard with all the latest features, the MSI B850 Tomahawk Max Wifi II should be on your short list, even if it fell short of making our best motherboard list. Just know you may have to wait a bit before you can buy one. It's expected to be in stock at U.S. retailers in April.

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MSI’s limited-edition RTX 5090 Lightning Z launched to great acclaim at CES 2026, with the ultra-powerful GPU breaking overclocking records even before it launched. The company only made 1,300 units of this high-performance graphics card, meaning it will only have limited availability. Its earth-shattering capabilities are only matched by its wallet-shattering $5,090 asking price — but scalpers are seemingly ready and willing to shell out that amount in the hopes of getting an even bigger payday when stock has run out.

We’ve seen one eBay listing the GPU at nearly GBP 20,000 — that’s nearly US$27,000 at current exchange rates. We’re unsure if this is a legitimate offer, though, as the seller’s profile mostly showed cheaper replacement Ikea parts and a few electronics, mostly priced under US$100. When we checked sold listings for sealed, brand new MSI RTX 5090 Lightning Z GPUs, the price ranged from around $6,700 to a little over $8,800. This is a bit more reasonable, but still at least $1,500 over MSI’s price and more than three times the $2,000 MSRP Nvidia set for the RTX 5090 Founders Edition. As it stands, eBay listings for the card range from $6,000 all the way up to nearly $15,000.

Nevertheless, gamers and enthusiasts bent on breaking records will likely pull the trigger on this purchase just for the extra fps that it delivers. According to our review of the MSI RTX 5090 Lightning Z, the GPU performs about 12% faster out of the box than a stock RTX 5090 FE. The gap widened to about 18% when the GPU was manually overclocked, likening its performance to that of a theoretical RTX 5090 Ti.

Those who do not want to do manual tuning but still desire to maximize the Lightning Z’s performance can switch to the Extreme vBIOS, allowing it to draw up to 1000 watts — some 200 watts over the stock OC vBIOS. Aside from that, MSI also released a 2,500-watt XOC BIOS exclusively to overclockers to get every bit of GPU performance from the expensive GPU. One overclocker tried to achieve a world record using this BIOS, but they apparently had an earlier version of it, resulting in a crack from the thermal shock delivered by the massive amounts of power. Thankfully, they still have four more samples of this extreme GPU, allowing them to continue working on it and achieve higher benchmark results in the future.

4K gaming monitors are expensive, but Newegg is countering that notion with MSI's MAG 275UPD E14, which is on sale for just $200 in Newegg's Love For Tech sale. The monitor normally retails for $280, but Newegg has it marked down to $240 for the sale. You can get an additional $40 off that price with promo code LTSF682, which is instantly applied at checkout.

• Check out this deal on Newegg

The dual-mode monitor supports 4K at 144Hz or 1080p at 288Hz, giving you tack-sharp resolution on the desktop and an ultra-high refresh rate when you're gaming. At 27 inches, the pixel density at 4K is extremely high, and the display shouldn't look obviously blurry when you're running it in 1080p mode — something that can become a problem with 32-inch dual-mode monitors.

Although you shouldn't expect miracles out of a $200 4K gaming monitor, the MAG 275UPD E14 has a lot going for it. It packs an IPS panel that's certified with VESA's Adaptive Sync, so you'll be able to use variable refresh rate regardless of the GPU you have. It also comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports for consoles outputting 4K at 120Hz (also with VRR), alongside a DisplayPort 1.4a connection and a headphone output.

One of the sleeper features of this particular monitor is the stand. It's fully adjustable, which is surprisingly difficult to find at this price. The stand supports just over 5 inches of height adjustment, 25 degrees of tilt, 30 degrees of swivel in either direction, and 90 degrees of pivot in either direction, allowing you to turn the monitor vertically on the included stand. If you want to ditch the stand, there's a standard 100mm x 100mm VESA mount, as well.

The panel itself is IPS, so you can expect decent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, though limited peak brightness. MSI says this monitor is "HDR Ready," which is usually code that you shouldn't turn on HDR. Don't expect jaw-dropping visual quality out of a $200 4K gaming monitor.

Even with that caveat, there's a lot to like here. There are dual-mode capabilities, which you can toggle manually, but the monitor also supports auto-detection to switch the resolution and refresh rate based on the input. There's also a pair of 2W stereo speakers built into the display. Again, don't expect top-shelf quality, but it's nice to have a pair of speakers as a fallback.

If you're looking for more savings, check out our Best PC Hardware deals for a range of products, or dive deeper into our specialized SSD and Storage Deals, Hard Drive Deals, Gaming Monitor Deals, Graphics Card Deals, Gaming Chair, Best Wi-Fi Routers, Best Motherboard, or CPU Deals pages.

A year after its launch, the GeForce RTX 5090 remains the ne plus ultra of gaming graphics performance. I’m still astounded every time I get to game on one thanks to its jaw-dropping performance at 4K and beyond.

Nvidia’s thermal engineers achieved an amazing feat with the RTX 5090 Founders Edition card, dissipating 575W in a dual-slot, air-cooled form factor that’s still reasonably quiet. But that eye-popping TGP has taken the current capacity of a single 12V-2x6 power connector to its limit, making heavy overclocking dicey in the face of frequent cable and connector meltdowns. And with only a couple of exceptions, even the biggest, baddest partner 5090s are limited to the same single-connector design.

At a CES without any new consumer graphics card launches, I was thrilled to see MSI take the wraps off its RTX 5090 Lightning Z, a wildly ambitious board design that removes most practical limits to achieving maximum performance from the RTX 5090’s GB202 GPU.

This card has not one, but two 12V-2x6 power connectors, one of the only RTX 5090s ever to be so equipped. MSI routes all that power through a 3oz copper PCB and a 40-phase VRM that’s likely total overkill for anybody not engaging in extreme overclocking. But for those who are, this card already has XOC pedigree, with a claimed 19 world records across various benchmarks and leaderboards.

MSI even goes so far as to emblazon “Built to be Perfect” on the RTX 5090 Lightning Z’s packaging. That sets an incredibly (one might even say impossibly) high bar for this card to clear, especially given the $5090.99 price tag through MSI's online store. When you’re asking more than 2.5x the MSRP of a standard RTX 5090, you’re walking on an extremely high wire.

On the outside, MSI has covered most of the face of this card with an 8” screen under a glass cover, plenty of real carbon fiber, subtle RGB LED lighting, and milled metal accents to hold it all together.

It’s a six-pound brick of solid precision, a true statement piece that will unmistakably mark your build as the best of the best. And only a select few PC builders and extreme overclockers will be able to enjoy that distinction, as only 1300 of these cards will be produced.

To make use of the extra current capacity of the dual 12V-2x6 connectors, MSI’s default “OC” vBIOS has a power limit of 800W. The second “Extreme” vBIOS ups that to 1000W. We’ll explore how each of these vBIOS modes affects gaming performance in our benchmarks.

To help dissipate all of those watts, MSI has milled out a full-coverage copper water block that directly cools the GB202 GPU, GDDR7 memory, and the 40-phase VRM on the Lightning Z’s PCB. Coolant travels between the card and a standard-thickness 360mm radiator.

This cooling design obviously requires a case with an appropriate radiator mount, but I’m a fan of it for such high-wattage graphics cards as this. The RTX 5090 Founders Edition cooler blows all its exhaust right onto your CPU socket and RAM, while this remote radiator lets you direct its exhaust directly out of the case with the right enclosure.

The 8” screen on the face of the card makes a statement, but it’s a little fiddly. To even power it on, you need to plug in an included USB Type-A-to-C cable and install a USB display driver. Without the cable plugged in, the screen remains black.

Once it’s up and running, you can do anything with the display that you would with a second monitor in Windows. MSI lets you put GPU stats on the screen through the MSI Center utility, or you could put your favorite looping video on there to set the mood. Yes, we even played Doom on it.

But as you launch games, you might see the second screen flicker or drop back to a tiny Windows desktop if the overlay has a hiccup, which isn’t a huge deal but also isn’t the most refined experience.

To help show off the screen in a system, MSI has also included a nicely made vertical mounting bracket with the Lightning Z that mounts on the existing expansion brackets of ATX mid-towers. It can be adjusted on both the X and Z axes to put the card right where you want it in your case.

It’s always tricky to call something the first or the best of its class, and the Lightning Z isn’t the first extreme RTX 5090 design out there.

Asus’s ROG Matrix Platinum RTX 5090 – also only made in an extremely limited edition of 1000 – also offers an 800W TGP, but you have to pair it with one of the company’s proprietary BTF motherboards to fully unlock its capabilities. And its air-cooled design might explain why it doesn’t offer an even higher power envelope as an option, as the Lightning Z does.

The RTX 5090 Lightning Z can be used with any motherboard and power supply that has the requisite dual 12V-2x6 connectors, and that more open approach appeals to my PC-building heart. Let’s see what it can do.

Our testing methods

We conducted our tests using our trusty GPU test platform, which includes the following components:

Until just recently, our test rig relied on a 1000W PSU, but that’s obviously not enough to handle both our host CPU and motherboard along with the RTX 5090 Lightning Z.

To give us sufficient power to energize the RTX 5090 Lightning Z, MSI also sent over its brand-new MPG Ai1600TS PSU. This 1600W unit features a rare fully digital topology, 80 Plus Titanium efficiency, and dual 12V-2x6 connectors. Our thanks to MSI for providing us with this top-tier PSU for our testing.

To judge what the RTX 5090 Lightning Z can do, we ran it through a subset of our larger game testing suite at 4K ultra settings.

Gaming performance

Gaming power draw

We started our performance testing with Stalker 2 and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, but as you can see from the accompanying PCAT power charts for each game, even those titles just weren’t working the Lightning Z hard enough to really exercise its expanded power limits.

To really push the card, we had to enable path tracing in several games that support it: Doom: The Dark Ages, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Black Myth Wukong, Alan Wake II, and Cyberpunk 2077.

You can see from those per-game power charts that enabling path tracing alongside DLAA and frame generation can drastically increase gaming power draw over raster or lighter RT settings, anywhere from about 50W to 100W on average.

Those results clearly demonstrate the advantages of the Lightning Z’s twin power connectors and greatly expanded power limits versus the Founders Edition. Nvidia’s GPU Boost algorithm will happily take advantage of the added headroom, and our manual overclock is able to extract even more performance.

All told, the RTX 5090 Lightning Z is 12% faster than the RTX 5090 Founders Edition out of the box, and our manual overclock expands that lead to an incredible 18%. In the recent past, a performance increase this large might have prompted Nvidia to release an entire new family of RTX 5090 Ti cards. Clearly, the GB202 chip still has headroom in it.

But the extreme power and cooling required to realize that performance increase has considerable knock-on effects for system design and component choices, and between the lack of high-end competition and the difficulties of taming such a high TDP likely make Nvidia reluctant to fire off an 800W RTX 5090 Ti as a product for general audiences.

To be sure, you can narrow the Lightning Z’s lead back to 10% by overclocking the Founders Edition in turn, but then you’re further stressing the single 12V-2x6 connector of that card. The RTX 5090 Lightning Z lets us push the GB202 GPU to the max, and it lets us do so with absolute confidence in its stability and operating limits.

Overclocking the RTX 5090 Lightning Z is no different in principle than on any other Blackwell card. Fire up MSI Afterburner, raise the power limit to the max, then start raising the clock slider until you start seeing graphical artifacts or game crashes. Once you hit that limit, dial back the slider step by step until it’s stable.

After several rounds of this process, we arrived at an Afterburner clock offset of +143 MHz, which results in a mean real-world clock of 3149 MHz across all the games and settings we tested. That’s just a 132 MHz increase over the 3017 MHz mean clock speed we observed from both the stock and OC BIOSes.

To be fair, this isn’t anything new for GPU overclocking these days. Nvidia’s GPU Boost algorithm already extracts most of the performance available from any extra power and thermal headroom that a given card might offer. But with a cooler and power-delivery subsystem this extreme, I think you can forgive me for expecting a bit more.

We were also slightly disappointed to see that, despite the RTX 5090 Lightning Z’s exotic feature set, it’s still subject to the same +375MHz GDDR7 overclocking cap that every other RTX 5090 has. Raw GDDR7 memory bandwidth doesn’t seem to limit Blackwell performance as GDDR6 and GDDR6X might have for past Nvidia GPUs, but given this card’s extreme DNA, I was once again expecting that we might have seen this cap lifted.

For reference, here are the mean power, clock, temperature, and noise results for the RTX 5090 Founders Edition and RTX 5090 Lightning Z.

We’ve broken our overall power charts out into three separate means so that you can see the effects of enabling path tracing on power draw compared to lighter RT and raster titles.

These summary results also demonstrate the superior performance of MSI’s liquid cooling system. Even with 25-30% more power to dissipate as heat, the Lightning Z heatsink keeps the GB202 chip as much as 16 °C cooler than the Founders Edition. That’s expected given that the FE card is using a much smaller air cooler, but it’s impressive nonetheless.

Next up is noise testing. We measure noise at a distance of one meter from the system under test using a calibrated Triplett SLM400 meter on a sturdy tripod. The noise floor of our testing environment, as measured by this meter, is 32.6 dBA.

For all its other advantages over the RTX 5090 Founders Edition, the Lightning Z’s cooling system isn’t quieter. But given that it’s dissipating anywhere from 25% to 30% more power as heat than the FE card, the fact that it’s just 1 dBA or so louder is an impressive result.

That said, the Lightning Z’s liquid cooler has more moving parts than the Founders Edition’s twin fans, and the liquid cooling pump within is especially noticeable on the bench. At full tilt, it has a highly tonal and even somewhat growly or rattly quality that suggests it’s hard at work. The three fans on the 360-mm radiator are pleasant under load, though.

Coil whine is another noise source of concern from graphics cards, and the Lightning Z’s 40-phase VRM does still exhibit some whine. Compared to the extremely prominent and complex whine of the Founders Edition card, however, the Lightning Z is far better controlled in this regard.

To show just how MSI’s twin 12V-2x6 connector design helps maintain stability and reliability under extreme loads, we examined the temperatures of the dual 12V-2x6 cables compared to the single connector of the RTX 5090 Founders Edition under load using our thermal camera. We chose Alan Wake II with path tracing enabled as our test load for this analysis, since that title had the highest power draw in our game tests.

Even on an open bench and with active cooling pointed at the power connector, the RTX 5090 Founders Edition’s 12V-2x6 cable reaches 58 °C.

Under the most extreme gaming workload we have, spreading power delivery across two 12V-2x6 connectors greatly reduces the temperature of each cable— to between 46 °C and 47 °C, or by more than 10 °C compared to a single-connector card.

Just for kicks, we also fired up FurMark with our manual overclock in play. Under this extreme synthetic load, the Lightning Z hits its full 1000W TGP with its Extreme vBIOS, and our test system is pulling over 1200W from the wall.

Even with this insane amount of current moving through its power cables, the dual-connector design of the Lightning Z means that neither cable gets worryingly hot. Both cables stabilized at about 52 °C.

Our test data demonstrates that the RTX 5090 Founders Edition usually operates at power levels far lower than its 575W TGP while gaming, but not always. If you enable path tracing in games that support it, power draw greatly increases, and overclocking increases it further still.

The fact that it’s even possible to produce such high temperatures on the cable and connector within stock operating parameters and with active cooling remains an indictment of the power delivery design of the Founders Edition 5090 – and, by extension, most partner card designs.

Including two 12V-2x6 connectors on every 5090 would certainly have increased costs and complexity for DIY builders, PSU makers, board partners, and system integrators alike, but a design that’s harder to push to its design limits could and likely would have avoided costly meltdowns, risk to property, and endless bad PR.

All this is wishful thinking in a market where Nvidia can clearly sell every RTX 5090 it makes regardless of the risk of a power connector failure, but it’s worth remembering that melting plugs were practically unheard of before the introduction of the 12VHPWR connector, and we think that as the market leader and ecosystem driver in graphics cards, Nvidia should cultivate a stronger safety culture for future designs. The benefits of an alternative approach are staring us right in the face.

Bottom line

The MSI RTX 5090 Lightning Z unleashes Nvidia’s most powerful gaming GPU like no other card before it. Its dual 12V-2x6 connectors, extreme power delivery subsystem, and exotic cooling design let you explore the full potential of the GB202 chip with absolute confidence in its safety and stability.

All of that extra power delivery and cooling headroom translates to about 12% better performance than the RTX 5090 Founders Edition in our tests. Manual overclocking extends that lead to an incredible 18% (though overclocking the 5090 FE in turn narrows that back to 10%).

In the recent past, that kind of performance increase would have prompted Nvidia to release an RTX 5090 Ti. But unless or until it does, this Lightning Z card provides a durable performance advantage—and bragging rights—over lesser RTX 5090s with a single power connector.

And that particular, exclusive satisfaction is why this card is an eye-popping $5090. If you’re putting down this much money for a graphics card, you want it to be more than just a product. You want it to be a spectacle, an occasion, a conversation piece that can be enjoyed and then displayed long after new generations of graphics cards eclipse it. The RTX 5090 Lightning Z is certainly that special, from its packaging to its build quality and industrial design to its performance results and overclocking experience.

Beyond its unique technical distinctions, the Lightning Z is one of the coolest-looking and best-built graphics cards I’ve ever had the privilege of using. The huge LCD screen on the face of the card begs for a vertical mount in a build, and MSI’s included bracket and riser cable let you do that with ease.

It barely rises to the level of a complaint, but our power measurements suggest the Lightning Z’s Extreme vBIOS and its 1000W TGP are really meant for extreme overclockers for whom the stock cooler is just an obstacle to mounting an LN2 pot. Even the most demanding gaming workloads just don’t push the card hard enough to use all the extra power headroom afforded by the Extreme vBIOS, whether stock or overclocked.

Even with its extraordinarily high price and any retailer markups that might get stacked on top, MSI will certainly sell every last one of the 1300 Lightning Zs it plans to release, both to well-heeled enthusiasts and to extreme overclockers with dewars of cryo-coolant at the ready to chase the #1 spots on the HWBOT leaderboards. Our verdict, then, is largely ceremonial.

As a merely mortal PC gamer and enthusiast of modest means, I can tell you that the Lightning Z advances the state of the art for RTX 5090 board design by every measure at our disposal, and I’m glad MSI’s designers and engineers got the opportunity to go wild to make it happen.

If you evaluate purchases with the objectivity of Commander Data and just want a graphics card to plug in and game with, any other RTX 5090 will do. But if you demand the absolute best RTX 5090 yet made, I’m confident in saying that this is it.

Gigabyte’s latest offering, the X870E Aero X3D Wood, is a standout in our test lab. This motherboard breaks convention by incorporating wood accents (not real wood, as we'll get into later) and leather pull tabs—a design choice Gigabyte calls a ‘statement piece.’ Described by the company as being '...crafted for the connoisseur, harmonizing the organic beauty of wood grain with uncompromising performance,' the Aero transforms the typically cold aesthetic of a motherboard into something warm, inviting, and worthy of display.

Hardware-wise, the Aero X3D comes with everything you’d expect out of the X870E platform. Support for today’s (and tomorrow’s) processors, high-speed memory support (to DDR5-9000), ample storage with four M.2 sockets (two PCIe 5.0) and four SATA ports, fast networking with dual 5 GbE and Wi-Fi 7, plentiful USB ports (including dual USB4 40 Gbps ports), and a solid audio solution round out just some of features of this uniquely-styled board.

Performance on this motherboard was among the best we’ve seen overall. Using the latest BIOS (with AGESA 1.2.8.0), we saw some of the best scores/times across the 25-plus B850/X870 motherboards we’ve covered so far. 7-Zip, LAME, Corona, Cinebench, POV-Ray, Handbrake, and Blender were the highest or fastest so far. Gaming was above average as well in the actual game tests (3DMark scored low), which makes this one of the better-performing boards we covered.

There is a strong chance that this board will make our best motherboards list. But before we share test results and discuss details, here are the specifications from Gigabyte’s website:

Specifications of the Gigabyte X870E Aero Wood

Inside the Box

Inside the retail packaging, Gigabyte includes a few accessories designed to get you started without an extra trip to the store. You get the typical fare of cables, an installation guide, and even a neat Aero keychain. We’ve listed all of them below.

• Quick-connect Wi-Fi antenna
• G-connector
• Rubber pads for M.2
• (2) SATA cables
• Installation guide
• Keychain

Design of the Aero Wood

The unique white/grey 8-layer PCB gives way to grey/silver heatsinks that cover any onboard components that can get hot. And before you get worried about the thin layers of lumber around those toasty components, the wood accents on the board aren’t actual wood. Gigabyte says they are a premium architectural-grade material with a special coating to simulate the authentic grain and texture of wood. Real wood probably isn't a good idea because of thermal durability, fire safety, and global regulatory compliance, according to Gigabyte. The heatsinks use a matte finish and display the Aero branding on the VRM heatsink and Gigabyte on the chipset heatsink.

There is also lighting on the Aero Wood (on the left VRM bank and under the chipset heatsink), but it’s white, not RGB, and looks really good with the white/silver and wood. If you want to add some color, you can, but it will have to be your own strips and attach them to the board headers.

Overall, we really like the wood accents on this white/silver board. The integrated white RGBs add to the premium vibe and show off the light-colored wood accents. It can certainly be polarizing, though; you either want a white motherboard with wood accents, or you don’t. And if it’s in the realm of possibility, this is arguably one of the better light color boards for the platform. But the Aero Wood’s aesthetic is far from the only reason to buy the board.

Focusing on the top half of the board, we get a better look at the wood accent and plastic shroud used to diffuse some of the white LEDs' light shining through. There’s plenty of mass and surface area on the separate heatsinks to dissipate heat from any compatible processor. Above that are two 8-pin EPS power connectors (one required) for the CPU.

Moving right, past the socket, we find four white DRAM slots with locking mechanisms on both sides. Gigabyte lists support for kits up to DDR5-9000, but you’re only likely to get that high using an APU instead of a traditional desktop-class processor, as they have better IMCs. We didn’t have any issues with our DDR5-7200 kit on the 9900X, and no problems with the DDR5-8000 kit using ourf APU. These supported speeds are well past AMD’s sweet spot, leaving plenty of room for overclocking your RAM. Chances are, your CPU and cooling will limit you before the board becomes a bottleneck.

Above the DRAM slots are three (of eight) 4-pin fan headers. Each header supports PWM- and DC-controlled devices, and all outputs deliver 2A/24W. You can control the headers via the BIOS’ Smart Fan 6 functionality and Gigabyte's Control Center (GCC) software. Just to the right of the fan headers is the first RGB header – in this case, a 3-pin ARGB. The RGB Fusion app inside GCC adjusts any attached RGBs to your liking.

Working down the right edge, we run into the 4-LED and 2-Character debug LEDS. Per usual, after POST, the 2-character debug port displays temperatures. Both are good for troubleshooting POST issues and give you a clue where the problem may be. Next is the 24-pin ATX connector for powering the board, followed by the front HDMI port. Behind that, towards the RAM slots, are two 2-pin thermistor headers for additional monitoring capability. Last but not least is the front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (Type-C) header.

The VRMs on the X870E Aero X3D Wood consist of 20 phases, with 16 dedicated to Vcore (in a parallel power design). Power heads from the 8-pin EPS connector(s) in the top-left corner, and on to a Richtek RT3678BE controller. From there, it moves to the On Semiconductor 55A NCP302155R Dr. MOS MOSFETs. Curiously, Gigabyte lists these as 60A on their webpage when the data sheet shows 55A (average, 80A peak). We reached out to Gigabyte for clarity and will edit in any updates.

That said, it’s not the most robust power delivery, but it easily handled our Ryzen 9 9900X and will work fine with more power-hungry processors like the Ryzen 9 9950X or the recently released Ryzen 9 9850X3D. Your cooling will get in the way before the VRMs.

On the bottom half of the board, hiding under the wooden accent piece is the audio section. Under the hood is a last-gen flagship Realtek ALC1220 codec, which should work well for an overwhelming majority of users. I would like to see the latest 408X series codec, as most of the competition uses it at this price point, but you’ll likely only notice the difference on the spec sheet.

In the middle of the board are three full-length PCIe slots, with the top two using reinforcement. The top two PCIe slots connect to the CPU, and both support PCIe 5.0. The top slot runs at PCIe 5.0 x16, while the bottom supports PCIe 5.0 x8. When the middle PCIe slot is populated, the top slot drops to x8 (so it’s x8/x8 when both are in use). The bottom full-length slot connects through the chipset and offers PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth.

Mixed in among the slots and under heatsinks are four M.2 sockets. The top socket (M2A_CPU), with its own M.2 EZ-Match magnetic attachment system, is the first PCIe 5.0 x4 socket and supports up to 80mm modules. Under the plate-style M.2 EZ-Match heatsink are three other sockets. The first here (M2B_CPU) also connects via the CPU, running at PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps), and supports up to 110mm devices. Like many boards, there is some lane sharing, and with the USB4 ports. When a device is installed in M2B_CPU, both downgrade to x2 speeds. You can move all bandwidth to the M.2 socket, but you’ll lose both USB4 Type-C ports on the rear IO.

We've also included many images of the active IC's for the board. The Aero Wood uses a couple of different brands, including On Semiconductor (VRMs), Realtek (Audio, USB, Ethernet), and Richtek (PWM controller).

Past the chipset heatsink and on to the right edge, we see the four SATA ports, a 19-pin USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) connector, and two 4-pin fan headers. Along the bottom are several headers, ranging from the front panel to fans and supplemental PCIe power, and more. We’ve listed them all below, from left to right.

• Front panel audio
• (2) 3-pin ARGB
• ESPI_DB connector
• TPM Header
• 4-pin system fan header
• (2) USB 2.0 headers
• 19-pin USB 3.2 Gen 1 header
• (2) 4-pin system fan header
• Front panel
• 2-pin reset header
• 2-pin battery header(CMOS reset)

The rear IO on the Aero X3D Wood is busy with several ports, connectors, and buttons. Starting on the left is an HDMI (v2.1) port for use with integrated graphics on some processors. Next to that are four buttons with various functionality (power, reset, clear CMOS, and Q-Flash Plus). Next to that are a slew of USB ports. Three Type-C along the bottom (two 40 Gbps, one 20 Gbps) and eight Type-A ports (four 10 Gbps in red, three 5 Gbps in blue). Eight Type-A should be enough for most users, especially if you’re already using some Type-C. Above the blue USB ports are the two Realtek 5 GbE ports, and next to that, the Mediatek-based Wi-Fi 7 (5.8 Gbps). Finally, on the right is the audio stack with two 3.5mm (mic in, line out) and the SPDIF output.

No complaints here on the layout or what’s there.

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Firmware

Gigabyte’s updated “UC BIOS 2.0” starts in Easy Mode, is laid out logically, and displays a wealth of information about the system, including processor, RAM, fan speeds, and several selectable options, such as XMP profiles, RAM tweaks, Re-Size BAR support, Smart Fan 6 access, and more. The Aero Wood uses a silver-themed BIOS with wood-colored accents on some buttons.

In advanced mode, all headings are still displayed across the top; they are now larger ‘buttons’ and can be easily selected with a mouse. The highlight bar (where you are on the page) is a light blue here and easy to see. Every option you need and want is at your fingertips, and you don’t have to drill down several layers to reach the most commonly used functions – especially if you populate your selections in the Favorites section.

Another cool feature is that the new 64MB BIOS includes a “DriverBIOS” function that preinstalls your Wi-Fi driver so that you can get online easily when you first boot. It’s a beneficial feature for Windows 11 25H2 users who need an internet connection to use their Microsoft account and install the OS.

Software

Gigabyte Control Center (GCC) is a one-stop solution for controlling various functions, including RGB and Fan control, hardware monitoring, and overclocking. It’s also helpful in finding, downloading, and installing driver updates for your system. It’s a simple application that does its job. It’s also a much cleaner tool than the previous App Center. It earns our approval for the breadth of functionality it offers users.

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 publicly available non-beta motherboard BIOS. The hardware we used is as follows:

TEST SYSTEM COMPONENTS

• CPU - AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
• Cooling - Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420
• Storage - Crucial 2TB T705 M.2 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD
• RAM - Kingston Fury Beast DDR5-6000 CL36 (KF560C36BBEAK2-32)
• RAM - Teamgroup T-Froce Delta DDR5-7200 CL34 (FF3D518G7200HC34ABK)
• RAM - Klevv Cras XR5 RGB DDR5-8000 (KD5AGUA80-80R380S)
• GPU - Asus TUF RTX 4080 16G
• PSU - EVGA Supernova 850W P6
• Windows 11 64-bit (24H2)
• NVIDIA Driver 561.09

Benchmark Settings

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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.

Results from our synthetic tests showed our board performing very well across a wide variety of scenarios. In fact, it was the best result we’ve seen in 7-Zip (compression), Cinebench R24 (multi), and POV-Ray (multi), and was towards the top on the rest, except for Procyon, where it was merely average in that suite. A great showing so far.

Timed Applications

The timed applications showed the same above-average performance, matching the fastest times we've seen in all three benchmarks.

3D Games and 3DMark

Starting with the launch of Zen 5, we’ve updated our game tests. We’re keeping the F1 racing game but have upgraded to F1 24. We also dropped Far Cry 6 in favor of an even more popular 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. We’ve also added a minimum FPS setting, which can affect your gameplay and immersion.

3DMark tests were on the slower side of average, but the difference between the worst and the first place is 1% with the same processor. Testing the actual games showed a different story, and we're back to the high performance we’re used to. In fact, it’s the 2nd fastest in Cyberpunk 2077 at 143 frames per second, while F1 24 was also up there with a 172 average frames per second (and the fastest minimum).

Overclocking

Over the past few CPU generations, overclocking headroom has been shrinking on both sides of the fence, while the out-of-the-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; We know the hardware can handle them. There are multiple ways to extract even more performance from these processors: enabling a canned PBO setting, 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 our different memory kits to ensure they meet the specifications.

For memory testing, we start with our fastest non-clock driver kit: Klevv 32GB (2x16) DDR5-8000. Per usual on this platform, it booted to Windows but wouldn’t pass a stress test with our 9900X. The Team Group DDR5-7200 kit worked without issue. Those speeds are well past the ‘sweet spot’ for the AMD platform, and with today’s RAM prices, we doubt many people are looking at these higher speeds in the first place.

Dropping in our Ryzen 5 8600G APU, we were able to run our Klevv DDR5-8000 kit without issue, as it has a superior memory controller than our desktop chip. No surprises here.

We previously tested Gigabyte’s X3D functionality on a Ryzen 9 9800X3D and found it mostly beneficial for gaming and other tasks that can utilize the additional cache and extra clock speed. It does work well and increases frames per second in most games, but outside of that, it didn’t improve anything in most of our productivity testing.

Power Consumption / VRM Temperatures

We used AIDA64’s System Stability Test with Stress CPU, FPU, cache, and Memory enabled for power testing, using the processor's peak power consumption value. The wattage reading is obtained from the wall via a Kill-A-Watt meter, capturing the entire PC (excluding the monitor). The only variable that changes is the motherboard; all other parts remain the same. We've moved to using only the stock power use/VRM temperature charts, as this section aims to ensure the power delivery can handle flagship-class processors.

Stress testing the Aero X3D Wood with our DDR5-6000 kit showed it to be average in power consumption. At idle, the Wood-accented board sat around 89W and peaked at 264W. This averages out to 177W, around the middle of our results.

VRM temperatures peaked at 47 degrees Celsius on the internal sensor, and 43 degrees from our hottest probe. This result, even at 27 degrees ambient (higher than our typical 24/25C), was good among the other X870 boards we’ve tested. You can easily run a flagship-class CPU and overclock without worry.

Bottom Line

Gigabyte’s X870E Aero X3D Wood motherboard stands out immediately due to its unique aesthetic. It achieves a premium, distinctive look by incorporating genuine wood pieces onto the VRM heatsink and audio shroud, complemented by functional, stylish leather tabs on the M.2 heatsinks. This, combined with the white/silver PCB, alongside white LEDs, gives the board a decidedly high-end feel.

The X870E Aero X3D Wood ($499.99) is more than just a pretty face. It boasts an excellent feature set, including four M.2 sockets, dual 5 GbE ports (a unique feature among its direct competitors), fast Wi-Fi 7, and two USB 4 ports. Feature-wise, it holds its own against similarly-priced competitors like the Asus ProArt X870E-Creator ($504.99), the MSI X870E Carbon ($429.99), and the ASRock X870E Taichi OCF ($499.99). Beyond its looks and equipment, the board also performed very well in our comprehensive testing.

Even without the signature wood accents, the Aero X3D is a strong contender in the premium mid-range space. For enthusiasts building a white PC on a sub-$500 motherboard budget, the Gigabyte X870E Aero X3D Wood is one of the cleanest-looking white boards available, and its wood-like accents are sure to make it a conversation starter. For its features, performance, and unique design elements, the Aero X3D Wood earns a spot on our list of the best motherboards we've tested.

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MSI is no stranger to Wi-Fi 7 routers, as we’ve previously looked at the company’s more entry-level-focused Roamii BE Lite mesh system. The company is back with the Roamii BE Pro. Whereas its similarly-named predecessor was a dual-band unit, this new offering includes the 6 GHz band, making it a full-featured tri-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh system.

The Roamii BE Pro features an attractive design, RGB lighting to spruce things up, a full complement of 2.5 GbE WAN/LAN ports, and USB 3.0 ports for network storage. Better yet, the Roamii BE Pro offers competitive performance at a price point that aligns with its tri-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh peers. In fact, it’s so good that it would be a worthy addition to our best Wi-Fi routers list.

Design of the MSI Roamii BE Pro Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router

The Roamii BE Pro shares a similar design language with the preceding Roamii BE Lite, meaning that it has a triangular base that shoots upwards into a large tower. Think of it as a massive Toblerone candy wrapper finished in white. It retains the ventilation holes at the top of the unit and the stylized “7” imprinted on one of the vertical sides.

Other distinguishing features include a vertically aligned LED near the base that indicates connection status and a downward-facing RGB array on two of the three sides of the base. The colorful patterns that it displays are user-configurable with the MSI Router 2.0 app.

All ports on the Roamii BE Pro are on the back of the unit. I’ll note here that both nodes included in the box are identical. Whichever unit you plug and connect to the internet first acts as the primary router, while the other acts as the satellite node. With that said, there’s a 2.5 GbE WAN port along with three 2.5 GbE LAN ports and a USB 3.0 port. You’ll also find a WPS/Sync button, a reset button, and the proprietary barrel-style power port on the back panel.

One appreciated addition to the package, as with the Roamii BE Lite, is a set of wall-mount brackets for both nodes. Other router OEMs force you to buy your own wall mounts at an additional charge, but MSI provides them for free, which is a nice touch.

MSI Roamii BE Pro Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router Specifications

Setting up the MSI Roamii BE Pro Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router

You can use the MSI Router 2.0 app for setting up its routers, including the Roamii BE Pro. Two identical wireless nodes are included in the box; The first one you set up becomes the primary router. Setting up the router started simply enough; I scanned the QR code on the back of the unit within the Router 2.0 app, and the setup program joined the open wireless network.

I created an admin username/password and chose an SSID/password for the Wi-Fi network. Finally, the setup program informed me that a firmware update was available, so I went ahead and applied it. The router rebooted and was accessible from within the Router 2.0 app.

However, the next step is where I encountered problems. According to MSI, setting up the second node is as simple as plugging it in near the router and letting the two nodes communicate for a few minutes to finish setup. I did this, but the second node never completed its link. The status LED on the second node would go through various light dances, then go solid green without ever confirming a connection (the status LED turns solid white when a connection is made).

I tried adding the second node from the Router 2.0 app several times to no avail, and even performed a factory reset on the node in failed attempts to bring it back to life. After about a half-hour of reboots, resets, and sheer frustration, I decided to try the manual pairing method. I pressed the WPS button on the back of the primary router, and then pushed the WPS button on the back of the second node. Within a few minutes, the status LED on the second node turned solid white, confirming that it had joined the mesh network and was visible in the Router 2.0 app. I then performed the firmware update on the node, which ended my frustrating experience setting up the mesh network.

MSI Roamii BE Pro Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router Software

Once I got past the setup headaches with the Roamii BE Pro, the Router 2.0 app was actually relatively easy to use and configure. The main dashboard provides internet status, connection status for both nodes, quick access to Wi-Fi settings, and quick controls for Guest, Child, and IoT networks. You’ll also see upload/download rates on the network, along with the number of connected devices.

There’s a wealth of wireless settings you can configure, including enabling multi-link operation (MLO) and fast roaming (802.11r). You can also configure the router to broadcast on all three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) for the main network, or you can choose not to enable certain bands.

You have this same flexibility when configuring the IoT, Child, and Guest networks. Personally, I’d limit the IoT network to 2.4 GHz traffic only, and configure the guest network for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz traffic.

MSI also offers a Security Center, which provides free security protection for connected devices. The security suite can automatically protect devices from ransomware, infected links, web threats, and network intrusions (among other threats). Devices are automatically scanned for vulnerabilities, and you can view a daily report of any actions taken for an individual device.

There’s also a comprehensive set of parental controls that can be applied per device. Again, MSI provides an easy-to-use interface that shows how many times it had to step in to block access to inappropriate sites (you can control this setting), or when a child has reached their daily allotment of internet access.

Finally, the Advanced Settings tab is where you’ll find a wealth of settings you can manage, from QoS tweaks to setting up a file service via the USB ports to controlling the RGB effects for the LEDs mounted near the bottom of each node. You’ll also find your typical management-related tasks, such as initiating a firmware update and setting a reboot schedule for the router.

MSI Roamii BE Pro Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router Performance

We use an MSI Pro B650M-A Wi-Fi motherboard, AMD Ryzen 5 7600 processor, 32GB of DDR5 memory, a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and an MSI Herald-BE Wi-Fi 7 adapter, with Windows 11 Home installed. Our server used for testing was a Windows 11 Home machine with a 10 GbE network card connected to one of the 2.5 GbE ports on the Roamii BE Pro.

The iPerf3 tests are conducted at six feet and 25 feet, with and without traffic across the network. In the congested traffic tests, we add six wireless clients streaming 4K YouTube videos evenly across all bands.

Generally speaking, the Roamii BE Pro performed well on our tests, particularly on the 5 GHz band. On the 6 GHz iPerf3 test at short range (6 feet) with no additional traffic, the Roamii BE Pro achieved 1,580 Mbps, while the long-range performance clocked in at 1,047 Mbps. The TP-Link Deco BE63 had higher performance at short range (1,990 Mbps), but dropped to just 786 Mbps at long range.

Shifting gears to 5 GHz band testing, the Roamii BE Pro again showed that consistency is key. It topped the Deco BE63 at short range (1,323 Mbps versus 1,287 Mbps) and had a smaller performance falloff at long range (839 Mbps versus 523 Mbps). The Roamii BE Pro’s 5 GHz performance was also better than its dual-band sibling, the Roamii BE Lite, which came in at 934 Mbps and 541 Mbps, respectively.

The Roamii BE Pro again came out ahead of the similarly priced Deco BE63 on the 2.4 GHz band, albeit by a narrow margin. It was just 1 Mbps faster on average at short range, and 8 Mbps faster at long range. Interestingly, the Roamii BE Lite actually took top honors at both distances, delivering 122 Mbps and 69 Mbps, respectively.

The performance situation was very similar, with congested traffic, and the Roamii BE Pro came up short against the Deco BE63 in the 6 GHz iPerf3 short-range tests (1,474 Mbps versus 1,940 Mbps), but it flipped the script at long range (997 Mbps versus 724 Mbps). The Roamii BE Pro again ran the tables on the 5 GHz band, hitting 1,243 Mbps and 812 Mbps at short and long range, respectively. Finally, the 2.4 GHz tests showed that the Roamii BE Lite maintained a strong lead in both tests, with the Roamii BE Pro coming in second, just ahead of the Deco BE63.

Bottom Line

The MSI Roamii BE Pro is a strong entry in the tri-band Wi-Fi 7 mesh router market, offering strong hardware specs and connectivity (three 2.5 GbE ports, 2.5 GbE WAN, USB 3.0), RGB design flourishes, and included wall mounts (which only MSI seems willing to offer in this category). The MSI Router 2.0 app is well-featured and easy to use.

On the performance front, the Roamii BE Pro offered competitive performance on the 6 GHz band, particularly excelling at long range. Its 5 GHz performance bested all competitors, and its 2.4 GHz performance couldn’t beat the Roamii BE Lite, but it was still respectable.

My only real hangup with the router was the issues that I had setting up the satellite mesh node. They didn’t pair automatically out of the box, and the app proved useless for help. However, using the trusty WPS button cleared up the issue right away, even though I shouldn’t have had to use the button in the first place.

The Roamii BE Pro has an MSRP of $349 for a two-pack, but its current street price on Amazon is $299. For comparison, the TP-Link Deco BE63 has a current street price of $349. The routers are well-matched, with the Roamii BE Pro holding the advantage in long-range 6 GHz testing and running the tables in 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz testing. At this price point, the Roamii BE Pro is the mesh router to beat if you’re looking to spend around $300.

MSI just announced a lottery for the chance to buy its limited-edition RTX 5090 Lightning GPU in Taiwan. According to the company [machine translated], it will offer 10 users the privilege to purchase its most powerful GPU for NT$165,000, or approximately US$5,220 at the current exchange rate. MSI unveiled this legendary GPU at CES 2026, featuring dual 12V-2x6 connectors that deliver up to 1600 watts of power. This provides such power that the graphics card has already shattered several world records before launch, underscoring the potency of MSI’s top-of-the-line GPUs.

The Lightning GPU isn’t intended to be a mainstream graphics card, even for those with deep pockets, as the company has said it’s limiting production to just 1,300 units. Instead, the more than $5,000 graphics card is designed for overclockers willing to risk thousands of dollars to push CPU and GPU technology to the limit. Still, the specter of exclusivity has got some people wanting to get their hands on the unit, even if they do not intend to push it to its limits.

Although the MSRP on the MSI RTX 5090 Lightning is already a significant chunk of change, it’s still not the most expensive one you can buy, despite being the most powerful one yet. This award goes to the Asus ROG Astral RTX 5090 Dhabab Edition, which the company made for the Middle Eastern market and is priced from $6,700 to $10,600, depending on the country of sale.

One user even made a custom golden Asus ROG Astral RTX 5090D, but instead of just replacing select parts with gold, they used it on the majority instead, with the GPU’s final weight hitting 7.6kg (16.8 pounds), 5kg or 11 pounds of which is gold (versus the Dhabab Edition’s 6.5g or 0.25 ounces of gold). Although they intended to put it up for sale at a charity auction, a private collector bought it outright for half a million US dollars.

Other high-end RTX 5090 GPUs with eye-watering prices include the Asus ROG Matrix Platinum RTX 5090, with an 800-watt TDP, a nearly $4,000 SRP, and only 1,000 units produced. This graphics card reportedly sold out as soon as it was released, but some buyers encountered quality-control issues. There’s also the upcoming Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 Infinity, which is expected to be priced at a premium, although we still do not know when it will arrive.

It’s been a while since we reviewed an AMD version of MSI’s MEG Ace motherboard. In fact, the last one was for X670E back in 2022. Back then, the premium mid-range board offered plenty of connectivity, a high-quality audio solution, ample USB ports, and fast networking. Fast forward to today, and the MSI MEG X870E Ace Max motherboard offers high-end features and a premium appearance, but on AMD’s latest platform.

Priced at $649.99 (already discounted from $699.99 MSRP, it seems), it isn’t cheap. but you do get the best or fastest of everything available for X870E. The board sports 13 USB ports (2x USB4) on the rear I/O, fast LAN (5 and 10 GbE) and Wi-Fi 7, ample storage with four SATA ports and five M.2 sockets, and flagship-class audio with an integrated AMP/DAC. In addition to the hardware, it’s loaded with EZ DIY features (PCIe Release, EZ M.2m, etc.) to help with building and installing parts in the PC, as well as a premium black aesthetic with gold accents that blends in with any dark build theme.

Below, we’ll examine the board's performance and other features to determine whether it deserves a spot on our list of the best motherboards. But before we share test results and discuss details, here are the specifications from MSI’s website:

Specifications of the MSI X870E Ace MAX

Inside the Box

The X870E Ace Max includes a few accessories to get you started. You get your typical collection of cables, clips, and screws, but nothing extraordinary, even for the premium price. It isn’t much different than the X870 Edge Ti we recently covered. Read the full list below.

• EZ Wi-Fi Antenna
• Cable Stickers/Installation Guide
• 1 to 3 EZ Conn-cable (v2)
• 1 to 3 ARGB Gen 2 extension cable
• (4) SATA cable
• (2) Thermistor cables
• EZ Front Panel cable
• EZ M.2 Clip II remover
• (3) EZ M.2 Clip II
• (3) M.2 screws

Design of the Ace MAX

The X870E Ace Max sports a sleek black 8-layer PCB with large heatsinks. Polished gold accents around the board symbolize “high-quality materials and construction that evoke a sense of prestige,” according to MSI. On top of the Frozr design heatsink is the first RGB lighting area, with MSI’s dragon shining through. The other RGB feature is on the primary M.2 socket with ‘Ace’ branding. Outside of that, most of the PCB is covered in the EZ ‘one-touch’ heatsinks. Again, we like the appearance, and the mostly black theme fits well with any dark builds.

Focusing on the top half of the board gives us a better look at the Frozr Guard cooling for the VRMs. The oversized heatsinks are connected by a direct-touch heatpipe that distributes the load between them. The top heatsink also uses MSI’s ‘wavy fin array’ to increase surface area and, in theory, effectiveness. Above the VRMs are two 8-pin EPS power connectors (one required) for the processor. Between the capable MOSFETs below and the large cooler, you won’t have anything to worry about.

Moving right and past the socket area, the next thing we see are four DRAM slots, with locking mechanisms on the top (where you have room to access them). MSI lists support for up to DDR5-8400 (with an APU), which is well past AMD’s sweetspot. Our DDR5-7200 kit worked without issue with the desktop-class CPU. With our recently acquired Ryzen 5 8600G APU, the board also happily ran our Klevv DDR5-8000 kit and finally put to rest the question of whether our desktop-class processor’s IMC was the issue (it was).

Just above the RAM slots are the first three (of eight) four-pin fan headers. Each header supports both PWM- and DC-controlled devices, with the output varying for each. The system fans are the lowest at 1A/12W, CPU_FAN1 next at 2A/24W, and the PUMP-SYS1-2 header (defaults to PWM mode) is the most at 3A/24W. This is plenty of power for most cooling systems. If you’re pushing the limits, be sure to connect the supplemental PCIe (6-pin) power to ensure the board can safely output all that juice.

In the corner are four small holes designed for voltage readings. There’s a contact for Vcore, SOC, DDR, and a ground. Most won’t use this, but if you’re pushing the limits and overclocking, you’ll want the most accurate readings (software can sometimes be off), which are from a multi-meter.

Working our way down the right edge, we find another fan header and the first 3-pin ARGB header. MSI Control Center and the Mystic Light application control the integrated RGBs and those attached to the headers. Next is the two-character debug, 24-pin ATX power for the board, 6-pin PCIe connector for supplemental board power, and the combo JAF_2 header that combines fan, USB, and RGB into one connector (EZ Con-cable included).

Power delivery on the X870E Ace Max consists of 21 total phases, with 18 dedicated to Vcore. Power heads from the 8-pin EPS connector(s) in the top-left corner, then to a Renesas RAA229620 controller. From there, it moves to the 18 Renesas R2209004 110A SPS MOSFETs. It’s a robust solution that will handle anything you throw at it, including the Ryzen 9 9950X or the recently released Ryzen 9 9850X3D.

On the bottom half of the board, and hidden under a shroud on the left side, is the audio section. The Ace Max uses the flagship Realtek ALC4082 codec, along with an ESS9219Q Combo DAC/HPA. This configuration is one of the best native audio implementations you can find on motherboards.

In the middle are two full-length PCIe slots and one x4 slot for graphics and expansion. Surprisingly, all three slots connect through the CPU. The top slot, primary for graphics, runs at PCIe 5.0 x16, while the middle slot runs at PCIe 5.0 x8. If the second slot is populated, the top slot drops to x8 as well. The bottom x4 slot supports PCIe 5.0 x4. Just note that PCI_E3 (bottom-most) and M.2_1 share bandwidth. M.2_1 will run at 5.0 x2 speed when there is a device in PCI_E3. You can switch the slot to x4 in the BIOS, but this will disable M.2_1. Not ideal if you need to use the extra slot, but otherwise unimportant if you don’t.

Among the slots are four M.2 sockets, with a fifth on the back of the board. The top two sockets, M.2_1/2, source their bandwidth from the CPU and run up to PCIe 5.0 x4 (238 Gbps) while supporting up to 80mm devices. M.2_3/4/5/ receive their bandwidth from the chipset and all run up to PCIe 4.0 x4 (64 Gbps) while supporting 80mm devices (M.2_3 supports up to 110mm). We talked about bandwidth sharing with M.2_1, but there’s more. M.2_2 shares bandwidth with the USB 40 Gbps Type-C ports. So when the M.2 socket is used, bandwidth drops to x2 speeds for both. Like PCIe lanes, you can force an x4 connection, but you’ll lose both USB4 ports in the process. If you have many M.2 drives and plan to use the bottom PCIe slot, make sure you understand how this board assigns them.

Past the one-touch plate heatsinks to the right edge, we run into the front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) connector, followed by four SATA ports and two 19-pin USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) connectors—standard fare.

We've also included many images of the active IC's for the board. The Ace MAX uses multiple different brands, including Renesas (VRMs), Realtek (audio, PWM controller, USB), and ASMedia (USB).

Along the bottom are several headers, ranging from the front panel to fans and supplemental PCIe power, and more. From left to right, we’ve listed them below. One item worth mentioning is the supplemental PCIe power connector for additional board power, so the board can actually output everything it’s rated for.

• Front panel audio
• 4-pin RGB
• 3-pin ARGB
• (2) 2-pin thermistor headers
• (3) 4-pin System fan
• PCIe supplemental power
• 2-pin BCLK jumpers
• (2) USB 2.0 headers
• 2-pin LN2 header
• 3-pin ARGB
• (2) System fan headers)
• LED on/off switch
• BIOS switch
• Front panel
• 2-pin battery header (CMOS reset)

The rear IO on the X870E Ace Max has everything you need, including 13 USB ports. Starting on the left, there are six (of nine) USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps, red) ports, followed by the HDMI output and the two USB-C 40 Gbps ports. In the middle are three convenient buttons: BIOS Flashback, Clear CMOS, and a programmable smart button. Next to that are the two Ethernet ports, 10 and 5 GBE, respectively, while below that are the other three USB 3.2 Gen2 ports. Finally, on the right is the quick-connect Wi-Fi 7 and audio stack (two 3.5mm and SPDIF out).

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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 to left-aligned headings, middle-aligned details, and right-aligned system status information, and it’s all logically laid out. Like most other board partners, it features an informational EZ Mode that provides limited functionality, with access to features such as Game Boost, PBO, and more. The Ace MAX sports a black background with gold accent colors which looks good and readable.

Overall, we like the layout (one of my favorites), and maneuvering around is intuitive after a short time, though it does take some getting used to.

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 has many applets and is a one-stop shop for downloading other 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. This is the latest version from early 2026.

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 publicly available non-beta motherboard BIOS. The hardware we used is as follows:

TEST SYSTEM COMPONENTS

• CPU - AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
• Cooling - Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420
• Storage - Crucial 2TB T705 M.2 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD
• RAM - Kingston Fury Beast DDR5-6000 CL36 (KF560C36BBEAK2-32)
• RAM - Teamgroup T-Froce Delta DDR5-7200 CL34 (FF3D518G7200HC34ABK)
• RAM - Klevv Cras XR5 RGB DDR5-8000 (KD5AGUA80-80R380S)
• GPU - Asus TUF RTX 4080 16G
• PSU - EVGA Supernova 850W P6
• Windows 11 64-bit (24H2)
• NVIDIA Driver 561.09

Benchmark Settings

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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.

Looking at our synthetic benchmarks, nothing stood out with the Ace's performance. Average is as average does, which is a satisfactory result among our dozens of tested boards.

Timed Applications

The Ace Max also did well in the timed applications. It ran 9 seconds in LAME and 42 seconds in Corona (the slower of the two times in both benchmarks). Handbrake results were good, finishing above average there. Again, we find nothing to worry about so far.

3D Games and 3DMark

Starting with the launch of Zen 5, we’ve updated our game tests. We’re keeping the F1 racing game but have upgraded to F1 24. We also dropped Far Cry 6 in favor of an even more popular 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. We’ve also added a minimum FPS setting, which can affect your gameplay and immersion.

In our 3DMark and game tests, the Ace was average in both 3DMark tests (Speedway was slower; Steel Nomad was faster than average) and in games. Overall, nothing to worry about. The Ace Max, as expected, performs well across a wide variety of functions.

Overclocking

Over the past few CPU generations, overclocking headroom has been shrinking on both sides of the fence, while the out-of-the-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; We know the hardware can handle them. There are multiple ways to extract even more performance from these processors: enabling a canned PBO setting, 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 our different memory kits to ensure they meet the specifications.

For memory testing, we start with our fastest non-clock driver kit: Klevv 32GB (2x16) DDR5-8000. Per usual on this platform, it booted to Windows but wouldn’t pass a stress test with our 9900X. The Team Group DDR5-7200 kit worked without issue. Those speeds are well past the ‘sweet spot’ for the AMD platform, and with today’s RAM prices, we doubt many people are looking at these higher speeds in the first place.

Dropping in a new Ryzen 5 8600G APU, we were able to run our Klevv DDR5-8000 kit without issue. I’d imagine we’ll see similar stories moving forward, as the IMC on the APUs is generally better than the desktop processors we usually test with.

Power Consumption / VRM Temperatures

We used AIDA64’s System Stability Test with Stress CPU, FPU, cache, and Memory enabled for power testing, using the processor's peak power consumption value. The wattage reading is obtained from the wall via a Kill-A-Watt meter, capturing the entire PC (excluding the monitor). The only variable that changes is the motherboard; all other parts remain the same. We've moved to using only the stock power use/VRM temperature charts, as this section aims to ensure the power delivery can handle flagship-class processors.

Stress testing the Ace Max with our DDR5-6000 kit showed it to be a fairly power-hungry board. At idle, it sat around 108W and peaked at 268W. This averages out to 186W, the highest result we’ve recorded on the platform. You likely won’t notice on your electric bill, but it’s worth noting that idle power use was among the highest we’ve seen.

VRM temperatures, surprisingly, ran warm on this machine, peaking at almost 58 degrees Celsius on our hottest sensor and nearly 60 degrees on the internal sensor. This is one of our warmer results, which is curious considering the high-quality MOSFETs and oversized heatsinks. Ambient temperatures were a few degrees warmer than usual, so that’s a part of it. Still, we have complete faith in the hardware and cooling solution on this board, even with a flagship-class processor and overclocking.

Bottom Line

The return of MSI’s Ace SKU for AMD motherboards is a welcome sight after its absence the past few years, and the X870E Ace Max fills a significant price gap in MSI's AM5 lineup. Positioned well below the flagship X870E Godlike (now $829) and the limited edition X870E Godlike X ($1,300 MSRP), the Ace Max sits above the X870E Carbon Wifi ($429.99, with $60 off with promo code DAVANTEADAMS17 when I wrote this). At a sub-$650 price point, the Ace Max is feature-rich and ready for the upcoming Zen 6 processors.

However, the board is not without faults. Our primary concern is lane sharing between the expansion slots and the M.2 sockets. Unusually, all three PCIe slots connect directly to the processor, unlike typical designs where one or two slots connect via the chipset. This setup means that if you use an add-in card in the bottom x4 slot, you will lose access to the M.2_1 socket. M.2_2 socket also supports PCIe 5.0, so you're OK, but using the x4 slot will cost you one of the 5.0 M.2 sockets. While this limitation is unlikely to affect most users, it is worth pointing out.

The Ace Max faces direct competition from several high-caliber boards in this segment. Asus's worthy competitor, the ROG Crosshair X870E Hero, is priced slightly lower ($621) and boasts similar features. Gigabyte’s X870E Aorus Master ($589.99) is also a strong contender alongside the Ace. ASRock's flagship, the X870E Taichi, merits a mention for its high-end specifications and notably lower price ($349.99), although it lacks the EZ DIY and AI overclocking features present in the competition.

Ultimately, selecting among these motherboards—all packed with flagship-class features—will hinge on individual budget, aesthetic preferences, or brand loyalty. This is a viable premium ‘new’ board from MSI and should be on your short list if you’re lucky enough to be shopping in this price range, but it doesn’t stand out enough to make our best motherboards list.

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The MSI MAG Pro X870E-P WiFi hails from the enthusiast-class X870E chipset and offers users a wide variety of features tailored for professionals who care about productivity and efficiency. You get a simple black-and-silver color scheme and the usual platform fare, including PCIe 5.0 for M.2 and PCIe slots, fast networking, and, of course, it uses MSI’s EZ DIY features to make building and updating your machine easier. Priced just under $300, this ‘original’ X870E board offers plenty to professionals and the average user.

Newegg currently sells the MSI Pro X870E-P Wifi for $279.99, which makes it one of the lower-priced boards in the X870E family. For the money, the Pro X870E-P offers three M.2 sockets (one PCIe 5.0) and four SATA ports for storage, fast networking with ‘true’ Wi-Fi 7 (5.8 Mbps) and 5 GbE, capable power delivery, and a basic audio solution. You also get the helpful EZ DIY features, such as the M.2 Shield Frozr II, EZ M.2 Clip II, and EZ M.2 Clip II for M.2, and a larger tab on the GPU lock, all of which make installing and swapping those parts much easier. They also have AI features such as the AI Engine/LAN Manager, Frozr AI cooling, and AI Boost to overclock the NPU.

Performance on the board hovered around the average across a wide variety of tests. So whether you’re a professional or an average user, the X870E-P Wifi has the hardware and features you need from the X870E platform. Below, we’ll examine the board's performance and other features to determine whether it deserves a spot on our list of the best motherboards. But before we share test results and discuss details, here are the specifications:

Specifications of the MSI Pro X870E-P Wifi

Inside the Box

The Pro X870E-P Wifi includes a couple of accessories to get you started. MSI includes the quick installation guide, an EZ M.2 Clip II remover, and three EZ M.2 Clip II posts. You also get the EZ Wi-Fi antenna, two SATA cables, and a 1-to-2 EZ Conn-Cable (v1) for their JAF header—just the basics.

Design of the Pro X870E-P

The Pro X870E-P uses a black, 8-layer PCB with large silver heat sinks on the VRMs and plate-style heatsinks on the top M.2 socket and chipset area. The VRM heatsinks are large and have a very blocky design, with sharp angles and flat tops. If you want RGB lighting, you’ll have to add it yourself via multiple headers, as the ‘Pro’ board doesn’t have any integrated.

It’s a really simple aesthetic, and while it will never be a showpiece for your build (that isn’t its intention), it does work well with both black- and white-themed builds, so you have some flexibility in what color you want your chassis and peripherals to be.

On the top half of the board, we get a better look at the blocky heatsinks and the stenciled lines-and-dots design that breaks up the matte-silver finish. Above the VRM heatsink are two 8-pin EPS power connectors (one required) for the processor. Nothing extraordinary here.

Moving right past the socket, we run into four DRAM slots, with locking mechanisms on both sides. MSI lists support up to 256GB capacity and speeds up to DDR5-8200 (with an APU and two DIMMs) and well past AMD’s current sweetspot (around 6,000-6,400 MT/s).

Just above the RAM slots are the first three (of eight) four-pin fan headers. Each header supports both PWM- and DC-controlled devices, with the output varying for each. The system fans are the lowest at 1A/12W, CPU_FAN1 next at 2A/24W, and the PUMP-SYS1-2 header (defaults to PWM mode) is the most at 3A/24W. This is plenty of power for most cooling systems. Be sure to connect the supplemental PCIe (6-pin) power to ensure the board can safely output all that juice simultaneously, or if you’re using add-in cards.

Working our way down the right edge, we spot the first (of three) 3-pin ARGB headers for attaching RGB lighting. MSI Control Center and the Mystic Light application within control any RGBs attached to the headers. Next are the EZ debug LEDs for troubleshooting POST issues. The 24-pin ATX power header for the board is next, followed by a USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C header

Power delivery on the Pro X870E-P consists of 17 total phases, with 14 dedicated to Vcore. Power heads from the 8-pin EPS connector(s) in the top-left corner, and on to a Monolithic Power Systems MPS2516 VRM controller in a ‘teamed’ configuration. From there, it moves to the 14 60A MPS2520 MOSFETs. While not the most robust power delivery, it’scapable of handling anything you throw at it, including the Ryzen 9 9950X or the recently released Ryzen 9 9850X3D.

On the bottom half of the board, and hidden under a shroud on the left side, is the audio section. The budget board uses an older budget codec in the Realtek ALC897. This audio solution won’t please audiophiles, but it is still good enough for the average gamer or listening to some tunes while you’re working on this professional-class motherboard.

In the middle of the board are four PCIe slots- three full-length and one x1. The top slot (PCI_E1), primary for graphics cards, uses reinforcement and gets its PCIe 5.0 x16 bandwidth from the CPU. The second slot (PCI_E2), tiny x1, connects to the chipset and runs at PCIe 3.0 x1, just like the bottom full-length slot (PCI_E4). The middle full-length slot also connects through the chipset and runs PCIe 4.0 x4. There are plenty of slots for Add-in-Cards, just be sure that any that need a lot of bandwidth, read more than PCIe 3.0 x1 (which will likely be hidden under most graphics cards in the first place), you’ll have to use the PCI_E3.

Among the slots are three M.2 sockets. The top socket, M.2_1, under the one-touch Frozr heatsink, supports up to 80mm devices and is your sole PCIe 5.0 x4 connection (via CPU). M.2_2 and M.2_3 connect through the chipset and run up to PCIe 4.0 x4. M.2_3 holds 110mm devices with M.2_2 80mm. If you’re looking for additional speed or redundancy, the board supports RAID0/1/5 modes for NVMe. The good news is that there isn’t any lane sharing between PCIe slots and M.2 slots, or between USB4 and M.2/PCIe slots. So feel free to connect anything you can without bandwidth restrictions.

Past the chipset heatsink and on to the right edge, we see the four SATA ports, a 19-pin USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) connector, and a 4-pin fan header.

We've also included many images of the active IC's for the board. The Pro X870E-P uses a wide range of brands, including Monolithic Power Systems (VRMs), Realtek (audio, USB, PWM controller), ASMedia (USB) and more.

Along the bottom are several headers, ranging from the front panel to fans and supplemental PCIe power, and more. From left to right, we’ve listed them below. One item worth mentioning is the supplemental PCIe power connector for additional board power, so the board can actually output everything it’s rated for.

• Front panel audio
• 4-pin RGB
• 3-pin ARGB
• JDASH header
• JAF1 header
• PCIe supplemental power
• (2) USB 2.0 headers
• 4-pin system fan header
• 19-pin USB 3.2 Gen 1 header
• Front panel
• 2-pin OC header
• 2-pin battery header(CMOS reset)

The rear IO on the Pro X870E-P is relatively sparse, but it should have enough to meet your needs. Starting on the left are the BIOS Flashback and Clear CMOS buttons. Next to that is your HDMI output when using integrated video on some processors. There are 10 USB ports on the rear IO. First are two Type-C ports (40 Gbps and 20 Gbps). Next are two USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) ports (red), two USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) ports (blue), and four USB 2.0 ports (480 Mbps) in black. After that are the quick-connect Wi-Fi 7 antenna and the audio stack with three 3.5mm jacks (Line in/out and Mic in). It’s only missing the optical SPDIF output, but I'm not sure many will miss that on a ‘professional’ motherboard.

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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 to left-aligned headings, middle-aligned details, and right-aligned system status information, and it’s all logically laid out. Like most other board partners, it features an informational EZ Mode that provides limited functionality, with access to features such as Game Boost, PBO, and more. The Pro uses a silver-themed BIOS that stands out against the dull black of others.

Overall, we like the layout (one of my favorites), and maneuvering around is intuitive after a short time, though it does take some getting used to.

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 has many applets and is a one-stop shop for downloading other 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. This is the latest version from early 2026.

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 publicly available non-beta motherboard BIOS. The hardware we used is as follows:

TEST SYSTEM COMPONENTS

• CPU - AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
• Cooling - Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420
• Storage - Crucial 2TB T705 M.2 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD
• RAM - Kingston Fury Beast DDR5-6000 CL36 (KF560C36BBEAK2-32)
• RAM - Teamgroup T-Froce Delta DDR5-7200 CL34 (FF3D518G7200HC34ABK)
• RAM - Klevv Cras XR5 RGB DDR5-8000 (KD5AGUA80-80R380S)
• GPU - Asus TUF RTX 4080 16G
• PSU - EVGA Supernova 850W P6
• Windows 11 64-bit (24H2)
• NVIDIA Driver 561.09

Benchmark Settings

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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.

Looking at our synthetic benchmarks, the Pro was average across the board. The only results that stood out were the slightly slower Procyon results, but that’s something you’re never going to notice outside of a benchmark.

Timed Applications

In the timed applications, the Pro was average to slightly above average. The Corona and LAME results were the slower of the two, but they are tight and consistent. We have nothing to worry about so far.

3D Games and 3DMark

Starting with the launch of Zen 5, we’ve updated our game tests. We’re keeping the F1 racing game but have upgraded to F1 24. We also dropped Far Cry 6 in favor of an even more popular 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. We’ve also added a minimum FPS setting, which can affect your gameplay and immersion.

In our 3DMark and game tests, the Pro X870E-P was average in the 3DMark tests (Steel Nomad was slower; Speedway was average) and in games. Overall, nothing to worry about. This board performs well across a wide variety of functions, including productivity and gaming.

Overclocking

Over the past few CPU generations, overclocking headroom has been shrinking on both sides of the fence, while the out-of-the-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; We know the hardware can handle them. There are multiple ways to extract even more performance from these processors: enabling a canned PBO setting, 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 our different memory kits to ensure they meet the specifications.

For memory testing, we start with our fastest non-clock driver kit: Klevv 32GB (2x16) DDR5-8000. Per usual on this platform, it booted to Windows but wouldn’t pass a stress test with our 9900X. The Team Group DDR5-7200 kit worked without issue. Those speeds are well past the ‘sweet spot’ for the AMD platform, and with today’s RAM prices, we doubt many people are looking at these higher speeds in the first place.

Dropping in our Ryzen 5 8600G APU, we were able to run our Klevv DDR5-8000 kit without issue. I’d imagine we’ll see similar results moving forward, with the better IMC on the APU.

Power Consumption / VRM Temperatures

We used AIDA64’s System Stability Test with Stress CPU, FPU, cache, and Memory enabled for power testing, using the processor's peak power consumption value. The wattage reading is obtained from the wall via a Kill-A-Watt meter, capturing the entire PC (excluding the monitor). The only variable that changes is the motherboard; all other parts remain the same. We've moved to using only the stock power use/VRM temperature charts, as this section aims to ensure the power delivery can handle flagship-class processors.

Stress testing the Pro X870E-P with our DDR5-6000 kit showed it to be a relatively efficient board. At idle, it sat around 80W and peaked at 252W. This averages out to 166W, and above average efficiency.

VRM temperatures for this test were completed on the APU. Unsurprisingly, the more efficient Ryzen 5 8600G didn’t stress the system as much, and the results show it was the coolest-running of the Ryzen 9 9900X models. Temperatures peaked at just over 40 degrees Celsius on our hottest sensor, while their internal sensor read slightly higher, a hair over 41 degrees Celsius. Although the power delivery isn’t the most robust, it won’t have any issues running more powerful flagship-class processors.

Bottom Line

Although this board has been out since 2024, it’s still a valid option in the X870 space. It has a unique, squared-off black-and-silver aesthetic and a comprehensive feature set that’s worth the sub-$300 price point. It performed on par with most boards and, for professionals (read: anyone), offers plenty of connectivity and expansion capabilities.

There are several boards around that price point, most of which could pass as ‘productivity’ boards anyway. Asus’ TUF Gaming X870E-Plus Wi-Fi ($329.99) offers a well-rounded solution, including four M.2 sockets and a better audio codec. The Gigabyte X870E Aorus Pro ($284.99) is also a viable contender, with ample connectivity and better audio, though it has slower 2.5 GbE. Finally, the ASRock's X870E Taichi Lite ($299.99) is arguably the best of the bunch, offering modern flagship-class audio, dual USB 4 Type-C ports, and 10 other USB ports, though expansion is limited to only two PCIe slots.

Overall, the Pro X870E-P Wifi is a solid offering. Its distinctive, blocky black-and-silver aesthetic provides flexibility for either black or white build themes. While it is worth considering, particularly for productivity-focused users who don't prioritize high-end audio, it doesn't stand out otherwise. Gamers may find better alternatives at this price point, but if it's lower, around that $250 range, it's a good deal.

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Many of us feel the constant urge to upgrade our PC, but getting new PC parts has been increasingly challenging lately. Whether it's due to limited launch availability, scalping of components, or the current AI boom causing memory shortages, it feels like there's always a factor preventing a purchase or upgrade at a reasonable price. The positive outlook is that not all worthwhile upgrades need to focus solely on performance. You can upgrade your monitor, peripherals like gaming keyboards, gaming mouse, speakers, or gaming chair. But one of the best and affordable ways to get your upgrade fix while feeling like you've got a new PC is to put your existing system in a new PC case.

A PC case generally lasts through more than one build, so it’s critical when choosing a new chassis that you consider what parts you have and future upgrades to larger, potentially more power-hungry components as prices drop. And while you’re changing cases, it’s a great time to reapply your thermal paste (if necessary) and do any other cheap or useful maintenance, such as blowing the dust off components. You can even upgrade your cooler; our best CPU coolers list can help you do so on the cheap, while you're at it.

Good airflow aside, a primary motivator for purchasing a new PC case is aesthetics. Modern case designs offer far more variety than a simple black box, significantly enhancing the look of your entire setup. Since cases are typically kept for a long time, choosing one you enjoy looking at is important.

In recent years, we’ve seen wood accents in cases, like the popular Fractal Design North (which made our best PC cases list), and more standard designs, like ‘fish tank’ style cases, and the increasing popularity of rear-connect-compatible chassis for the spate of back-connect motherboards we’ve seen. Are you into old-school styling? There are cases like that too, including the Thermaltake Retro 260/360 TG and Silverstone’s FLP01 and FLP02 that exude 80s and 90s PC vibes.

Fractal Design North

Upgrading your PC case can also be a practical way to boost performance by significantly improving internal airflow and lowering component temperatures. Perhaps your current chassis was sufficient for a lower-power setup, but since you upgraded your system—before the recent surge in AI-related component prices—it’s now showing its limitations with more power-hungry components. Better airflow generally translates into lower temperatures for your CPU and GPU. As our case reviews demonstrate, this heat reduction is the reason for improved metrics, allowing for higher core boost clocks/speeds.

Increasing airflow isn't only about performance, either. There’s also the matter of keeping things quiet. With high-airflow cases, you may be able to run your fans slower, reducing noise while maintaining the same level of cooling. For example, the NZXT H7 Flow we reviewed has solid airflow and is also relatively quiet.

NZXT H7 Flow

Modern cases also feature updated connectivity on the front I/O panel. That case you bought just a couple of years ago may not have enough ports for your usage patterns and only have USB Type-A ports, lacking today’s now common Type-C port. Port type is one thing, and port speeds are another. Many cases from years back support only USB 2.0 (480 Mbps), whereas modern chassis front IO panels support up to USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps - Type-C) and USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps). For my work, I transfer quite a few images and other files from system to system, and time is money. Even if it isn’t for work, getting data off an external drive or USB stick to the faster internal storage is a tangible upgrade. Less waiting means more playing.

Cases like the Fractal Design North (also on our best case list), Meshify 3 XL, Terra, MSI’s MAG PANO 100R/110R, and the Asus A31 Plus, to name a few, all include a fast Type-C port and faster Type-A ports compared to older chassis. Just make sure your motherboard has an internal USB-C header to plug that front-panel port into.

MSI MAG Pano 100R PZ

A new PC case or peripherals can inject fresh excitement into your current setup, offering a cool new look while you wait for better prices on parts like storage, RAM, or a video card. It's a great option if you have some extra cash but aren't ready for a completely new system or you want to wait until the prices for RAM, storage, and GPUs gets back to some semblance of normal – whenever that might be. For our top recommendations, check out our guide to the best PC cases.

The latest motherboard to land on our test bench is the inexpensive-for-the-platform MSI MPG X870E Edge Ti Wifi. Currently (at the time of this writing) priced at $299.99 on Newegg, it’s one of the least expensive ATX-size X870E boards available. But don’t let the low price fool you, as it comes with everything you’d expect from the enthusiast platform, but at a reasonable price. On top of the lower price point, the silver-white color scheme and RGB dragon on the VRM heatsinks are sure to turn heads as well.

Hardware-wise, the board comes loaded with features, including 40 Gbps USB4 ports, 5 GbE and Wi-Fi 7, ample storage options featuring dual PCIe 5.0 M.2 sockets, a quality mid-range audio solution, and plenty of EZ DIY and EZ OC features to assist with building, upgrades, and overclocking. Performance on the X870E Edge Ti Wi-Fi was solid throughout testing and often ranked near the top of our performance charts. Memory speeds are listed to DDR4-8400, so there is plenty of headroom on paper for fast RAM if you choose (though our Klevv DDR5-8000 kit, unsurprisingly, didn’t work). No matter if you’re gaming, a creative, or just need a lot out of your motherboard, the Edge Ti should have what you are looking for.

Below, we’ll examine the board's details and determine whether it deserves a spot on our list of the best motherboards. But before we share test results and discuss details, here are the specifications from MSI’s website.

Specifications of the MSI X870E Edge Ti Wifi

Inside the Box

The X870E Edge Ti Wifi includes a few accessories to get you started. You get your typical collection of cables, clips, and screws. Nothing extraordinary. We’ve listed everything MSI includes below.

• EZ Dashboard
• EZ Wi-Fi Antenna
• Cable Stickers/Installation Guide
• 1 to 2 EZ Conn-cable (v1)
• SATA cable
• EZ Front Panel Cable
• EZ M.2 Clip II remover
• (3) EZ M.2 Clip II
• M.2 screw

Design of the Edge Ti Wifi

The X870E Edge Ti Wi-Fi sports a silver-white color scheme that’s a break from the all-too-common motherboards we're used to seeing. MSI’s Frozr design heatsinks cover the VRM, while the left bank sports an RGB feature (MSI Dragon) that stands out. The bottom half of the board uses plate-style heatsinks, and the EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II button is across all M.2 sockets and the chipset, with branding on each. We like the look of the Edge Ti Wifi. The white-silver aesthetic offers a distinctive contrast to the predominantly black motherboards available.

The silver-white MSI board, while budget-friendly, is complemented by an effective cooling design. The large VRM heatsinks, featuring the company's Frozr design, are linked by a heatpipe to distribute the thermal load, and their ribbed structure maximizes the cooling surface area. This robust cooling system is well-equipped to handle a wide range of power requirements. A single RGB element is present on the left side. It's a striking MSI dragon that is illuminated from below, with the MPG branding subtly stenciled onto the top VRM heatsink.

Past the socket, the next thing we run into are four black DRAM slots with a locking mechanism on both sides. Although the contrast against the 8-layer PCB looks fine, matching slots would arguably look better. MSI lists support for fast DDR5-8400 and a typical 4-DIMM capacity of 256GB.

Above the RAM slots are the first three fan headers (of nine, including the multi-function JAF header). Each 4-pin header supports PWM- and DC-controlled devices via the BIOS or MSI Center software. Power output varies by header: the system fans are at 1A/12W, the pump fan at 3A/36W, and the CPU fan at 2A/24W. That's plenty of available power for your fans and AIO, or even for custom liquid cooling.

Along the right edge is another system fan header, followed by the first (of five, including that JAF header again) ARGB/RGB headers. Control over any attached lighting is also handled through MSI Center. Continuing along the edge, we run into the EZ Digi-Debug LED, which displays codes during the POST process. Below that are the 24-pin ATX power connector and the multi-function JAF header that combines ARGB, Fan, and a USB 2.0 header, all in a much smaller footprint than using the standard headers.

Power delivery on the X870E Edge Ti Wifi consists of 17 total phases, with 14 dedicated to Vcore. Power heads from the 8-pin EPS connector(s) in the top-left corner, then to a Monolithic Power Systems MPS2419 controller. From there, it moves to the rest of the VRMs, including the MPS2513 80A SPS MOSFETs. While not the most powerful solution we've encountered, it is still sufficient to manage any flagship processor, including the Ryzen 9 9950X or the seemingly inevitable Ryzen 9 9950X3D2, the latter of which has been the subject of persistent rumors for several months.

On the bottom half of the board, we’ll start with the audio section on the left. Hidden under a shroud, you’ll find the Realtek ALC4080 codec, a mid-range solution, along with a couple of dedicated audio capacitors. This setup is fine for most people and what we would expect given the board's pricing.

In the middle are three full-length slots, flanked on most sides by M.2 sockets. Starting with the PCIe slots, the top slot (PCI_E1), primary for graphics, connects to the CPU and runs at PCIe 5.0 x16 speeds. MSI uses a button to lock and unlock the GPU, which is convenient and generally better than the simple lever we’re used to. The other two slots connect through the chipset, with the middle (PCI_E2) running PCIe 3.0 x4 and the bottom (PCI_E3) running PCIe 4.0 x4.

Next are four M.2 sockets. The top slot (M2_1) and the second slot (M2_2) are your CPU-connected PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps) sockets supporting up to 110mm and 80mm devices, respectively. The bottom two slots connect through the chipset and run up to PCIe 4.0 x4 (64 Gbps), supporting up to 80mm devices. Each M.2 socket uses MSI’s EZ DIY feature; with a single push of the metal latch on the left, these plate heatsinks can be removed/installed easily.

There is some lane sharing among the PCIe 5.0 sockets, however. M2_2 shares bandwidth with the USB4 ports. By default, both slots run at PCIe 5.0 x2 (or PCIe 4.0 x4) when a device is installed on M2_2. You can force the sockets to x4, but that disables the 40 Gbps Type-C ports. You’ll need to choose your poison when using the second M.2 socket.

Moving past the chipset area to the right edge, the first thing we encounter is the front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C port. Below that are four SATA ports and two 19-pin front panel USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) headers.

We've also included many images of the active IC's for the board. MSI and X870E Edge Ti Wifi uses a wide range of brands including Monolithic Power systems (VRMs), Realtek (audio, USB, PWM controller), and more.

Along the bottom are several headers, ranging from the front panel to fans and supplemental PCIe power. From left to right, we’ve listed them below. One worth mentioning is the supplemental PCIe power connector for additional board power, so the board can actually output everything it’s rated for.

• Front panel audio
• 4-pin RGB
• 3-pin ARGB
• 4-pin System fan
• PCIe supplemental power
• (2) USB 2.0 headers
• (3) System fan headers
• LED on/off switch
• 3-pin ARGB
• Front panel
• 2-pin battery header(CMOS reset)

The rear IO on the X870E Edge Ti Wifi has plenty of what you need, including 12 USB ports. Starting on the left, there are two small buttons: BIOS Flash and Clear CMOS. Next to that is an HDMI (v2.1) video output for integrated graphics. Next, there are 12 USB ports. You get three Type-C ports (2x 40 Gbps, 1x 10 Gbps), five USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps, red) ports, and four USB 2.0 (480 Mbps, black). Next is the Realtek 5 GbE port. Finally, on the right is the quick-connect Wi-Fi 7 connection and the audio stack (two 3.5mm jacks and SPDIF out).

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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 to left-aligned headings, middle-aligned details, and right-aligned system status information, and it’s all logically laid out. Like most other board partners, it features an informational EZ Mode that provides limited functionality, with access to features such as Game Boost, PBO, and more.

Overall, we like the layout (it's one of my favorites), and maneuvering around is intuitive after a short time, though it does take some getting used to.

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 has many applets and is a one-stop shop for downloading other 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. This is the latest version from early 2026.

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 publicly available non-beta motherboard BIOS. The hardware we used is as follows:

TEST SYSTEM COMPONENTS

• CPU - AMD Ryzen 9 9900X
• Cooling - Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420
• Storage - Crucial 2TB T705 M.2 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD
• RAM - Kingston Fury Beast DDR5-6000 CL36 (KF560C36BBEAK2-32)
• RAM - Teamgroup T-Froce Delta DDR5-7200 CL34 (FF3D518G7200HC34ABK)
• RAM - Klevv Cras XR5 RGB DDR5-8000 (KD5AGUA80-80R380S)
• GPU - Asus TUF RTX 4080 16G
• PSU - EVGA Supernova 850W P6
• Windows 11 64-bit (24H2)
• NVIDIA Driver 561.09

Benchmark Settings

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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 with the X870E Edge Ti was excellent across all of our synthetic benchmarks. And while it never led anywhere, it was nearly above average across the board.

Timed Applications

The Edge Ti Wifi also did well in the timed applications. It ran 8.9s, the fastest of our two recorded times, in LAME, and was average in Corona. Handbrake results were also solid, posting one of the quicker times we’ve seen. Again, we find nothing to worry about here.

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.

In our 3DMark and game tests, the Edge Ti was average in both 3DMark tests and actual games. Overall, it’s clear that this board performs well across a wide variety of activities.

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.

For memory testing, we start with our fastest non-clock driver kit: Klevv 32GB (2x16) DDR5-8000. Per usual on this platform, it booted to Windows but wouldn’t pass a stress test. Our Team Group DDR5-7200 kit worked without issue. We have an 8000-series APU on the way to confirm that it was our CPU limiting our success rate.

Those speeds are well past the ‘sweet spot’ for the AMD platform, and with today’s RAM prices, we doubt many people are looking at these higher speeds in the first place.

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.

Stress testing on the Edge Ti using our DDR5-6000 kit showed a fairly efficient board. At idle, it sat around 86W and peaked at 265W. This averages out to 176W, a middling result and nothing out of the ordinary.

VRM temperatures peaked at just a hair over 50 degrees Celsius on our hottest sensor and 54 degrees on the internal sensor. This is one of the warmer results, but still well within specification. If you plan to push flagship-class processors for extended periods, you should be fine with this board.

Bottom Line

MSI’s MPG X870E Edge stands out as a strong budget contender in the enthusiast X870E space. Its white / silver appearance stands out from typical black motherboards, and its feature list rivals that of some more expensive options. At $299.99, it delivers the full range of chipset capabilities, including USB4, multiple PCIe 5.0 storage slots, 5 GbE, and Wi-Fi 7. Additionally, it offers MSI's user-friendly EZ DIY features and one-click overclocking for those who prefer to avoid manual Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO) configuration.

The ~$300 price point sees competition from all the major board partners. The ASRock X870E Nova Wifi is cheaper at $259.99 but has a single PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. The Gigabyte X870E Aorus Elite Wifi7, priced at $294.99, shares a similar M.2 configuration but uses 2.5 GbE networking. The Asus TUF Gaming X870E-Plus Wi-Fi 7 is slightly more expensive at $304.22 and uses an older-generation audio codec (which may or may not be a concern for most buyers).

Hardware-wise, no single competitor in this segment truly dominates, and although this is a good board, it did not make our Best Motherboards list. The choice often comes down to personal preference and aesthetics, as most people don’t need two PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots or care about flagship-class audio. Ultimately, for those seeking an affordable white X870E motherboard, the X870E Edge Ti Wifi should be on your shortlist.

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MSI has shown off some rather intriguing hardware so far at CES 2026, but something that really caught our eye while touring the show floor is the company's latest dual-tower CPU air coolers: the MPG CoreFrozr AP15 and AP17. Your eyes can't help but be drawn to the displays affixed to each unit.

The MPG CoreFrozr AP15 features a Digi-Display that provides real-time readouts of your system vitals. The LCD is split into four segments, showing CPU temperature, CPU load, and the fan's current RPM. There's even a weekly calendar function in the lower left-hand segment.

The MPG CoreFrozr AP17 takes things a step further with an absolutely massive 6-inch LCD. Not only can it display the same system information as its lesser sibling, but it also offers fully customizable output. You can even add custom visuals to give your system some added flair that matches the aesthetic of your gaming rig. The displays are also removable, though I don't really see the need to remove them if you're paying a premium for that functionality in the first place, but I digress.

When it comes to actual cooling performance, both feature dual cooling fans. However, their approaches differ slightly from there. The MPG CoreFrozr AP15 was specifically optimized to work with the AMD Ryzen X3D family of processors and features a copper base along with six heat pipes. The MPG CoreFrozr AP17 ups the stakes with a nickel-plated copper base and eight heat pipes.

MSI also designed both coolers to be user-friendly, especially in tight confines. As a result, there is sufficient clearance under the heat pipes to avoid interfering with your motherboard's DIMM slots.

At this time, MSI hasn't announced pricing for the MPG CoreFrozr AP15 or AP17. However, for reference, the Thermalright Peerless Assassin 140 is available for around $53.

MSI just announced its new GPU Safeguard and GPU Safeguard+ tech available on its latest power supply units (PSUs). According to the company press release, this feature monitors the 12V-2x6 connector for abnormal current fluctuations, and it will then warn the user with a pop-up through the MSI Center (only for GPU Safeguard+) while the PSU itself will emit an audible warning buzzer. “This proactive alert system enables potential power issues to be addressed before they result in permanent hardware damage,” MSI said in its PR.

The Tom’s Hardware team visited the MSI booth at CES 2026, where it was explained that this protection is achieved through per-in-voltage monitoring. And if it indicates an anomaly, the only way you can stop the buzzing is by shutting your computer down, thereby cutting power to the GPU and helping protect it even before its power connector starts melting.

If it does not detect any response after three minutes of beeping, the PSU will force a black screen on your system to reduce the load on the graphics card while still continually beeping. MSI says that “In either case, the only way to get your PC up and running safely again is by shutting it down, unplugging the 12V-2x6 connector from your graphics card, inspecting for damage, and firmly re-plugging it if all’s well.”

This tech comes in four of MSI’s latest power supplies — the top-of-the-line MPG Ai1600TS and MPG Ai1300TS PCIE5 get GPU Safeguard+, while its mainstream MAG A1200PLS and MAG A1000PLS PCIE5 PSUs are protected with GPU Safeguard. The only difference between the two features is that the former displays a pop-up window alongside the warning sound, while the latter only gives an aural warning. Nevertheless, this should help protect your system from unexpected meltdowns, especially for high-powered GPUs like the RTX 5090 and even some Sapphire Nitro+ 9070 XTs.

Aside from these new PSUs, we also saw the MEG Maestro 900R panoramic PC case, with its triple-sided curved glass letting you see your build from every angle. There’s also the Coreliquid E16 360 AIO with its massive 6.67-inch 2K curved OLED display right on the CPU block. There’s also a plethora of other new components, like air coolers, motherboards, PC cases, displays, and GPUs, including the legendary MSI RTX 5090 Lightning.

With CES 2026 well underway, it’s no secret that laptop manufacturers are busily working behind the scenes to equip their systems with the latest and greatest hardware. MSI is no exception: The company is refreshing the internal hardware for its Prestige line of ultra-thin laptops and convertibles, including the Prestige 13 AI, 14 AI, 14 Flip AI, 16 AI, and 16 Flip AI.

As you might expect, the Prestige 13 AI is the smallest member of the family, with a magnesium-aluminum chassis finished in platinum gray, weighing just 899 grams (1.98 pounds) and measuring only 15.9mm thick. Your primary interaction will be via the 13.3-inch OLED display, which features a 2880 x 1800 resolution at 60 Hz (no option to upgrade to 120 Hz).

Given the current pricing volatility in the memory market, MSI isn’t providing details on base RAM or SSD configurations. However, it states that the Prestige 13 AI supports up to 64GB of LPDDR5x-8533 memory and up to 2TB PCIe Gen4x4 SSDs. More importantly, it’s running Intel’s Series 3 Core Ultra processors (although MSI didn’t specify which ones). Other features include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 support, a 1080p IR webcam, dual 2-watt speakers, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a microSD reader. Power is supplied by a 75 Whr battery, which is recharged via a 65-watt adapter.

Stepping up to the Prestige 14 AI gets you a larger 14-inch OLED panel, while the Prestige 16 AI features a 16-inch OLED panel (2880 x 1800) with a 120 Hz variable refresh rate. Both the Prestige 14 AI and 16 AI come with more powerful Series 3 Core Ultra X9, Core Ultra 9, and Core Ultra 7 processors, and up to Intel Arc B390 graphics. Other features shared by the two systems include a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button, quad speakers, and an 81 Whr battery.

The Prestige 14 Flip AI and 16 Flip AI are largely similar to their non-Flip counterparts but feature Core Ultra 9 (Series 3) processors, touchscreens, and a 2-in-1 convertible form factor. The Flip models also support MSI’s Nano Pen stylus.

At this time, there is no pricing information or launch date for these new Prestige models.

It seems like every month we see a new incendiary GPU story with reports of a 12V-2x6 connector being the culprit. The issue is not limited to just Nvidia's RTX 5090 anymore either, as at least five AMD RX 9070 XT variants with this plug have faced the same fiery wrath. Companies have tried to come up with solutions to monitor the 16-pin power connector, and MSI is the latest to join this line of cautionary warriors.

In a new teaser posted on its X account, the brand is showing off seemingly the world's first power supply with active protection features: the MSI MPG Ai1300TS & Ai1600TS. While no explicit details were shared, it's reasonable to imagine that the "proactive and instant protection" refers to actively monitoring the individual wires/pins in the 12V-2x6 connector to ensure all of them are sharing the load effectively.

If even one of the pins goes out or stops making proper contact, the power supply will instantly trip, shutting down the system and protecting your expensive hardware from getting scorched. We make this assumption because the best power supplies already regulate their voltage rails that control power going to your PC, with various protection features such as OCP, SCP, and more. MSI's addition, therefore, is a specific safeguard meant for power hungry graphics cards.

In the teaser, we can also see a USB-C port at the back of the power supply, which means you can connect it to your motherboard to potentially control it via software. It should still stop the "invisible problem" of melting GPUs without that, but it'd be interesting to see the expanded feature set. Perhaps, you'll be able to see real-time stats similar to third-party tools like WireView Pro, allowing you to set hard limits in Windows.

As the name suggests, the MSI MPG Ai1300TS & Ai1600TS are flagship 1300W and 1600W units, respectively, so they're very clearly targeting the RTX 5090. Just a few days ago, we saw another one of those catch on fire in possibly the worst incident so far. And the victim was even using a native 12V-2x6 cable that came with their 1000W ATX 3.1 power supply. Let's see if MSI's offerings can finally curtail this fiasco.

Years ago, MSI released its first MPower motherboards. Starting with Z87, the boards had a black and yellow aesthetic and were designed for extreme overclocking (think Asus Apex, Gigabyte Tachyon, and ASRock OCF). Before the Z790 MPower (we did not see these in the States), the last iteration was in 2017 with Z170. Fast forward to today, and MSI has resurrected an AM5 model in the B850 MPower. The latest version comes in a Micro ATX form factor and, with its 2-DIMM configuration, is made to push the boundaries of memory overclocking (along with MPower Alliance-approved memory).

If you've seen these models before, you’ll know the current version screams MPower with its black-and-yellow appearance, but it doesn’t have any integrated RGB lighting. Keep in mind that it is an overclocking board where people generally don’t care for bling in the first place, and you can always add your own. On top of its listed memory prowess (over 10,000 MT/s with 8000 series APU), the B850 MPower offers four M.2 sockets (two PCIe 5.0), a quality audio solution, fast networking, and that signature MPower design for $229.99, available only via the US MSI Store.

Performance on the MPower in stock form was above average in most of our tests. It proved to be a good performer across a wide variety of benchmarks, including productivity and gaming. We tried our fastest non ‘CK’ sticks, our Klevv DDR5-8000 kit, but it barely booted to Windows, so we settled on our DDR5-7200 kit, as is quite common on this platform. We’re in the process of procuring an APU to test higher memory speeds more thoroughly, as this may be a factor with our CPU’s IMC (though we’ve seen that Klevv kit work twice on AM5 before).

Below, we’ll examine the board's details and determine whether it deserves a spot on our list of the best motherboards. But before we share test results and discuss details, here are the specifications from MSI’s website.

Specifications of the MSI B850 MPower

Inside the Box of the MSI B850 MPower

The B850 MPower includes a few accessories to get you started. You get your typical collection of cables, clips, and screws, but also the EZ Dashboard - a standalone PCB with power/reset buttons, a debug LED, and Clear CMOS buttons that’s useful for overclocking. We’ve listed everything MSI includes below and a picture of the EZ Dashboard as well.

• EZ Dashboard
• EZ Wi-Fi Antenna
• Cable Stickers/Installation Guide
• 1 to 2 EZ Conn-cable (v1)
• SATA cable
• EZ Front Panel Cable
• EZ M.2 Clip II remover
• (3) EZ M.2 Clip II
• M.2 screw

Design of the MPower

Today’s MPower gives serious retro vibes, maintaining the same all-black / yellow-highlight theme you may be familiar with from back in the day. The oversize VRM heatsink features a ribbed appearance and a brushed-aluminum finish with the MSI dragon logo on top. The M.2 and chipset heatsink is plate-style and has additional MPower branding written across another ribbed and lined surface. To the right of the DIMM slots is another M.2 socket with the same style cues. All plate heatsinks use the EZ M.2 Shield Froz II button to remove the covers with one finger.

Overall, we like the look of the Mpower, regardless of its simple aesthetic. It’s basic black and yellow highlights will blend in with any build, but it’s just not a showpiece like other, more expensive boards can be. Since it’s more purpose-built for overclocking and it's still really a budget option, we won’t hold its design against it.

In the upper-left corner, we get a better look at the large VRM heatsink and its design details. Above that are the two 8-pin EPS connectors (one required) to power the processor, and just off to their right is the second, smaller VRM heatsink.

Moving right, past the socket, we run into the two DRAM slots, each sporting a locking mechanism at the top, where there’s more room to access them. MSI lists support for a mind-bending DDR5-10200, but only with 8000 series APUs. Desktop processors like the 9000 series support up to DDR5-8400, which is still fast and well past AMD’s ‘sweetspot’ for RAM (around DDR5-6000 to 6400). As the story goes, our Klevv kit booted to Windows but couldn't complete a stress test with our current processor. So far, only two motherboards ran these sticks, but I’m surprised this wasn’t one of them.

Next to the DRAM slots is M2_2, the second of four M.2 sockets. This one runs up to PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps) and supports up to 80mm devices. We’ll cover the other three a bit later. Moving down the right edge, we run into the first three (of six) 4-pin fan headers. Each header supports DC- and PWM-controlled devices, with varying power outputs. The CPU _FAN1 header starts in auto mode and outputs up to 2A/24W. The PUMP_SYS1 header starts in PWM mode and delivers the highest output at 3A/36W. Lastly, the system fan headers also start in Auto mode and output the least at 1A/12W. There are plenty of headers and lots of power to go around. Below that are the first 3-pin ARGB header, the Debug LEDs, a 24-pin ATX power connector, and finally a front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C connector.

Power delivery on the B850 MPower consists of 15 phases, 12 of which are responsible for Vcore. Power is supplied to the Duet Rail configuration via the 8-pin EPS connector(s) to a Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) MP22501 controller. Power then heads to the MPS2512 60A MOSFETs. The 720A available isn’t a lot at all, especially for an ‘overclocking’ motherboard. That said, it should still be fine to overclock flagship-class processors like the Ryzen 9 9950X, or even pushing gaming processors like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. You should be fine here, but I would have liked to see higher-output MOSFETs on a board designed for overclocking.

On the bottom half of the board, starting on the left side, is the audio section. Here, MSI uses the Realtek ALC4080 codec, a few dedicated audio capacitors, and the audio separation line - typical fare. It’s a middling audio codec and fine for an overclocking-focused board.

In the middle of our Micro ATX board are two PCIe slots and two M.2 sockets, with the third up by the DRAM slots and the fourth on the back of the board. The primary full-length PCIe slot connects through the CPU and runs at PCIe 5.0 x16 speeds. The bottom x4 slot connects to the chipset and runs at PCIe 4.0 x4 speeds. Seeing as there are only two PCIe slots, I’d like to see the second slot be open-ended or full-length to better support expansion needs.

Under the EZ M.2 Shield Frozr plate heatsink are two M.2 sockets (M2_1 and M2_3). M2_1 is the second PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps) socket, connected to the CPU. The bottom and the rear M.2 sockets (M2_3/4) connect through the chipset with M2_3 running the full PCIe 4.0 x4 (64 Gbps), while M2_4 on the back of the motherboard runs up to PCIe 4.0 x2 (32 Gbps). It’s nice to see four M.2 sockets on a smaller board. But I worry about the heatsinks with hot-running PCIe 5.0 drives and extended file transfers under the plate heatinks. At the very least, you’ll want a good amount of cool air passing over those heatsinks. Last, along the right edge, are two SATA ports and two 4-pin fan headers.

We've also included many images of the active IC's for the board. MSI and B850 MPower used a wide range of brands including Monolithic Power systems (VRMs), Realtek (audio, USB, PWM controller), and Genysys Logic (USB) chips.