Introduction
This review is the third in a series covering MSI Project Zero. Project Zero is a new design concept from MSI that primarily features Back-Connect motherboards. Along with this, MSI is also offering a group of purpose-built PC cases and also Project Zero video cards. We have previously reviewed two of the motherboards in the series, the MSI B850 Gaming Plus WiFi PZ and the MSI B850M-A WiFi PZ, and in this review, we will evaluate the top board in this particular stack, the MSI MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi PZ. (911-7E84-06S)
The MAG series of MSI gaming hardware represents the mainstream tier. The design is generally very subdued without much in the way of RGB or added extras. The components, however, are every bit as robust as the more feature-rich MPG or MEG levels offered by MSI. This MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi PZ is not only unique due to the Back Connect features of Project Zero, but the design scheme is silver and white, which is a long way from what we generally see from a MAG TOMAHAWK board.
Likewise, since all the connectors and headers are positioned on the back side, we see additional metal heatsinks covering the front of the board. This gives a very unique look. The MAX in the name notes that this is a refreshed X870E version offering all the up-to-date features of the chipset. For a nice reference on AMD chipset comparisons, please read this. Also, we reviewed the MSI MAG X870E TOMAHAWK WiFi previously. We recommend you take a look at that review to compare features and performance.
Everything in the PZ system is designed to connect to the back of the motherboard. This eliminates most of what builders have worked to perfect for decades: a clean, uncluttered appearance to their PCs. The MSI PC cases are designed to complement this concept, giving you plenty of options for routing cables and adequate space to place all the cabling. MSI also sent us their MAG PANO 100R PZ case to use in our reviews. We have an Intro discussion here.
MSI also includes additional design aspects in this motherboard: 14+2+1 Power Phase, heavy powder-coated metal heatsinks, four tool-less M.2 connections, PCIe EZ-Release, extensive connectivity including USB4 and a streamlined Click X BIOS. Included within the BIOS is the X3D Gaming Mode, which we are going to put to the test as part of this review. So far in our part one and part two reviews, we have been very impressed with what MSI has come up with in Project Zero. We are excited to show you the top-tier of Project Zero motherboards, the MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk WiFi PZ. The current pricing for the board is $320 at Newegg and Amazon, and on the MSI web store. The warranty is 3 years.
MSI MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WiFi PZ Highlights
Above, you will find the press release slides sent by MSI. We invite you to look through these highlights that point out the top features of the motherboard. The last ten slides we thought were very interesting. These covered what MSI has added or improved in the BIOS. Mostly, this has to do with allowing one-click overclocking of the CPU and memory. Note the final slide, which discusses the X3D Gaming Mode, which we will spend some time evaluating as we go along.
Packaging and Contents
This package was received directly from MSI. This is a full retail version designed with an outer sleeve and an inner box. The overall feel of the box is heavy when you pick it up. Once the sleeve is removed, there is a slim-ish black box that opens hinged on the top. Inside the board is wrapped in a thick anti-static bag and protected by cardboard inserts. On the bottom of the box are the accessories. Included with the motherboard are: Quick-Start booklet, sticker sheet, USB flash drive with drivers, three EZ M.2 clips, a EZ M.2 clip remover tool, M.2 plate screw, two SATA cables, an EZ Front panel cable, 1-3 EZ Conn Cable and the WiFi antenna.
