Introduction
In this review, we have a version “refresh” and a new naming scheme for an established motherboard from MSI. MSI has manufactured GAMING PLUS boards for a while now, representing an entry-level gaming-centric platform. This year, MSI has decided to move the GAMING PLUS branding into the MSI Arsenal Gaming tier of motherboards. The MAG branding is well established as an entry-level enthusiast gaming platform, generally offering a no-frills group of motherboards with a full feature set at a reasonable price point.
To kick off this launch, MSI has released the MAG B850 GAMING PLUS MAX WiFi, as well as several other motherboards with the “MAX” branding. The “MAX” boards are the latest releases and have been outfitted with a larger BIOS chip, improved heatsinks and different aesthetic design patterns according to MSI. If you are looking to upgrade to socket AM5, you will know the newest motherboard versions from MSI by the “MAX” moniker somewhere in the naming. For the MAG B850 GAMING PLUS MAX WiFi, MSI has placed particular emphasis on heatsinks, DIY ease of assembly, an upgraded “Click X” BIOS and one-click “AI” overclocking. If you need a refresher on AMD motherboard chipsets, please read this. The motherboard is currently listed on the MSI store webpage for $259 with a three-year warranty. So, let us proceed to the details.
**Although this slide displays the MSI MAG X870E GAMING PLUS MAX WiFi motherboard difference, it is identical to the MSI MAG B850 GAMING PLUS MAX Wifi with the exception of the power delivery, which is 12+2+1 on the MAG B850 GAMING PLUS MAX WiFi.
Packaging and Contents
The MAG B850 GAMING PLUS MAX WiFi was sent to us directly from MSI. We received a full retail package in the standard motherboard box. Inside is the board in a thick anti-static bag. The WiFi antenna is separately boxed on top of the board, and the accessories there are were placed under the motherboard. The accessories are pretty slim: one SATA cable, one EZ-Conn cable, one M.2 latch (EZ-Clip), one m.2 EZ-Clip screw-driver, Quick-Start Guide, stickers and the WiFi antenna.
