With the expansion of the range of desktop chips, the Intel Core Ultra was somewhat enlarged in the LGA1851 platform . Arrow-Lake-S processors undoubtedly have their strengths, so they gradually find their place in the Custom PC. Although the CPU line continues to expand, the decisions on LGA1851 are mainly used for medium and high level system s, so there is an increased demand for the motherboards of the respective class. Today we have on a review MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi . Within the Tomahawk series, developers usually try to offer a rational balance between price and functionality. Did they manage to follow such a concept this time?
Supply set
The board is offered in a medium -sized cardboard box with a laconic design characteristic of MAG line models .
There are several additional options included. In addition to the board, it includes a short installation paper instructions, additional racks (EZ M.2 Clips II) for the screwless mounting of drives and the key (EZ M.2 Clip Remover) for their installation/delineament. Supply also includes one SATA cable, an external EZ Wi-Fi Antenna antenna, a 1-to-3 EZ con CON CON CONCLE CONNENNA for ARGB-Lighting fans, as well as EZ Front Panel Cable, which significantly simplifies the connection of the control.
Design and layout
MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi has a full format layout and meets ATX standard with classic dimensions of 305x244 mm. As for the exterior design, regardless of the platform, for the latest models of the Tomahawk line, developers have chosen a fairly strict style with dark tones. Among the contrasting on the general background of the elements only bright lime signatures with the name and logo of the series on coolers. The model uses a 6-layer printed board that meets the NPG-170D industrial standard.
The board is built on the Intel B860 Chipset - a fairly functional PCH, which allows you to use all the capabilities of the new Intel platform. Among the supported processors is the entire CPU range for LGA1851, that is, the entire line of desktop chips Core Ultra 200.
MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi received a 15-phase (12+1+1+1) scheme of processor power stabilization. VRM includes Monolithic Power Systems MP87661 with a working current of up to 60A, as well as the controller of Monolithic Power Systems MP29005.
Two 8-pin EPS12V converters are provided to connect additional power. At the same time, the connectors themselves, although located near the upper edge of the PCB, are physically located next to the slots for memory modules. Similar layout of power conctors we have already watched during inspection of MSI MEG Z890 ACE , but then the displacement was justified by an increase in the radiator block of power elements. In the same case, at first glance, there was no urgent need for such "relaxation", however, the breeding of power lines was done appropriately. This does not affect the convenience of harvesting the platform in the housing, it may be easier to connect power cables even with a new layout.
The board offers four slots for RAM modules. The LGA1851 platform is generally used exclusively DDR5, so the question of the standard does not arise at all. But with regard to speed characteristics, for MSI Mag B860 Tomahawk WiFi has been declared support for DDR5-9200+. The list of valid sets lists such modules. Of course, in this case, it is about the use of two peeling strips. If it is about docangular modules, or their number will be more than one on the channel, it will affect speed restrictions. Nothing new, habitual practice. At the same time, the developers openly indicate the specifications of the board, not trying to hide in the depths of the description.
It is worth noting that MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is able to work with modules at 64 GB, so the maximum capacity of RAM in the system can be up to 256 GB. In addition, the board maintains the highest possible CUDIMM with an autonomous clock generator. However, given the stated regimes, it would be strange if there was no such support.
Although we are dealing with a full-format ATX plate, MSI Mag B860 Tomahawk WiFi offers "only three slots for additional extension cards. The current level of integration of the components of the platform (sound, Ethernet, WiFi, drives), gradually, the number of expansion slots was put to the background. In most cases, typical home systems are equipped with a discrete video card and possibly a sound card. Although the latter are much more often offered in external variants because of greater versatility. While the range of internal sound cards with the PCI -E interface is now very sad and leaves much to be desired.
So the presence of three slots is a lot, in addition, it is about two full-length PCI-E X16 and one PCI-E X1.
The main slot PCI_E1 usually received metal armor, which increase the mechanical strength of the conctor. Contemplating new ones 2,6-kilogram "bars" , which can fall into powerful gaming systems, additional reinforcement of PCI-E X16 conctors does not look like another marketing trick. Even complete accessories/brackets, which are usually supplied with chunky graphics cards, should be used for direct purpose.
As for the PCI_E1 slot, in addition to strengthening the structure, the EZ PCIE RELEASE mechanism with an additional button and a subverted metal latch is used to secure the design and hold the video card. The implementation is quite convenient, but after installing the adapter it is necessary to control whether you have translated the mechanism to the "closed" button re -pressing the button. Well, it is advisable not to try to pull out the video card, not having unlocked the latch.
Speaking of PCI_E1 technical capabilities, we have a full-speed PCI-E 5.0 X16, which uses the tire processor lines.
The compact PCI-E X1 (PCI_E2) slot is already serviced by chipset and corresponds to the PCI-E 4.0 X1 specification. The second full-size slot (PCI_E3) is also under the control of Intel B860 and offers PCI-E 4.0 x4. However, there was no addiction here. If the compact PCI-E X1 is engaged in work, only two free PCI Express lines will remain for PCI_E3, and accordingly its operation mode-PCI-E 4.0 x2.
PCI-E slots stabilize the PCIE_PIE_PWR1. As long as this solution looks an additional insurance, given that modern graphics cards are obtained most of the energy through additional power connectors.
MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi offers three ports M.2 to connect the appropriate drives. You will not surprise so many designs on ATX. Often, full-size models are equipped with even more M.2 connections.
In the current case, the upper port uses the line tire lines and offers PCI-E 5.0 x4. Therefore, it is M.2_1 designed for the fastest SSD and will allow them to completely break their potential. The port covers an additional cooler, although its total dimensions are relatively small.
The EZ M.2 SHIELD FROZR II radiator plate provides a screwless mount. The mechanism with special guides and fasteners allow you to fix the cooler.
The ports of the ports M.2_2 and M.2_3 were located between PCI_E2 and PCI_E3 slots. Both use chipset resources and offer PCIE 4.0 X4. Their difference is that M.2_2 can take "on board" for the format drive 22110/280/2260, while M.2_3 - 2280/2260/22242. Usually, when it comes to certain restrictions on the ports of M.2, then the lack of PCI Express lines, but in this case, the possible case concerns the size of SSD. If M.2_2 is inserted 22110, then M.2_2 will only have a room for compact models 2260/2242. However, storage of increased dimensions is a real rarity, so it is rather a theoretical situation. A pair of SSD standard sizes (2280) are easily placed along one axis.
The drives also provide a screwdriver, but here to fix the joint radiator will still have to get a screwdriver.
There are four SATA 6 GB/C ports to connect drives/devices with SATA interface. The corresponding grouped conectors are located on the right face and are imprisoned in parallel with the PCB plane for the possibility of connecting cables, even if they are covered by a video card with a very massive cooler.
The Intel B860 chiplet chip of the chip of the Chipset is provided with a simple profile shape.
From the additional peripheral binding of the board, we note the presence of an internal port of Type-C. For the conctor, the USB 3.2 Gen2 standard interface is implemented, so MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi allows you to get an external USB Type-C external port on the body of the body with a data rate up to 10 GB/c. Most new cases are equipped with similar connectors, so it will be possible to "revive" the corresponding conctor.
The board offers good opportunities to set up the overall cooling system. The PCB provides seven 4-pin connectors plus a combined EZ Conn for specific backlight-controlled fans (MPG EZ120 ARGB).
CPU and SRO processor canals have high power. The CPU cooler fan is up to 2 A (24 watts) and the pump conver provides a capacity of up to 36 watts. Five connectors for cabinet fans correspond to the standard specification - 12 V/1 A (12 W).
MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is equipped with an EZ DEBUG LED self -diagnosis system that allows you to identify a problematic node when starting a system. Another indicator will burn at the start of the platform if there are problems with the power of memory modules. Usually this can be observed if the strips are not inserted into DIMM slots properly.
There is no additional RGB illumination for the model. Similar decorative techniques are increasingly used, or in general, in the backlight, developers rely exclusively on the tastes of potential owners of the device.
If you want to see additional illumination, there are two connectors for connecting RGB tapes with elements of 5050, which have a power of 12 V. as well as three conectors for addressed to ARGB with LEDs on 5 V. So, despite all the external harsh Tomahawk, the conjugation of the system.
The Mystic Light technology is usually maintained to control the backlight and the ability to synchronize the illumination of all system devices. Settings are available in the corresponding section of MSI Center's branded application.
The payment subsystem uses the Realtek ALC897 codec, the tract zone is isolated on the printed board, and there are several specialized capacitors in the chain. On the board of this level, you are subconsciously expect to see the older models of Codes - ALC1220/4080. However, in the conditions of integrated decisions, usually conditional sound quality is usually more dependent on the specific implementation of the scheme on the board than the stated technical characteristics of the codec.
Without the use of sound effects in Realtek Audio Console, the sound is balanced and soft, high frequencies do not "cut the ear" (although in some compositions they may seem not enough). The bass is not too much, they are clear and not mixed even in difficult cases.
As for the network capabilities, the wire connection corresponds to the Intel Killer E5000 (5G Ethernet), while the connection of wireless networks is serviced by the Intel Killer Be1750X controller-3-Diapure Wi-Fi 7 (320 MHz, 4k, QUAM). A full -speed module also provides Bluetooth 5.4.
The interface panel of the board initially has a metal plug with the signatures of conctors. As for the composition, we immediately note the presence of one port Thunderbolt 4 (40 GB/C). The Type-C format also has one of the USB 3.2 Gen2 (10 GB/C). Four more of the identical specification correspond to Type-A. The panel also has a line of four USB 2.0 (480 GB/C). Alongside is an Ethernet socket and two connectors for the external WiFi-module antenna.
Two 3.5 mm audio tenses are provided to connect acoustics. When using multi -channel acoustics, you will have to attract conectors on the body wall, or use the available optical output S/PDIF.
If integrated graphics are used and Core Ultra 200 chips are significantly improved IGPU, full displayPort and HDMI are provided for screen connection. In addition, the image can be obtained through Thunderbolt 4, for the port implemented the Alternative Mode DP.
From additional options-Clear CMOS buttons to clean CMOS-memory and Flash BIOS settings for semi-autonomous firmware update from a USB drive.
On the outside, a minimum of surface installation elements, a small accumulation only in the area of the interface panel. Note the care of the audiotract segment and pay attention to the screw fastening of all radiator blocks of the cooling system.
Test stand configuration
In work
To test the possibilities of the motherboard, we used the Core Ultra 7 265k processor (8p + 12E; 3.9/5.5 GHz + 3.3/4.6 GHz). A model that includes 8 productive and 12 energy efficient nuclei. Despite the stated TDP of 125 W, this 20-nuclear chip has peak PL2 in 250 watts, so the chip will be a good "examiner", especially given that the board can keep the maximum power limit for a long time, exactly sufficient to check.
New Chips for the LGA1851 platform were generally quite cool, especially in the cell of lovers to play because of logical expectations to gain FPS growth after changing CPU generation. However, Arrow Lake did not propose significant changes here, and in some cases it was even possible to observe a certain reduction in play productivity. In other aspects, processors are much more successful - more economical than predecessors, do not have overheating issues, received radically better integrated graphics and APU hardware block.
Recently, Intel has been trying to increase the attractiveness of Core Ultra 200, and the best remedy here is to reduce price. Not that the manufacturer starts dumping, but new chips continue to be cheaper. After sales began in the fall of 2024, the Retail Price of the Core Ultra 7 265k we kept at the equivalent of $ 490-500 for a long time, with $ 394 recommended in the US market. Currently in Ukraine the processor can be purchased at ~ $ 420 (modification 265kf-$ 400), and at the western sites promotional offers generally allow you to get a 20-core for $ 350.
Returning to the MSI Mag B860 Tomahawk WiFi test stand, it should be noted that the MSI MAG CORLQUID I360 Liquid system was used to cool the Core Ultra 7 265k. When it comes to chips of this level, there is not much efficiency of cooling.
In general, Core Ultra 7 265k performance has already been able to get acquainted with the capabilities of this chip. With the averaged performance, this model competes well with the 12-core 24-dock ryzen 9900X from AMD. Given the fundamental difference of architectures, usually in some cases the advantage on the side of a 12-core on Zen 5, others look more attractive in the Intel processor.
Considering that 12-core Ryzen 9 9900X in Ukraine is offered at ~ $ 480+, the lower cost of Core Ultra 7 265k/Kf can potentially increase interest in these models.
During the maximum load in the Cinebench R23 multi-potential test, the frequency of productive nuclei (P-CORES) was kept at 5200 MHz, while all energy efficient calculators operated at 4600 MHz. In this case, the typical CPU supply voltage was 1.14–1.15 V.
The temperature of the chip during rendering was 63s, with a maximum reached 76C. The processor consumed an average of 186-190 watts of energy, with a peak of 215 watts.
Despite all the "energy efficient measures", when it comes to a 20-core, maximum computing load already requires some stress from the motherboard. According to Hwinfo64, the VRM power elements were heated to 59C, while the temperature of the chipset increased to 47C. In general, MSI Mag B860 Tomahawk WiFi copes decently with Core Ultra 7 265k. Considering that the Intel B860 fees do not support the acceleration of the processors by increasing the factor, the obtained indicators are almost a maximum load. Slightly larger energy "appetites" will only be in the 24-core flagship of the Core Ultra 9 285k (8p + 16E; 3.7/5.7 GHz + 3.2/4.6 GHz).
Productivity in games
Intel has to make a lot of efforts to get rid of the "non -game" reputations. Taking the opportunity, we conducted some additional tests using the Core Ultra 7 285k + GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super. Yes, we know that you are already missing the improved "Ti-Yours" of the past generation, which are actually not available on sale. But there was already a test configuration.
To reduce the impact of the video card, the tests were performed in 1920x1080 mode with maximum graphics quality settings, but without RT and DLSS scaling.
Well, it seems to be unhappy owners of the senior models of Core Ultra, however, will be able to break away from work and diversify their leisure by passing even "heavy" games. Yes, 150-200 shots/c will have to be satisfied instead of 170-220, but no one promised that it would be easy.
In general, record indicators are demonstrated by Ryzen X3D series with additional L3 cache. It is difficult to compete with them in game disciplines, but with the ordinary novelties of AMD in your class Chipam Core Ultra to the strength to fight on an equal footing.
Energy consumption in games
During the game tests, we also determined the average total energy consumption of PC in specific projects.
Depending on the game, the test platform under the load required from 320 watts to 470 watts. The highest level was already expected to need Cyberpunk 2077, which maximally loads the video card and is quite demanding for processor resources.
RAM
Chips for LGA1851 work well with high -speed RAM. Even the standard specification of base kits for Core Ultra 200 is DDR5-6400. Of course, CPU maintains much higher values, in addition, the Intel B860 Chipset allows you to experiment with RAM parameters at its own discretion.
Since we have used the DDR5-7200 dual-channel set, this is already beyond Intel's full-time recommendations. However, you should not forget to activate the XMP profile, it will help to reveal the potential of the set. After the first switching without the RAM profile, she worked with DDR5-4800 parameters (40-39-39-77).
In this case, memory subsystems do not openly do not impress - transfers at 68-73 GB/C and latency of 101.5 ns.
After using the XMP with the fastest mode for the test set (DDR5-7200, 38-44-44-105), the data rate rates increased to 93-106 GB/C, and the delays decreased to 82.9 ns. Due to the architectural features of the Core Ultra 200, the latency of RAM is slightly higher than in the case of the previous generation Intel chip, so trying to reduce these indicators is a strategically correct direction of optimization of the platform.
Experimenting with the work of the memory kit outside the regular modes, we used the branded technology of Memory Try IT, choosing the proposed profiles with more "aggressive" settings. Practical experiments have shown that the test set was steadily operating in DDR5-8400 mode with a delay in 40-54-54-135. In this case, the bandwidth increased to 97–119 GB/C, and the total latency of memory - 79.9 ns has also improved.
With regard to the practical benefits of additional acceleration, much depends on specific programs and the impact of ROM and latency on the final results. For example, in the internal benchmark of the archiver 7-ZIP average speed increased by ~ 2%.
MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is a full -format motherboard on Intel B860 Chipset for Core Ultra 200 processors. The LGA1851 platform is gaining momentum, and the reduction of the cost of chips only accelerates this process. Therefore, the demand for balanced motherboards is increasing. Intel B860 models are able to fully meet the needs of even demanding users who are not interested in overclocking processors, realizing that "everything is already dispersed to us." Instead, they receive modern ports, current network controllers, a good VRM subsystem and to support speed memory. The new "tomagawi" from MSI belong to the category of Middle-Top models with improved equipment and appropriate cost. If the price and functionality ratio seems justified, MSI MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi is quite noteworthy as a basis for a powerful game or work system.
