Today we are going to do a comparison review on two exceptional motherboards. They belong to a popular manufacturer MSI. They are known for specializing in the production of gaming peripherals.
Many professional gamers make use of their gaming laptops. Their motherboards are no different; they come packed with extreme power. You can make use of the MSI gaming motherboards that produce both the B550 and X570 units.
Before we delve into the models, we may want to know a little about the B550 and X570 motherboards. The X570 is one of the best techniques. This unit is slightly superior to the others.
The connectivity, flexibility, and features are slightly ahead of the B550 unit. However, users should also consider the B550 because it is much capable, if not better, than the top-end X570. Most of the premium B550 models are pretty efficient than the X570 units.
Both the models can support the next generation of Ryzen CPUs. The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi results from the maker’s concentration on the top-end units. The design of the model is similar to the MSI X570 Gaming Pro Carbon.
Below the carbon, heatsinks come with significant features like 12+2 power delivery, a dual 12 V ATX CPU power input, 8-pin, and 4-pin pairing. The most notable being support for DDR4-5100 memory, Realtek ALC1200 HD audio, dual M.2 slots, and Realtek 2.5 GbE Ethernet controller.
On the other hand, we have the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi, which is an equally invigorating motherboard. The X570 model is a top-end model from MSI. The packaging comes with an adequate instruction manual where you can find everything you want.
We liked this aspect from the maker as it ensures the users or gamers find what they want. The unit comes with a carbon fiber-wrapped accessory. You can also find the mystic light LED features present on it.
This can help take your new PC to the next level as far as the appearance goes. If you are using the carbon series, you will be impressed about the looks, the stability, and the performance. Can the MPG B550 Gaming be too much for the MAG Tomahawk model? Let us read to know it.
 |  |
|---|---|
| MSI MPG B550 GAMING CARBON WIFI | MSI MAG X570 TOMAHAWK WIFI |
| PROS | PROS |
| The model has an opulent design feature. The product comes with stunning features. It has high-performance software for users. It comes with splendid overclocking speed. The unit is a brand for value for a product from MSI. | The unit is stable and has a feature-rich BIOS. The model works splendidly with the Ryzen 5000 processor. It comes with incredible overclocking powers. It has the PCIe 4.0 unit. The product offers you with easy setup. |
| CONS | CONS |
| The product BIOS GUI needs to improve. | The audio quality needs some improvement. |
MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi vs MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi: Features & Layout
We will read about the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi motherboard features & layout. We have always liked the carbon models. If you have read our reviews, you may understand why we said that.
There is something phenomenal in those models that make them run like a horse that is on a high. Probably it has to do with the fact that it comes with the latest technology. Some of them include Wi-Fi 6, 2.5 GbE LAN, dual M.2 slots with heatsinks, and a 12+2 phase power design.
Coming with this kind of power enables the model to do exceedingly well. You can now be ensured that you are getting the correct type of support for 5100 MHz DDR4 memory. When your unit has a 6-layer PCB infused along 2 oz of copper, you know it will last very long.
You notice that the package comes in two compartments. You can find the model coming in the anti-static back sits in the top compartment, and the manuals and accessories are housed in the lower compartment.
The accessory kit includes a user manual, quick installation guide, SATA cable labels, MSI case badge, produce registration card, driver installation DVD, case screw guide, 2x SATA cables, and the MSI product catalog.
The unit is relatively compact and has 2 aluminum heatsinks present on the VRM for the CPU. You can find the plastic cover on the left heatsink. Additionally, you can also note there is a cover at the top of the I/O panel.
The 2 aluminum heatsinks are meant for the M.2 SSDs for the aluminum heat for the chipset. You will note that the motherboard does not need cooling, and hence the noise level is down. The CPU socket region is quite clear, and you will not find any component that interferes during the cooler installation.
You can also notice a stepped heatsink that comes in a VRM cooling for parts of the heatsink. They are near to the CPU socket and low for the CPU cooler. They can fit in there without much of an issue.
You can find there is another LED control switch, 4-pin fan header, CMOS button, and temperature sensor headers. There is also the front panel audio header and 4-pin RGB lighting header.
We were quite pleased with the packing of the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi. As we have said several times in most of our posts, the packaging determines the maker’s dedication. It is safe to say that MSI has done a fabulous job in designing the Tomahawk motherboard.
You can find the 2 SATA cables and a Wi-Fi cable. We felt that MSI had taken few cost-effective decisions. You can check out the I/O layout that comes with 2 USB 2.0 ports, PS2 port, Wi-Fi connections, flash CMOS button, and HDMI.
You can also find there are 3 USB 3.2 10Gbps Type-A and C ports, 2.5G LAN port, audio jacks, and 2 USB 3.2 5Gbps. There is a total of 6 fan headers, and you have more than what you usually find on same-priced Gigabyte motherboards.
Our tester was glad to note that the unit did not come with the LEDs. The LEDs can be placed on the best region on the unit next to the shroud at the rear I/O. The M.2 slots come with a heatsink on them.
Overall, we were quite happy with what we saw on both the motherboards. The features & design of the unit are stunning, to say the least. We felt that the Tomahawk has a slight edge of the Gaming Carbon here.
MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi vs MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi: Software and Firmware
The MSI MPG B500 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi gaming motherboard comes designed the unit using carbon material. We were not surprised to find a stylized graphic at the front of the box. At the rear I/O panel, you can find 1 USB 3.2 G2 Type-A, USB 3.2 G2 Type-C, 4 USB 2.0 ports, and 2 USB 3.2 G1 Type-A.
The unit comes with a Realtek RTL8125B 2.5 GbE Ethernet controller. You can also find the Intel AX200 Wi-Fi 6 interface that can support BT 5.0 devices. In the rear panel, you can find the adequately located BIOS Flashback button.
You can find the 5 3.5 mm audio jacks and S/PDIF optical output. These are controlled with the Realtek ALC1200 HD audio codec. It directly replaces the earlier B450 Gaming Carbon model. Our tester felt that the features, including the software, have been infused well on the board.
If you are using the Ryzen 3000 CPU, you can get 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes for the NVMe SSDs. Similarly, you have the MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi gaming motherboard that comes with 4 USB 3.1 ports.
You can also find the new USB Type-C port quite slim to be inserted on both sides. It comes with features like a WLAN / BT module, 2.5 GBit LAN port, and the onboard sound. You will be delighted to know that even if you botch up the firmware on the MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi, it can be effortlessly recovered.
It can be done with the bricked state with the help of the BIOS flashback function. You can utilize the CMOS reset, removing the battery. Our tester felt that this feature allows even new users to work on it efficiently. In other words, set up is going to be an easy task.
You can notice the firmware flashback feature for updating the UEFI on the unit. You can now do that by not using the primary components elements on the motherboard. You can quickly recover from the bad flash without having to take the system apart.
MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi vs MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi: Overclocking
The overclocking of any gaming motherboard is the most crucial aspect when choosing them. MSI BIOS has always been on similar lines on most of their products. In the MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi gaming motherboard, the BIOS feels a bit lagging.
You can note that the BIOS comes in the EZ mode. You do not have plenty of tweaking options in there. However, the PC can get working in no time. Gamers can make use of the AHCI/RAID, A-XMP, host of other options, and configure storage.
By pressing F7, the BIOS is brought to the advanced mode. Using this mode, you can then make sure to use the settings for tweaking the BIOS. The settings menu and the submenus configuration for the unit get done.
Here you can use the options for integrated peripherals, overclocking, power management, and USB configuration. You can always make use of the overclocking feature using the settings menu.
You can also use the options present on the OC menu to fine-tune the overclocks on your CPU. When you overclock the memory, you can use the feature to enable you to try it when you boot.
Our tester liked the fact that the hardware monitor for setting the pump speed curved is entirely based on the temperature. It has a total of 7 fan headers, which can be configured. Lastly, you can find the board explorer.
The MPG Gaming Carbon model met the expectations. We felt that the unit was on par with the recent ASRock B570 motherboard and Asus B550 motherboard. We used the Ryzen 9 3900X processor to ensure that it was able to overclock.
The MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi motherboard comes with exceptional overclocking. Gamers would see that the unit has a sturdy VRM for them to use in there. You will be delighted to know that it has a 12 or 16 core CPU.
It is usually found on models like the Asus X570 TUF or the ASRock X570 Extreme 4. These two models have VRMs for 4+2. In here, it comes at 6+2, providing you with stunning overclocking. It is nothing short of exceptional.
Our tester noticed that the memory compatibility happens on the older Ryzen CPUs. Most of the makers see to that their chipsets work on the older versions. Sadly, this was not in the MSI. If you are alright with that, then there is no reason to be concerned about it.
MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi vs MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi: Price
The MSI MPG B550 gaming carbon Wi-Fi is priced under $241. That means it is priced around $20 above the X570 Tomahawk model. Our tester felt that should not be much of a difference between the two models.
It comes with adequate support for RAM types of DDR4 4800MHz and 4866MHz. Besides, it also can support the PCI-E slot. The MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi is priced under $220. Now, if you compare the features, they are almost on par with each other.
The model is cheaper, and it offers ample support for onboard USB 3.2 Gen 1.
MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi vs MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi: Verdict
We have reached the end of our review on MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi vs MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi gaming motherboards. We hope you were able to decide on your requirement and budget.
The MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi unit is a solid motherboard. It comes infused with sublime specifications for the price point. You can make use of a good design, 2.5 GbE Ethernet, and Wi-Fi wireless networking.
We do agree that the model does not come with fancy features like most. However, it does save you a lot of your money. Our tester highly recommended this motherboard as he found it extremely helpful for new users for designing new PC.
MSI MPG B550 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi gaming motherboard is quite unique. It comes with more RAM speed, memory slots, fan headers, overclocked RAM speed, SATA 3 connectors, maximum memory size, and signal-to-noise ratio (DAC).
The unit also comes with PCIe 4.0 x16 slots. Without a doubt, the features make it a pretty formidable force to reckon. The MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi gaming motherboard is another top-notch unit with exceptional features.
The MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi unit has a beautiful heatsink design for enabling you to call it a gaming motherboard. Our tester found it much better than most in the market. The sound features were ordinary.
You can also note the absence of the USB ports on the rear I/O. We felt that the Tomahawk Wi-Fi is a top contender for the Asus TUF series motherboards. The unit comes with almost all the features that you can find in them.
Our winner in the review between MSI MGP B550 Gaming Carbon Wi-Fi vs MSI MAG X570 Tomahawk Wi-Fi gaming motherboards is the Tomahawk Wi-Fi motherboard. It comes with superb functionalities and performance if you look at it from any direction.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.