MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk: Maximize Your Gaming Experience!
MSI’s MAG B550 Tomahawk motherboard is an impressive gaming and multimedia solution designed to meet the needs of users seeking high-performance computing. The motherboard comes with a range of advanced features and connectivity options, making it an excellent choice for building a versatile gaming or multimedia system. In this section, we will discuss the MAG B550 Tomahawk motherboard’s key specifications and features that make it a standout choice in the competitive PC market.
Key Specifications – MAG B550 Tomahawk
The MAG B550 Tomahawk motherboard supports the AMD AM4 socket and is compatible with 3rd generation AMD Ryzen processors, allowing users to upgrade their systems in the future. The motherboard’s support for high-speed DDR4 memory, up to 128 GB, allows users to multitask seamlessly while enjoying a smooth gaming or multimedia experience. The MAG B550 Tomahawk offers three PCIe 4.0×16 slots and one PCIe 3.0×4 M.2 connector, allowing users to install multiple graphics cards or high-speed storage drives.
For audio enthusiasts, the MAG B550 Tomahawk features a high-quality Audio Boost, delivering a superior audio experience. The motherboard also comes equipped with an impressive network connectivity setup, including a Realtek RTL8125B 2.5Gbps LAN controller and a 5.1 HD audio system, allowing users to connect to their gaming or multimedia system with ease. The MAG B550 Tomahawk comes with extensive USB connectivity options, offering a total of 32 Gbps bandwidth through three USB 3.2 Gen ports and six USB 2.0 ports, allowing users to connect multiple devices to their system.
Product Specifications
| CPU (MAX SUPPORT) | RYZEN 9 |
| SOCKET | AM4 |
| CHIPSET | AMD B550 Chipset |
| DDR4 MEMORY | 5100(OC)/ 5000(OC)/ 4866(OC)/ 4800(OC)/ 4600(OC)/ 4533(OC)/ 4400(OC)/ 4300(OC)/ 4266(OC)/ 4200(OC)/ 4133(OC)/ 4000(OC)/ 3866(OC)/ 3733(OC)/ 3600(OC)/ 3466(OC)/ 3400(OC)/ 3333(OC)/ 3300(OC)/ 3200(JEDEC)/ 3000(JEDEC)/ 2933(JEDEC)/ 2666(JEDEC)/ 2400(JEDEC)/ 2133(JEDEC) MHz |
| MEMORY CHANNEL | Dual |
| MAX MEMORY (GB) | 128 |
| DIMM SLOTS | 4 |
| PCI-E X16 | 2 |
| SATAIII | 6 |
| PCI-E X1 | 2 |
| M.2 SLOT | 2 |
| RAID | 2000/1/10 |
| LAN | 1x Realtek® RTL8125B 2.5G LAN + 1x Realtek® RTL8111H 1G LAN |
| USB 3.2 PORTS (FRONT) | 1(Gen 1, Type C), 2(Gen 1, Type A) |
| USB 3.2 PORTS (REAR) | 1(Gen 2, Type C), 1(Gen 2, Type A), 2(Gen 1, Type A) |
| USB 2.0 PORTS (FRONT) | 4 |
| USB 2.0 PORTS (REAR) | 2 |
| AUDIO PORTS (REAR) | 5+ Optical S/PDIF (Realtek® ALC1200 / ALC1220P Codec) |
| DISPLAYPORT | 1 |
| HDMI | 1 |
| FORM FACTOR | ATX |
| DIRECTX | 12 |
| CROSSFIRE | Y |
| OPERATING SYSTEM | Support for Windows® 10 64-bit |
Detailed Information
Processor
The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard by MSI is an excellent choice for building a high-performance PC. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it supports a wide range of AMD Ryzen™ processors.
Supporting AMD Ryzen™ 5000 & 3000 Series desktop processors, the MAG B550 TOMAHAWK offers users a variety of options when it comes to choosing their CPU. The motherboard is compatible with both generations of processors, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a powerful and customizable system. However, it is essential to note that it is not compatible with AMD Ryzen™ 5 3400G and Ryzen™ 3 3200G processors, which are known for their integrated GPUs.
The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK also supports AMD Ryzen™ 4000 G-Series desktop processors. These processors feature integrated graphics and are ideal for users who don’t need a dedicated GPU. The motherboard also offers excellent connectivity options, including M.2 support for fast and reliable storage, as well as high-quality audio capabilities, making it a solid choice for users looking for a versatile and future-proof solution.
Overall, the MAG B550 TOMAHAWK is a powerful and versatile motherboard that is compatible with a wide range of AMD Ryzen™ processors, offering users a high level of customization and scalability for their PC build.
Check another product from MSI, MSI Katana 17 B12UX
Chipset
While the MAG B550 TOMAHAWK supports a wide range of processors, such as AMD Ryzen™ 5000 & 3000 Series desktop processors and AMD Ryzen™ 4000 G-Series desktop processors, it is essential to note that it also comes equipped with the latest AMD B550 chipset. This chipset offers several advantages, including support for PCIe 4.0, which can enhance performance when using high-end graphics cards or SSDs. It also features the latest USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, which offer faster data transfer speeds than previous generations.
Additionally, the chipset is optimized for power efficiency and supports new features, such as AMD Ryzen™ Master, which can be used to overclock the CPU safely. The B550 chipset is also compatible with AMD Ryzen™ 5000 G-Series APUs, which are ideal for users who want to build a powerful PC that doesn’t require a dedicated GPU. The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard offers a unique combination of compatibility, performance, and features, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to build a high-performance PC for gaming, multimedia, or creative workflows.
Memory
The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK supports a wide range of DDR4 memory frequencies, making it ideal for gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts alike. This motherboard comes equipped with 4 DDR4 memory slots that can handle up to 128GB of memory. By using A-XMP OC mode, users can unlock overclocked memory speeds that are supported by the motherboard. The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK supports DDR4 1866, 2133, 2400, 2667, 2800, 2933, 3000, 3066, 3200, 3466, 3600, 3733, 3866, 4000, 4133, 4266, 4400, 4533, 4600, 4733, 4800, 4866, 5000, 5100, and 5200 MHz frequencies.
This motherboard supports non-ECC UDIMM and ECC UDIMM memory modules, making it an excellent choice for users who require reliable memory for their workload. By supporting dual-channel memory architecture, this motherboard maximizes RAM bandwidth, resulting in a smoother and more efficient system. Overall, the MAG B550 TOMAHAWK offers a comprehensive range of features that ensure smooth and efficient performance, making it an excellent choice for any high-performance build.
Expansion Slot
The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK offers several expansion slots for enhancing the connectivity of your PC. This motherboard comes equipped with a PCIe 4.0/3.0 x16 slot (PCI_E1), which supports the latest graphics cards for high-end gaming and multimedia performance. It also has a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (PCI_E3), which supports x4 speed and can be used to add additional storage devices, such as SSDs.
In addition, this motherboard offers two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, which offer high bandwidth for high-speed data transfer, making them ideal for adding networking or sound cards. However, it is essential to note that when you install devices in M.2_2, PCI_E2, and PCI_E3 slots at the same time, PCI_E3 will be unavailable, and M.2_2 slot only supports PCIe x2. The supported specification depends on the installed processor, so it is important to check on the motherboard’s website to see which slots are compatible with your processor.
It provides plenty of expansion options for users who want to add additional storage, networking, or sound devices to their PC, making it a versatile and flexible solution.
Multi GPU
The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK supports AMD CrossFire Technology, which allows users to use multiple GPUs in a single system to enhance performance for gaming or other graphics-intensive tasks. Additionally, this motherboard has an onboard graphics option that supports HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort, both of which can support resolutions of up to 4096×2160 at 60Hz. However, it is important to note that the maximum shared memory depends on the processor with integrated graphics.
Overall, the onboard graphics option makes it easy to set up a system that can support basic video output, ideal for home office or multimedia setups. The support for AMD CrossFire Technology is a plus for those who want to enhance their PC’s gaming performance, making it an excellent choice for users who want to build a powerful gaming rig.
Storage
The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard offers excellent storage support with a total of six SATA 6Gb/s ports, two M.2 slots (Key M), and support for RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 array configurations. The motherboard also has an integrated SATA controller designed to provide high-speed data transfer rates for up to six SATA devices, such as hard drives and SSDs.
The M2_1 slot, which is directly connected to the processor, supports PCIe 4.0/ 3.0 x4 and supports SATA 6Gb/s. It is designed for optimal performance when using high-speed SSDs, which can be used as boot drives or for fast data transfer between applications.
The M2_2 slot is connected to the AMD B550 chipset and supports PCIe 3.0×4, offering fast data transfer rates for up to 2280 devices and allowing users to maximize storage performance while maintaining high levels of responsiveness on the system. The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard offers plenty of storage options, making it an excellent choice for users who want to build a high-performance, future-proof PC with ample storage and high data transfer rates.
USB
The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard is equipped with a wide range of USB connectivity options to ensure fast data transfer rates and compatibility with a variety of peripherals.
The AMD B550 Chipset offers three USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports, including a Type-C connector located on the rear panel and two internal ports available through an internal USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps connector. Additionally, the motherboard offers six USB 2.0 ports, including two Type-A ports located on the rear panel and four ports available through internal USB 2.0 connectors.
The AMD Processor, on the other hand, provides two USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps ports, including one Type-C port and one Type-A port on the rear panel. It also offers two USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports on the rear panel.
By offering a combination of high-speed USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2, Gen 1, and Type-C, this motherboard provides excellent connectivity options for a variety of peripherals. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports offer faster data transfer rates and are well-suited for high-bandwidth devices, such as external hard drives and high-speed flash drives. Additionally, the USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports offer fast data transfer rates and support a variety of peripherals, making it a convenient option for users looking to maximize productivity.
Audio
The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard comes with high-quality audio processing capabilities thanks to the inclusion of a Realtek ALC1200 / ALC1220P codec. This premium audio codec provides 7.1-channel high-definition audio, with optional S/PDIF output support, for immersive gaming and media playback experiences. Users can connect their speakers, headphones, or soundbars to the motherboard’s audio ports for optimal audio quality, making the MAG B550 TOMAHAWK an excellent choice for sound enthusiasts and gamers.
LAN
The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard is equipped with two high-speed LAN controllers, including a Realtek RTL8125B 2.5Gbps LAN controller and a Realtek RTL8111H 1Gbps LAN controller. These controllers provide fast and stable network connectivity, enabling users to connect their gaming PC to the internet or other network devices with ease.
With the ability to handle high-bandwidth data transfers, users can enjoy lag-free internet gaming, real-time video streaming, and large file transfers without any interruption. Also, with 2.5Gbps speed, the RTL8125B controller offers a significant increase in network throughput, providing a more advanced connection speed for demanding applications, such as 4K video streaming and high-speed data transfers.
Overall, the MAG B550 TOMAHAWK provides a versatile LAN solution that meets the needs of users seeking fast and stable network connectivity.
Internal Connectors
The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard features an ample number of internal connectors to support various components and peripherals.
Starting with the power connectors, the motherboard comes with a 24-pin ATX main power connector and an 8-pin ATX 12V power connector, allowing it to supply power to the CPU and other components.
For storage connectivity, the motherboard offers six SATA 6Gb/s connectors, supporting up to six SATA drives, as well as two M.2 slots (Key M), allowing users to connect high-speed M.2 NVMe SSDs.
The motherboard comes equipped with a Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps port, located on the rear panel, and a USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps connector.
For fan connectivity, the motherboard comes with a 4-pin CPU fan connector, a 4-pin water-pump fan connector, and six 4-pin system fan connectors, allowing users to connect multiple fans and easily manage fan speeds.
The motherboard also offers a front panel audio connector for connecting the system to external speakers or a headset and a clear CMOS jumper to perform a CMOS reset operation.
For LEDs and illumination, the motherboard features two 4-pin RGB LED connectors and two 3-pin RAINBOW LED connectors, allowing users to customize the look of the system with a range of colors and effects.
Overall, the MAG B550 TOMAHAWK offers a wealth of connectivity options to cater to the needs of users seeking to build a versatile gaming and multimedia system.
Back Panel Ports
The MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard features a wide range of back panel ports, including a PS/2 combo port for old-school peripherals, a DisplayPort for connecting a high-resolution monitor, two ethernet ports, HD audio connectors for external speakers or a headset, a Flash BIOS button for easy firmware updates, a USB 2.0 port for basic connectivity, and an HDMI port for connecting to a TV or external display.
In addition, users will find two USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps ports, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-A port, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C port, and an optical S/PDIF out port for high-quality audio output to external sound systems or speakers.
This wide range of back panel ports makes it easy for users to connect a variety of devices to their gaming PC for a seamless multimedia and gaming experience.
Dimensions
The Dimension section provides the physical size of the MAG B550 TOMAHAWK motherboard, which follows the standard ATX form factor. The motherboard measures 12 inches by 9.6 inches or 30.5 cm by 24.4 cm, making it compatible with a wide range of ATX-compatible cases. This allows users to easily fit the motherboard into their desired case, making it versatile for building a high-performance gaming or multimedia system.
Conclusion – MAG B550 Tomahawk
In conclusion, the MAG B550 Tomahawk motherboard is an excellent choice for users seeking a high-performance gaming or multimedia solution. Its advanced specifications and robust connectivity options make it an attractive choice for users who want to ensure a smooth and seamless computing experience. Whether for gaming, streaming, or creative work, the MAG B550 Tomahawk is an outstanding motherboard that offers exceptional performance and flexibility. The MAG B550 Tomahawk is a compelling option for users looking to build or upgrade their gaming or multimedia systems with high-quality components.
