Exciting developments are on the horizon for tech enthusiasts as MSI gears up to introduce new budget-friendly motherboards designed to complement the upcoming wave of Intel and AMD CPUs. These offerings, expected to be showcased at CES, promise a blend of affordability and performance, catering to both casual users and gaming aficionados.
Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake CPU lineup will be supported by the B860 and H810 chipsets, while AMD is readying the B850 and B840 for its hardware enthusiasts. Recent leaks have given us a glimpse into some of MSI’s upcoming models, which include the MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi, PRO B850-P WiFi, B850 Gaming Plus WiFi, and PRO B840-P WiFi.
The MAG B860 Tomahawk WiFi stands out for Intel aficionados, sporting a sleek black PCB with eye-catching green accents. This board is equipped with four DIMM slots, dual PCI-E x16 slots, a PCI-E x1 slot, and at least three M.2 connectors, along with four SATA ports. The inclusion of WiFi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 ports makes it a versatile choice for anyone seeking both connectivity and speed. It also uniquely features two 8-pin EPS connectors above the DIMM slots and an additional 8-pin PCI-E connector to power your GPU.
For those with a leaning towards AMD systems, MSI’s AM5 range offers some intriguing options. The MSI PRO B850-P WiFi features a sophisticated black PCB complemented by white and silverish heatsinks. It provides four PCI-E x16 slots, a rarity for budget boards, along with three M.2 slots and four SATA ports.
The MSI B840 Gaming Plus WiFi captures attention with its distinctive white heatsinks accented with grey-blue touches. Sporting an impressive five PCI-E x16 slots, it promises a robust framework for expansion, though users may face some lane limitations preventing full population.
Lastly, the MSI PRO B840-P WiFi echoes the five PCI-E x16 slots design, alongside four DIMMs, two M.2 connectors, and four SATA ports. It offers a balanced array of features to meet both basic and advanced computing needs.
As CES approaches, these motherboards promise to make waves with their expansive feature sets, strategic designs, and potential affordability. Detailed specifications, pricing, and availability are sure to captivate consumers looking to upgrade or build new systems in the upcoming year. Keep an eye out for these releases, which are set to redefine budget-friendly computing.
