MSI is already gearing up for AMD’s Zen 6 era by rolling out AM5 motherboards with larger 64 MB BIOS chips, setting the stage for smoother CPU upgrades and long-term platform support. While Zen 6 desktop processors are still about a year away, these new “MAX” boards are positioned as next-level upgrade paths for builders who want compatibility headroom without sacrificing current features.
The lineup includes one B850 model and three X870E boards, all described as Zen 6 ready:
– MAG B850M Mortar Max WiFi
– MAG X870E Tomahawk Max WiFi
– MPG X870E EDGE TI Max WiFi
– MPG X870E Carbon Max WiFi
The MAG B850M Mortar Max WiFi looks like the most affordable entry in the refresh. It sticks closely to the proven design of the non-MAX Mortar, with an identical layout and rear I/O, but adds an extra M.2 slot and, crucially, a 64 MB BIOS for wider CPU support. MSI is also introducing an OC Engine across these MAX models to boost gaming performance, along with the company’s EZ DIY touches aimed at streamlined building and maintenance.
The three X870E MAX boards follow the same philosophy: larger 64 MB BIOS chips without major design overhauls. Expect the same number of PCIe x16 slots, ample M.2 storage options, robust memory support, and modern connectivity as their non-MAX counterparts. The big change is under the hood—more BIOS space for microcode and features—alongside the OC Engine rollout.
It’s somewhat unusual to see a BIOS capacity bump this early in AM5’s life, considering the socket currently spans just two CPU generations. Even Ryzen 9000G APUs are based on Zen 5 and shouldn’t demand massive firmware footprints. In fact, a 32 MB BIOS should still be enough to support Zen 6 without dropping older CPUs. Still, MSI’s move to 64 MB BIOS chips signals a focus on broader compatibility, smoother updates, and more room for future firmware features—appealing to anyone building with longevity in mind.
For PC gamers and creators planning an AM5 system today, these MSI MAX motherboards offer future-ready flexibility. With Zen 6 compatibility on the horizon, added BIOS capacity, and performance-minded features like the OC Engine, they present a compelling platform for current Ryzen processors and the next wave to come.
