Compare MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk and MPG B550 Gaming Edge for performance insights.
Compare MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk and MPG B550 Gaming Edge for performance insights.
I'm setting up a new AMD system with a Ryzen 3700X, 16GB 3600MHz CL16 RAM, and an Nvidia 2070 Super. For my MOBO build I'm considering the MPG B550 Gaming Edge (WiFi) to fully utilize my 3700X, pairing it with an NZXT Kraken X63 280mm AIO, and planning future upgrades to a stronger CPU like a Ryzen 4000 series. However, I noticed the MSI B550 Tomahawk is listed as tier S while the B550 Edge isn't available. The X570 Edge appears in tier C, but both seem similar according to the product pages. Since MPG is considered higher-end than MAG, the tier list was confusing, especially since MSI claims the specs match. From a budget standpoint, I can get the Edge with WiFi for under $20 more than the Tomahawk without WiFi. Regarding power needs, a 650W PSU should suffice given your current configuration, but you might want to check if future upgrades require more. Looking at PCPartPicker, both the Tomahawk and Gaming Edge appear in tier C, so they seem compatible for my use case.
I haven't found any reviews for the Edge yet, but I've seen positive feedback on the Tomahawk. I think the Edge is likely to be a solid board. X570 didn't get much attention from MSI, especially their lower-end models. If you're patient, I expect reviews of the Edge's WiFi will appear in a few weeks. If not, the Tomahawk remains an excellent choice and you can always upgrade with a PCIe WiFi card. A 650W power supply is more than sufficient. I'd recommend considering a model slightly more advanced than what you've chosen. Check the A or B+ tiers of the PSU tier list in the sub-forum for ideas.
The Gaming Edge WIFI features 60A smart power stages, whereas the Tomahawk uses 55A Dr. MOS. This gives the Gaming Edge a marginally stronger power output, though the Tomahawk still manages to handle high-end components like the 3950X without issues. The heatsinks are quite comparable between the two models. Apart from that, the main distinction is that the Gaming Edge includes built-in WiFi 6, while the Tomahawk offers dual LAN ports. Since both use Realtek for 2.5G and 1G, this difference isn't significant. In short, choose the Gaming Edge if you need onboard WiFi; pick the Tomahawk otherwise. Note: Both share the same 60A smart power stages, so VRM design is similar. I initially thought they were similar to the Z490, except for the WiFi upgrade. The bottom M.2 slot also gets a heatspreader with the Gaming Edge. Updated July 2, 2020 by Mateyyy
The cooler master PSU I have now is categorized in the B+ range on the PSU list. Would it be necessary to prioritize a 80+ gold certification, or is a bronze rating acceptable as well?
The efficiency rating doesn't directly correlate with the quality of a PSU. The MWE Bronze V2 is a decent unit, but for these parts I'd personally get something better. I've made some slight adjustments to your build. Here's what I'd recommend: PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/vZNs3t CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($273.47 @ Amazon) CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S chromax.black 55 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.98 @ Amazon) Motherboard: MSI MPG B550 GAMING EDGE WIFI ATX AM4 Motherboard Memory: Crucial Ballistix RGB 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 CL16 Memory ($96.99 @ B&H) Storage: Western Digital SN750 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive ($134.99 @ Amazon) Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER 8 GB Video Card ($499.99 @ Best Buy) Case: Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.98 @ Newegg) Power Supply: be quiet! Straight Power 11 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.90 @ B&H) Case Fan: Noctua NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap 82.52 CFM 140 mm Fan ($24.90 @ Amazon) Case Fan: Noctua NF-A14 PWM chromax.black.swap 82.52 CFM 140 mm Fan ($24.90 @ Amazon) Total: $1335.10
I’d also consider Corsair RMx, Seasonic Focus PX or Prime Platinum. If those aren’t options (or too expensive), the TX650M is a strong alternative and should handle these components well. I didn’t choose the 2070S for any specific reason. The Gigabyte Windforce model seems more reliable and likely offers better cooling performance than the reference unit, so that’s the better pick.