MSI's MAG B850 Gaming Plus Max Wi-Fi brings a refreshed Socket AM5 motherboard with a 64 MB BIOS and Wi-Fi 7 support to the sub-$300 market. At $260, this all-white board offers PCIe Gen 5 support for both GPUs and SSDs, along with 5 Gbps Ethernet and an impressive array of expansion options including three M.2 ports.

While the motherboard boasts premium features like tool-free M.2 installation and enhanced GPU release mechanisms, it faces stiff competition from more established options. The VRM design remains basic for a B850 board, with only a single-sided M.2 heatsink for cooling. The rear I/O panel also offers an average port selection that may disappoint some users.

The board's extensive DIY-friendly features, including EZ Conn headers and quick-fit Wi-Fi antennas, could sway enthusiasts despite the price premium. However, with more affordable B850 alternatives available, MSI's latest offering will need to prove its performance justifies the cost for budget-conscious builders looking for future-proofing.