MSI MPG X870E Carbon Max WiFi Review

Introduction and Technical Specifications

Introduction

The Carbon is probably the best of the MSI models. Obviously the Godlike is measurably the best, but there is a massive price to pay to own it. The Tomahawk is incredible value for money, but not everyone takes to the green and lack of RGB. In between those two options is the Carbon. We’ve seen both AMD and Intel versions, and found both impressive. Just the right amount of performance. Just the right amount of glitz.

Like all AMD setups, longevity is king. Such is the popularity of the AMD AM5 platform that it’s not likely to be replaced soon. Given that it still supports all their best selling processors, from affordable to flagship, and that connectivity still lives at the cutting edge, we don’t see a reason AMD need to move on to a AM6 socket.

What that means to the consumer is some upgraded motherboards. The latest to cross our desks is a revision of the aforementioned Carbon, now in Carbon Max guise. Boasting all the features that made us fall in love with the original, but with additional optimisation and enhancements, the Carbon Max looks to take on the mantle of “King of the middle ground”. That might sound like damning with faint praise, but as the Godlike is way out of most people’s budget, for enthusiasts the mid-price/max-features place is the sweet spot. We already know the X870E Carbon resides there. Does the Carbon Max?

Technical Specifications