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ASRock B860 Challenger WiFi vs MSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

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Product A: ASRock

B860 Challenger WiFi

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Product B: MSI

MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

68 of 78 known

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Only differences

AASRock B860 Challenger WiFi

BMSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

General

4 of 9 differ

Series

Challenger1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Manual title: B860 Challenger WiFi. Challenger is the ASRock line in the name.

MAG1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Cover: MAG Series Motherboard.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

B860 Challenger WiFi, 90-MXBUC0-A0UAYZ1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Manual title and specification chapter: B860 Challenger WiFi. The part number 90-MXBUC0-A0UAYZ is from Geizhals and PCPartPicker. The White edition has its own part number and is a separate model.3Retailer page25n.de/ASRock-B860-Challenger-WiFi-1851-ATX-HDMI-USB-C-DDR/25N36624Read 15 October 2026Manufacturer part number 90-MXBUC0-A0UAYZ.4Spec databasegeizhals.de/asrock-b860-challenger-wifi-90-mxbuc0-a0uayz-a3751620.htmlRead 15 October 2026Manufacturer part number 90-MXBUC0-A0UAYZ.6Spec databasepcpartpicker.com/product/BKDnTW/asrock-b860-challenger-wifi-atx-lga1851-motherboard-b860-challenger-wifiRead 15 October 2026Part numbers: B860 Challenger WiFi and 90-MXBUC0-A0UAYZ.

MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Cover and specification chapter name the board MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II.

GTIN / EAN

47115814941903Retailer page25n.de/ASRock-B860-Challenger-WiFi-1851-ATX-HDMI-USB-C-DDR/25N36624Read 15 October 2026EAN 4711581494190, manufacturer part number 90-MXBUC0-A0UAYZ. A search result for a French retailer lists the same EAN. The White edition has a different EAN.

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

Not available

11 March 20269Press articlefunkykit.com/news/msi-motherboards-support-new-intel-core-ultra-200s-plus-series-processorsRead 14 October 2026MSI press release copied by FunkyKit, dated 11 March 2026: the MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II is announced with the Core Ultra 200S Plus processors.

Status

Available4Spec databasegeizhals.de/asrock-b860-challenger-wifi-90-mxbuc0-a0uayz-a3751620.htmlRead 15 October 2026Listed with offers from many shops on 2026-10-15.

Available5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Amazon listing in stock with the price updated on 2026-10-14.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

MSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Tom's Hardware calls the MAG Z890 Tomahawk Wifi II a streamlined revision of the original MAG Z890 Tomahawk.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026The FPS Review calls the MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi II a refreshed issue of the original Z890 Tomahawk.

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

Not available

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

$229.994Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review of 2026-06-29: listed at $229.99 on Newegg and on sale at $199.99 at the time. This is a retailer listing at review time, not an MSI statement. FPS Review says $229 is the usual price and $30 more than the $199 offer.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026The MSI store listed the board at $199 as a limited offer with a usual price of $229, 30 dollars less than on release.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

Not available

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Not available

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SegmentiThe maker's own product category, e.g. ASUS ProArt is Creator. It is not assigned from price or features. Maker lines that are not gaming, creator or workstation lines, such as ASUS PRIME, MSI PRO and ASRock Pro, are mainstream.

Mainstream4Spec databasegeizhals.de/asrock-b860-challenger-wifi-90-mxbuc0-a0uayz-a3751620.htmlRead 15 October 2026Segment: Mainstream. ASRock Challenger is a budget line and not a Phantom Gaming, creator or workstation line.

Gaming5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026The MAG (MSI Arsenal Gaming) tier is the entry level for enthusiast gaming from MSI, a solid no-frills gaming platform. Real Hardware Reviews also calls it an MSI Arsenal Gaming-branded board.

Board revisioniThe maker's revision name, e.g. rev. 1.1, for variant rows of revisions that keep the board's name and model number. Leave it out when the maker names no revision.

Not available

Not available

Platform

2 of 4 differ

CPU socketiSocket name without spaces, e.g. AM5 or LGA1851.

LGA18511Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026

LGA18511Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026

ChipsetiChipset with its brand and without the word chipset, e.g. AMD B850, AMD X870E or Intel Z890. Same form as desktop PCs and as compatible chipsets on CPUs.

Intel B8601Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Intel Z8901Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 20262Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdfRead 14 October 2026Specifications: Intel Z890 Chipset.

Supported processorsiProcessor series the maker lists for the board, one item per series in the chip maker's name. BIOS updates can add series later.

Intel Core Ultra (Series 2)1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: supports Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2) (LGA1851). The manual points to ASRock's website for the CPU support list. Read on 2026-10-15.

Intel Core Ultra (Series 2)1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Specifications chapter, page 16: Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2). The manual refers to msi.com for newer processors. Read on 2026-10-14.

CPU overclockingiThe board allows multiplier overclocking of an unlocked CPU. Memory overclocking alone does not count.

No7Press articlepugetsystems.com/labs/articles/z890-vs-b860-vs-h810Read 15 October 2026The article says Z890 supports CPU core and base clock overclocking and the B860 chipset only supports memory overclocking.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 30 (CPU socket chapter): this motherboard supports overclocking. The Performance feature list names Core Boost. Intel's Z890 chipset page also lists overclocking.8Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/237777/intel-z890-chipset/specifications.htmlRead 14 October 2026Intel's Z890 chipset page lists Supports Overclocking: IA, BCLK, Memory. This is the chip maker's page, not the board maker's.

Board

1 of 5 differ

Form factoriThe maker's stated board standard. Other covers sizes such as XL-ATX or Mini-DTX.

ATX1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2 and the package contents: ATX Form Factor. The manual gives no millimetre size.

ATX1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Board dimensionsiSize of the board itself. Height runs along the rear I/O edge, as the board stands in a tower case. ATX is 244 mm wide and 305 mm high. Micro ATX is 244 mm high and up to 244 mm wide. A size with a cover that reaches past the board, as NZXT prints, is not used when the maker also states the board size.

Width244Height305mm(9.6 × 12 in)3Retailer page25n.de/ASRock-B860-Challenger-WiFi-1851-ATX-HDMI-USB-C-DDR/25N36624Read 15 October 2026The spec table lists width 30.5 cm and depth 24.4 cm, which is the ATX size of 244 mm by 305 mm. The retailer's general information block lists other sizes, which are packaging. ATX is stored as 244 by 305.

Width244Height305mm(9.6 × 12 in)1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19: ATX form factor, 9.6 in. x 12 in. (244 mm x 305 mm).

PCB layersiCopper layers in the circuit board as published.

Not available

63Retailer pagevishalperipherals.com/products/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboardRead 14 October 2026MSI text copied by the shop: 6-layer PCB made by 2oz thickened copper and server-grade level material.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026All-black 6-layer, server-grade PCB.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026MSI states the PCB is 6-layer with inlaid copper.6Reviewrealhardwarereviews.com/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/5Read 14 October 20266-layer PCB.

Back-connect designiPower, fan and front-panel connectors sit on the back of the board to hide the cables, e.g. ASUS BTF, MSI Project Zero or GIGABYTE Stealth. It needs a case made for it.

No1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026The section 1.3 layout and 2.12 connector pages show the usual front-side connectors. PCPartPicker also says no back-connect connectors.6Spec databasepcpartpicker.com/product/BKDnTW/asrock-b860-challenger-wifi-atx-lga1851-motherboard-b860-challenger-wifiRead 15 October 2026Back-Connect Connectors: No.

No1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026The component overview on page 28 shows the usual front-side power, fan and USB connectors. The board is not a back-connect design.

RGB lighting on the boardiLEDs on the board itself. Headers for external lighting are counted under Internal connectors. True only when the maker's spec or feature list names lighting on the board. A single small LED that a reviewer sees does not count.

No1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026The section 1.2 connector list has only the RGB and addressable LED headers. No on-board lighting is named.

No4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026The board has no RGB lighting, only headers for external lighting.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026No RGB on this motherboard or other fancy lighting. It has three ARGB headers.10Press articletechno-edge.net/release/prtimes2/20260904/24458.htmlRead 14 October 2026MSI Japan press release of 2026-09-04: black military-style design without LED lighting.

Power delivery

4 of 6 differ

Power stage layoutiAs the maker publishes it, e.g. 18+2+2. The first number is the CPU core (Vcore) rail. Makers group the other rails differently, so compare the first number. Doubled or teamed stages are written as the maker prints them, such as MSI's 12+2+1 Duet Rail. A review's count of real phases goes in the source note.

10+1+1+1+13Retailer page25n.de/ASRock-B860-Challenger-WiFi-1851-ATX-HDMI-USB-C-DDR/25N36624Read 15 October 2026Copy of ASRock's text: 10+1+1+1+1 Power Phase Design, with Dr.MOS MOSFET power stages. TweakTown, as seen in a search excerpt, writes 10+1+1 for the same board, which counts the rails differently. The maker's string is stored.

16+1+1+13Retailer pagevishalperipherals.com/products/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboardRead 14 October 2026The shop copies MSI's text: 16+1+1+1 Duet Rail Power System 90A SPS. FPS Review says MSI states 16+1+1+1. Another MSI product page text seen in a search snippet groups the rails as 16+2+1. The Vcore number is 16 in all of them.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026MSI states 16+1+1+1 (Duet 8 phase) with Smart Power Stage support and 90 A.

CPU core (Vcore) power stagesiPower stages on the Vcore rail. Makers call them phases or power stages. A doubled design has more stages than controller phases. Use the first number of the maker's layout, such as 14 for MSI's 14+2+1 Duet Rail. A review's different count goes in the source note.

104Spec databasegeizhals.de/asrock-b860-challenger-wifi-90-mxbuc0-a0uayz-a3751620.htmlRead 15 October 2026VRM row: 10+1+1+1+1 with 11 virtual CPU phases (2x5+1) and 10x MOSFETs for VCORE. Geizhals names no controller.5Reviewpcinq.com/asrock-b860-challenger-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026The review counts ten SiC623 integrated power stages for the CPU core, in a 14-phase 10+1+1+1+1 layout. It names no PWM controller.

164Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 202619 phases, 16 of them for Vcore, from 16 MPS 90A SPS MOSFETs (spec table: 16x 90A SPS MOSFETs for Vcore).6Reviewrealhardwarereviews.com/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/5Read 14 October 202616x 90A Smart Power Stages doubled on the eight phases that feed the CPU cores, in a (7+1)+1+1 true phase layout.7Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2026/03/23/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/ampRead 14 October 202619 phases: 16 for VccCore, 1 for VccGT, 1 for VccSA and 1 for VNNAON, with 16 MPS 90 A MOSFETs for Vcore.

Vcore power stage ratingiCurrent rating of each Vcore power stage. Only a figure the maker or a copy of the maker's text states. A review's reading of the chip markings is not enough.

Not available

90A3Retailer pagevishalperipherals.com/products/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboardRead 14 October 2026MSI text copied by the shop: 90A SPS (Smart Power Stage). Tom's Hardware and Real Hardware Reviews read 16 MPS 90A stages.6Reviewrealhardwarereviews.com/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/5Read 14 October 202616x 90A stages, 1440 A in total.

VRM controlleriPWM controller chip with maker, e.g. MPS MP2857. One name: the maker's when published, otherwise the one name a review uses. No parentheses. Other names go in the source note. Use the part number without the date code in the chip marking.

Not available

Not available

CPU power connectorsiEPS 12 V connectors for the CPU as pin counts, e.g. 8+8 pin, 8+4 pin or 8 pin.

8+8 pin1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: 2 x 8 pin 12V power connectors (Hi-Density Power Connector) and the 24 pin ATX power connector.

8+8 pin1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: 2x 8-pin +12V power connectors. The page also lists the 24-pin ATX connector.

Extra slot power connectoriA PCIe or other power connector on the board that feeds the expansion slots. The 24-pin and CPU connectors do not count. A connector the maker ties only to a front USB-C header does not count.

No1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026The section 1.2 and 1.3 connector lists have no extra slot power connector.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: 1x 8-pin PCIe power connector (PCIE_PWR1). The special features list names a Supplemental PCIe Power Connector.7Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2026/03/23/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/ampRead 14 October 2026An 8-pin PCIe header supplements power to the PCIe slots and the internal USB-C with Power Delivery. The review says the Wi-Fi card is a Killer BE1750x like the original, which conflicts with MSI's datasheet and two other reviews and is not used.

Memory

1 of 6 differ

Memory type

DDR51Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: dual channel DDR5, 4 x DDR5 DIMM slots.

DDR51Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Memory slotsiDIMM slots on the board.

41Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026

41Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Max memoryiMaximum total capacity the maker states for the board. The maker's product page wins over an older manual, since a BIOS update can raise the value.

256GB1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: max. capacity of system memory 256GB.

256GB1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Max memory speed (overclocked)iHighest overclocked speed the maker lists for one module per channel, with the newest CPU family the board is sold for, e.g. Ryzen 9000 or Core Ultra 200S. Ryzen 8000 values are never used. The source note names the family and the other module setups. It is not the CPU's official speed. A JEDEC-only list such as 5600/4800 is not this value. When the maker lists a manual overclock and a memory profile speed, the higher one is stored. The maker's product page wins over an older manual, since a BIOS update can raise the value. A table that names the CPU family wins over a headline speed that names none.

8,666MT/s1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: supports DDR5 non-ECC, un-buffered memory up to 8666+(OC). The manual names no CPU family or module setup. Core Ultra (Series 2) is the only family for the board. Geizhals writes max. DDR5-8666 OC.

9,200MT/s3Retailer pagevishalperipherals.com/products/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboardRead 14 October 2026Memory support DDR5 9200 - 6400 (OC) MT/s and 6400 - 4800 (JEDEC) MT/s in MSI's table. 9200+ is the 1DPC 1R figure and is stored for Core Ultra (Series 2), the only CPU family of the board. Tom's Hardware and FPS Review also give DDR5-9200 (OC). The setups with more modules or ranks reach lower speeds.

ECC memoryiThe board runs unbuffered ECC modules with ECC active. A board that runs ECC modules in non-ECC mode does not count. DDR5 on-die ECC does not count. A maker list of ECC and non-ECC unbuffered memory with no non-ECC mode qualifier counts as true, as on ASUS and ASRock AM5 boards. A note that ECC mode depends on the CPU, as ASUS writes for AM4 boards, still counts as true.

No1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: supports DDR5 non-ECC, un-buffered memory.

No1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 16: supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory.

CUDIMM supportiThe board runs clocked unbuffered DIMMs (CUDIMM) with the clock driver active. Clock driver bypass mode only does not count. A plain "Supports CUDIMM" with no bypass limit, as ASRock and ASUS write it, counts as true.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: Supports Clocked Unbuffered DIMM (CUDIMM), with no bypass-mode limit.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 16: supports CUDIMM. The manual states no clock driver bypass limit. FPS Review also says CU-DIMMs are fully supported.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Memory up to 256 GB, advertised up to 9200 MT/s (OC) which includes CU-DIMMs, with XMP 3.0.

Expansion slots

2 of 3 differ

Expansion slotsiPhysical card slots. Storage M.2 slots are listed under Storage. The M.2 slot of a pre-installed Wi-Fi module is not listed. A full-length slot wired for x4 is PCIe x16 with 4 lanes.

AASRock B860 Challenger WiFi

Physical slot	Electrical lanes	PCIe generation	Connected to	Count
PCIe x16	16	5	CPU	1
PCIe x16	4	4	Chipset	1

Source1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2 and 2.7: PCIE1 is a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot from the CPU in x16 mode. PCIE2 is a PCIe 4.0 x16 slot from the chipset that runs in x4 mode. The M.2 Key E socket of the installed Wi-Fi module is not listed.

BMSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

Physical slot	Electrical lanes	PCIe generation	Connected to	Count
PCIe x16	16	5	CPU	1
PCIe x16	4	4	Chipset	2

Source1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 16: 3x PCIe x16 slots. PCI_E1 up to PCIe 5.0 x16 from the CPU, PCI_E2 and PCI_E3 up to PCIe 4.0 x4 from the Z890 chipset. The pre-installed Wi-Fi module sits in an M.2 Key-E slot and is not listed.

Full-length PCIe slotsiCounts full-length slots, whatever their lane count.

2=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

3=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

Fastest PCIe x16 slot generationiHighest PCIe generation of a full-length slot. This is normally the graphics card slot.

5=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

5=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

Storage

2 of 4 differ

M.2 storage slotsiOne row per M key storage slot on the board, front or back. Slots on an included add-in card are not listed. Values are with the CPU family that gives the board its full connectivity. A slot listed for 25110 counts as M.2 22110. A slot listed for 2260 counts as M.2 2280.

AASRock B860 Challenger WiFi

Slot	PCIe generation	PCIe lanes	Connected to	Longest drive	Takes SATA drives	Heatsink
M2_1	5	4	CPU	M.2 2280	No	Yes
M2_2	4	4	Chipset	M.2 2280	No	Yes
M2_3	4	4	Chipset	M.2 2280	No	No

Source1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2 and 2.15 to 2.17: M2_1 is a Blazing M.2 on the CPU, type 2280, PCIe Gen5x4. M2_2 is a Hyper M.2 on the chipset, types 2230/2242/2260/2280, PCIe Gen4x4. M2_3 is a Hyper M.2 on the chipset, type 2280, PCIe Gen4x4. The manual lists no SATA mode and PCInQ says all slots are NVMe only. M2_1 has a heatsink with a release button. M2_2 has a heatsink fixed with screws. M2_3 has no heatsink in the install guide. The manual names no lane sharing between the slots.

BMSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

Slot	PCIe generation	PCIe lanes	Connected to	Longest drive	Takes SATA drives	Heatsink
M2_1	5	4	CPU	M.2 2280	No	Yes
M2_2	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	No	Yes
M2_3	4	4	Chipset	M.2 2280	No	Yes
M2_4	4	4	Chipset	M.2 2280	Yes	Yes

Source1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: M2_1 PCIe 5.0 x4 for 2260 and 2280. M2_2 PCIe 4.0 x4 for 2260, 2280 and 22110. M2_3 PCIe 4.0 x4 for 2242, 2260 and 2280. M2_4 PCIe 4.0 x4 and SATA for 2242, 2260 and 2280. The longest module is stored. The manual and its block diagram say M2_2 comes from the CPU. MSI's web specification text copied by Vishal Peripherals, Tom's Hardware and Profesional Review all say the chipset, so chipset is stored. This is a doubt. Heatsinks: pages 36 to 43 show a screwless M.2 Shield Frozr heatsink on M2_1, a screw-down M.2 Shield Frozr on M2_2 and a screwless one over M2_3 and M2_4. FPS Review and Profesional Review count three M.2 heatsinks for the four slots. The manual lists no lane sharing for the M.2 slots.3Retailer pagevishalperipherals.com/products/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboardRead 14 October 2026Shop copy of the MSI specification: M.2_1 from the CPU, PCIe 5.0 x4, 2280/2260. M.2_2 from the chipset, PCIe 4.0 x4, 22110/2280/2260. M.2_3 from the chipset, PCIe 4.0 x4, 2280/2260/2242. M.2_4 from the chipset, PCIe 4.0 x4 or SATA mode, 2280/2260/2242.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026M.2_1 is the CPU-connected PCIe 5.0 x4 socket. The other three connect through the chipset at PCIe 4.0 x4, M.2_4 also takes SATA. The text says all sockets take up to 80 mm modules, but the spec table and MSI's manual list 110 mm for M.2_2. No lane sharing between PCIe, M.2, USB and SATA.

M.2 slots

3=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

4=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots

1=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

1=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

SATA portsiSATA 6Gb/s connectors on the board. SlimSAS connectors and M.2 slots that take SATA drives do not count.

41Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s connectors.

41Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 16: 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports from the Z890 chipset.

Rear ports

4 of 5 differ

Rear portsiPhysical connectors on the rear I/O panel. Wi-Fi antenna connectors and buttons are not ports. 3.5 mm audio counts analog jacks of any role. A video input, such as the DisplayPort In of a Thunderbolt board, is Other.

AASRock B860 Challenger WiFi

Type	Version	Count	Max link rate (Gbps)	DP Alt Mode
HDMI	HDMI 2.1	1	Not available	Not available
USB-C	USB 3.2 Gen 1	1	5	No
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 1	6	5	Not available
USB-A	USB 2.0	2	0.48	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	2.5	Not available
3.5 mm audio	Not available	3	Not available	Not available

Source1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2 and 1.4: 1 HDMI (HDMI 2.1, up to 4K 120Hz), 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C, 6 USB 3.2 Gen1 (USB32_1234, USB32_5 and USB32_6, where USB32_56 are Lightning Gaming Ports), 2 USB 2.0, 1 RJ-45 (2.5 Gigabit LAN), 3 HD audio jacks, a BIOS Flashback button and 2 antenna ports. The manual does not name the USB 3.2 Gen1 ports Type-A. The only Type-C is the one named, so the others are stored as Type-A. The graphics list names only HDMI, so the Type-C has no DisplayPort mode. The manual gives no USB power output.

BMSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

Type	Version	Count	Max link rate (Gbps)	Thunderbolt or USB4	Power out (W)	DP Alt Mode
USB-C	USB4	1	40	Thunderbolt 4	15	Yes
USB-C	USB 3.2 Gen 2	1	10	Not available	Not available	Not available
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	3	10	Not available	Not available	Not available
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 1	4	5	Not available	Not available	Not available
HDMI	HDMI 2.1	1	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	5	Not available	Not available	Not available
3.5 mm audio	Not available	2	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available
Optical S/PDIF	Not available	1	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Pages 19 and 23: 1 HDMI 2.1 with FRL, 1 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (from the CPU, DisplayPort over USB Type-C, 40 Gbps per the datasheet), 1 USB 10Gbps Type-C, 3 USB 10Gbps Type-A, 4 USB 5Gbps Type-A, 1 5Gbps LAN (RJ45), line-out and mic-in jacks and 1 optical S/PDIF out. The datasheet gives the Thunderbolt 4 port charging up to 5V/3A, 15W. The board has no rear USB 2.0 port. The 4 USB 2.0 and 6 USB 5Gbps Type-A counts in the datasheet include front-panel ports. The Flash BIOS and Clear CMOS buttons and the two Wi-Fi antenna connectors are not ports. The Thunderbolt port is stored as USB4 with the Thunderbolt 4 marking, since it is a USB4 port.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdfRead 14 October 2026Thunderbolt 4 row: 1x USB Type-C up to 40Gbps, charging support up to 5V/3A, 15W. Connections list: 1 Flash BIOS button, 1 Clear CMOS button, S/PDIF-Out, Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps Type-C.

Rear USB ports

9=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

9=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Rear USB-C portsiIncludes Thunderbolt and USB4 ports.

1=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

2=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Fastest rear USB port

5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

40Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

ThunderboltiThunderbolt on the rear panel. A header for an add-in card does not count.

Not available

Yes=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Internal connectors

3 of 5 differ

Internal USB headersiHeaders for front-panel USB ports. The header count may be left out when the maker states only the front ports served.

AASRock B860 Challenger WiFi

Header	Max data rate (Gbps)	Headers	Front ports served
USB-C header	5	1	1
USB 3 header (19-pin)	5	1	2
USB 2.0 header (9-pin)	0.48	2	4

Source1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: 1 Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen1 header, 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header (2 ports) and 2 USB 2.0 headers (4 ports).

BMSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

Header	Max data rate (Gbps)	Headers	Front ports served	Power out (W)
USB-C header	20	1	1	27
USB 3 header (19-pin)	5	1	2	Not available
USB 2.0 header (9-pin)	0.48	2	4	Not available

Source1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 1 USB 20Gbps Type-C front panel port (JUSBC1, USB PD 27W fast charging), 1 USB 5Gbps connector (JUSB3) for 2 more ports and 2 USB 2.0 connectors (JUSB1 and JUSB2) for 4 more ports.

Front USB-C header speed

5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Internal USB headers

20Gbps=CalculatedFrom Internal USB headers

Fan headersiAll fan and pump headers on the board, including CPU, CPU optional, AIO pump and chassis fan headers. Combination connectors that carry fan power together with other lines, such as MSI EZ Conn, do not count. A header that drives several fans, such as GIGABYTE 3_FANS, counts once. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

71Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: 2 CPU fan connectors (4-pin), 4 chassis fan connectors (4-pin) and 1 AIO pump fan connector (4-pin). The block diagram says FAN x7.

81Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 1 CPU fan, 1 water-pump/system fan and 6 system fan connectors, all 4-pin, make 8 headers. The EZ Conn-Header V2 (JAF_2) is a combination connector and is not counted.6Reviewrealhardwarereviews.com/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/5Read 14 October 2026Eight 4-pin fan headers plus the JAF v2 header.

ARGB headersi3-pin 5 V addressable RGB headers. Combination connectors do not count. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

31Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: 3 x addressable LED headers (5V, 3A total).

31Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 3x 3-pin A-RAINBOW V2 (ARGB Gen2) LED connectors.

RGB headersi4-pin 12 V RGB headers. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

11Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: 1 x RGB LED header (12V, 3A total).

11Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 1x 4-pin RGB LED connector (JRGB1, 12 V).

Networking

3 of 9 differ

Ethernet controllersiOne item per Ethernet chip, as maker plus chip family without suffix letters, e.g. Realtek RTL8126 or Realtek RTL8125. Suffixes and revisions go in the source note. Leave it empty when no maker document or review names the chip. A Killer chip is written with Intel as its maker, such as Intel Killer E3100G.

Realtek RTL81251Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: Dragon RTL8125BG, 2.5 Gigabit LAN. The suffix BG is left out.

Intel Killer E50001Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: 1x Intel Killer E5000 5Gbps LAN controller. The datasheet writes E5000B. Tom's Hardware's table says Killer E5000 Realtek RTL8125 at 2.5 GbE, which does not fit the 5 Gbps port and is not used.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdfRead 14 October 2026Specifications: Intel Killer E5000B 5G LAN.

Ethernet ports

1=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

1=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Ethernet speediFastest Ethernet port.

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Wi-Fi includediA Wi-Fi module comes installed. A board sold with and without Wi-Fi is two products.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Sections 1.2 and 1.6: the board comes with an 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 plus Bluetooth module, in the M.2 Key E socket.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: the wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E) slot.

Wi-Fi standard

Wi-Fi 71Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be.

Wi-Fi 71Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: Wi-Fi 7, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be.

Wi-Fi bandsiBands the installed module supports.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: supports the 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz frequency bands. The 6 GHz band depends on country regulations.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz. 6 GHz support may depend on country regulations.

Max Wi-Fi channel widthiWidest channel the installed module supports, e.g. 320 or 160. It follows the Wi-Fi module, so a board revision can change it.

160MHz1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: supports 160MHz channel bandwidth with the 6GHz frequency band.

160MHz2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdfRead 14 October 2026Features text: Wi-Fi 7 with a new 160MHz channel and a maximum transmission speed of 2.9Gbps. The manual states 320MHz and 5.8Gbps. Tom's Hardware and FPS Review say the II dropped from 320 MHz to 160 MHz and from Killer to a MediaTek module, so the datasheet value is stored.

Wi-Fi moduleiChip as published. A board revision can change the chip. One name: the maker's when published, otherwise the one name a review uses. No parentheses. Other names go in the source note. Use the chip's part number with its maker when any source gives it, such as Qualcomm QCNCM865 for a module also written NCM865. A platform name such as FastConnect 7800 is used only when no part number is published.

Realtek RTL8922AE5Reviewpcinq.com/asrock-b860-challenger-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Component list: Realtek RTL8922AE on an AzureWave AW-EB601NF module, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The manual block diagram shows AW-EB601NF on the Key E socket. No other source names the chip.

Not available

BluetoothiVersion of the Bluetooth radio on the Wi-Fi module.

5.41Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Sections 1.2 and 1.6: supports Bluetooth 5.4.

5.41Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: Bluetooth 5.4. The manual says the version may be updated, so check the Wi-Fi chipset vendor.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdfRead 14 October 2026Specifications: Wi-Fi 7 Solution, Bluetooth 5.4.

Audio

1 of 2 differ

Audio codeciMaker and model, e.g. Realtek ALC4080. A board revision can change the codec.

Realtek ALC8971Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.2: 7.1 CH HD Audio (Realtek ALC897 Audio Codec).

Realtek ALC1220P1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: Realtek ALC1220P, 7.1-channel High Definition Audio with S/PDIF output.

DAC chipiA separate DAC chip next to the codec, e.g. ESS ES9219. Maker plus part number as the maker writes it, with suffix letters, e.g. ESS ES9219Q. A marketing name that stands for a part number is written as the part number, so ESS SABRE9219 is ESS ES9219 and the maker wording goes in the source note. Leave it empty on boards with only a codec.

Not available

Not available

Features

3 of 7 differ

BIOS flashbackiA button that updates the BIOS from a USB drive without a CPU or memory installed. Maker names include BIOS FlashBack, Flash BIOS Button and Q-Flash Plus.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Sections 1.4 and 2.14: a BIOS Flashback button on the rear panel and a USB BIOS Flashback port.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19 and the special features list: Flash BIOS button on the rear panel.

Clear CMOS button (rear)iA button on the rear panel that resets the BIOS settings. A jumper or header does not count. A board whose only clear CMOS button sits on the board itself is false.

No1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2.11: Clear CMOS is a 2-pin jumper (CLRMOS1). The rear panel list has no clear CMOS button.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19 and the rear panel chapter: Clear CMOS button. The board also has a JBAT1 jumper.

POST code displayiA two-digit display that shows boot codes, e.g. ASUS Q-Code or ASRock Dr. Debug. Single status LEDs do not count. Taken from the maker's spec or manual only. A review spec table is not enough.

No1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2.13: Post Status Checker with four status LEDs for CPU, DRAM, VGA and BOOT. It is not a two-digit display.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 1x EZ Digi-Debug LED, a two-character display for boot codes and errors. It also has four EZ Debug status LEDs.

Power button on the boardiA power or start button on the board itself, for use outside a case. A button with another label counts when the maker says it can turn the PC on, such as GIGABYTE's quick button labelled RESET. A button on the rear I/O panel counts. A button on a module that ships fitted to the board, such as MSI's EZ BRIDGE, counts.

No1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2.14: the motherboard has one smart button, the BIOS Flashback button on the rear panel. The layout lists no power or reset button on the board.

No1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026The manual lists no power or reset button on the board. Real Hardware Reviews says MSI left out the power and reset buttons to fit the debug LEDs, and Profesional Review sees no integrated buttons.6Reviewrealhardwarereviews.com/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/5Read 14 October 2026MSI left out the power and reset buttons found on higher models to fit the debug LED and digital display.

Dual BIOSiTwo BIOS chips, so the board can start from the second chip after a failed update. Two flash chips alone do not count.

No1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026The specification chapter lists no second BIOS chip. Dual BIOS is not stated.

No1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19: BIOS is 1x 256 Mb flash. Dual BIOS is not stated.

Pre-installed I/O shieldiThe rear I/O shield is fixed to the board.

Yes4Spec databasegeizhals.de/asrock-b860-challenger-wifi-90-mxbuc0-a0uayz-a3751620.htmlRead 15 October 2026Features: integrated I/O shield.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Special features list on page 21: Pre-installed I/O Shield.

Tool-free featuresiM.2 latch holds a drive without a screw. M.2 heatsink comes off without a tool. PCIe slot release is a button or lever that frees the graphics card. Push-on antenna connector fits the Wi-Fi antenna without screwing.

Tool-free M.2 latch, Tool-free M.2 heatsink1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Sections 2.15 to 2.17: the M.2 SSDs are secured by turning a nut lock, and the M2_1 heatsink comes off with a release button. The antennas screw on, so there is no push-on antenna connector. The manual names no PCIe release.

Tool-free M.2 latch, Tool-free M.2 heatsink, PCIe slot release, Push-on antenna connector1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Special features list: EZ M.2 Clip II (screwless M.2 drive clip), EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II (tool-free heatsink), EZ PCIe Release (button that frees the graphics card, pages 33 to 35) and EZ Antenna. The press release says the EZ Antenna design needs no twisting.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Two EZ-Release Shield-FROZR II M.2 heatsinks and one that needs a Phillips screwdriver, an EZ-PCIe Release button, all M.2 slots tool-less with a rotary or EZ Clip, and EZ antenna ports.9Press articlefunkykit.com/news/msi-motherboards-support-new-intel-core-ultra-200s-plus-series-processorsRead 14 October 2026EZ Antenna design simplifies Wi-Fi antenna installation without the need for twisting.

Measured

3 of 3 differ

VRM temperature under CPU loadiHighest VRM temperature a reviewer measured during a sustained all-core CPU stress test at stock settings. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. The reviewer's probe reading when given, otherwise the board sensor. The sensor and the CPU package power during the test go in the source note.

Not available

58°C4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420, Team Group DDR5-7600 kit, 30-minute test (AIDA64 System Stability Test per the method text), stock settings. Probes on the back of the board under the MOSFETs peaked at 58 C. HWiNFO and the board sensor peaked at 56 C. The probe reading is stored. The whole system averaged 233 W during the test. The ambient temperature is not stated.

Power draw idleiWhole test system at the wall at idle, measured by a reviewer. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. A chart of CPU and board power without a wall meter does not count.

Not available

61W4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Whole test system at the wall with a Kill-A-Watt meter, Windows Balanced power plan, XMP enabled. Test system: Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, Asus TUF RTX 4080, Crucial T705, Windows 11 25H2.

Power draw CPU stressiWhole test system at the wall at the peak of a CPU stress test, measured by a reviewer. The graphics card is not loaded. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. A chart of CPU and board power without a wall meter does not count.

Not available

345W4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Peak of the whole test system at the wall (Kill-A-Watt) during the AIDA64 System Stability Test with Stress CPU, FPU, cache and Memory, Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, Team Group DDR5-7600 kit at stock. The graphics card was not stressed.

In the box

1 of 1 differ

In the boxiItems as the maker lists them.

2 x Serial ATA (SATA) Data Cables, 2 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antennas, 1 x Screw for M.2 Socket, 1 x Standoff for M.2 Socket1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 1.1. The manual marks the cables, antennas, screw and standoff as optional. The motherboard itself is not listed here.

1 x Quick installation guide, 1 x European Union Regulatory Notices, 2 x SATA Cables, 1 x 1 to 3 EZ Conn-Cable (V2), 1 x EZ Wi-Fi antenna, 1 x Cable sticker, 2 x EZ M.2 Clip II, 1 x EZ M.2 Clip II Remover1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 22 package contents, without the board itself. Real Hardware Reviews says the drivers come on a USB drive. The manual list does not include it, so it is left out.

Links

Not compared

Product page

asrock.com/mb/Intel/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi/index.asp2Maker product pageasrock.com/mb/Intel/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi/index.aspRead 15 October 2026The URL comes from the job evidence. The page returned a connection reset and a bot check page, so it was not read. Values come from the manual and retailer copies of the maker's text.

www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II11Maker product pagemsi.com/Motherboard/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-IIRead 14 October 2026msi.com blocks agents, so the page was not read. Its address appeared in web search results and in the job brief. No value comes from it.

Spec sheet

www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi/Specification/index.asp2Maker product pageasrock.com/mb/Intel/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi/index.aspRead 15 October 2026The Specification page follows ASRock's usual address pattern. It returned no content, so it was not read.

storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdfRead 14 October 2026MSI datasheet generated 2026-02-19. The file sits in the jp folder but the text is English.

Manual

download.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdf1Owner's manualdownload.asrock.com/Manual/B860%20Challenger%20WiFi.pdfRead 15 October 2026ASRock manual for the B860 Challenger WiFi, Version 1.0, published December 2025, on download.asrock.com. It states most values in chapter 1.2 Specifications and in the installation chapter.

download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdf1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026MSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II User Guide, 44 pages, English PDF on download-2.msi.com. The Japanese and German files have the same name pattern.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

Not available

Not available

Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

3years5Reviewpcinq.com/asrock-b860-challenger-wifi-reviewRead 15 October 2026Spec table: warranty 3 years. The review does not name the market.

3years4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: 3 years, in a US-focused review.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026The warranty is listed at 3 years on the MSI store.

Both are also in the API. Back to all motherboards.