MSI MAG X570S TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI Upgrade Guide: RAM, SSD, CPU

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

Memory (RAM) upgrades

The board has four full-size DDR4 DIMM slots running in dual channel, for up to 128 GB in total. That works out to 32 GB per slot, though a per-module maximum isn't stated. Only non-ECC, unbuffered modules are supported; registered modules won't work. Whether ECC modules run with ECC switched off isn't confirmed, so avoid them.

Official JEDEC speeds run from 1866 up to 3200 MT/s. MSI also quotes up to DDR4-5100 using A-XMP overclocking, but only with one single-rank module per channel. Filling all four slots, or using dual-rank modules, lowers the speed you can reach to about DDR4-3600 or less. Treat 5100 as a best case that depends on your CPU and kit.

For two modules, fill slot DIMMA2 first. For dual channel, use modules of the same type, number and density. Some kits run below their rated speed until you set the DRAM frequency in the BIOS. MSI recommends extra memory cooling when all four slots are filled or when overclocking.

Buying tips

• Two matched modules are the easiest route to a stable, fast setup; four modules will usually cost you speed.
• Choose single-rank kits if you want the highest speeds.
• Buy standard desktop DIMMs, not SO-DIMM, ECC or registered memory.
• Check your exact kit against MSI's memory compatibility list on msi.com before buying.
• The speed limits differ slightly by CPU (Ryzen 5000/3000 versus G-series APUs). MSI's published tables for this board also vary between listings, so confirm the figures for your variant on MSI's site.

Storage upgrades (M.2 and SATA)

There are two M.2 slots, both Key M and both accepting NVMe or SATA drives. M2_1 connects to the CPU and fits 2280 and 22110 drives. M2_2 connects through the X570 chipset and fits 2242, 2260 and 2280 drives. Both run at PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 x4 depending on your CPU. Some sources mention a third M.2 socket, but MSI's own manual lists two, so plan for two.

PCIe 4.0 speeds on M2_1 need a Ryzen 5000 or 3000 CPU; other CPUs fall back to PCIe 3.0. Testing found no lane sharing, so both M.2 slots and all six SATA ports can be used at the same time. There is no U.2 port.

The six SATA 6Gb/s ports take 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives and need SATA cables. The board has no drive bays, so bay count and drive thickness limits depend on your case. RAID 0, 1 and 10 are supported. A maximum drive capacity isn't specified.

For M.2 installation, use the supplied standoff and 8.5H screw and insert the drive at a 30 degree angle. You don't need the standoff and screw for a 22110 drive in M2_1 or a 2280 drive in M2_2. For 2242 or 2260 drives in M2_2, move the standoff.

Buying tips

• For the fastest drive, pick a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD for M2_1, but only if you run a Ryzen 5000 or 3000 CPU.
• A 2280 drive fits both slots and is the simplest choice.
• A 22110 drive only fits M2_1.
• Count your case's 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch bays before buying SATA drives.
• Check that the drive is Key M and the right length for the slot you plan to use.

CPU upgrades

The board uses a socketed AM4 processor with the AMD X570 chipset, and holds a single CPU. MSI states support for Ryzen 5000, 5000 G, 4000 G, 3000, 3000 G, 2000 and 2000 G series desktop processors, and says to check msi.com for the newest support list. Some third-party manual summaries list only 2nd and 3rd gen Ryzen; MSI's own manual is the one to trust.

BIOS version matters. One third-party list (not complete) shows most Ryzen 3000 and 5000 chips such as the 5950X, 5900X, 5800X and 5600X working from BIOS 7D54v10. It shows the Ryzen 3 4100 needing v11, the Ryzen 7 5700X, 5800X3D, Ryzen 5 5600 and 5500 needing v12, and the Ryzen 7 5700X3D needing v18. Ryzen 2000-series parts are officially supported, but no BIOS version for them is available. Confirm any CPU on MSI's official support page before buying.

The highest rated power among the listed CPUs is 105 W (Ryzen 9 5950X, 5900X, 5800X, 5800X3D, 5700X3D and Ryzen 9 3950X). MSI doesn't publish a maximum TDP or power supply requirement in the documents we checked. The manual requires a heatsink with a tight seal and thermal paste, and notes that overclocking beyond specification isn't guaranteed.

PCIe 4.0 only works with Ryzen 5000 and 3000 CPUs. G-series APUs run PCIe 3.0, and with Ryzen 3000G or 2000G the main x16 slot (PCI_E1) drops to x8.

Buying tips

• Pick a Ryzen 5000 or 3000 CPU if you want PCIe 4.0 on the M.2 slot and graphics slot.
• If your board is on an old BIOS, plan a BIOS update before fitting a Ryzen 5800X3D or 5700X3D, or borrow a compatible CPU to do it.
• Check the minimum BIOS for your exact CPU on MSI's support page.
• Reuse or buy an AM4 cooler that has a proper mounting kit and thermal paste.

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Back up anything important on your current drives.
• Check your current BIOS version (shown in the BIOS screen) and compare it with the minimum for your new CPU.
• Have your owner's manual to hand for exact disassembly and part locations.
• Gather what you need: a screwdriver, thermal paste for a CPU change, SATA cables for SATA drives, and an anti-static wrist strap if you have one.
• Update the BIOS before swapping in a newer CPU. MSI's M-Flash tool does this: save the BIOS file to a USB drive, press Ctrl+F5 during startup (or press Del and click M-FLASH), select the file and let it flash. The PC reboots automatically at 100%.

Steps

1. Back up and update first
   Back up your data. If you are fitting a newer CPU, update the BIOS first using M-Flash as described above.
2. Power off and unplug
   Shut the PC down, switch off the power supply and unplug the power cord. MSI specifically says to unplug the power cord before installing or removing a CPU.
3. Ground yourself
   Touch a bare metal part of the case or wear an anti-static strap before handling components.
4. Open the case
   Remove the side panel to reach the board. Check the owner's manual for exact disassembly.
5. Install the part
   RAM: fit modules into DIMMA2 first, then the other slots as needed. M.2 SSD: use the supplied standoff and 8.5H screw and insert the drive at a 30 degree angle; skip the standoff and screw for a 22110 drive in M2_1 or a 2280 drive in M2_2, and move the standoff for 2242 or 2260 drives in M2_2. SATA drive: connect it with a SATA cable and mount it in a case bay. CPU: align the yellow triangle on the CPU with the Pin 1 marker on the socket, then fit a cooler with a tight seal and thermal paste.
6. Close up and reconnect
   Refit the side panel, plug the power cord back in and switch the power supply on.
7. Check the BIOS
   Start the PC and open the BIOS to confirm it sees the new CPU, memory amount and speed, or drive. Changing the CPU may clear the system configuration and reset the BIOS to defaults, so re-enter any settings you need. If your RAM runs below its rated speed, set the DRAM frequency in the BIOS.

Good to know

• MSI's memory speed figures vary between listings for this board, and one MSI page is headed without MAX. Confirm the exact variant and memory support on MSI's site.
• Sources disagree on PCIe slot layout and M.2 count. MSI's manual lists two M.2 slots, one CPU x16 slot and one chipset x16 slot running at x4; treat that as correct.
• The BIOS versions for CPUs come from a third-party list that says it is incomplete. No BIOS version is available for Ryzen 2000-series CPUs.
• MSI doesn't publish a maximum CPU TDP in the documents we checked; the highest listed CPUs are rated 105 W.
• Some manual summary sites show wrong details, such as the LAN chip and CPU support. Prefer MSI's own manual.
• Memory compatibility for specific kits should be checked on MSI's memory compatibility list at msi.com.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the MSI MAG X570S TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI take?

Up to 128 GB in total across four DDR4 DIMM slots. That equals 32 GB per slot, although a per-module limit isn't stated. Only non-ECC unbuffered memory is supported.

What is the fastest RAM speed it supports?

Official JEDEC speeds go up to DDR4-3200. MSI lists up to 5100 MT/s with A-XMP overclocking, but only with one single-rank module per channel. With four slots filled or dual-rank modules, expect around 3600 or less.

Does it support PCIe 4.0 SSDs?

Yes, but only with a Ryzen 5000 or 3000 series CPU. Other CPUs, including G-series APUs, run the M.2 slots at PCIe 3.0.

How many M.2 and SATA drives can I use?

Two M.2 slots (M2_1 and M2_2) and six SATA 6Gb/s ports. Testing found no lane sharing, so all can be used at once. There is no U.2 port.

Does it support the Ryzen 7 5800X3D or 5700X3D?

Yes, but update the BIOS first. A third-party compatibility list gives v12 or later for the 5800X3D and v18 for the 5700X3D. Confirm on MSI's CPU support page.

Do I need to update the BIOS for a new CPU?

For newer chips such as the Ryzen 5000 models listed above, often yes. Update with M-Flash before fitting the new CPU, and check MSI's support page for the minimum version.

Official documents and references

• PDF MSI MAG X570S TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI manual (PDF)
  Official manual with CPU support, M.2 installation, BIOS and M-Flash instructions
• MSI specification page
  Manufacturer memory and spec tables; its heading omits MAX, so confirm the variant
• PDF MSI spec sheet (PDF)
  Brochure with memory and slot summary
• MSI MAG X570S TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI manual
  Memory speed tables by configuration and slot details
• Tom's Hardware: MSI X570S Tomahawk review
  Independent review covering memory, M.2 and lane sharing
• Pangoly CPU compatibility list
  Partial list of compatible CPUs with minimum BIOS versions
• BIOS v7D54v11 download page
  BIOS release notes for CPU support