Price When Reviewed

$199.99

Best Prices Today: MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi

$189.99

Intel CPUs have been maturing properly within the PC constructing house, with each Twelfth-gen and Thirteenth-gen choices nicely acquired. This makes Intel extra versatile for avid gamers seeking to construct extra area of interest setups—akin to Micro-ATX. 

Coming in shorter than a typical ATX motherboard, mATX permits for smaller, compact case choices. Even higher, you may typically discover efficiency and options with minimal compromise inside that dimension. CPU overclocking is a moot level right here due to the B760 chipset, however can motherboards on this chipset class nonetheless be “just right”?  

The MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi joins the fray as an under-$200 choice for small form-factor builders. While not as tiny as Mini-ITX motherboards, Micro-ATX retains more room—and thus extra options for the value. With a value-focused bundle, can it nonetheless be a viable choice for a critical PC gaming rig? 

We’ll go over the options, the design, and the efficiency. Combining that with the worth you’re getting for its worth, goes mid-sized actually price it? The MAG collection of motherboards from MSI have been well-priced choices to this point, so we’ll see if the B760M Mortar continues this development. 

MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi specs

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• Micro-ATX type issue (243.84×243.84mm)
• Supports Intel Twelfth- and Thirteenth-gen CPUs 
• 12+1+1 Duet Rail System with 75A
• DDR5 RAM, twin channel as much as 4 DIMMs (as much as 128Gb)
• 2x onboard M.2 slots (PCIe Gen 4)
• 2x PCIe 16x slot (PCIe Gen 5 and Gen 4) 
• 1x PCIe X1 slot (Gen 3)
• HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort out 
• 8 USB ports on again (together with 1x 20Gb/s)
• Realtek 2.5Gbe LAN with Bluetooth 5.3
• Intel Wi-Fi 6E 
• RGB headers for Mystic Light
• 4 SATA 6Gb/s ports 
• 6 PWM fan headers 
• Preinstalled I/O protect 
• Realtek 7.1 ALC 897 Audio
• MSRP $199

The MSI MAG B760M Mortar Wi-Fi will are available at $199, which places it on cheaper footing when in comparison with MSI’s AMD B650M Mortar WiFi model, which we checked out lately. Thanks to Intel supporting each Twelfth and Thirteenth generations, you may additionally use an older CPU akin to an Intel i5 12600 right here, too. 

The B760 chipset from Intel differs from the Z790 chipset in some vital methods. The most significant factor to know is in CPU overclocking: You’ll want Z790 when you plan to tweak your CPU above inventory. This will be a problem for some, particularly when you’re planning to make use of an unlocked “K” Intel CPU for optimum efficiency. For most avid gamers, non-overclocked efficiency will nonetheless be greater than succesful. Another distinction of the B760 motherboards, is that you just’re usually getting less-capable VRMs, too. 

Other vital variations in B760 come right down to fewer PCIe lanes, USB ports, and SATA ports. Keeping in thoughts that Micro-ATX motherboards have already got fewer of those onboard on account of dimension constraints, so the chipset’s limitations shouldn’t be a problem for many. 

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The unboxing expertise is primary however has the necessities. You’ll discover SATA cables, M.2 equipment, and a few neat stickers. The Wi-Fi antenna is right here too, as Wi-Fi is normal on this motherboard.  

CPU selection

With assist for each Twelfth- and Thirteenth-generation Intel CPUs, you’ll have an enormous number of CPUs to select from. Given the truth that B760 doesn’t provide overclocking like Z790, we’d suggest staying away from the highest-end “K” SKUs such because the i9 13900K. You’re more likely to pair a i5 13600 or perhaps a last-generation non-Ok CPU to avoid wasting money right here. An i7 13700 may work nice right here for much more efficiency. 

DDR5 RAM and PCIe Gen 4/5

You have the choice of DDR4 with this motherboard, however this unit is DDR5. You’re getting a number of the greatest speeds, and general efficiency will probably be inside a couple of proportion factors of dearer motherboards. Combining this with the non-Ok CPUs can lead to some good worth financial savings for a nonetheless competent construct. 

You are getting PCIe Gen 5 for the 16x slot, however the different slot will probably be Gen 4. (And the 1x slot, helpful for minor add-ons, will probably be Gen 3.) 

The M.2 slots may also be PCIe Gen 4, which is ok as Gen 5 is barely simply arriving and nonetheless not saturated. 

Micro-ATX has these a number of PCIe slots as an enormous benefit in comparison with Mini-ITX motherboards, for individuals who want the additional utility. (At the price of barely bigger dimension, in fact.) 

Storage

We’d count on no less than two NVMe slots on a motherboard of this dimension, and it delivers. While many bigger ATX motherboards can have 4 or extra, on account of dimension and chipset limitations, two needs to be a superb quantity for many builds. 

Both NVMe slots will probably be “Lightning Gen 4 X4,” with one having an M.2 “Frozr” protect for higher thermal efficiency. We’d like to see each coated right here, nonetheless. 

You’ll additionally get 4 SATA ports for different exhausting drives and SSDs, filling up your small type issue case with ease! 

USB ports

You are getting eight rear USB ports, with an fascinating combine. Four of them would be the historic USB 2.0—which whereas effective for some peripherals, definitely falls in need of USB 3.0. You do get USB 3.0—and even a single 3.2 Gen 2×2 with 20Gb/s speeds—to stability it out. Not good, however definitely a good choice for a smaller motherboard underneath $200.  

DisplayPort and HDMI 2.1 are also right here in case your CPU helps the iGPU operate. 

Networking

Connectivity is nice right here, much like most ATX motherboard choices. Wi-Fi 6E and a pair of.5GbE LAN are each normal, together with Bluetooth 5.3. That’s pretty much as good as we are able to count on for this dimension and worth vary, no complaints.  

Audio

Audio is succesful, with a 7.1 ALC 897 codec. You’re getting a wide variety of inputs within the again, however take into account that “audiophiles” could have to fish out their separate exterior answer for the most effective sound. Gamers and most customers needs to be more than pleased, nonetheless.  

Other options of observe

An built-in I/O protect continues to be a celebration favourite on newer motherboards, and we’re glad to see it right here. The screwless M.2 drives are additionally good, saving some complications with small screws. Debug LED can also be right here, however you gained’t discover BIOS flashback. 

MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi design 

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The MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi follows within the custom of comparable MSI motherboards, such because the “Tomahawk” collection, relating to design. You’re greeted with a largely monochromatic silver, with varied shading providing contrasting factors. 

While it lacks a lot RGB or gamer aesthetic, this can be a clear design that may work nice in nearly any setting. The I/O cowl space follows this similar design metric, with some good visible accents in black outlining the just about industrial-looking silver. The built-in I/O protect is one other nice design characteristic that we’re joyful is turning into extra prevalent on all lessons of motherboards. 

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While the VRM heatsink space doesn’t look fairly as imposing as on Z790 motherboards of a better ilk, it suits in completely right here. Continuing down the PCIe slot areas, you’ll discover the highest M.2 slot with a “Frozr” thermal cowl. Sadly, the decrease M.2 stays uncovered—it could be good for it to even be coated for visible continuity and thermals. This space is generally blocked by the GPU, so it’s a minor quibble. (Do observe that the earlier MSI MAG B660M Mortar WiFi motherboard—with an identical design to this—does have that second NVMe slot cowl.)

For the $199 worth, the match and end really feel high-quality and sturdy. Since you’re not paying for overkill RGB results or fancy OLED screens, this straightforward design method helps to maintain the price down. 

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The again of the motherboard is what you’d count on—no want for a flowery backplate right here. Overall, given the small form-factor dimension and lower cost, the design throughout your entire motherboard could be very becoming for what you’re getting. 

MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi: Performance, software program, and BIOS 

The MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi isn’t geared in the direction of most efficiency. The B760 chipset forgoes CPU overclocking for price financial savings, however this doesn’t imply that you just’re not nonetheless getting succesful efficiency. 

With its 12+1+1 Duet Rail System VRMs, this board is greater than succesful for many CPUs. While we’d keep away from a lot of the “K” SKUs, you’ll discover a good pairing with one thing like an i7 13700 or related. There’s a hidden profit to this, too. While some could also be unhappy over the lack of CPU overclocking, utilizing these extra environment friendly CPUs could also be an important boon when constructing a small form-factor PC. Lower energy will imply decrease warmth output, making smaller air or liquid coolers simpler to implement and maintain underneath management. 

When you do not forget that CPUs such because the i9 13900K typically require a 360mm liquid cooler to maintain it underneath management, it’s simple to see how that may be troublesome to correctly implement in a small PC case. (From our expertise, Micro-ATX supporting instances often prime out at 240mm or 280mm for radiator assist, with some exceptions.) 

Going additional, DDR5 RAM is normal right here—with an choice for DDR4 if you are going to buy that model of the motherboard as an alternative. We’d possible suggest sticking with DDR5, as the prices are down now for many kits, and also you’ll be taking extra benefit of what the B760 platform has to supply with newer CPUs. 

PCIe Gen 5 is right here for the 16x GPU slot, which presently isn’t saturated by trendy GPUs. It’s nonetheless good to have for future potentialities, nonetheless. You’re not getting Gen 5 for the NVMe slots, however you’re getting Gen 4 and that’s likewise greater than succesful at this level. 

Let’s speak concerning the BIOS—which can be a less-frequent vacation spot for many customers of this motherboard. As with the B760 chipset, you’re going to be restricted relating to CPU tweaking in comparison with Z790. That’s effective for many customers, and the BIOS will nonetheless offer you entry to most different gadgets chances are you’ll be used to. You can set the XMP profile for the DDR5, and varied different configurations of drives and boot priorities. The BIOS is usually simple to navigate and use, however after setting preliminary profiles, it’s unlikely you’ll spend a lot time in right here. 

If you like to maintain some tweaking to Windows itself, MSI provides its MSI Center software program. Motherboard producers have been on a development currently of integrating as many parts as doable into one piece of software program. 

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You’ll get entry to MSI’s Mystic Light RGB management for hooked up units, together with some gadgets akin to {hardware} monitoring and driver updates. While we nonetheless suggest that sure taks be performed within the BIOS, for these things, it’s a lot simpler to do them in Windows. 

Overall, the MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi performs as anticipated for its dimension and worth class, with some good software program and BIOS assist. Aside from CPU overclocking, you’re not lacking a lot right here. 

Should you purchase the MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi?

The MSI MAG B760M Mortar WiFi begins out with a couple of challenges: First, it’s a Micro-ATX motherboard, which means that proper off the bat it would have some built-in limitations on account of its dimension versus bigger ATX choices. Secondly, it comes wrapped within the B760 chipset, additional limiting its CPU overclocking and a few options like PCIe lanes. 

For $199, how does it add up? It does so very nicely, navigating these limitations in a compelling bundle for these wishing to stay underneath $200 with a small design. You’re nonetheless having access to the most recent Intel CPUs, with quick DDR5 RAM assist. You do get a single 16x PCIe slot, flanked by two onboard Gen 4 NVMe slots. Robust networking and good audio assist spherical out the options—making it as succesful as most ATX motherboards. 

Sure, some customers will probably be dissatisfied within the lack of CPU overclocking assist—however we’d argue that that’s not this motherboard’s goal. Most customers will probably be far happier with the $199 worth level for Micro-ATX, which generally has much less choice within the market on account of its “niche” dimension. You may even discover a DDR4 model if that fits your wants higher. Keep in thoughts that higher-end small form-factor motherboards additionally dramatically enhance in worth for extra options, simply doubling what now we have right here price clever. 

For this worth, you’re not dropping a lot in the best way of compromises, and that’s nice information. With newer motherboards typically exhibiting increased pricing, it’s good to see one thing with good baseline options that gained’t break the financial institution or skimp on the necessities.