MSI MAG B560 Tomahawk WiFi Motherboard: What CPUs Does It Support in 2026?

Motherboard MSI MAG B560 Tomahawk WiFi remains one of the most popular models for building mid-range gaming and work PCs even several years after its release. Its main advantage is the balance between price, functionality, and reliability. But the key question when choosing this board is: What processors does it support? and how to avoid mistakes when upgrading?

The board is built on a chipset Intel B560, which was originally developed for processors 11th generation Rocket Lake And 10th generation Comet LakeHowever, thanks to BIOS updates, support for newer chips has also become available. 12th And 13th generation (with reservations). In this article, we'll cover all the compatibility details, tell you how to check if your firmware is up-to-date, and what hidden limitations may affect system performance.

Official list of supported processors

According to the documentation from MSI, fee MAG B560 Tomahawk WiFi Supports the following processor families out of the box Intel:

• 🔹 10th generation (Comet Lake-S): Core i9-10900K, i7-10700K, i5-10600K and other models with socket LGA 1200.
• 🔹 11th generation (Rocket Lake-S): Core i9-11900K, i7-11700K, i5-11600K and lower modifications.
• 🔹 12th generation (Alder Lake-S): Core i9-12900K, i7-12700K, i5-12600K (BIOS update required!).
• 🔹 13th generation (Raptor Lake-S): Core i9-13900K, i7-13700K, i5-13600K (limited support, see section below).

Important: 14th generation (Raptor Lake Refresh) Not officially supported, but the processors are physically compatible with the socket. LGA 1700The board simply does not have the necessary power circuits and microcode to operate stably with these chips.

⚠️ Attention: If you plan to use the processor 12th or 13th generationBe sure to check the BIOS version before purchasing. The board won't boot without the update!

The nuances of supporting the 12th and 13th generations

Although the fee MAG B560 Tomahawk WiFi physically compatible with processors 12th And 13th generation thanks to the same socket LGA 1700, there are several critical points:

• 🔌 Limited VRM power: 12-core models (eg i9-12900K or i9-13900K) may overheat the power supply circuits under prolonged loads. It is recommended to use processors with a TDP of up to 125W.
• 🔄 BIOS update is mandatory: Without firmware version 7C95v1A or a newer board does not recognize the chips Raptor Lake. For Alder Lake enough version 7C95v15.
• ⚡ Lack of DDR5 support: The board only works with DDR4, which limits the potential of new processors (especially in memory bandwidth-sensitive tasks).

If you still decide to install the processor 13th generation, please note that The maximum stable frequency may be lower than stated. due to VRM limitations. For example, Core i7-13700K It rarely holds on this board 5.3 GHz on all cores without throttling.

How to update your BIOS to support new processors

If your board came with factory firmware and you want to install a processor 12th or 13th generation, you'll need to update the BIOS. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Download the latest BIOS version from the website MSI (section "Support" → "BIOS"). For Raptor Lake need a version 7C95v1A or newer.
2. Prepare a USB drive (FAT32) and unzip the firmware file onto it. Rename it to MSI.ROM for convenience.
3. Use M-Flash:
   • Connect the USB to the port BIOS Flashback+ (it is usually highlighted in white).
   • Click the button Flash BIOS Button on the back of the board and hold it 3 seconds.
   • The indicator will start flashing - wait for it to complete (about 5-10 minutes).

Check the version after updating in the BIOS menu (Settings → System Status).

⚠️ Attention: If you already have an incompatible processor installed (for example, 13900K), and the BIOS is outdated, the board will not power on. In this case, you will need to temporarily install a supported chip (for example, 10700K) for update.

RAM Compatibility: What You Need to Know

Pay MAG B560 Tomahawk WiFi supports DDR4 with a frequency of up to 5066 MHz (in OC mode). However, the actual maximum frequency depends on the processor:

• 🔹 10th and 11th generations: officially supported until DDR4-3200 (For Rocket Lake acceleration up to is possible 3600-4000 MHz).
• 🔹 12th and 13th generations: can work with DDR4-4800+, but stability depends on specific modules and BIOS settings.

Recommendations for choosing memory:

• Ideal for gaming builds 2×16 GB DDR4-3600 CL16 (For example, Crucial Ballistix or G.Skill Trident Z Neo).
• For workstations (rendering, streaming) it is better 4×16 GB DDR4-3200 CL14 with low timings.
• Avoid modules with higher voltages 1.5V - This may damage the processor's memory controller.

Why doesn't the XMP profile work?

If after enabling the XMP profile in BIOS the system does not start or displays errors, try:

1. Reduce the frequency by 200–400 MHz (for example, from 3600 to 3200).

2. Increase DRAM voltage by 0.05V (but not higher than 1.45V!).

3. Check the compatibility of modules using the QVL list on the MSI website.

If the problem persists, update your BIOS to the latest version.

Overclocking and board limitations

Chipset B560 It is not designed for extreme overclocking, but it allows you to increase performance a little:

• 🔧 Overclocking the processor: On boards with B560 Only models with index are unlocked K (For example, i5-11600K). Maximum increase - +100–300 MHz on all cores.
• 🔧 Memory overclocking: It is possible, but stability depends on the processor. Rocket Lake overclocks memory better than Comet Lake.
• 🔧 Restrictions:
  • No overclocking on the BCLK bus (locked at the chipset level).
  • Maximum VRM Current - ~250A, which is not enough for long-term acceleration i9-12900K/13900K.

For serious overclocking, it's better to consider motherboards based on the chipset Z590 or Z690, which have reinforced power circuits and more options for fine-tuning.

Common mistakes when choosing a processor

When assembling a PC based on MAG B560 Tomahawk WiFi Users often encounter the following problems:

1. Out-of-the-box incompatibility: Buying a processor 13th generation without first updating the BIOS. The solution is to use a temporary chip (e.g. Pentium Gold G6400) for firmware.
2. VRM overheating: Installation i9-12900K or i9-13900K Without additional MOSFET cooling, it's recommended to add a fan to the VRM heatsink.
3. Memory errors: Using DDR4-4000+ modules without manually adjusting timings. Enable it in BIOS XMP and manually increase the voltage SA/IO to 1.25V.
4. PCIe 4.0 not working correctly: On 11th generation slot PCIe x16 works in mode 4.0, but on 10th - only 3.0This is important for video cards and NVMe drives.

⚠️ Attention: If after installing a new processor the board does not turn on (no POST), check:

• Is the 8-pin CPU power connector connected (it should be connected Necessarily, even if you have a processor with a TDP of 65W).
• Is memory installed in the slots? A2/B2 (recommended configuration for two modules).
• Are there any bends on the processor legs (especially relevant for LGA 1700, where the contacts are very fragile).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can I install Core i7-13700K on MSI MAG B560 Tomahawk WiFi?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• BIOS version required 7C95v1A or newer.
• The maximum stable frequency may be lower than the rated frequency due to VRM limitations.
• It is recommended to use a cooler not lower than Noctua NH-D15 or be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4.

Does the board support 14th Gen Intel processors (Raptor Lake Refresh)?

No, it's not officially supported. Although the processors are physically 14th generation (For example, i7-14700K) fit the socket LGA 1700The board doesn't have the necessary microcode for them to work. It also lacks support for the higher DDR5 frequencies used by the new chips.

How to check BIOS version without starting the system?

On the board MSI MAG B560 Tomahawk WiFi The BIOS version is displayed on the POST screen (the first few seconds of boot). If the system does not boot:

1. Turn off all devices except the keyboard.
2. Click Del at startup to enter BIOS.
3. The version is indicated in the upper right corner or in the section System Status.

Even if there is no POST, try resetting CMOS (remove the battery for 10 minutes or short the jumper JBAT1).

What processors are best for this board?

Optimal options in terms of price/performance ratio:

• Budget gaming PC: Core i5-12600K or i5-13600K (after BIOS update).
• Streaming/rendering: Core i7-12700K or i7-13700K (with good cooling).
• Office PC: Core i5-11400 or i3-12100 (do not require BIOS update).

Avoid i9-12900K/13900K — the board is not designed for their long-term load.

Can this board be used with AMD processors?

No, there is a fee. MSI MAG B560 Tomahawk WiFi has a socket LGA 1200/1700, which is intended exclusively for processors Intel. For AMD you will need a board with a socket AM4 or AM5 (depending on CPU generation).