Choosing among cpus, motherboards & memory is less about picking the lowest number and more about avoiding the wrong platform. Here, the deciding split is clear: two boards are aimed at AMD AM5 processors, one follows the AM4 and DDR4 route, and one is specifically named for a Dell XPS 8940 desktop. Start with that match, then weigh condition, connectivity, and the listed-price spread.
Quick take
The listed prices span $65 from lowest to highest, but price alone does not make these interchangeable. The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E is the lowest-priced entry and pairs an AM5 socket with four DDR5 memory slots. AORUS X870E PRO ICE is the higher-priced AM5 alternative with a white-themed design and Wi-Fi 7 in its title. MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is the new-condition AMD choice for an AM4 DDR4 build, while the Dell board has a narrowly named XPS 8940 target.
Listed price comparison
| Motherboard | Listed price | Relative listed price |
|---|---|---|
| MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E | USD 134.99 | |
| AORUS X870E PRO ICE | USD 199.99 | |
| MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi | USD 167.99 | |
| Dell XPS 8940 K3CM7 427JK | USD 161.58 |
Decision matrix
- Lowest listed-price starting point: MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E, at the low end of this four-board comparison.
- AM5 board with a white-themed presentation: AORUS X870E PRO ICE, which also names Wi-Fi 7 and AMD EXPO.
- New-condition AMD board for the older AM4 route: MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard.
- Intel-oriented desktop replacement route: Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard, specified for 10th- and 11th-generation Intel Core processors.
Product notes
MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E AM5 AMD B850 SATA DDR5 Motherboard
The MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E is a sensible starting point for an AM5 desktop built around AMD Ryzen 7000, 8000, or 9000 series processors. Its four DDR5 DIMM slots and stated support for up to 256GB give it a clear role for shoppers planning a memory-equipped AM5 build. Storage-minded builders also get a listed PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot alongside a PCIe 4.0 M.2 slot. The practical limitation is condition: this particular board is marked open box rather than new. Choose it when the B850 chipset, AM5 socket, and four-slot DDR5 layout fit the rest of the build.
AORUS X870E PRO ICE AM5 ATX DDR5 PCIE WIFI 7 AMD EXPO Gaming Motherboard
AORUS X870E PRO ICE suits a shopper who wants an AM5 ATX motherboard with a deliberately white and silver visual direction. The board lists four DDR5 DIMM slots, AMD EXPO compatibility, M.2 expansion, and on-board audio, while its title calls out Wi-Fi 7. Its 16+2+2 twin digital power design is a listed hardware detail for buyers comparing board layouts closely. The main constraint is straightforward: USD 199.99 is the highest listed price here, and the condition is open box. It is the clearest match when the white-themed build look and stated Wi-Fi 7 matter more than starting at the lowest price.
MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard AM4 DDR4 ATX
The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi offers a new-condition board for an AMD AM4 setup. It names support for Ryzen 5000 Series, 5000 G-Series, 4000G-Series, and 3000 Series processors, making the intended processor families unusually clear. The description also lists PCIe 4.0, an M.2 Shield Frozr, 2.5G LAN, and Wi-Fi 6E. Its limitation is the platform choice: it is an AM4 DDR4 motherboard, so it follows a different memory and socket path from the two AM5 DDR5 boards. Pick this one for the specified Ryzen families when an AM4 desktop is the project.
Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard Intel 10th 11th Gen LGA1200 DDR4 K3CM7 427JK
The Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard is the focused choice for a Dell XPS 8940 desktop using 10th- or 11th-generation Intel Core processors. It is listed as new and names an LGA1200 socket, H470 chipset compatibility, and a maximum memory configuration of 128GB. The port list includes RJ-45, USB 3.1, USB 2.0, USB Type-C, M.2, SATA, PCIe, and headset connections. That named Dell compatibility is also its limitation: this is a model-specific motherboard rather than a general AM4 or AM5 build option. It makes the most sense for an XPS 8940-focused replacement project.
Final recommendation by use case
Choose the MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E for a B850-based AM5 build with four DDR5 slots. Go with the AORUS X870E PRO ICE when Wi-Fi 7 and a white-themed ATX presentation are priorities. The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is the natural fit for the stated Ryzen processor families on an AM4 DDR4 path. Reserve the Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard for the specifically named Dell XPS 8940 use case.
