With cpus, motherboards & memory, the wrong fit is usually a platform mismatch rather than a small difference in listed price. Start with the processor socket and memory generation you need, then decide whether you are assembling around AMD hardware or replacing a board in a Dell XPS 8940. Condition also matters here: the four choices include new, open-box, and refurbished boards.
Quick take
The MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is the route for an AM4 DDR4 build, while the AORUS X870E PRO ICE and ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A both serve AM5 DDR5 directions. The Dell board is explicitly designated for the Dell XPS 8940 and Intel 10th- and 11th-generation Core processors. The listed range spans $75 from end to end, so lock in platform and condition before letting price settle the decision.
Listed-price comparison
| Motherboard | Listed price | Listed-price position |
|---|---|---|
| MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard | USD 167.99 | |
| AORUS X870E PRO ICE Gaming Motherboard | USD 199.99 | |
| ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI | USD 124.99 | |
| Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard | USD 161.58 |
Decision matrix
- Retaining an AMD AM4 processor and DDR4 memory: Choose the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard.
- Building around AMD AM5 with WiFi 7 named in the title: Focus on the AORUS X870E PRO ICE Gaming Motherboard.
- Planning an AM5 Ryzen 7000 desktop with a refurbished board: The ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI is the relevant match.
- Replacing a board in a Dell XPS 8940 with an Intel 10th- or 11th-generation Core processor: The Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard is the targeted choice.
Product notes
MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Gaming Motherboard AM4 DDR4 ATX
For a gaming-focused AM4 system, the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is a clear match when the processor plan is among its named Ryzen 5000, 5000 G-Series, 4000G-Series, or 3000 Series support. PCIe 4.0, a Gen 4 x4 M.2 connection with M.2 Shield Frozr, and 2.5G LAN give the build list practical specifics beyond the ATX format. Pick it for that combination of Ryzen support and storage/networking callouts. Its limitation is price: USD 167.99 is USD 43 above the refurbished ASUS entry.
AORUS X870E PRO ICE AM5 ATX DDR5 PCIE WIFI 7 AMD EXPO Gaming Motherboard
The AORUS X870E PRO ICE suits an AMD Socket AM5 build centered on Ryzen 9000, 8000, or 7000 series processors. Its description names four DDR5 DIMM slots, PCIe 5.0 storage options, and a 16+2+2 digital twin power design, while the title specifically calls out WiFi 7 and AMD EXPO. That makes it the most direct pick here when those named connections and memory profile support are priorities. The tradeoff is its open-box condition, which is distinct from the new MSI and Dell boards.
Factory Refurbished) ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI AMD AM5 ATX Motherboard
The ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A GAMING WIFI is a refurbished AM5 route for a Ryzen 7000 Series desktop build. It has four DDR5 memory slots and lists M.2, PCI Express x1, and PCI Express 4.0 x16 expansion slots. A SATA cable, I/O shield, M.2 screws, M.2 standoff, and Wi-Fi antenna are included in the repacked ASUS service white box, giving the purchase a clearly stated accessory set. The limitation is the certified-refurbished condition rather than new condition.
Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard Intel 10th 11th Gen LGA1200 DDR4 K3CM7 427JK
This Dell board is the focused option for the stated Dell XPS 8940 replacement scenario. Its LGA1200 socket and named compatibility with 10th- and 11th-generation Intel Core processors make it meaningfully different from the AMD boards in this comparison. The listed ports include RJ-45, USB 3.1, USB 2.0, USB Type-C, M.2, SATA, PCIe, and headset connections, while its condition is new. Its constraint is the explicit compatible-model designation for Dell XPS 8940, which narrows the intended replacement use.
Final recommendation by use case
- For an AM4 DDR4 gaming build: Pick the MSI MAG B550 Tomahawk MAX WiFi if its M.2 Shield Frozr and 2.5G LAN callouts fit your parts plan.
- For an AM5 DDR5 build with the highest listed price in this group: Choose the AORUS X870E PRO ICE at USD 199.99.
- For a refurbished AM5 board with the named accessory bundle: Choose the ASUS ROG STRIX B650-A when the included Wi-Fi antenna and M.2 hardware suit the build.
- For a Dell XPS 8940 replacement: Choose the Dell XPS 8940 Desktop Motherboard at USD 161.58.
