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The launch of Intel’s 12th generation Core processors and the Z690 chipset brought impressive performance, but also a hefty price tag. For budget-conscious PC builders, the subsequent release of the B660 chipset offered a more accessible pathway to 12th Gen power. MSI quickly capitalized on this with the MAG B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4. But does this mid-range motherboard deliver the goods? Let’s dive in.

The MAG Mortar: Practicality and Performance

MSI’s MAG series targets the pragmatic user, prioritizing functionality over flashy aesthetics and often unnecessary high-end features. The B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 embodies this philosophy, offering a robust platform for gaming and general use without breaking the bank.

MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 Motherboard

The Mortar’s packaging echoes the industrial design language of the MAG series, resembling its higher-end Tomahawk counterpart, but with the Mortar’s distinct insignia. While the box doesn’t reveal detailed power delivery specifications, it highlights key features, notably the absence of PCIe 5.0, a premium feature reserved for the Z690 chipset.

Design and Features: A Closer Look

Unboxing the B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 reveals a familiar MSI design, inheriting the aesthetic of the Z690 Tomahawk, but with a more streamlined heatsink arrangement. This is understandable, considering the Mortar offers two PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slots, compared to the Tomahawk’s four. For most users, this won’t be a limitation, as high-capacity NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDs remain a premium option.

MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 Inside the Box

The Mortar utilizes a 12+1+1 Duet Rail Power Design with dual 8-pin CPU power connectors. While not as robust as Z690 offerings, it’s sufficient for powering even an i7-12700 or i7-12700F at stock speeds. Substantial heatsinks effectively cool the power delivery components, ensuring stable operation.

MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 Components

The primary PCIe x16 slot supports PCIe 4.0, not 5.0. While this might seem like a compromise, it’s practically irrelevant given the current lack of PCIe 5.0 compatible graphics cards. Even top-tier GPUs like the RTX 3080 haven’t fully saturated PCIe 3.0 bandwidth, rendering PCIe 4.0 more than adequate. The reinforced slot can accommodate even the largest graphics cards, such as the MSI Gaming X Trio series.

MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 Power Delivery

Memory and Storage: DDR4 and Dual M.2

The B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 supports standard DDR4 memory. While DDR5 offers higher speeds, its increased latency and current cost make DDR4 a more practical choice for many gamers. For users prioritizing speed and bandwidth for professional workloads, a DDR5-compatible motherboard might be preferable.

MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 PCIe Slot

The two M.2 slots feature traditional screw mounting and single-sided Shield Frozr heatsinks, helping to maintain optimal SSD temperatures.

MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 RAM Slots

Connectivity: Ample Options

The Mortar boasts a robust selection of connectivity options, including three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports (10Gbps) and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port (20Gbps). Networking is handled by a 2.5G LAN port and advanced Wifi-6E.

MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 M.2 Slots

MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 Rear IO

MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 Connectivity

Conclusion: A Value-Packed Platform

The MSI MAG B660M Mortar Wifi DDR4 offers a compelling blend of features and performance for its price. While it omits some high-end features like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 support, these omissions are strategically chosen to deliver a more affordable and practical platform for mainstream users. The Mortar provides a solid foundation for a 12th Gen Intel build, balancing performance, features, and value.