Did I pick the wrong motherboard? MAG X670E TOMAHAWK WIFI

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I’m a dev looking to deepen my Linux (Ubuntu) skills by setting up various services, including:

  • A modded Minecraft server
  • KVM virtualization
  • Plex media server
  • Development servers for PostgreSQL and MongoDB
  • An ETL pipeline
  • Docker Containers

For this, I’ve chosen the MSI MAG X670E TOMAHAWK WIFI (NewEgg) motherboard, though I still have the option to return it if needed.

Network Controllers:

  • LAN Controller: Realtek RTL8125BG (2.5Gbps Ethernet)
  • Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Module: AMD Wi-Fi 6E module (Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth 5.3) – Unfortunately, the exact model isn’t specified in MSI’s documentation.

I’ve seen reports that the LAN and Wi-Fi on this board might not work well with Linux, and that Intel-based network adapters tend to have better support. This is making me second-guess my choice, thinking I might need to go with an ASRock motherboard instead and do deeper research on the network controllers before buying.

If you know the exact Wi-Fi module model or have recommendations for getting everything running smoothly on Linux, I’d really appreciate your input! Thanks!

(Also, I’ve heard that if a board was released at least 18 months ago, things should work fine. This one was released almost exactly 2 years ago—does that hold true here?)

EDIT: I plan to be on Ethernet, but wifi working too would be a plus.

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Did some more digging and found this: https://www.realtek.com/Download/List?cate_id=584

It seems that RTL8125B(G) drivers can be found that support linux kernel up to v6.12.

So I’m saved I think?

Still have no idea what the WIFI Controller on this Mobo is tho.

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The AMD WiFi card uses a MediaTek chipset which is well supported in Linux with the in-tree driver: https://wireless.docs.kernel.org/en/latest/en/users/drivers/mediatek.html

Someone said this to me elsewhere, unable to confirm if true. However, was able to confirm that ethernet should work!

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The AMD Wi-Fi 6E module, specifically the RZ608, is well-supported in recent Linux kernels, making it compatible with Ubuntu. However, users have noted that while it works, it may not be as stable as Intel’s solutions.

That’s all I know about it, Sorry wish I had better proof.

And there are supported Intel WiFi dongles out there if needed.

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Hi, congrats on the new system.

I cannot say you made a bad choice. Looks like a good board. Others here may have & use it as well.

I am in the Asus line of boards but that don’t mean anything.

My preference is with Intel NICs, but honestly I’ve had no problems in the past with Realtek. Have enough SATA connectors especially if any are disabled after populating multiple M.2(s). Otherwise, plan for an expansion card. You have expansion options with that board it appears. Then I like a board/CPU marriage that supports ECC ram. Those are my main three in a MB. I am not experienced w/onboard WiFi & BT. I try to find boards without those, but today most new boards include them. In these cases I disable them.

Cheers & excited for you, it’s fun doing this.

Get lots of ram.

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Yup I chose to get 96 GB’s of ram 2x48 CAS 30 6000Mhz.

Well the board supports ECC ram, but if the need ever arises and we are getting serious for something like a production database. (Small Business or Startup) I think I will do a completely new build.

I choose a processor that has 8 physical cores and 16 threads. So it’s not a threadripper/xeon/eypc type of linux server with ECC ram.

It’s for the best modded Minecraft experience for my family and:

  • KVM virtualization
  • Plex media server
  • Development servers for PostgreSQL and MongoDB
  • An ETL pipeline
  • Docker Containers
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Or you can try installing r8125-dkms and that should work

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I am using the same board in my desktop. Works fine here.

EDIT: To answer the wifi question:
0e:00.0 Network controller: MEDIATEK Corp. MT7922 802.11ax PCI Express Wireless Network Adapter
Also I don’t use any non-standard drivers.