What To Know
- The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is a reliable and feature-packed motherboard for gaming and productivity.
- The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- If you value fast storage speeds, a modern design, and reliable performance, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is a solid option.
In the realm of PC hardware, motherboards play a pivotal role in determining the performance and functionality of your system. When it comes to the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors, two exceptional options emerge: the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi. This comprehensive comparison aims to guide you in choosing the best motherboard for your gaming or enthusiast PC.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi | MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z790 | Intel Z790 |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX |
| Memory | 4x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 128GB | 4x DDR5 DIMM slots, up to 128GB |
| Storage | 4x M.2 slots (3x PCIe 4.0, 1x PCIe 3.0), 6x SATA ports | 4x M.2 slots (3x PCIe 5.0, 1x PCIe 4.0), 6x SATA ports |
| Networking | 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6E | 2.5GbE LAN, WiFi 6 |
| Audio | Realtek ALC4080 codec | Realtek ALC1220 codec |
| USB | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 5x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 5x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A |
| PCIe Slots | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 | 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 4.0 x16, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 |
Performance and Features
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi:
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi offers a robust feature set for gamers and enthusiasts. It supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6400MHz, enabling seamless multitasking and gaming performance. The motherboard boasts four M.2 slots, including three PCIe 4.0 slots and one PCIe 3.0 slot, providing ample storage options for NVMe SSDs.
In terms of connectivity, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi features 2.5GbE LAN and WiFi 6E for fast and stable network connections. The Realtek ALC4080 audio codec delivers immersive sound for gaming and entertainment.
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi:
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is a reliable and feature-packed motherboard for gaming and productivity. It supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory with speeds up to 6800MHz, ensuring smooth performance for demanding applications. The motherboard includes four M.2 slots, with three PCIe 5.0 slots and one PCIe 4.0 slot, offering blazing-fast storage speeds for NVMe SSDs.
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi features 2.5GbE LAN and WiFi 6 for reliable and high-speed network connections. The Realtek ALC1220 audio codec provides clear and detailed audio for gaming and music.
Design and Aesthetics
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi:
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi sports a rugged and military-inspired design. Its black and gray color scheme exudes a sense of durability and reliability. The motherboard features a large VRM heatsink and a dedicated M.2 heatsink to ensure optimal cooling under heavy loads.
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi:
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi has a sleek and modern design. Its black and silver color scheme gives it a professional and understated look. The motherboard features a large VRM heatsink and a dedicated M.2 heatsink to maintain stable temperatures during intensive use.
Overclocking Capabilities
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi offer robust overclocking capabilities for enthusiasts. They provide comprehensive BIOS settings and utilities to fine-tune voltage, frequency, and other parameters to maximize performance.
Pricing and Availability
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi are available at comparable price points. The actual pricing may vary depending on retail channels and promotions.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritize durability, rugged design, and strong overclocking capabilities, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi is an excellent choice.
If you value fast storage speeds, a modern design, and reliable performance, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is a solid option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better VRM cooling?
Both motherboards feature robust VRM cooling solutions, but the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi has a slightly larger VRM heatsink.
Q: Which motherboard supports faster memory speeds?
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi supports slightly faster memory speeds, up to 6800MHz compared to 6400MHz on the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi.
Q: Which motherboard has more PCIe slots?
Both motherboards have the same number of PCIe slots, with one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
