What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and the MSI Tomahawk Z790 to help you make an informed decision.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 comes in a standard ATX form factor, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 is available in both ATX and mATX form factors.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a slight edge in terms of overclocking potential and memory support, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 is available in a more compact mATX form factor.
The world of PC gaming is constantly evolving, with new motherboards emerging to meet the demands of the latest hardware. Two such motherboards that have garnered significant attention are the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and the MSI Tomahawk Z790. Both boards offer a plethora of features and capabilities, but which one is the better choice for your gaming rig? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and the MSI Tomahawk Z790 to help you make an informed decision.
Features and Specifications
Chipset and Socket
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and the MSI Tomahawk Z790 are based on the Intel Z790 chipset, which supports the latest 13th-generation Intel Core processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of CPUs.
Form Factor
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 comes in a standard ATX form factor, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 is available in both ATX and mATX form factors. The ATX form factor provides more expansion options, while the mATX form factor is ideal for smaller builds.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, with the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 supporting up to 128GB of RAM at speeds of up to 6400MHz. The MSI Tomahawk Z790, on the other hand, supports up to 64GB of RAM at speeds of up to 5600MHz.
Storage Options
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 features four M.2 slots, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 has three. Both boards support NVMe SSDs, with the ASUS board offering PCIe 5.0 support for one of the slots.
PCIe Slots
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has three PCIe 5.0 slots, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 has two. Both boards also include PCIe 4.0 slots for additional expansion options.
Connectivity
Both motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a 2.5GbE LAN port, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 has a 1GbE LAN port.
Aesthetics
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a rugged, military-inspired design, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 boasts a sleek, black and white aesthetic. Both boards feature RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the look of your system.
Performance
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and the MSI Tomahawk Z790 offer excellent performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. However, there are some subtle differences to consider.
CPU Overclocking
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a slight edge in CPU overclocking capabilities, thanks to its more robust VRM design. This means that you may be able to push your CPU to higher clock speeds on the ASUS board.
Memory Overclocking
Both motherboards offer good memory overclocking capabilities, but the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a slight advantage in this area as well. This is likely due to its support for higher memory speeds.
Gaming Performance
In terms of gaming performance, there is very little difference between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and the MSI Tomahawk Z790. Both boards provide excellent performance for the latest games, and you are unlikely to notice any significant difference in frame rates.
Features Comparison
| Feature | ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 | MSI Tomahawk Z790 |
| — | — | — |
| Form Factor | ATX | ATX, mATX |
| Memory Support | Up to 128GB DDR5 (6400MHz) | Up to 64GB DDR5 (5600MHz) |
| Storage Options | 4x M.2 (1x PCIe 5.0) | 3x M.2 |
| PCIe Slots | 3x PCIe 5.0, 2x PCIe 4.0 | 2x PCIe 5.0, 1x PCIe 4.0 |
| LAN | 2.5GbE | 1GbE |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| RGB Lighting | Yes | Yes |
Pricing
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 is typically priced slightly higher than the MSI Tomahawk Z790. The exact pricing may vary depending on the retailer and the specific model you choose.
Final Note: The Verdict
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and the MSI Tomahawk Z790 are excellent motherboards that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a slight edge in terms of overclocking potential and memory support, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 is available in a more compact mATX form factor. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you want the absolute best performance and are willing to pay a bit more, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 is the way to go. However, if you are on a tighter budget or prefer a smaller form factor, the MSI Tomahawk Z790 is an excellent option.
Popular Questions
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 or the MSI Tomahawk Z790?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent gaming performance, and there is very little difference between them in terms of frame rates. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a slight edge in overclocking capabilities, which may give you a small performance boost in some games.
Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 6400MHz, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory at speeds of up to 5600MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has four M.2 slots, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 has three. Both boards support NVMe SSDs, with the ASUS board offering PCIe 5.0 support for one of the slots.
