What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Z690 exudes a rugged and military-inspired design, adorned with angular lines and a stealthy black and gray color scheme.
- The ASUS TUF Z690 is a dream for overclockers, with a robust VRM design and comprehensive BIOS settings.
- On the other hand, the MSI Tomahawk Z690 offers a more balanced approach, with sleek aesthetics, solid performance, and a competitive….
The realm of motherboards has witnessed an epic clash between two formidable contenders: the ASUS TUF Z690 and the MSI Tomahawk Z690. These ATX motherboards, designed to unleash the full potential of Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors, stand as prime choices for enthusiasts and gamers alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these two titans, exploring their features, performance, and value to determine which reigns supreme.
Design and Aesthetics
The ASUS TUF Z690 exudes a rugged and military-inspired design, adorned with angular lines and a stealthy black and gray color scheme. Its durable construction and reinforced components cater to the demands of extreme overclocking and system stability. In contrast, the MSI Tomahawk Z690 presents a more understated and elegant appearance. Its sleek black PCB and brushed aluminum heatsinks exude professionalism and sophistication.
Socket and Chipset
Both motherboards feature the Intel LGA 1700 socket, compatible with Intel’s 12th-generation Core processors. The Z690 chipset serves as the backbone, enabling support for PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, unlocking unprecedented performance potential.
Memory and Storage
The ASUS TUF Z690 boasts four DDR5 DIMM slots, supporting up to 128GB of memory with speeds up to 6000MHz. It also features four M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4 and three PCIe 4.0 x4, providing ample storage options for lightning-fast SSDs. The MSI Tomahawk Z690 offers similar memory support, with four DDR5 DIMM slots and speeds up to 6200MHz. However, it has only three M.2 slots, two PCIe 4.0 x4 and one PCIe 3.0 x4, limiting its storage expandability.
Connectivity
The ASUS TUF Z690 is a connectivity powerhouse, featuring a plethora of ports and interfaces. It includes six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 port for high-speed data transfer. Networking is handled by a 2.5GbE LAN port and an Intel Wi-Fi 6E module. The MSI Tomahawk Z690 is equally well-equipped, offering six USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 port. It also features a 2.5GbE LAN port but lacks built-in Wi-Fi, requiring users to purchase a separate adapter.
Expansion Slots
The ASUS TUF Z690 provides ample expansion options, with three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. This configuration allows for multiple graphics cards and other peripherals to be installed simultaneously. The MSI Tomahawk Z690 offers a similar setup, with three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot, but it lacks the additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot.
Audio and Lighting
The ASUS TUF Z690 comes equipped with a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec, delivering high-quality audio performance. It also features a dedicated SupremeFX S1220A chip for enhanced audio processing and noise reduction. The MSI Tomahawk Z690 utilizes a Realtek ALC897 audio codec, which is less advanced but still provides good audio quality. Both motherboards offer RGB lighting headers, allowing users to customize their systems with vibrant illumination.
Overclocking and Cooling
The ASUS TUF Z690 is a dream for overclockers, with a robust VRM design and comprehensive BIOS settings. Its 16+1 power phases and ProCool connectors ensure stable power delivery, while the large heatsinks and dual M.2 heatsinks effectively dissipate heat during intense overclocking sessions. The MSI Tomahawk Z690 also features a capable VRM design with 14+1+1 power phases. However, its smaller heatsinks and lack of dedicated M.2 heatsinks may limit its overclocking potential compared to the ASUS TUF Z690.
Price and Availability
The ASUS TUF Z690 and MSI Tomahawk Z690 are both available at similar price points, ranging from $250 to $300. Their availability may vary depending on region and retailer.
Key Points: The Ultimate Verdict
The ASUS TUF Z690 and MSI Tomahawk Z690 are both exceptional motherboards that cater to different needs and preferences. For those seeking extreme performance, overclocking capabilities, and comprehensive connectivity, the ASUS TUF Z690 stands as the superior choice. Its rugged design, advanced audio, and ample expansion options make it an ideal platform for enthusiasts and power users. On the other hand, the MSI Tomahawk Z690 offers a more balanced approach, with sleek aesthetics, solid performance, and a competitive price. It is a great option for gamers and content creators who prioritize value and reliability.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking potential?
A: The ASUS TUF Z690 has a more robust VRM design and larger heatsinks, providing superior overclocking capabilities.
Q: Which motherboard offers more storage options?
A: The ASUS TUF Z690 has four M.2 slots, including one PCIe 5.0 x4, while the MSI Tomahawk Z690 has only three M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has built-in Wi-Fi?
A: The ASUS TUF Z690 has an Intel Wi-Fi 6E module, while the MSI Tomahawk Z690 requires a separate Wi-Fi adapter.
