Key points
- Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk sport the ATX form factor, making them suitable for full-tower and mid-tower cases.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk are both based on the Intel Z690 chipset, providing support for the latest 12th-generation Intel Core processors.
- The ASUS motherboard offers a rugged design, robust power delivery, and comprehensive connectivity options, while the MSI motherboard boasts a sleek aesthetic, ample power for overclocking, and a user-friendly BIOS.
In the realm of PC building, the motherboard serves as the central hub that connects all the essential components of your system. When it comes to the latest Intel 12th-generation processors, two exceptional ATX motherboards stand out: the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of these two contenders to help you make an informed decision for your next build.
Form Factor and Design
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk sport the ATX form factor, making them suitable for full-tower and mid-tower cases. The ASUS motherboard boasts a rugged black and gray design with a military-grade TUF Protection certification, ensuring durability and reliability. In contrast, the MSI motherboard features a sleek black and silver aesthetic with a more understated appearance.
Chipset and Connectivity
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk are both based on the Intel Z690 chipset, providing support for the latest 12th-generation Intel Core processors. Both motherboards offer ample connectivity options, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and Type-C ports, as well as onboard Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.
Power Delivery and VRM
Power delivery is crucial for high-performance systems. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus features a robust 16+1 power phase design with ProCool connectors, ensuring stable power delivery to the CPU. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk, on the other hand, boasts a 14+1+1 power phase design with Core Boost technology, providing ample power for demanding workloads.
Expansion Slots and Storage
Expansion slots are essential for adding additional components to your system. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus offers three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, four PCIe 3.0 x1 slots, and two M.2 slots. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk also provides three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, but it has only three PCIe 3.0 x1 slots and three M.2 slots.
Audio and Networking
For immersive audio experiences, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus features a Realtek ALC4080 audio codec with DTS Custom support. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk, however, utilizes a Realtek ALC897 audio codec with Nahimic Audio Enhancer. Both motherboards offer Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, but the ASUS motherboard also includes a 2.5Gb Ethernet port for faster wired connections.
BIOS and Overclocking
The BIOS is the interface used to configure and overclock your system. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus comes with a user-friendly UEFI BIOS with a wide range of overclocking options. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk also has a well-designed BIOS with intuitive controls for overclocking and system monitoring.
Price and Value
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk are priced competitively, with the ASUS motherboard slightly more expensive. Both motherboards offer excellent value for money, providing a comprehensive feature set and solid performance.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Motherboard for Your Needs
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk are both exceptional ATX motherboards for Intel 12th-generation processors. The ASUS motherboard offers a rugged design, robust power delivery, and comprehensive connectivity options, while the MSI motherboard boasts a sleek aesthetic, ample power for overclocking, and a user-friendly BIOS. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific requirements and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a slightly better audio codec and DTS Custom support, providing a more immersive audio experience.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has two M.2 slots, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk has three.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards offer solid overclocking capabilities, but the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a more robust power delivery system.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: Both motherboards offer ample USB ports, but the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a slightly wider selection, including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports.
Q: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A: The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is slightly more affordable than the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus.