Key points
- The battle for motherboard supremacy in the realm of next-generation gaming PCs has reached a fever pitch with the arrival of the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and the MSI Tomahawk Z790.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 features a rugged and industrial look with a military-grade design, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 has a more elegant and understated appearance.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a slight edge in overclocking and storage options, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 boasts superior network connectivity and a more affordable price point.
The battle for motherboard supremacy in the realm of next-generation gaming PCs has reached a fever pitch with the arrival of the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and the MSI Tomahawk Z790. Both these motherboards boast impressive specifications and features, making them highly sought-after options for enthusiasts seeking unparalleled performance and stability. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these two titans to determine which one reigns supreme.
Performance
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and MSI Tomahawk Z790 are both equipped with the latest Intel Z790 chipset, providing support for the 13th and 12th generation Intel Core processors. Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, allowing users to push their systems to the limits. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a slight edge in this department, thanks to its enhanced power delivery system and optimized BIOS settings.
Features
Connectivity:
Both motherboards feature a wide array of connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 6E. However, the MSI Tomahawk Z790 boasts a dedicated 2.5GbE LAN port for high-speed network connectivity, giving it an advantage in online gaming and demanding workloads.
Storage:
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 offers a total of six SATA ports and four M.2 slots, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 provides four SATA ports and three M.2 slots. Both motherboards support PCIe 5.0 for ultra-fast storage devices, but the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has the edge with its additional M.2 slot.
Expansion:
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and MSI Tomahawk Z790 come with multiple PCIe 4.0 slots for graphics cards and other expansion cards. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a slight advantage with an additional PCIe 4.0 x1 slot, providing greater flexibility for system expansion.
Design
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and MSI Tomahawk Z790 have distinct design aesthetics. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 features a rugged and industrial look with a military-grade design, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 has a more elegant and understated appearance. Both motherboards have customizable RGB lighting, allowing users to personalize their systems.
BIOS
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and MSI Tomahawk Z790 come with user-friendly BIOS interfaces that provide comprehensive control over system settings. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a slightly more intuitive and visually appealing BIOS, making it easier for beginners to navigate. Both motherboards offer advanced overclocking options for experienced users.
Overclocking
As previously mentioned, both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a slight edge in this area due to its enhanced power delivery system and optimized BIOS settings. However, the MSI Tomahawk Z790 is no slouch in the overclocking department and can still deliver impressive performance gains.
Key Points: The Ultimate Showdown
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 and MSI Tomahawk Z790 are both exceptional motherboards that offer a compelling combination of performance, features, and design. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a slight edge in overclocking and storage options, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 boasts superior network connectivity and a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize raw performance and overclocking potential, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 is the way to go. However, if you value network performance and budget-friendliness, the MSI Tomahawk Z790 is an excellent option.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q1: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A1: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 has a slight edge in overclocking due to its enhanced power delivery system and optimized BIOS settings.
Q2: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A2: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790 offers six SATA ports and four M.2 slots, while the MSI Tomahawk Z790 provides four SATA ports and three M.2 slots.
Q3: Which motherboard has better network connectivity?
A3: The MSI Tomahawk Z790 has a dedicated 2.5GbE LAN port for high-speed network connectivity, giving it an advantage in online gaming and demanding workloads.