What To Know
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro has a more elaborate heatsink design with extended fins, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk has a more compact heatsink.
- The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro also has a slight advantage in memory overclocking, as it supports DDR5 memory with higher speeds and lower latencies than DDR4 memory.
In the realm of PC building, the motherboard is the backbone upon which all other components rest. With the advent of Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake processors, two standout motherboards have emerged: the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each motherboard, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately determining which one reigns supreme.
Features and Specifications
Chipset and Socket
Both motherboards utilize the latest Intel Z690 chipset, providing support for 12th-generation Intel Core processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with the new generation of CPUs.
Memory Support
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk supports up to 64GB of DDR4 memory. DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and lower latency, but DDR4 remains a reliable and cost-effective option.
Storage Connectivity
Both motherboards offer ample storage connectivity options. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro features six SATA ports and four M.2 slots, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk has four SATA ports and three M.2 slots.
Expansion Slots
For expansion cards, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro provides three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk offers two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots.
Connectivity and Ports
Rear Panel I/O
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro boasts a comprehensive rear panel I/O interface, including:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port
- 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
- 2.5GbE LAN port
- Wi-Fi 6E antenna connectors
The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk offers a slightly less extensive rear panel I/O, with:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports
- 2.5GbE LAN port
- Wi-Fi 6 antenna connectors
Internal Headers
Both motherboards offer a wide range of internal headers for connecting additional components, such as fans, RGB lighting, and front panel connectors.
Power Delivery and VRM
Power Delivery
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro is equipped with a robust 16+1+2 power phase design, delivering up to 90A of current per phase. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk features a slightly less powerful 14+2+1 power phase design, providing up to 80A of current per phase.
VRM Heatsink
Both motherboards feature large VRM heatsinks to dissipate heat from the power delivery components. The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro has a more elaborate heatsink design with extended fins, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk has a more compact heatsink.
BIOS and Software
BIOS Interface
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro and MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with advanced overclocking and tuning options. Both BIOSes provide detailed information about system components and allow for granular control over settings.
Software Suite
Gigabyte provides the Aorus Engine software suite, while MSI offers the Dragon Center software suite. These software suites offer a range of features, including system monitoring, overclocking, and RGB lighting control.
Performance and Overclocking
CPU Overclocking
Both motherboards support overclocking of Intel 12th-generation processors. However, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro has a slight edge in overclocking capabilities due to its more robust power delivery and VRM design.
Memory Overclocking
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro also has a slight advantage in memory overclocking, as it supports DDR5 memory with higher speeds and lower latencies than DDR4 memory.
Aesthetics and Design
Design
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro features a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting accents. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk has a more understated black and gray design with fewer RGB lighting elements.
RGB Lighting
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro offers more RGB lighting zones than the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk, allowing for more customization and personalization.
Price and Availability
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro is priced slightly higher than the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk. Both motherboards are widely available from major retailers.
Verdict: The Ultimate Winner
After a thorough comparison, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro emerges as the superior motherboard for high-end PC builds. It offers a more robust power delivery, better memory overclocking support, and more comprehensive connectivity options. While the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is a solid mid-range option, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro is the clear choice for enthusiasts and power users.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations
Use Case
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro is ideal for high-performance gaming, content creation, and overclocking. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is a more budget-friendly option suitable for mainstream gaming and general use.
Future-Proofing
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro supports DDR5 memory, which is the latest and fastest memory technology. This provides future-proofing for potential upgrades to future generations of processors.
Aesthetics
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro has a more flashy and customizable design with more RGB lighting zones. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk has a more understated design that may appeal to those who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic.
Top Questions Asked
1. Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro has slightly better overclocking capabilities due to its more robust power delivery and VRM design.
2. Which motherboard supports faster memory speeds?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro supports DDR5 memory, which offers higher bandwidth and lower latency than DDR4 memory.
3. Which motherboard offers more RGB lighting zones?
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Pro offers more RGB lighting zones, allowing for more customization and personalization.
