Unveiling the ultimate z690 motherboard battle: gigabyte vs msi

Overview

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.