The Showdown of the Century: Asus TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi vs MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi – Which Motherboard Dominates?

Choosing the right motherboard for your next PC build can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. Two popular contenders in the Z790 chipset category are the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi. Both motherboards offer a compelling set of features and performance, but which one comes out on top? Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed decision.

Chipset and Compatibility

Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi are built on the Intel Z790 chipset. This means they support the latest 13th and 12th generation Intel Core processors, including the powerful Raptor Lake and Alder Lake series.
The Z790 chipset provides a significant performance boost over its predecessor, the Z690, with faster PCIe 5.0 support for your graphics card and storage devices. Both motherboards also offer a wide range of RAM compatibility, supporting DDR5 memory for blazing-fast speeds.

Design and Aesthetics

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi sports a sleek black and silver color scheme with a subtle military-inspired design. The motherboard features a robust heatsink covering the VRM area, ensuring efficient cooling for your CPU. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi, on the other hand, boasts a more aggressive design with red accents and a striking dragon logo. It also features a large heatsink over the VRM and chipset, prioritizing thermal performance.

Expansion and Connectivity

Both motherboards offer excellent expansion capabilities. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi includes three PCIe 5.0 slots for your graphics card and other high-speed peripherals. It also features multiple M.2 slots, allowing for high-performance NVMe SSDs. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi offers similar expansion options, including three PCIe 5.0 slots and multiple M.2 slots.
In terms of connectivity, both motherboards feature a comprehensive set of ports. They include multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, USB-C ports, and Gigabit Ethernet for wired connectivity. Both also come equipped with WiFi 6E for fast and reliable wireless internet access.

Features and Overclocking

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi are packed with features for enthusiasts and gamers alike. Both motherboards offer robust VRM designs, allowing for stable overclocking of your CPU. They also include features like BIOS Flashback, which allows you to update the BIOS without a CPU installed.
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi features a dedicated button for switching between BIOS profiles, making it easier to manage your overclocking settings. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi, on the other hand, offers a comprehensive set of software utilities, including MSI’s Dragon Center, which allows you to monitor and control various system aspects.

Pricing and Value

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi are priced competitively within the high-end Z790 segment. While the exact pricing may vary depending on the retailer, both motherboards offer excellent value for their features and performance.

Which Motherboard is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi:

• Best for: Users who prioritize a robust and reliable motherboard with a simple and clean design.
• Pros: Excellent VRM cooling, dedicated BIOS profile switch button, strong build quality.
• Cons: May lack some of the advanced software features offered by MSI.

MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi:

• Best for: Users who prefer a more aggressive design and appreciate a comprehensive suite of software utilities.
• Pros: Striking aesthetics, extensive software features, good overclocking capabilities.
• Cons: May not be as robust as the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi.

The Verdict: A Close Race

Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi and MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi are excellent Z790 motherboards that offer exceptional performance and features. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi shines with its robust build quality and simple design, while the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi appeals to users who prefer a more aggressive aesthetic and comprehensive software features.
The final decision comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you value reliability and a clean design, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi is a solid choice. However, if you prefer a more visually striking motherboard with extensive software features, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is a worthy contender.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, thanks to their robust VRM designs. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi’s dedicated BIOS profile switch button can make it slightly easier to manage your overclocking settings.
Q: Which motherboard has better cooling?
A: Both motherboards feature large heatsinks over the VRM and chipset, ensuring efficient thermal performance. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi may have a slight edge in cooling due to its more aggressive design and larger heatsink.
Q: Which motherboard is more expensive?
A: The pricing of both motherboards can vary depending on the retailer and time of purchase. However, they are generally priced within the same range, making them both competitive options in the high-end Z790 segment.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gamers?
A: Both motherboards are excellent choices for gamers, offering excellent performance, robust connectivity, and features like WiFi 6E for lag-free online gaming. The decision comes down to personal preference and the specific features you prioritize.
Q: Which motherboard is more beginner-friendly?
A: Both motherboards are relatively user-friendly, but the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi’s simpler design and dedicated BIOS profile switch button may make it slightly more beginner-friendly.