Discover the Power of Innovation: Asus TUF Gaming Z790 vs MSI Tomahawk Z790 – Which One Should You Buy?

Choosing the right motherboard for your next-generation Intel build can be a daunting task, especially when faced with two formidable contenders like the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus and the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk. Both motherboards offer a compelling blend of performance, features, and value, but subtle differences set them apart. This in-depth comparison delves into the key aspects of each motherboard, helping you decide which one best suits your needs and budget.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus: Known for its durability, reliability, and military-grade components, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus is a solid choice for gamers and enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded motherboard. It boasts a robust power delivery system, comprehensive connectivity options, and a stylish design.
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk: The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk stands out for its aggressive aesthetic, exceptional cooling capabilities, and an impressive array of features. It offers a powerful VRM, a generous selection of I/O ports, and impressive overclocking potential.

Performance: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus and the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk are built on the Intel Z790 chipset, providing ample bandwidth and performance potential. The real difference lies in their respective power delivery systems.
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus features a 14+1 Dr. MOS power stage, utilizing a combination of digital power controllers and high-quality MOSFETs to deliver stable and efficient power to the CPU. This translates to reliable overclocking and consistent performance.
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk boasts a 16+1+1 Duet Rail Power System, which employs a similar approach to the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus. The additional phase ensures even more robust power delivery, potentially enabling higher overclocking headroom.
In real-world scenarios, both motherboards deliver excellent performance, capable of handling the latest Intel 13th Gen processors with ease. The slight advantage in terms of power delivery might give the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk a slight edge for extreme overclocking enthusiasts.

Features: A Detailed Breakdown

Storage: Both motherboards offer a generous selection of storage options, including multiple PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots for high-performance NVMe SSDs. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus includes two PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, while the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk boasts three, providing more flexibility for storage expansion.
Networking: Both motherboards come equipped with a high-speed Intel 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port for fast wired connectivity. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus also includes an Intel Wi-Fi 6E module for blazing-fast wireless speeds, while the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk relies on Wi-Fi 6.
Audio: Both motherboards incorporate high-quality audio solutions. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus features a Realtek ALC4080 codec with a dedicated audio amplifier, while the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk utilizes a Realtek ALC1220 codec. Both offer immersive audio experiences for gaming and multimedia.
Customization: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus provides a selection of RGB lighting zones, allowing you to personalize your build with various lighting effects. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk takes customization a step further with its Mystic Light Sync technology, enabling synchronized RGB lighting across compatible MSI components.

Aesthetics and Design: A Matter of Preference

Both motherboards showcase distinct aesthetic approaches. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus maintains a sleek and understated design, emphasizing durability and functionality. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk, on the other hand, embraces a more aggressive and gamer-centric aesthetic with its black and silver color scheme and angular design elements.

Which Motherboard Should You Choose?

The choice between the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus and the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk ultimately hinges on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus if:

• You prioritize durability and reliability.
• You seek a well-rounded motherboard with a balanced feature set.
• You prefer a sleek and understated design.

Choose the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk if:

• You desire a motherboard with exceptional cooling capabilities.
• You want the most extensive storage options.
• You appreciate an aggressive and gamer-centric aesthetic.
• You prefer extensive RGB lighting customization.

Final Thoughts: A Worthy Contender in the Z790 Lineup

Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus and the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk are exceptional motherboards offering robust performance, a wealth of features, and excellent value. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus excels in its reliability and understated design, while the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk impresses with its aggressive aesthetics, extensive features, and impressive cooling capabilities. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your individual preferences and requirements.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk might have a slight edge due to its more robust power delivery system, potentially enabling higher overclocking headroom.
Q: Which motherboard has better cooling?
A: The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk boasts a more comprehensive cooling solution with additional heatsinks and a larger heatsink for the VRM. This results in better thermal performance, especially under heavy workloads.
Q: Which motherboard is better for budget-conscious builders?
A: Both motherboards offer great value for their respective price points. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus might be slightly more budget-friendly.
Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus includes an Intel Wi-Fi 6E module, providing faster wireless speeds compared to the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk’s Wi-Fi 6. Both motherboards offer a generous selection of I/O ports, including multiple USB ports, a dedicated audio jack, and a LAN port.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gamers?
A: Both motherboards are excellent choices for gamers, offering excellent performance and features. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk might be slightly more appealing to gamers due to its aggressive aesthetics and its extensive RGB lighting customization options.