MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk vs Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite: The Battle of the Best Motherboards for Intel CPUs

Choosing the right motherboard for your next PC build can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the mid-range Z690 segment are the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite. Both offer a compelling blend of features and performance, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key specifications, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

A Look at the Key Features

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk: The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk boasts a robust feature set designed for gamers and enthusiasts. It features a 14+1+1 phase VRM with 70A power stages, ensuring stable performance even with high-end processors. The board comes equipped with two PCIe 5.0 slots, one for your graphics card and another for an NVMe SSD. It also offers a variety of connectivity options, including 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and multiple USB ports.
Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite is another strong contender, offering a similar feature set to the Tomahawk. It also features a 14+1+1 phase VRM with 70A power stages, providing ample power delivery for demanding processors. The board includes two PCIe 5.0 slots, one for your GPU and the other for an NVMe SSD. Connectivity options include 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and a generous selection of USB ports.

Performance: A Close Race

Both motherboards deliver excellent performance, thanks to their robust VRM designs and support for the latest Intel 12th Gen processors. In benchmarks, the two boards perform very similarly, with minimal differences in CPU and memory performance. The choice between the two largely comes down to personal preference and the specific features you prioritize.

Design and Aesthetics

The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk features a sleek, understated design with a black and silver color scheme. It’s a simple yet effective look that blends well with most PC builds. The board includes RGB lighting on the chipset heatsink and I/O shield, allowing for customization.
The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite adopts a more aggressive aesthetic with a black and silver color scheme and a prominent Aorus logo. It features RGB lighting on the chipset heatsink, I/O shield, and audio components, offering greater customization options.

Connectivity: A Detailed Comparison

Both motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity options, but there are some key differences to consider:
MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk:

• Networking: 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E
• USB: 10 USB ports (including 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, and 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A)
• Audio: Realtek ALC1220 codec with Nahimic Audio

Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite:

• Networking: 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6
• USB: 9 USB ports (including 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, and 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C)
• Audio: Realtek ALC1220 codec with DTS X: Ultra

The Tomahawk edges out the Aorus Elite in terms of connectivity, offering Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds and an additional USB port. However, the Aorus Elite compensates with DTS X: Ultra audio technology for enhanced sound immersion.

Expansion Options: Comparing the Slots

Both motherboards offer a similar range of expansion slots:
MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk:

• PCIe: 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1
• M.2: 3x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4)

Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite:

• PCIe: 1x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 1x PCIe 4.0 x1
• M.2: 3x M.2 slots (1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4)

Both boards provide ample expansion options, with two PCIe 5.0 slots, one for your graphics card and the other for an NVMe SSD. They also offer three M.2 slots, allowing you to install multiple high-speed storage devices.

BIOS and Software: A User-Friendly Experience

Both MSI and Gigabyte offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with intuitive navigation and clear settings. The BIOS on both boards allows for extensive customization, including overclocking, fan control, and XMP profile management. Both manufacturers also provide comprehensive software suites that offer additional features for monitoring, customization, and system optimization.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Motherboard

Ultimately, the choice between the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk and the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite comes down to your specific needs and preferences.
MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk:

• Pros: Wi-Fi 6E support, additional USB port, understated design
• Cons: Slightly higher price

Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite:

• Pros: More aggressive aesthetics, DTS X: Ultra audio technology, slightly lower price
• Cons: No Wi-Fi 6E support, fewer USB ports

If you prioritize faster wireless speeds, additional connectivity options, and a clean, minimalist design, the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is the better choice. However, if you prefer a more aggressive aesthetic, enhanced audio capabilities, and a slightly lower price point, the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite is a worthy contender.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities thanks to their robust VRM designs. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific features you prioritize in the BIOS.
Q: Which motherboard is better for gaming?
A: Both motherboards are well-suited for gaming, offering high-performance components, reliable power delivery, and excellent connectivity options. The choice depends on your preference for features like Wi-Fi 6E, additional USB ports, or DTS X: Ultra audio technology.
Q: Which motherboard is better for budget-conscious builders?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite offers a slightly lower price point than the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, both motherboards are positioned in the mid-range segment and offer excellent value for their price.
Q: Which motherboard has better RGB lighting?
A: The Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite offers more extensive RGB lighting options, with illumination on the chipset heatsink, I/O shield, and audio components. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk only features RGB lighting on the chipset heatsink and I/O shield.
Q: Which motherboard is better overall?
A: Both motherboards are excellent choices, offering a compelling blend of features and performance. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk edges out the Gigabyte Z690 Aorus Elite in terms of connectivity and design, but the Aorus Elite offers a more aggressive aesthetic and a slightly lower price point. The best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.