The Battle of the Boards: MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi vs Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX – Find Out Who Wins in a Thrilling Comparison!

Choosing the right motherboard for your next-gen Intel build can be a daunting task, especially with the wealth of options available. Two popular contenders in the mid-range segment are the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX. Both offer impressive features and performance, but which one emerges as the victor in this head-to-head showdown? Let’s dive deep and compare these two powerhouses to help you make an informed decision.

Performance: A Close Call with Slight Differences

Both motherboards are built on the Intel Z790 chipset, designed to unleash the full potential of 13th Gen Intel Core processors. Both offer robust power delivery systems with multiple VRMs and heatsinks, ensuring stable and efficient performance even under heavy workloads.
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI boasts a 16+1+1 phase VRM design with a robust heatsink, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features a 14+1+1 phase VRM with a similar heatsink design. In real-world scenarios, the difference in phase count is unlikely to be noticeable, and both motherboards deliver excellent thermal performance, keeping your CPU cool and stable even during intense gaming sessions or demanding applications.

Features: A Battle of Strengths

Both motherboards pack a punch in terms of features, catering to a wide range of user needs. Let’s break down the key differences:
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI:

• Networking: Offers both Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a smooth and reliable wireless experience.
• Audio: Features the Realtek ALC4080 codec with Nahimic Audio, promising a high-fidelity audio experience.
• Storage: Supports PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs for blazing-fast data transfer speeds.
• Expansion: Includes two M.2 slots, one with PCIe 5.0 support and the other with PCIe 4.0 support.
• Aesthetics: Sports a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting for a stylish look.

Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX:

• Networking: Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, providing a robust wireless connection.
• Audio: Features the Realtek ALC1220 codec with DTS:X Ultra, delivering immersive sound.
• Storage: Supports PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs for lightning-fast storage.
• Expansion: Includes two M.2 slots, both with PCIe 5.0 support.
• Aesthetics: Offers a stylish black and silver design with RGB lighting options.

Overclocking: Unleashing the Power

Both motherboards excel in overclocking capabilities, allowing you to push your CPU and memory to their limits. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI provides a comprehensive BIOS with a user-friendly interface, making it easy to fine-tune settings for optimal performance. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX also offers a robust BIOS with advanced tweaking options, catering to experienced overclockers.

Cooling: Keeping Things Cool

Both motherboards feature comprehensive cooling solutions to keep your components running cool and stable. They both include heatsinks for the VRM, chipset, and M.2 slots, ensuring efficient heat dissipation. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI also includes a dedicated heatsink for the rear I/O shield, further enhancing cooling performance.

Connectivity: Staying Connected

Both motherboards offer a generous selection of ports and connections to cater to your various needs. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI features a rear I/O panel with HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and multiple USB-A ports. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX also offers a similar array of ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and other USB-A ports.

Price: Value for Money

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX are priced competitively in the mid-range segment. The MSI motherboard typically commands a slightly lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the Gigabyte motherboard often offers slightly better features and performance, justifying its higher price tag.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Motherboard

Ultimately, the best motherboard for you depends on your specific needs and priorities.

• If you prioritize a budget-friendly option with excellent features and performance, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI is an excellent choice. Its robust VRM, comprehensive cooling solution, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity make it a compelling option.

• If you are looking for a motherboard with top-of-the-line features and exceptional performance, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is the way to go. Its two PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, advanced audio capabilities, and excellent overclocking potential make it a powerhouse option.

The Final Word: A Close Contest

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX are both exceptional motherboards that offer excellent performance and features. The decision ultimately comes down to your budget and specific needs. Both motherboards are worthy contenders, and you can’t go wrong with either choice.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which motherboard has better Wi-Fi performance?
Both motherboards offer Wi-Fi 6E, but the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI features Bluetooth 5.3, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX features Bluetooth 5.2. The difference in Bluetooth version is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use.
Q: Which motherboard offers better audio quality?
Both motherboards feature Realtek audio codecs, but the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX boasts the ALC1220 codec with DTS:X Ultra, while the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI features the ALC4080 codec with Nahimic Audio. The Gigabyte motherboard offers a more immersive audio experience, especially for gamers.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
Both motherboards offer robust overclocking capabilities, but the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is often considered to have a more advanced BIOS with more tweaking options, making it slightly better for experienced overclockers.
Q: Which motherboard has more expansion slots?
Both motherboards offer two M.2 slots, but the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has both slots with PCIe 5.0 support, while the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI has one PCIe 5.0 slot and one PCIe 4.0 slot.
Q: Which motherboard offers better value for money?
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WIFI is generally priced lower than the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the Gigabyte motherboard often offers slightly better features and performance, justifying its higher price tag.