MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi vs Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX: Battle of the ATX Motherboards
What To Know
- The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6600MHz, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6800MHz.
- The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi has a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a more traditional black and orange design with RGB lighting.
In the realm of ATX motherboards for Intel’s 13th-generation “Raptor Lake” processors, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi and Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX stand out as formidable contenders. Both motherboards offer a compelling blend of features, performance, and value, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two ATX motherboards, helping you make an informed decision for your next PC build.
Chipset and Socket
Both the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi and Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX utilize the Intel Z790 chipset, providing support for the latest 13th-generation Intel Core processors. The Z790 chipset offers a wide range of features, including support for PCIe 5.0, DDR5 memory, and Thunderbolt 4.
Power Delivery
The power delivery system is crucial for delivering stable and reliable power to the processor. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi features a 16+1+1 phase power delivery system, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX boasts a 16+2+1 phase power delivery system. Both motherboards have robust power delivery systems that can handle even the most demanding processors.
Memory Support
Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, but there are slight differences in their specifications. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6600MHz, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6800MHz.
Storage Options
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi and Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offer ample storage options. The MSI motherboard has six SATA ports and four M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte motherboard has four SATA ports and three M.2 slots. Both motherboards support PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs, providing blazing-fast storage performance.
Expansion Slots
For expansion cards, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and one PCIe 3.0 x1 slot. Both motherboards provide ample expansion options for graphics cards and other peripherals.
Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, both motherboards offer a wide range of options. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi features a 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a 2.5GbE LAN port, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. Both motherboards also have numerous USB ports, including both USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Gen 1 ports.
Aesthetics and Features
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi has a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a more traditional black and orange design with RGB lighting. Both motherboards have a variety of features, including fan headers, RGB headers, and BIOS flashback buttons.
Final Note: The Ultimate ATX Motherboard Choice
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi and Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX are both excellent ATX motherboards for Intel’s 13th-generation processors. They offer a comprehensive set of features, robust power delivery systems, and ample expansion options. The MSI motherboard has slightly better memory support and more storage options, while the Gigabyte motherboard has a slightly faster Ethernet port and a more traditional design. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which motherboard has better memory support?
A: The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6600MHz, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory at speeds up to 6800MHz.
Q: Which motherboard has more storage options?
A: The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi has six SATA ports and four M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has four SATA ports and three M.2 slots.
Q: Which motherboard has better connectivity options?
A: Both motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity options, including 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The MSI motherboard has Wi-Fi 6E, while the Gigabyte motherboard has Wi-Fi 6.
Q: Which motherboard has better aesthetics?
A: The aesthetics of the motherboards are subjective, but the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi has a sleek black and silver design with RGB lighting, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a more traditional black and orange design with RGB lighting.
Q: Which motherboard is better for overclocking?
A: Both motherboards have robust power delivery systems that can handle even the most demanding processors. The MSI motherboard has slightly better memory support, which can be beneficial for overclocking.
