Ultimate guide: choosing the perfect motherboard for your gaming build – z690-plus vs tomahawk
What To Know
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a Realtek ALC4080 codec, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk has a Realtek ALC1220 codec.
- However, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a slight edge in terms of memory performance, as it supports higher memory speeds than the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk.
- The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a more aggressive design and slightly better memory performance, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is more affordable.
The motherboard is the backbone of any gaming PC, and choosing the right one can make or break your gaming experience. In the world of high-end motherboards, two names stand out: ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk. Both motherboards offer an impressive array of features, but which one is the better choice for your gaming rig?
Specifications
| Feature | ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus | MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk |
| — | — | — |
| Socket | LGA 1700 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | Intel Z690 | Intel Z690 |
| Memory | 4x DDR5 slots (up to 128GB) | 4x DDR5 slots (up to 128GB) |
| Storage | 4x M.2 slots, 8x SATA ports | 3x M.2 slots, 6x SATA ports |
| Expansion Slots | 3x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot | 2x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, 2x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots |
| Rear I/O | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 1x USB 2.0 port, 1x PS/2 port, 1x HDMI port, 1x DisplayPort port, 1x Ethernet port, 5x audio jacks | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 1x USB 2.0 port, 1x PS/2 port, 1x HDMI port, 1x DisplayPort port, 1x Ethernet port, 5x audio jacks |
Features
Both the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk offer a comprehensive set of features for gamers. These include:
- Support for Intel 12th Gen Core processors: Both motherboards are compatible with Intel’s latest 12th Gen Core processors, including the powerful Core i9-12900K.
- PCIe 5.0 support: Both motherboards feature PCIe 5.0 slots, which offer double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0 slots. This is important for future-proofing your gaming rig, as next-generation graphics cards and storage devices will likely use PCIe 5.0.
- M.2 slots: Both motherboards have multiple M.2 slots, which allow you to connect high-speed NVMe SSDs. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has four M.2 slots, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk has three.
- DDR5 memory support: Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, which is the latest and greatest memory technology. DDR5 memory offers higher speeds and lower latencies than DDR4 memory, which can improve gaming performance.
- Gaming-optimized audio: Both motherboards feature high-quality audio codecs that provide immersive sound for gaming. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a Realtek ALC4080 codec, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk has a Realtek ALC1220 codec.
Design
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk have different design aesthetics. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a more aggressive design with a black and yellow color scheme. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk has a more understated design with a black and silver color scheme.
Performance
In terms of performance, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk are very similar. Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities and provide stable performance for gaming. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a slight edge in terms of memory performance, as it supports higher memory speeds than the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk.
Price
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus is priced at $279.99, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is priced at $249.99. Both motherboards offer excellent value for the price, but the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is the more affordable option.
Which Motherboard is Right for You?
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus and MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk are both excellent motherboards for gaming. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a more aggressive design and slightly better memory performance, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is more affordable. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for a high-end motherboard with the best possible performance, the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus is the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget, the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is a great option that offers excellent value for the price.
What People Want to Know
Q: Which motherboard has better overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer excellent overclocking capabilities, but the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a slight edge.
Q: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A: The ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has four M.2 slots, while the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk has three.
Q: Which motherboard has better audio quality?
A: Both motherboards feature high-quality audio codecs, but the ASUS TUF Gaming Z690-Plus has a slightly better codec.
