What To Know
- However, in gaming benchmarks like 3DMark Time Spy and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi showed a slight edge over the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX.
- After a thorough analysis of their features, performance, and value, we can confidently say that both the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX are exceptional motherboards for building a high-performance PC.
- The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is ideal for those seeking a more feature-rich and premium experience.
In the ever-evolving world of PC hardware, motherboards stand as the backbone of any system. They provide the foundation for connecting essential components, including the CPU, memory, storage, and graphics card. With the recent launch of Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake processors, motherboard manufacturers have unleashed a new wave of offerings to cater to the latest and greatest computing needs. Among these, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX stand out as formidable contenders in the ATX motherboard segment.
Feature Comparison: A Detailed Breakdown
To help you make an informed decision, let’s delve into a detailed comparison of these two exceptional motherboards. We’ll explore their key features, performance, and overall value to determine which one emerges as the ultimate choice for your next PC build.
1. Socket and Chipset
Both the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX are designed for use with Intel’s 13th-generation Raptor Lake processors. They feature the LGA 1700 socket, ensuring compatibility with Intel’s latest and upcoming CPUs.
2. Memory Support
In terms of memory support, both motherboards offer impressive capabilities. They support DDR5 memory, with the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi supporting up to 128GB of RAM and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX supporting up to 64GB. Both motherboards feature four DIMM slots, allowing for flexible memory configurations.
3. Storage Connectivity
For storage, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi provides six SATA III ports and three M.2 slots, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers four SATA III ports and four M.2 slots. Both motherboards support PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs, providing lightning-fast storage performance.
4. Expansion Slots
When it comes to expansion slots, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi offers two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX, on the other hand, provides two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Both motherboards offer ample flexibility for multi-GPU configurations and other expansion cards.
5. Networking
Both the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX come equipped with high-speed networking capabilities. They feature an Intel I226-V 2.5GbE LAN port and support Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) wireless connectivity.
6. Audio
For audio, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi utilizes a Realtek ALC1220 codec, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX employs a Realtek ALC4080 codec. Both codecs provide high-quality audio performance, ensuring an immersive gaming and entertainment experience.
7. BIOS and Overclocking
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX both offer user-friendly BIOS interfaces with extensive overclocking options. They provide granular control over voltage, frequency, and other parameters, allowing you to fine-tune your system for maximum performance.
Performance Benchmarks: Putting Them to the Test
To assess the real-world performance of these motherboards, we conducted a series of benchmarks using the following components:
- Intel Core i9-13900K CPU
- Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6000 RAM
- Samsung 980 Pro NVMe SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU
In synthetic benchmarks such as Cinebench R23 and PCMark 10, both motherboards delivered near-identical performance. However, in gaming benchmarks like 3DMark Time Spy and Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi showed a slight edge over the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX.
Value Proposition: Which One Offers More Bang for Your Buck?
When it comes to value, both motherboards offer a compelling proposition. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is priced slightly lower than the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX offers a more feature-rich experience, including an additional PCIe 4.0 x16 slot and a more advanced audio codec.
Recommendations: The Ultimate Verdict
After a thorough analysis of their features, performance, and value, we can confidently say that both the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi and the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX are exceptional motherboards for building a high-performance PC. The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is an excellent choice for budget-conscious builders, while the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is ideal for those seeking a more feature-rich and premium experience. Ultimately, the best motherboard for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which motherboard has better memory overclocking capabilities?
A: Both motherboards offer strong memory overclocking capabilities, but the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi has a slight advantage.
Q: Does the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX support DDR4 memory?
A: No, the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX only supports DDR5 memory.
Q: Which motherboard has more USB ports?
A: The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX has a slightly higher number of USB ports compared to the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi.
Q: Does the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi come with an RGB lighting controller?
A: Yes, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi features an integrated RGB lighting controller with support for Mystic Light software.
Q: Which motherboard has a better warranty?
A: Both motherboards come with a 3-year limited warranty.
