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In recent years, both Intel and AMD have streamlined their chipset offerings, simplifying motherboard selection for users. Manufacturers have responded by releasing diverse motherboard models within each chipset family, catering to various budgets and needs. Following Intel’s launch of their 12th Gen Core processors, MSI unveiled their Z690 motherboard lineup, including the popular Tomahawk series. This review examines the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4, exploring its features and capabilities for mainstream users.

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk Wifi DDR4 Overview

Feature-Rich and Budget-Friendly

MSI’s motherboard tiers cater to different user segments. MEG represents cutting-edge technology for professionals, while MPG focuses on performance enthusiasts. The MAG series, including the Tomahawk, targets mainstream users with essential features and reliable build quality. The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 continues this tradition, offering a compelling balance of performance and affordability.

The packaging resembles the previous Z590 Tomahawk, while the rear panel features a cleaner, more organized layout similar to the MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi. Key upgrades include PCIe 5.0 support, WiFi 6E, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectivity, offering cutting-edge technologies for gamers and tech enthusiasts.

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk Wifi DDR4 Box

Enhanced Storage and Power Delivery

The Z690 Tomahawk boasts four M.2 slots, one more than its Z590 predecessor, catering to the increasing demand for high-speed storage. This is a welcome addition, especially with the declining prices of M.2 SSDs. The board’s design closely resembles the Z590 version, with an extended heatsink covering the additional M.2 slot.

Addressing the higher power requirements of 12th Gen Intel processors, MSI has equipped the Z690 Tomahawk with a robust 16+1+1 power phase design and a substantial VRM heatsink comparable to the high-end MSI X570 Godlike. These large heatsinks benefit from airflow generated by the CPU cooler, particularly MSI’s Core Liquid S Series AIO coolers, which feature a dedicated 60mm fan for VRM cooling.

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk Wifi DDR4 M.2 Slots

Performance and Connectivity

Given the increased power draw of 12th Gen CPUs, especially the i9-12900K, MSI has implemented dual 8-pin CPU power connectors instead of the previous 8+4 pin configuration. This ensures stable operation even with high-end processors without aggressive overclocking.

To manage costs, only the primary PCIe x16 slot features steel reinforcement for heavy graphics cards like MSI’s Gaming X Trio series. The remaining two PCIe slots utilize standard plastic construction. All slots employ SMT (Surface Mount Technology) soldering for improved durability and reduced short-circuit risks.

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk Wifi DDR4 Power Connectors

Memory and Other Features

The Z690 Tomahawk supports DDR4 memory, offering a more affordable option compared to DDR5. The four memory slots feature Memory Boost for automatic overclocking and Memory Try It! for manual tuning based on MSI OC Lab tested profiles.

While offering multiple M.2 slots, the Tomahawk uses traditional screws instead of the convenient EZ M.2 Clip found on higher-end MSI boards. This minor omission is a slight inconvenience for frequent SSD swaps.

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk Wifi DDR4 PCIe Slots

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk Wifi DDR4 Rear I/O

The Z690 Tomahawk provides comprehensive connectivity, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 (20Gbps), 2.5G LAN, WiFi 6E, and a front panel USB Type-C header. Surprisingly, it also includes a Flash BIOS button, a feature not often found on mainstream boards.

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk Wifi DDR4 Memory Slots

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk Wifi DDR4 Memory Features

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk Wifi DDR4 M.2 Screw

Conclusion

The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi DDR4 may lack some premium features of the MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi, but its upgraded power delivery and feature set make it a capable platform for even high-end 12th Gen Intel CPUs. It offers a compelling balance of performance, features, and affordability for mainstream users and gamers.