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The MSI Tomahawk series has long been a favorite among mid-range PC gamers, offering a compelling balance of features and affordability. With the arrival of Intel’s 11th generation processors and the Z590 chipset, MSI has updated the Tomahawk line with the MAG Z590 Tomahawk WiFi. This new iteration brings not just a chipset upgrade, but a host of advanced features previously unseen in the Tomahawk series, generating considerable excitement among budget-conscious gamers.

MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk Wifi – Box

Elevating the Tomahawk to New Heights

The MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk WiFi continues the legacy of its predecessors, targeting the mid-range gaming market. The packaging retains the familiar Tomahawk missile graphic, but with a refreshed light gray metallic aesthetic. The box highlights key features, most notably the inclusion of 2.5G LAN and the cutting-edge WiFi 6E.

MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk Wifi – Box Rear

The inclusion of WiFi 6E represents a significant shift in MSI’s approach to the mid-range motherboard market. As motherboard prices have risen in recent years, the Tomahawk series now occupies a price point closer to previous high-end boards. The decreasing cost of advanced wireless connectivity makes it feasible to incorporate such technologies into mid-range products, benefiting users with increased convenience and performance. This trend is also evident in other manufacturers, like ASUS, who have incorporated WiFi 6E into their latest TUF Gaming motherboards.

MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk Wifi – Motherboard

Design and Features

Unboxing the MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk WiFi reveals the familiar gray and black color scheme. Compared to high-end motherboards, the design appears more segmented, with smaller heatsinks and less of a unified, monolithic aesthetic. The M.2 heatsinks are individually placed, a practical design choice considering many high-performance NVMe SSDs now come with integrated heatsinks. MSI’s M.2 Shield Frozr solution utilizes thermal pads to transfer heat from “bare” M.2 SSDs to the heatsinks, relying on airflow within the case for cooling.

Despite its mid-range positioning, the Tomahawk WiFi boasts features typically found on higher-end boards. The primary PCI-E slot is reinforced with steel armor and a larger retaining clip. Uniquely, this slot also accepts a 6-pin auxiliary power connector to bolster power delivery to the graphics card, a novel approach by MSI to enhance performance and potentially reduce cable clutter.

MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk Wifi – PCI-E Slot

MSI has upgraded the power delivery system from the 12+1+1 configuration of the MAG Z490 Tomahawk to a 14+2+1 dual-channel design. This enhanced power delivery is sufficient for even the most demanding 11th generation Intel CPUs running at high boost clocks. The heatsinks covering the power delivery components have also been enlarged to accommodate the increased thermal demands.

MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk Wifi – M.2 Heatsinks

The audio section is isolated on the PCB to minimize electrical interference. MSI has implemented a dual-channel audio solution, with the left and right channels separated onto different PCB layers for optimal sound clarity. The addition of WiFi 6E alongside the existing 2.5G LAN port provides a high-performance wireless connection capable of speeds up to 2400Mbps with ultra-low latency.

MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk Wifi – Rear I/O

Conclusion

The MSI MAG Z590 Tomahawk WiFi retains the core values of the Tomahawk series: a compelling blend of performance and value. The inclusion of WiFi 6E is a welcome addition, marking the first time this convenient wireless technology has appeared in a Tomahawk motherboard. Coupled with other enhancements and innovative features, the MAG Z590 Tomahawk WiFi presents a strong option for both mid-range and even upper-mid-range PC builds.