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MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£180
  • Avg. price in US: ~$180
  • CPU socket: LGA 1200
  • Chipset: Intel Z490
  • Form factor: ATX

MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

6.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

6.6

Technical Score

10.0%

9.3

User score

Good
6.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

7.6

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.0

Storage

15.0%

7.2

Network

13.0%

5.2

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.1

Expansion

8.0%

8.7

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.5

Audio

Good
9.3

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(699)
amazon
4.7
(651)
amazon
4.3
(63)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(816)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Exceptional
  • 6.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    7.0

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    5.5

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    10

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    5.8

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • msi-mag-z490-tomahawk
msi-mag-z490-tomahawk

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk is an ATX motherboard built for Intel 10th and 11th Gen processors on the LGA 1200 socket, featuring a robust 12+1+1 Duet Rail Power System and 8+4 pin CPU power connectors to support stable overclocking. Its core specifications include four DDR4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB at 5000+ MHz (OC), dual M.2 slots with Shield Frozr thermal guards, and high-speed networking via a dual LAN setup consisting of 2.5G and Gigabit Ethernet ports. Major pros include its premium thermal design with extended all-aluminum heatsinks, ultra-fast 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C connectivity, and excellent power delivery for its price point. However, notable cons include the lack of integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the absence of a POST code readout for troubleshooting, and the fact that it only supports 2-way AMD CrossFire rather than NVIDIA SLI.

Technical Specifications of MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

6.9

Memory

16.0%

7.6

Platform & Features

16.0%

6.0

Storage

15.0%

7.2

Network

13.0%

5.2

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.1

Expansion

8.0%

8.7

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.5

Audio

6.6
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has a technical score of 6.62 points, which is higher than that of 55.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

9.0

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(699)
amazon
4.7
(651)
amazon
4.3
(63)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(816)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

9.3
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has a user score of 9.3 points, which is higher than that of 91.6% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
10
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 79.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.9

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

7.7
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 60.6% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

MSI
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 1200
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk uses the LGA 1200 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 61.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.8% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel Z490
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk uses the Intel Z490 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 56.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.9% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

ATX
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has the ATX form factor, which is more versatile than that of 47.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 52.2% of motherboards.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR4
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk uses DDR4 memory, which is newer than that of 13.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 51% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

4
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.5% of motherboards and equal to 72.5% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

128 GB
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.4% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk supports 2 memory channels, which is more than 0.2% of motherboards and equal to 92.5% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

5,000 MT/s
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk supports memory speeds up to 5000 MT/s, which is higher than that of 57.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
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N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

2
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.8% of motherboards and equal to 34.6% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk offers 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA for M.2 slot interfaces, which is slower than that of 61.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.9% of motherboards.
one slot requires 11th Gen CPU.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

6
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk supports NVMe RAID. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

2
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.4% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

?
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk does not support PCIe bifurcation. 61% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

8
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.3% of motherboards and equal to 30.7% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

15
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 48.3% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

1
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.4% of motherboards and equal to 48.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

2
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.8% of motherboards and equal to 32.8% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

1
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 81.7% of motherboards and equal to 18.1% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

2.5 Gbps
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.5% of motherboards.
also includes 1GbE secondary port
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk uses the Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is more advanced than that of 80.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.3% of motherboards.
dual LAN
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

2
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

N/A
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC1200
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk uses the Realtek ALC1200 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 62.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.4% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

110 dB
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has an audio SNR of 110 dB, which is lower than that of 55.9% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.7% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

yes
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk supports a headphone amp. 37% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

5
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 49.8% of motherboards and equal to 36.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

12+1+1
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 12+1+1 VRM phases, which is more than 64.7% of motherboards and equal to 4.5% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

8
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.2% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has a pump header. 23.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

2 A
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 43.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 33.4% of motherboards.
Show more

MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk vs the average motherboard

  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
    What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=1

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.1 vs 0
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
    What it is: Shows whether the rear I/O shield comes pre-mounted on the motherboard instead of being installed separately.
    When it matters: When you want an easier motherboard installation process.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=2

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.2 vs 1
  • 3 more fan headers
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
    What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
    When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.8 vs 5
  • More VRM phases
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
    When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=12

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.12+1+1 vs 10
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    What it is: The number of internal USB4 or Thunderbolt headers on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you plan to add high-speed front USB-C or Thunderbolt connections.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.1 vs 0
  • 1 more RGB headers
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    What it is: The number of 4-pin RGB headers available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to connect more standard RGB lighting devices.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.1% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Newer CPU socket
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has newer CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
  • 1 more total USB-C connections
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
  • Better audio codec
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has better audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1,200 vs Realtek ALC898). The average motherboard uses Realtek ALC898 audio codec.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 3 more fan headers
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.
  • More VRM phases
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (12+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
  • 1 more RGB headers
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    one slot requires 11th Gen CPU.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 5 dB lower audio SNR
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (110 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • Slower M.2 slot interfaces
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.
    one slot requires 11th Gen CPU.
    What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has slower M.2 slot interfaces than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4). The average motherboard uses 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4 M.2 slot interfaces.1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No BIOS flashback support
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can update BIOS without needing a fully installed or supported CPU to boot first.
    When it matters: When you may need to update BIOS before the system can boot.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 50.8% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
    What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
    When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
    What it is: Shows whether the external Wi-Fi antenna is included with the motherboard package.
    When it matters: When the board has Wi-Fi and you want it ready to use right away.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.
    What it is: The HDMI standard supported by the motherboard video output.
    When it matters: When you plan to use integrated graphics with a monitor or TV.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: 2.1

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has older HDMI version than the average motherboard (1.4 vs 2.1). The average motherboard supports HDMI 2.1.1.4 vs 2.1
  • 5 dB lower audio SNR
    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (110 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
    When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=120 dB

    MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (110 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.110 dB vs 115 dB
Total
Platform & Features
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
699 Reviews
amazon
4.7
651 Reviews
amazon
4.3
63 Reviews
United States
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4.6
816 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk?

  • Excellent value for money and mid-range performance
  • Robust VRM cooling that maintains stable temperatures during overclocking
  • Dual LAN ports including 2.5G and 1G Ethernet
  • User-friendly BIOS and easy installation process for new builders
  • Sleek and industrious 'military-inspired' design with subtle RGB
  • Ample connectivity options, including a pre-installed I/O shield and USB-C

What customers dislike about MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk?

  • Lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (standard on competitive boards at this price)
  • MSI Dragon Center/Mystic Light software reported as bloated or prone to conflicts
  • EZ Debug LEDs all glow the same white color, making troubleshooting harder
  • Audio jacks are not color-coded, making setup less intuitive
  • Soldered ends on the rear of the board can be sharp enough to tear skin
  • Sideways-oriented USB 3.2 headers can be difficult to access in tight cases

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