OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£180CPU socket:LGA 1200Chipset:Intel Z490Form factor:ATX

MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk Review: Compare 109 technical specifications, 9 expert and video reviews and 1 best-of list to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk
7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 70% of models
Score components

40%

6.6

Technical score

20%

8.7

Reviews score

20%

6.6

List score

10%

8.5

Sentiment score

10%

9.4

User score

▲Better than 70% of motherboards
8.1

Value for money

Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

▲Better than 73%
6.6

Technical score

Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 60% of models
Score components

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

7.9

Platform

16%

5.4

Storage

15%

7.4

Network

13%

5.2

Ports

8%

3.2

Expansion

8%

8.7

Power & Cooling

5%

8.5

Audio

▲Better than 60%
8.7

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 88% of models

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

9.0

Popularity

Grades by review (9)
6 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
▲Better than 88%
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 95% of models

70%

9.1

Rating

30%

10

Popularity

★Better than 95%
6.6

List score

List score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (1)
List score: in 1 of 64 lists (2%)
▲Better than 88%
  • msi-mag-z490-tomahawk
msi-mag-z490-tomahawk
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk

Based on 6 · 3

Plenty of ports, good networking and capable overclocking impress, though expansion slots disappoint and opinions on cooling are split.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk

Technical score
Technical score
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 60% of models
Score components:

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

7.9

Platform

16%

5.4

Storage

15%

7.4

Network

13%

5.2

Ports

8%

3.2

Expansion

8%

8.7

Power & Cooling

5%

8.5

Audio

6.6
Reviews score
8.7
User score
9.4
List score
6.6
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 73% of models
Score components:

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

8.1
CPU socket
LGA 1200
This motherboard uses LGA 1200, which is less up-to-date than 61.9% of Motherboards and the same as 8.8% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z490
This motherboard uses Intel Z490, which is less capable than 57.2% of Motherboards and as capable as 2.8% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort.
Show more
What reviewers say
DDR memory version
DDR4
This motherboard uses DDR4, which is more modern than 13.4% of Motherboards and the same as 50.4% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
128 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 128 GB of memory, which is more than 40.1% of motherboards and equal to 31.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
5,000 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 5,000 MT/s, which is higher than that of 57.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 2.1% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
2
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 2 M.2 sockets, which is more than 30.5% of motherboards and equal to 34.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, which is slower than 61.8% of Motherboards and the same as 1.9% of Motherboards.
one slot requires 11th Gen CPU.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
6
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 67.3% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x4/x1/x1
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x4/x1/x1, which is more generous than 84.7% of Motherboards and the same as 2.1% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
15
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 47.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
1
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 1 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 35.8% of motherboards and equal to 48.3% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
2
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 51.7% of motherboards and equal to 33% of motherboards.
includes internal USB-C header.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 82.1% of motherboards and equal to 17.7% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
also includes 1GbE secondary port
LAN controller
Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V
This motherboard has a Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V LAN controller, which is faster than 86.2% of Motherboards and equal to 0.2% of Motherboards.
dual LAN
N. of RJ45 ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1200
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1200, which is higher-end than 63.1% of Motherboards and the same as 2.4% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
110 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 110 dB, which is lower than that of 54.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.4% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
supports up to 600Ω.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
5
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 50.6% of motherboards and equal to 36.3% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
12+1+1
This motherboard has 12+1+1 VRM phases, which is more than 66.5% of motherboards and equal to 4.1% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
8
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
2 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 2 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 45.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 32.6% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard 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
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    dual LAN
    Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1200 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1200 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 19.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 88% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (9)
    6 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.7 vs 7.3
  • 19.2% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 88% of models

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    9.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (9)
    6 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    8.7 vs 7.3
  • 27.0% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ★ Better than 95% of models

    70%

    9.1

    Rating

    30%

    10

    Popularity

    9.4 vs 7.4
  • 13.3% higher sentiment score
    8.5 vs 7.5
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1200 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,200 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • More generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x4/x1/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x4/x1/x1 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard 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 USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    This motherboard 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 total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    includes internal USB-C header.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    dual LAN
    Realtek RTL8125 + Intel I219-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1200 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1200 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 2 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (5 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    5 vs 3
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard 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 RGB headers
    This motherboard has more RGB headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes onboard RGB lighting
    This motherboard has onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does not. 50% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    one slot requires 11th Gen CPU.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • 15.4% lower list score
    List score
    6.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 64 lists (2%)
    6.6 vs 7.8
  • 5 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard 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
  • 15.4% lower list score
    List score
    6.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (1)
    List score: in 1 of 64 lists (2%)
    6.6 vs 7.8
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z490 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z490 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 3x4, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    one slot requires 11th Gen CPU.
    1x PCIe 3.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Nerd Reviews ID
≈ estimated
02/06/2020
Hands-on review · overclocking and feature tests
Verdict
MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk is a fast board with strong overclocking, a good option for performance builds without flashy looks.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Brand video
Not graded
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.5
eternalnetworktm.com
≈ estimated
04/08/2020
Personal review · Budget board
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk is a budget board with dual LAN, eight rear USB ports and cool VRMs that overclocks easily with a 10th-gen i7.
8.0
hardwareinside.de
≈ estimated
25/06/2020
Video test · Budget board
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk is a sturdy, well-equipped board that handles an i9-10900K at stock settings, though overclocking pushes its power section past its limit.
9.0
tecnogaming.com
≈ estimated
14/09/2020
Hands-on test · Overclocking
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk is a solid all-round board for the i9-10900K with beginner-friendly app tuning, though extreme overclocks run hot and it has no Wi-Fi.
9.5
elchapuzasinformatico.com
≈ estimated
03/08/2020
Full review · Value LGA1200 board
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk is one of the best-value LGA1200 boards, with fast 20 Gbps USB-C and solid overclocking, though its modest power section limits extreme tuning.
10
hwready.it
✓ explicit
26/08/2020
Hands-on test · Value board
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk is a stable mid-range board that handles an i9-10900K well, overclocks memory easily, and is worth its price.
9.0
techtesters.eu
≈ estimated
26/07/2020
Hands-on test · Mid-range board
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z490 Tomahawk is a well-balanced mid-range board with solid power and good ports, but it has no Wi-Fi and no extras for extreme overclocking.

Third-party reviews

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 don't like 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

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.

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