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 Z690 Tomahawk WiFi review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£260CPU socket:LGA 1700Chipset:Intel Z690Form factor:ATX

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi Review: Compare 109 technical specifications, 8 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 Z690 Tomahawk WiFi
7.8/10

Overall score

Score
7.8/ 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 81% of models
Score components

40%

7.7

Technical score

20%

8.5

Reviews score

20%

7.7

List score

10%

6.4

Sentiment score

10%

8.9

User score

▲Better than 81% of motherboards
8.2

Value for money

Value for money
8.2/ 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 78% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

▲Better than 78%
7.7

Technical score

Technical score
7.7/ 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 78% of models
Score components

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

8.8

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

8.4

Network

13%

6.2

Ports

8%

5.3

Expansion

8%

9.0

Power & Cooling

5%

9.7

Audio

▲Better than 78%
8.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.5/ 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 68% of models

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

8.9

Popularity

Grades by review (8)
7 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 1 video review, 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 68%
8.9

User score

User score
8.9/ 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 74% of models

70%

8.8

Rating

30%

9.1

Popularity

▲Better than 74%
7.7

List score

List score
7.7/ 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-z690-tomahawk-wifi
  • msi-mag-z690-tomahawk-wifi
  • msi-mag-z690-tomahawk-wifi
  • msi-mag-z690-tomahawk-wifi
  • msi-mag-z690-tomahawk-wifi
  • msi-mag-z690-tomahawk-wifi
msi-mag-z690-tomahawk-wifi
msi-mag-z690-tomahawk-wifi
msi-mag-z690-tomahawk-wifi
msi-mag-z690-tomahawk-wifi
msi-mag-z690-tomahawk-wifi
msi-mag-z690-tomahawk-wifi
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 Z690 Tomahawk WiFi

Based on 7 · 1

Reviewers like the networking, storage and memory support, but the SATA layout is a common complaint and build quality divides opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi

Based on 62 owners sharing their experience in online comments

26%positive0%mixed74%negative

Owners praise affordable, stable performance and successful flashing, but recurring BIOS, network, boot, and setup problems dominate.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners say the BIOS update via USB flash drive fails, does not start, or the new version does not show after flashing.11
  • Some owners cannot get into the BIOS setup at all, getting a blank or black screen when trying to enter it.8
  • Some owners find the onboard Wi-Fi and Ethernet do not work after setup until they install drivers, which may need to come from MSI Center.8
  • Some owners get a red CPU LED and no boot, with the CPU not detected, sometimes after a BIOS flash or with 13th-gen chips.5
  • Some owners report the board does not power on, or the CPU light flashes once and then nothing happens.4
  • Some owners find the screw standoffs do not line up with the board, so the board must be pushed hard into the I/O shield.3
  • Some owners say onboard audio sounds poor, and the Realtek audio stopped working after a BIOS flash, while others find the sample rate is limited to 192 kHz.3
  • Some owners have RAM problems, such as XMP failing, DRAM voltage resetting to 1.8V and causing reboots, or only part of the installed RAM being used.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi

Technical score
Technical score
7.7/ 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 78% of models
Score components:

19%

7.0

Memory

16%

8.8

Platform

16%

7.6

Storage

15%

8.4

Network

13%

6.2

Ports

8%

5.3

Expansion

8%

9.0

Power & Cooling

5%

9.7

Audio

7.7
Reviews score
8.5
User score
8.9
List score
7.7
Value for money
Value for money
8.2/ 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 78% of models
Score components:

70%

7.8

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

8.2
CPU socket
LGA 1700
This motherboard uses LGA 1700, which is more up-to-date than 54.7% of Motherboards and the same as 22.7% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel Z690
This motherboard uses Intel Z690, which is more capable than 68.4% of Motherboards and as capable as 3.7% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
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
4,800 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 4,800 MT/s, which is higher than that of 51.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.1% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of M.2 sockets
4
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 4 M.2 sockets, which is more than 84.1% of motherboards and equal to 10.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
3x PCIe 4.0 x4, 1x PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA, which is faster than 75.8% of Motherboards and the same as 0.2% of Motherboards.
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.
NVMe RAID support
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 68.4% of motherboards and equal to 26.6% 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.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x4
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x4, which is more generous than 51% of Motherboards and the same as 9.6% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
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.
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
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.
LAN controller
Intel I225-V
This motherboard has a Intel I225-V LAN controller, which is faster than 90.1% of Motherboards and equal to 4.2% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This motherboard supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
This motherboard uses Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), which is newer than 71.5% of Motherboards and the same as 16.7% of Motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say
Audio codec
Realtek ALC4080
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC4080, which is higher-end than 90.4% of Motherboards and the same as 6.4% 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
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% 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
16+1+1
This motherboard has 16+1+1 VRM phases, which is more than 87.3% of motherboards and equal to 1.1% 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
3 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.2% of motherboards.
Show more
What reviewers say

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    4 vs 2
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 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 up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16+1+1 vs 10
  • 16.4% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.5/ 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 68% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (8)
    7 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 1 video review, 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.
    8.5 vs 7.3
  • 20.3% higher user score
    User score
    8.9/ 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 74% of models

    70%

    8.8

    Rating

    30%

    9.1

    Popularity

    8.9 vs 7.4
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1700 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,700 vs LGA 1,151
  • 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 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 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
  • 1 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    3 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 USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 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.
    2 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I225-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More recent Wi-Fi standard
    This motherboard has a more recent Wi-Fi standard than the average motherboard (Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)).
    Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Supports Bluetooth
    This motherboard supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC4080 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 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
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16+1+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16+1+1 vs 10
  • 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
  • 1 more ARGB headers
    This motherboard has more ARGB headers than the average motherboard (3 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    3 vs 2
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    This motherboard does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    3x PCIe 4.0x4, 1x PCIe 3.0x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 14.7% lower sentiment score
    6.4 vs 7.5
  • 73.3% more expensive
    MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£260 vs £150).
    £260 vs £150
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4).
    5.2 vs 5.4
  • 14.7% lower sentiment score
    6.4 vs 7.5
  • 73.3% more expensive
    MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi is more expensive than the average motherboard (£260 vs £150).
    £260 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel Z690 vs Intel B860).
    Intel Z690 vs Intel B860
  • Slower NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has slower M.2 slots than the average motherboard (3x PCIe 4x4, 1x PCIe 3x4/SATA vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    3x PCIe 4.0x4, 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.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x4 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    2 vs 4
  • Less recent Bluetooth version
    This motherboard has a less recent Bluetooth version than the average motherboard (5.2 vs 5.4).
    5.2 vs 5.4

Video reviews

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

8.0
avrona
≈ estimated
11/05/2023
Feature overview · walkthrough · stealth styling
Verdict
MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi is a middle-of-the-road board that gets nearly everything right for buyers who want a neutral look.
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
tomshardware.com
✓ explicit
28/12/2021
Lab test · Lower-priced Z690 board
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi is an excellent low-cost Z690 choice, with four M.2 slots and an all-black look, but it skips integrated RGB lighting.
9.0
overclock3d.net
≈ estimated
07/12/2021
Hands-on review · Budget Z690 board
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk is a solid, affordable Z690 board with plenty of fan headers, best bought in its cheaper DDR4 version.
7.0
hwcooling.net
≈ estimated
04/04/2022
Lab test · DDR5 Z690 board
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi is the DDR5 twin of the DDR4 board, with different voltage regulator chips and a longer-lasting memory platform.
8.0
hardwareinside.de
≈ estimated
01/04/2022
Hands-on test · DDR5 Alder Lake
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi is a passively cooled DDR5 board for Alder Lake, though only its top slot runs PCIe 5.0.
9.0
hardwarecooking.fr
≈ estimated
01/02/2022
Hands-on test · Intel Z690 board
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi is a good-value Intel board for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 builds, though it has no RGB lighting.
8.8
profesionalreview.com
✓ explicit
14/12/2021
Full review · DDR5 mid-range
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi is a well-cooled Alder Lake board with Wi-Fi 6E and DDR5 support, though its VRM lacks the heatpipes found on pricier models.
9.0
gameit.es
≈ estimated
21/02/2022
Unboxing · Alder Lake board
Verdict
The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi is an understated, well-built Alder Lake board with Wi-Fi 6E, though its SATA ports are split unusually between front and side.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi

  • Excellent value-for-money compared to higher-tier Z690 boards
  • Robust 16+1+1 power delivery (VRM) capable of handling i9 processors
  • Extensive storage options with four M.2 slots, all featuring heatsinks
  • Strong connectivity including Wi-Fi 6, 2.5G LAN, and high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
  • User-friendly BIOS and straightforward installation process
  • Clean, all-black aesthetic preferred by users avoiding RGB lighting
  • Good physical clearance for large CPU air coolers like the Noctua NH-D15

What customers don't like about MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi

  • Lack of integrated RGB lighting (a downside for some aesthetic builds)
  • Suboptimal placement of vertical SATA ports can complicate cable management
  • No onboard power/reset buttons or a two-digit Q-code diagnostic display
  • Missing built-in LAN drivers in some Windows installations, requiring a manual driver update via USB
  • Occasional reports of high stock voltage leading to thermal throttling during stress tests
  • No physical printed manual included in some packages, requiring a digital download
  • The CMOS battery and some SATA ports can be difficult to access once a large GPU is installed

Verdict

The MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi is a high-end mid-range ATX motherboard designed for Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors on the LGA 1700 socket. It features a robust 16+1+1 phase Duet Rail Power System with 70A Smart Power Stages and a 6-layer server-grade PCB for stable overclocking. Key specifications include a primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, four M.2 slots (three supporting PCIe 4.0), and high-speed networking via Intel Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN. Main pros include its excellent VRM thermal performance, quadruple M.2 storage options with Shield Frozr heatsinks, and a sleek, RGB-free aesthetic preferred by many builders. Notable cons include the lack of a two-digit Q-code LED for advanced troubleshooting and a relatively low number of rear USB Type-A ports compared to some competitors.

Compare MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi with other products in the Motherboards category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi and other products in the Motherboards category

No results found