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MSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard Review

 

Overview

MSI’s mainstream MAG series epitomizes stability and durability and is built to withstand the most intense gaming sessions. The entire lineup features robust construction with metallic-like hardness and excellent heat dissipation, ensuring stability for all critical gaming components.

MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI is designed for gamers with a stable, durable and DIY friendly foundation for their PC builds. Coming up with Killer Wi-Fi 7 solution and 5G LAN, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 5.0 solutions, Supplemental PCIe Power and exclusive EZ DIY features, it’s ready for the battlefield of Intel Core Ultra processors.

 

16+1+1+1 DUET RAIL POWER SYSTEM

Unleash and sustain maximum performance with an aggressive VRM design built with digital CPU power system. Combining 8 + 8-pin power connectors and exclusive Core Boost technology, MAG series motherboard is ready to sustain heavy gaming loadings.

OC ENGINE

OC Engine is a precision clock generator for extreme overclocking, allowing users to adjust base clock (BCLK) frequencies independently for enhanced CPU performance. It ensures stability while pushing system limits, making it ideal for overclocking enthusiasts aiming to maximize performance and achieve new records with safety and control.

Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS)

Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) are safety devices used to protect against excessive voltage. All motherboard models of MSI are equipped with TVS. When the voltage abnormally rises, the TVS switches from a high-resistance state to a low-resistance state, diverting the excessive voltage to ground. This helps prevent circuit damage caused by high voltage.

 

OPTIMIZED PCB SOLUTION

The PCB design has been optimized for higher bandwidth and faster transfer speeds, which is also beneficial for reliable circuit transmission.

      • 6 PCB layers
      • NPG-170D Server-grade PCB material
      • 2oz Thickened Copper

DDR5 MEMORY SUPPORT WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE

A huge step of DDR performance enhancement with the latest DDR5 memory. Combines with dedicated SMT welding process and MSI Memory Boost technology, MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI is ready to deliver the world-class memory performance.

      • EXPO / A-XMP Support
      • Memory Boost
      • SMT Process

Memory Extension Mode

Memory Extension Mode provides optimized memory parameters for enhanced capability at the same frequency, achieving lower latency and higher performance. Furthermore, Memory Extension Mode can combine XMP profiles to maximize memory frequency, enabling users to effortlessly discover the best configuration based on their requirements.

 

Extended Heatsink

Extended Heatsink enlarges the surface of heat dissipation and maintain the performance at heavy loads.

Double-sided M.2 Shield Frozr

Strengthened M.2 thermal solution helps keep M.2 SSD safe and ensures incredible performance.

7W/mK Thermal Pad

High-quality 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads and additional choke thermal pads ensure stable performance when all cores are runnging at high speed.

 

Heavy Plated VRM Heatsink

The VRM heatsink covers the upper MOS and helps dissipate the heat.

Enlarged Chipset Heatsink

The enlarged heatsink is designed to reduce dust and noise and capable of maintaining high efficiency of heat dissipation.

DIY 2.0 – INTEGRATING WITH THE SYSTEM ENVIRONMENT

Connect and synchronize with MSI coolers and cases with strategically positioned pin-header locations including a dedicated pump-fan header.

 

HIGH-BANDWIDTH AND LOW-LATENCY NETWORK

MSI’s premium network solution provides incredible data transfer speed for demanding users.

THE NEXT GEN WI-FI SOLUTION – WI-FI 7

Wi-Fi 7 is the latest wireless solution that takes a huge leap forward with multiple improvements to meet the traffic demand brought and the growing number of wireless devices.

Intel KiLLER Performance Suite

Equipped with Intel Killer LAN / Killer Wi-Fi, you can use the Intel Killer Performance Suite. It not only prioritizes frequently used applications but also provides recommendations to optimize network quality.

 

FAST AND FUTURE-READY STORAGE

MSI MAG series motherboards support all the latest storage standards, which allows users to connect any ultra-fast storage device. Start games faster, load levels faster and have a real advantage over your enemies.

LIGHTNING GEN 5 PCI-E

Doubling over the previous generation, the bandwidth of a x16 interface can reach 128GB/s.

 

SMT PCIE 5.0 SLOT

The advanced SMT(Surface Mount Technology) PCIE slot diminish interference and electrical noise, fully support the PCI-E 5.0 signal.

Steel Armor II

Compared to the previous generation, Steel Armor II’s weight endurance has increased by 21%, ensuring excellent signal transmission quality.

PCIe supplimental power

The exclusive Supplemental PCIe Power connector provides dedicated power for the high-power demands of GPUs used in AI computing and gaming, ensuring stable, efficient, and sustained performance. Learn more about chassis compatbility.

 

Thunderbolt 4 Support

Connect multiple Thunderbolt™ devices in a daisy chain, allowing data, power, and video signals to flow from the computer to up to five accessories. Alternatively, use a Thunderbolt™ hub or dock to consolidate all accessories into a single connection to your Thunderbolt™ computer.

Ready for the Future – Thunderbolt 5 Ready

Delivers up to 160 Gbps of total bandwidth transmission for the latest super-speed devices and drives. The ports can be employed for up to multiple external 8K displays, and support up to 27W of rapid power delivery charging.

Audio Boost 5

Audio Boost 5 offers a HD audio processor, dedicated amplifier and high quality audio capacitors all physically isolated from the rest of the motherboard circuitry to ensure the purest audio signal to locate enemies with pin-point accuracy.

GLOW YOUR PC

Splash on some color and vibrant RGB lighting effects using Mystic Light utility of MSI Center, which has million colors and fancy LED effects. Enjoy the full control and creativity of your PC’s lighting with one software.

Click BIOS X

MSI’s newly designed CLICK BIOS X offers an aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly experience. The new design ensures that users of all experience levels can quickly access and adjust system configurations with ease.

 

Features

  • Support Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2) for LGA 1851 socket
  • Supports DDR5 Memory, Dual Channel DDR5 9200+ MT/s (OC)
  • Ultra Performance: 16+1+1+1 Duet Rail Power System 90A SPS, dual 8-pin CPU power connectors, Core Boost, Memory Boost, 6-layer PCB made by 2oz thickened copper and server-grade level material
  • Frozr Guard: Extended Heatsink, MOSFET thermal pads rated for 7W/mK, additional choke thermal pads and EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II are built for high performance system and non-stop experience
  • EZ DIY: EZ PCIe Release, EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II, EZ M.2 Clip II and EZ Antenna
  • Lightning Fast Game experience: PCIe 5.0 slot, Lightning Gen 5 x4 M.2
  • Ultra Connect: Thunderbolt™ 4 port, Intel® Killer™ 5G LAN & Intel® Killer™ Wi-Fi 7 Solution – the latest solution for professional and multimedia use, delivering secure, stable, and high-speed networking and data transmission
  • Audio Boost 4: Reward your ears with studio grade sound quality for the most immersive gaming experience

 

Specifications

Chipset INTEL Z890
CPU Supports Intel® Core™ Ultra Processors (Series 2)
LGA 1851
Memory 4x DDR5 UDIMM, Maximum Memory Capacity 256GB
Memory Support 9200 – 6400 (OC) MT/s / 6400 – 4800 (JEDEC) MT/s
Max. overclocking frequency:
• 1DPC 1R Max speed up to 9200+ MT/s
• 1DPC 2R Max speed up to 7200+ MT/s
• 2DPC 1R Max speed up to 6400+ MT/s
• 2DPC 2R Max speed up to 5600+ MT/sSupports Intel® POR Speed and JEDEC Speed
Supports Memory Overclocking and Intel® XMP 3.0
Supports Dual-Controller Dual-Channel mode
Supports Non-ECC, Un-buffered memory
Supports CUDIMM• The DIMM slots on this motherboard only have single-sided latches.
• Memory compatibility and supported speeds can vary depending on the CPU and memory configuration. For detailed information, please refer to the Memory Compatibility List available on the product’s Support page or visit https://www.msi.com/support/.
Onboard Graphics 1x HDMI™
Support HDMI™ 2.1 with FRL, maximum resolution of 4K 120Hz*
2x Type-C DisplayPort
Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, supporting DisplayPort 2.1 with UHBR20 over USB Type-C, with a maximum resolution of 4K@120Hz / 8K@60Hz*
*Available only on processors featuring integrated graphics. Graphics specifications may vary depending on the CPU installed.
Slot 3x PCI-E x16 slot
PCI_E1 Gen PCIe 5.0 supports up to x16 (From CPU)
PCI_E2 Gen PCIe 4.0 supports up to x4 (From Chipset)
PCI_E3 Gen PCIe 4.0 supports up to x4 (From Chipset)
Audio Realtek® ALC1220P Codec
7.1-Channel High Definition Audio
Supports S/PDIF output
Storage 4x M.2
M.2_1 Source (From CPU) supports up to PCIe 5.0 x4 , supports 2280/2260 devices
M.2_2 Source (From CPU) supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4 , supports 22110/2280/2260 devices
M.2_3 Source (From Chipset) supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4 , supports 2280/2260/2242 devices
M.2_4 Source (From Chipset) supports up to PCIe 4.0 x4 / SATA mode, supports 2280/2260/2242 devices
4x SATA 6G*Please refer to the manual for M.2 SSD heatsink restrictions.
RAID Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA storage devices
Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for M.2 NVMe storage devices
Onboard Thunderbolt 2x Thunderbolt4 ports (Rear)
Supports up to 40Gbps transfer rate with Thunderbolt devices
Supports up to 20Gbps transfer rate with USB4 devices
Supports up to 10Gbps transfer rate with USB 3.2 devices
Supports up to 5V/3A,15W power charging
Each port can daisy-chain up to three Thunderbolt 4 devices or five Thunderbolt 3 devices
Supports up to 8K display
USB 4x USB 2.0 (Front)
4x USB 5Gbps Type A (Rear)
2x USB 5Gbps Type A (Front)
3x USB 10Gbps Type A (Rear)
1x USB 10Gbps Type C (Rear)
1x USB 20Gbps Type C (Front)
*USB 20Gbps Type-C (Front) support USB PD 27W fast charging for JUSBC1
LAN Intel® Killer™ E5000 5Gbps LAN
Internal IO 1x Thunderbolt5 card connector(JTBT5, support RTD3)
1x Power Connector(ATX_PWR)
2x Power Connector(CPU_PWR)
1x Power Connector(PCIE_PWR 8pin)
1x CPU Fan
1x Combo Fan (Pump_Sys Fan)
6x System Fan
1x EZ Conn-header (JAF_2)
2x Front Panel (JFP)
1x Chassis Intrusion (JCI)
1x Front Audio (JAUD)
3x Addressable V2 RGB LED connector (JARGB_V2)
1x RGB LED connector(JRGB)
1x TPM pin header(Support TPM 2.0)
4x USB 2.0 ports
2x USB 5Gbps Type A ports
1x USB 20Gbps Type C ports
WIRELESS LAN & BLUETOOTH Intel® Killer™ BE1750x Wi-Fi 7
The Wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E) slot
Supports MU-MIMO TX/RX, 2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz* (320MHz) up to 5.8Gbps
Supports 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n/ ac/ ax/ beSupports Bluetooth® 5.4**, MLO, 4KQAM* 6GHz band support may depend on every country’s regulations and Wi-Fi 7 will be ready in Windows 11 SV3.
** The Bluetooth version may be updated, please refer to the Wi-Fi chipset vendor’s website for details. Bluetooth 5.4 support schedule depends on MSFT Windows 11 plan.
LED FEATURE 4x EZ Debug LED
1x EZ Digit Debug LED

More information on MSI’s website.

 

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