MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard vs MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard

Price Comparison

The MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI Motherboard is priced at £134.99, while the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI Motherboard costs £184.99. This makes the B650 model £50 cheaper than its Z790 counterpart. The price difference can be a significant factor for budget-conscious gamers or builders looking to optimise their spending on components.

While both motherboards offer high performance, the B650 is tailored for those who may not require the latest technology, whereas the Z790 provides access to features that support Intel's latest CPU generations. Thus, the choice between them may hinge on the user's budget and specific performance needs.

Chipset and CPU Compatibility

The MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI is designed for the AMD B650 chipset and supports the Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors. In contrast, the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI is built for the Intel Z790 chipset, compatible with Intel's 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Core processors. The B650 is ideal for users committed to AMD’s ecosystem, offering solid support for Ryzen CPUs, which are renowned for their multi-core performance.

On the other hand, the Z790 motherboard is specifically geared towards Intel’s latest technologies, providing robust support for high CPU core counts and demanding applications. This difference in chipset compatibility can greatly influence the decision based on the user's preferred processor brand.

Performance Capabilities

In terms of performance, the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI employs a 16 Duet Rail Power System with 90A capability, designed to meet the power demands of high-core-count Intel CPUs. In comparison, the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI features a 12+2 Duet Rail VRM configuration for AMD processors.

The increased power delivery of the Z790 may lead to better overclocking potential and stability under heavy loads, making it more suited for enthusiasts aiming for extreme performance. However, the performance of the B650 is still commendable, especially for mid-range builds, offering sufficient power delivery for typical gaming and productivity tasks.

Memory Support

Both motherboards support DDR5 memory, but the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI has a slight edge in terms of maximum frequency. The Z790 model can handle speeds exceeding 7200 MHz, while the B650 is rated for over 6400 MHz.

This capability can enhance performance in memory-intensive applications and gaming scenarios, particularly when overclocking. Both boards feature four DDR5 DIMM slots, allowing for substantial memory capacity, but the Z790 offers a higher potential for maximum speed, which could be crucial for high-end users.

Expansion Slots

When it comes to expansion slots, the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI provides more versatility with a primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and a secondary PCIe 4.0 x16 slot. This allows users to take advantage of the latest graphics cards and expand their system without bottlenecking performance.

Conversely, the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI has two PCIe 4.0 x16 slots, which are still capable but may not support the fastest upcoming technologies as effectively as the Z790's PCIe 5.0 slot. The future-proofing aspect of the Z790 is a notable consideration for those who plan to upgrade their systems over time.

Storage Options

The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI offers greater storage flexibility with four M.2 Gen4 x4 slots, compared to the two M.2 slots provided by the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI. This means the Z790 motherboard can support more high-speed NVMe SSDs, which is beneficial for users requiring substantial storage capacity and fast access speeds.

Both motherboards feature Shield Frozr technology to prevent thermal throttling, but the additional M.2 slots in the Z790 model may appeal to gamers and professionals needing extensive and rapid storage solutions for large files or applications.

Networking Features

Both the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI and the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI motherboards include Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3, providing modern wireless networking capabilities. However, the Z790 model stands out with its superior overall design aimed at high-performance networking, which can be critical in gaming scenarios where latency and speed are essential.

The inclusion of a 2.5Gbps LAN port on both models ensures fast wired connections, but the Z790's advanced features might offer a slight edge in competitive gaming situations, where every millisecond counts.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the MSI B650 GAMING PLUS WIFI and the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI boils down to your specific requirements and budget. If you are looking for a cost-effective solution with solid performance for AMD processors, the B650 motherboard at £134.99 is an excellent choice. It supports a range of Ryzen CPUs and offers good features for mainstream gaming.

On the other hand, if you desire cutting-edge technology and plan to use Intel's latest CPUs with a focus on high performance and overclocking potential, the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI at £184.99 is worth the investment. Its superior power delivery, memory support, and expansion capabilities make it ideal for high-end users. Ultimately, your choice should align with your processor preference and performance expectations.