Neither a gaming machine nor a workstation can do without a decent motherboard. With new AI-ready Intel processors also comes a new generation of motherboards that make the most of performance.
Investing in a quality and feature-packed motherboard always pays off. Although the raw performance of the computer is determined more by the processor and the graphics card, it is in the motherboard that you connect these and many other components. They are so tied to the functions of the motherboard that you shouldn’t skimp on. With a new model MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk Wifi and with the entire MSI Z890 series there will be no shortage of functions, performance and connectivity.
There is currently an event going on for selected MSI boards, where you can get credit on the Steam gaming platform after registration. The MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk Wifi is a $30 voucher. Up to $100 can be earned for premium models. Learn more about the event on the MSI website.
Why go for the current generation of motherboards with the Z890 chipset from MSI? There are several reasons. Compared to the Z790, MSI supports the Thunderbolt 4 interface. You will appreciate this when connecting fast external drives, expansion hubs or even monitors.
The power supply was also improved between generations. 110 and Smart Power Stage ensure that you get the real maximum from your processor. MSI came up with the Ultra Power+ design, so you will find a durable PCB designed for servers on the board. These usually run non-stop for many years, so you are sure that your board will stand the test of time. At the same time, all boards are ATX 3.1 ready, so they supply enough power through the PCIe slots.
The new BIOS then opens up options for easy clocking. Together with OC Engine, you can start clocking the new Intel Ultra Series 2 chips in no time. There are ready-made profiles from basic settings to unlocked profiles directly from MSI.
However, it does not end with processor clocking. RAM speed also affects performance, and MSI gives you everything you need to tune frequencies and push values to the max.
The boards support powerful CUDIMM modules and the slots themselves are reinforced to withstand more frequent replacement and higher temperatures. You can pull the frequency up to 9,600 MT/s. Two practical functions can be used in the BIOS when adjusting timings and frequencies. Memory try It! allows you to test memory overclocking. Memory Extension Mode then optimizes the RAM parameters and debugs the response at the same frequency so that you get the most out of your memories.
Of course, high performance also brings heating. MSI coped with this through the proven Frozr Guard system. There are many cooling elements on the motherboard. The system of coolers and heat distributors is located next to the power supply system. You can also find part of the M.2 slots and there is also a metal back plate that spreads the heat.
Another great feature is the EZ DIY system. This ensures easy installation and removal of components and generally undemanding operation of the motherboard. You can install the M.2 disk without having to screw anything, including the cooler.
Bigger problems tend to be with the removal of the graphics card. The mechanism for unlocking the slot is hidden behind the PCIe slot. MSI connected this mechanism to an easily accessible button, and you can remove this expensive and large component in a few seconds and completely safely.
The EZ DIY system also includes software features. On the back panel of the motherboard you will find a button to clear CMOS, so you can erase the settings and start from scratch without any problems if you have a bad BIOS configuration. Loading the BIOS via a flash drive comes in handy for updates when you don’t have a compatible processor or memory at hand.
Already when installing the motherboard, you will appreciate the integrated I/O Shield or the antenna, which you can connect quickly using two cables.
In case of problems, the EZ DEBUG LED comes in handy, i.e. a highly visible and color-differentiated light that alerts you to errors in VGA, DRAM, CPU or during boot. These are complemented by a seven-segment digital display, where the error code is displayed. This display also serves as a temperature indicator.
The Frozr Sync system takes care of synchronizing the cooling so that your computer is ice cold, but at the same time quiet enough for you to enjoy games or work undisturbed.
Connectivity has also been boosted. Apart from the aforementioned Thunderbolt 4 se MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk Wifi and all models from the Z890 series also boast the new and fast Wi-Fi 7. You can also use an Ethernet connection with a speed of 5 Gb/s, which is a new standard in this series.
Abundant connectivity is provided by USB-A and USB-C ports on the back. Speeds here reach up to 20 Gb/s, ideal for connecting external drives, for example. There are plenty of opportunities for internal storage, as the boards are supported by several M.2 slots, each one with PCIe 5.0 speed and two in total with direct connection to the CPU. Another will serve the chipset.
The board is best used in conjunction with Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors. Their advantage is, for example, the inclusion of NPU units enabling local operation of artificial intelligence. It will help you in everyday activities as well as in the professional sphere.
The new generation of Intel chips boasts lower power consumption for the same performance, increased performance when using more threads by up to 15%, and gaming temperatures have dropped by up to 10°C. With a new generation of motherboards MSI with Z890 chipset unlock the maximum performance of Intel processors.
Source: pctuning.cz
