MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WIFI Review: Stealth Mode

MSI’s Z690 Tomahawk brings a stealthy black appearance, four M.2 ports and other updates to Alder Lake for $309.99.

MSI MAG Z690 Tomahawk WIFI
(Image credit: © MSI)

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Firmware

Like the other MSI BIOS configurations, you start with an informational EZ Mode that allows editing of some high-level functions that include enabling XMP profiles, adjusting fan speeds, and more. The main menu is informational up top, while the bottom two-thirds is where the adjustments happen. You select the section you want on the left or right sides, and the details show in the middle. You don’t have to dig down several screens to reach the overclocking options as they are mostly on the main page. Some digging is inevitable, but overall we find this BIOS full of options and easy to read and get around.

Joe Shields
Staff Writer, Components

Joe Shields is a staff writer at Tom’s Hardware. He reviews motherboards and PC components.

  • greenreaper
    Been looking at this myself, but the DDR4 version, since DDR5 availability and price isn't quite there yet - especially if you're looking for a reasonable latency. Note that at least on the DDR4 version, one of the M.2 slots appears to be only PCIe 3.x, not 4.x. But hey, if you're planning to fill them all, either you've got enough money to buy a more expensive motherboard, or you can put the slowest one in there later on.
    Reply
  • Friesiansam
    Admin said:
    AGAINST- No integrated RGB

    I'm not religious but, Praise The Lord!
    Reply
  • OriginFree
    Mistake report:

    The "No integrated RGB" should be in the Pro column.
    Reply
  • singemagique
    OriginFree said:
    Mistake report:

    The "No integrated RGB" should be in the Pro column.
    So much yes. I fracking hate RGB on everything. I'm not even particularly fond of needlessly decorative heat spreaders on RAM.
    Reply