

#Realtek alc892 audio codec review series
While the Z390 Tomahawk is from the more military-themed series of MAG models, it does include a surprising number of good features. The MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk Review: The Verdict
#Realtek alc892 audio codec review professional
OS: Windows 10 Professional 圆4 3DMark Fire Strike RAM: Ballistix Elite 3000MHz 16GB (2x8GB) All of the motherboards and processors seen in the graphs below are set with multi-core enhancement enabled (on supported models) and are at the mercy of the motherboard itself. To keep things on an even playing field along with previously tested processors, we have used the same DDR4 memory running at 3000MHz with the same graphics card and the same testing methodology.ĬPU: Intel Core i9-9900K (Stock settings) In the interest of fairness and to show real-world performance, the processor was left at stock. MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk Performance: Test Setup and Results Test Bench and Setup Also present is a PS/2 combo keyboard and mouse port.

A Realtek ALC892 HD audio codec powers the onboard audio which includes an S/PDIF optical output. For people looking to use onboard graphics with supported Intel processors, the Z390 Tomahawk has a DisplayPort and HDMI video output. Included is two Intel controlled Gigabit LAN ports, 3 x USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A ports, one USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port, and 2 x USB 2.0 ports. On the rear panel, the MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk offers an impressive amount of connections, inputs, and outputs. Other connectors include 2 x 4-pin RGB LED connectors, a single 3-pin RAINBOW LED connector, 2 x USB 3.1 front panel headers, and 2 x USB 2.0 front panel headers. Dotted around the edge of the board are a single CPU 4-pin fan header, a 4-pin water-pump header, and 5 x 4-pin headers designed for case fans. This board does feature RGB LEDs for those looking to add some flair to the look of their system, with a strip located underneath the PCB by the RAM slots, and underneath the Z390 chipset heatsink. Also included are six SATA ports which have support for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 arrays. Sandwiched in between is a Key-E M.2 slot for people wishing to add a wireless adapter as one doesn’t come with this model as standard. Above the top and bottom slots are M.2 slots with the bottom slot including a heatsink, while the top slot doesn’t.

There are also 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slots if you’re looking to use additional devices such as sound cards. On the lower portion of the MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk is 3 x full-length PCIe 3.0 slots which run at x16, x16/x4, and x16/x4/x1. To the right of the RAM slots is a 24-pin 12V ATX motherboard power input. The Z390 Tomahawk does not support ECC memory. This board also supports up to 128GB which means that the 32GB UDIMMs can be installed. In terms of memory support, the MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk has four RAM slots which support up to 4400MHz DDR4 memory. To deliver power to the processor is an 8-pin and 4-pin 12V ATX CPU power input.

Each of the power delivery zones has its own large aluminium heatsink, with the rear panel cover fitting in nicely with the overall theme. The MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk has a black and grey theme with two zones of RGB LEDs which include the top right-hand side underneath the PCB, with the other RGB zone within the Z390 chipset heatsink. Let’s take a look at the specifications and see what the MAG Z390 Tomahawk has to offer… The MSI MAG Z390 Tomahawk has plenty of features including all that RGB goodness gamers need to create the perfect design in their systems, not to mention the two M.2 slots, three full-length PCIe 3.0 slots and dual LAN on the rear panel. All of the focus with reviews of late has been on AMD’s X570 chipset, but today we have a solid board in from MSI which caters towards the lower end of the Z390 portfolio.
