Searching for a reliable Z790 DDR5 ATX motherboard
Searching for a reliable Z790 DDR5 ATX motherboard
I've been evaluating the MSI Z790 Tomahawk WiFi over the past while. It appears to be a solid all-round board at a fairly reasonable price. However, I recently discovered it lacks Dual BIOS, which is unexpected since my MSI Z97 Gaming 7 from eight years ago did have it. This makes me wonder if there are superior choices available at that price or even a bit higher. For the record, I'm based in India and the DDR5 Tomahawk is around 33,500 Rupees. That amount doesn't convert directly to USD or CAD due to varying import taxes, but that's the situation. The specs I'm after: DDR5 Z790 (I'm planning to use an i5-13600K and might overclock later), at least four USB 3.0 ports or better on the rear I/O, a Clear CMOS button and BIOS Flashback button on the rear I/O, Dual BIOS support (preferred but not essential if manufacturers stop offering it), some EZDebug LEDs, an on-board power-on button (preferred but not required), and I don't mind RGB lighting or addressable fan headers. These extras aren't crucial for me. Are there any better alternatives to the Tomahawk?
The most affordable dual BIOS boards fall into the $400+ price range in the US, with only around 20 available on LGA 1700 (fewer for Z790 models). [EDIT: Verified count is 20, including ASRock Z690 Aqua and Aqua OC.] This capability is worth noting—it should be more common, though BIOS Flashback still has its place. The idea is that dual BIOS is often cheaper than BIOS Flashback when you need both options. If you’re after dual BIOS, buying a second board can save money. Look for deals on these models; they’re all high-quality but rarely priced well. For alternatives to the Tomahawk, I’d compare prices to see what fits your needs. My usual picks are the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite and MSI Z690 Carbon/Force (same board, different design) if you’re open to BIOS Flashback. Other good options exist, but they tend to be pricier in the US unless you find better offers. Updated August 14, 2023 by RONOTHAN##
I'm using the Z790 UD AC motherboard with DDR5-7600 at the moment. It lacks the Clear Cmos and Duel BIOS, but includes BIOS flashback and an internal power button. Despite missing some premium features, it's significantly cheaper than most options—bought for around 285 CAD in March and now about 250 CAD (around 200 USD). It's a great deal if you're okay with the extra features.