MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk Wifi DDR5 Intel Motherboard

The MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi DDR5 is a full-size ATX motherboard engineered for Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors on the LGA 1851 socket. Built around the Intel Z890 chipset, it targets enthusiast builders and gamers who demand a feature-rich platform with headroom for overclocking, ultra-fast connectivity, and long-term durability. At the heart of its power delivery sits a 14+2+1 digital power phase design paired with dual 8-pin CPU power connectors. Each phase uses a 60A Smart Power Stage, and MSI's Core Boost technology helps maintain stable voltages even under sustained all-core loads. An 8-layer PCB constructed with 2oz thickened copper supports reliable signal integrity and power distribution across all layers. Memory support spans four DDR5 UDIMM slots, accommodating up to 256 GB total. In a single-DIMM-per-channel, single-rank configuration the board can reach 9200+ MT/s via XMP 3.0 overclocking profiles. JEDEC-standard speeds range from 4800 to 6400 MT/s, and CUDIMM modules are also supported. MSI's Memory Boost technology alongside a dedicated SMT welding process helps stabilise high-frequency memory operation. Storage connectivity is extensive: one M.2 slot (from the CPU) runs at PCIe 5.0 x4, two additional M.2 slots run at PCIe 4.0 x4 from the CPU, a fourth M.2 slot from the chipset supports both PCIe 4.0 x4 and SATA modes, and four SATA 6 Gbps ports round out mass-storage options. RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 arrays are supported for both SATA and NVMe M.2 devices. Each M.2 slot ships with EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II thermal covers and tool-free EZ M.2 Clip II retention. Expansion slots include one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot from the CPU and two PCIe 4.0 x4 slots from the chipset. Connectivity highlights include two rear Thunderbolt 4 Type-C ports (40 Gbps), an Intel Killer E5000 5 Gbps wired LAN controller, and an Intel Killer BE1750x Wi-Fi 7 module supporting 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands (up to 5.8 Gbps theoretical throughput), MU-MIMO, MLO, 4K-QAM, and Bluetooth 5.4. A comprehensive USB array includes USB 20 Gbps, 10 Gbps, and 5 Gbps ports both front and rear. Audio is handled by a Realtek ALC1220P codec with 7.1-channel HD Audio and S/PDIF output. Thermal management features an extended VRM heatsink with 7 W/mK MOSFET thermal pads, additional choke thermal pads, and an enlarged chipset heatsink. Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) and embedded Overcurrent Protection (OCP) guard USB, DDR, and CPU circuitry against voltage and current spikes. An anti-corrosive stainless-steel I/O shield with EMI-reducing sponge backing completes the build-quality story. Verifiable Specifications: – Chipset: Intel Z890 | Socket: LGA 1851 | Form Factor: ATX (243.84 mm × 304.8 mm) – CPU Support: Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors – Memory: 4× DDR5 UDIMM, max 256 GB; up to 9200+ MT/s (OC, 1DPC 1R); XMP 3.0 & CUDIMM support – Storage: 1× PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 + 3× PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 + 4× SATA 6 Gbps – PCIe Slots: 1× PCIe 5.0 x16, 2× PCIe 4.0 x4 – Thunderbolt: 2× Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) rear ports; 1× Thunderbolt 5 internal header – LAN: Intel Killer E5000 5 Gbps – Wi-Fi: Intel Killer BE1750x Wi-Fi 7 (up to 5.8 Gbps), Bluetooth 5.4 – Audio: Realtek ALC1220P, 7.1-channel HD Audio, S/PDIF out – Video Out: 1× HDMI 2.1 (4K@120Hz); 2× Thunderbolt 4 Type-C (DisplayPort 2.1, up to 8K@60Hz, iGPU required) – Power Phases: 14+2+1 with dual 8-pin CPU connectors – OS: Windows 11 64-bit – Warranty: 3 Years