This article covers msi mag Z690 Tomahawk WiFi Intel LGA 1700 DDR4 Motherboard.

Overview

MSI's MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi is an ATX motherboard built for Intel's 12th-gen Alder Lake processors on the LGA 1700 socket. It uses the Z690 chipset and supports DDR4 memory, giving users a cost-effective platform compared to DDR5-based boards. The board includes PCIe 5.0 for both graphics and one M.2 slot, alongside integrated Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2. With a solid 14+1+1 power stage VRM and robust heatsinks, it can handle high-end Core i7 and i9 chips without breaking a sweat.

Compatibility Guide

The CPU socket is LGA 1700, compatible with Intel Core 12th-gen and 13th-gen (Raptor Lake) after a BIOS update. This board supports DDR4 memory only, up to 5200 MHz overclocked, across four DIMMs for a maximum of 128 GB. Its ATX form factor fits most standard PC cases. Power requirements include a 24-pin ATX main connector and two 8-pin EPS12V CPU power connectors. PCIe slots: one PCIe 5.0 x16, plus additional PCIe 4.0 and 3.0 lanes. Storage: three M.2 slots (one PCIe 5.0, two PCIe 4.0) and six SATA 6 Gb/s ports.

Product Info

Released in November 2021, the MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi typically retails around ¥63,668 on Japan as of late 2026. It belongs to MSI's mid-range MAG series, balancing feature set and price. Key specs: Realtek ALC1200 audio, Intel 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E (Intel AX210). The VRM uses 14+1+1 phases, providing stable power delivery for high-core-count CPUs. MSI backs it with a standard 3-year warranty.

Best Use Cases

  • DDR4 Gaming Rig Builders: By using cheaper DDR4 RAM, you can allocate more budget to a better GPU or fast NVMe SSDs. Pair it with a Core i5-12600K or i7-12700K for balanced 1440p or 4K gaming. The PCIe 5.0 slot ensures compatibility with next-gen graphics cards. - Budget-Conscious Workstations: For video editing or 3D modeling on a tight budget, DDR4 memory keeps costs low while the board supports ample storage and connectivity. The strong VRM can handle even a Core i9-12900K for rendering tasks. - Home Server or Multi-Storage Builds: With six SATA ports and three M.2 slots, this board suits NAS or media server projects. Integrated Wi-Fi 6E provides easy cable-free networking if you can't run Ethernet. ## Alternatives
    Direct competitors include the ASUS Prime Z690-P D4 and Gigabyte Z690 UD DDR4. The MSI board stands out with a beefier VRM heatsink and built-in Wi-Fi 6E, which the ASUS model lacks. Gigabyte's BIOS may appeal to users familiar with that ecosystem, but the MSI's overall build quality and thermal design give it an edge for sustained workloads.

Things to Consider

No DDR5 support – if you plan to upgrade to faster memory in the future, choose a DDR5 variant or a different platform. The LGA 1700 socket requires a compatible CPU cooler with the appropriate mounting kit; older LGA 1200 coolers may need an adapter. For 13th-gen CPUs, ensure the BIOS is updated to at least version 7D28v16 before installation. Also, the board's PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot shares bandwidth with the first PCIe x16 slot when using a Gen5 SSD, though this only matters for extreme configurations. ## FAQ Q: Can I use DDR5 memory on this motherboard? A: No, this board is DDR4-only. If you need DDR5, look for the DDR5 version of the MAG Z690 Tomahawk WiFi. Q: Will the Core i5-13600K work without a BIOS update? A: It requires BIOS version 7D28v16 or newer. Check with the seller or update via USB Flashback before installing a Raptor Lake CPU. Q: Does the box include Wi-Fi antennas? A: Yes, two desktop antennas with magnetic bases are included, ensuring good wireless reception.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: MSI
  • Seller: フレッシュ本舗2号店
  • Fulfilled by: フレッシュ本舗2号店
  • ASIN: B09HK6CZFC
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.