MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi

MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi

Motherboard • MSI • $ 239.84

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Unleash Your Intel Build with the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is a feature-packed ATX motherboard designed for Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors on the LGA 1700 socket. Built on the Intel Z790 chipset, it delivers robust power delivery, extensive connectivity, and cutting-edge performance for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts. Whether you're building a high-end gaming rig or a productivity workstation, this board offers the perfect balance of features and reliability.

Key Features and Performance

  • Support for DDR5 Memory: With four DIMM slots, the Tomahawk supports up to 256GB of DDR5 RAM, reaching speeds of 7200+ MHz (OC) via XMP. Dual-channel architecture ensures low latency and high bandwidth for demanding applications.
  • PCIe 5.0 Ready: The primary PCIe x16 slot is PCIe 5.0-compliant, providing double the bandwidth of PCIe 4.0 for the latest graphics cards and future-proofing your system.
  • Massive Storage Options: Four M.2 slots (all PCIe 4.0 x4) and seven SATA 6Gb/s ports allow you to install multiple NVMe SSDs and HDDs, ensuring lightning-fast load times and ample storage capacity.
  • Advanced Networking: Integrated Intel 2.5G LAN and Wi-Fi 6E (with Bluetooth 5.2) deliver low-latency, high-speed wired and wireless connectivity for online gaming and streaming.
  • Comprehensive Cooling: Hybrid fan headers, VRM heatsinks, and M.2 heatsinks keep temperatures in check even under heavy loads, ensuring stable performance during marathon sessions.

Connectivity and Expansion

The rear I/O panel is well-equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. For display, you have both DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 outputs, ideal for integrated graphics. Audio is handled by five audio jacks and an optical S/PDIF output, providing high-quality sound for headphones and speakers.

Onboard headers include a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 front-panel Type-C connector, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers, and two USB 2.0 headers, giving you plenty of options for case front-panel ports and additional devices.

Who Is It For?

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is perfect for gamers seeking high frame rates, content creators who need fast storage and memory, and PC builders who want a reliable foundation for a high-performance system. Its robust VRM design supports even the most power-hungry Intel Core i9 processors, making it a versatile choice for any enthusiast.

Key Specifications

Form Factor: ATX
Socket: LGA 1700
RAM Type: DDR5 7200+ OC (dual-channel, non-ECC unbuffered, XMP supported)
Max. RAM: 256GB
RAM Slots: 4
Chipset: Intel Z790
Connectivity
1x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot (from CPU), 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot (from Chipset, runs at x4), 1x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot (from Chipset), 4x M.2 NVMe slots (all Key M, supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 mode), 7x SATA 6 Gb/s ports, 1x Intel 2.5 GbE LAN, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Graphics outputs: 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.1, Hybrid fan headers, VRM heatsinks, M.2 heatsinks
Back Panel IO
1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C, 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 2.5G LAN port, 5x Audio jacks, 1x Optical S/PDIF Out, 1x BIOS FlashBack button
Onboard USB Headers: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 front-panel Type-C connector 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers (support 4 ports) 2x USB 2.0 headers (support 4 ports total)

Detailed Parameters

Platform:
Intel
Socket:
LGA 1700
RAM Type:
DDR5
Number of RAM Slots:
4
Maximum RAM/slot:
64
Maximum RAM Capacity in GB:
256
PCI Express Version:
5
Form Factor:
ATX
Maximum RAM Speed in MHz:
7200
ECC:
No
Chipset:
Z790
SupportedPlatforms:
Intel Consumer

Where to Buy

Pros

  • Excellent VRM design for high-end Intel CPUs
  • Four M.2 slots with heatsinks for ample NVMe storage
  • Supports DDR5 up to 7200+ MHz (OC) for top-tier performance
  • Integrated Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5G LAN for fast networking
  • BIOS FlashBack button for easy firmware updates

Cons

  • Only one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot (no PCIe 5.0 M.2)
  • No USB4 or Thunderbolt ports
  • Audio codec is basic (ALC897) compared to premium boards

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi support Intel 14th Gen processors?

Yes, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is compatible with Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors on the LGA 1700 socket, provided you update the BIOS to the latest version for 14th Gen support.

How many M.2 slots does the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi have and what speeds do they support?

It has four M.2 slots, all supporting PCIe 4.0 x4 mode. This allows for high-speed NVMe SSDs with sequential read speeds up to 7000 MB/s, depending on the drive.

Can I use DDR4 memory on this motherboard?

No, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi is designed exclusively for DDR5 memory. It does not support DDR4 modules.

Does the motherboard include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?

Yes, it comes with integrated Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2, providing fast wireless connectivity and support for the latest wireless peripherals.

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