MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi ATX DDR5
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi Gaming Motherboard is designed to support the latest 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors with its LGA 1700 socket. It offers advanced features such as DDR5 memory support, multiple M.2 slots for storage, and integrated Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed wireless connectivity.
Popularity: Medium
Specifications:
Model: MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi ATX DDR5
Chipset: INTEL Z790
Form Factor:
CPU Compatibility: Intel® Core™ 14th/ 13th/ 12th Gen Processors, Intel® Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors
Memory Support: 7200+(OC)/ 7000(OC)/ 6800(OC)/ 6600(OC)/ 6400(OC)/ 6200(OC)/ 6000(OC)/ 5800(OC)/ 5600(JEDEC)/ 5400(JEDEC)/ 5200(JEDEC)/ 5000(JEDEC)/ 4800(JEDEC) MHz
Maximum Memory Capacity: 256GB
Memory Speed:
Memory Features: Supports Intel® XMP3.0 OC, Supports Dual-Controller Dual-Channel mode, Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory
RAM Slots: 4.0
Graphics Output: 1x HDMI™, 1x DisplayPort
Expansion Slots: 2x PCI-E x16 slot, 1x PCI-E x1 slot
Storage Options: 4x M.2, 7x SATA 6G
Ethernet: Intel® 2.5Gbps LAN
Wireless Bluetooth: Intel® Wi-Fi 6E, Supports Bluetooth® 5.3
USB Ports (Rear): 4x USB 5Gbps Type A, 4x USB 10Gbps Type A, 1x USB 10Gbps Type C, 1x USB 20Gbps Type C
USB Ports (Front): 4x USB 2.0, 2x USB 5Gbps Type A, 1x USB 10Gbps Type C
Audio: Realtek® ALC4080 Codec, 7.1-Channel USB High Performance Audio
Back Panel I/O Ports: DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-A, 2.5G LAN Port, HD Audio Connectors, HDMI™ 2.1 Port, Clear CMOS Button, Flash BIOS Button, USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps Type-C, Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Antenna, Optical S/PDIF OUT
Internal I/O Connectors: 1x Power Connector(ATX_PWR), 2x Power Connector(CPU_PWR), 1x CPU Fan, 1x Pump Fan, 6x System Fan, 2x Front Panel (JFP), 1x Chassis Intrusion (JCI), 1x Front Audio (JAUD), 1x Tuning Controller connector(JDASH), 3x Addressable V2 RGB LED connector (JARGB_V2), 1x RGB LED connector(JRGB), 1x TPM pin header(Support TPM 2.0), 4x USB 2.0 ports, 2x USB 5Gbps Type A ports, 1x USB 10Gbps Type C ports
Cooling Headers:
Power Connectors:
BIOS:
Manufacturer Page: Link
Review
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi ATX DDR5 motherboard represents a significant upgrade in the realm of PC hardware, tailored for enthusiasts and gamers seeking full utilization of the latest Intel processors. With a comprehensive suite of features aimed at delivering exceptional performance, this flagship contender manages to offer powerful capabilities at a reasonable price.
Overclocking Performance
One of the standout features of the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi ATX DDR5 is its overclocking performance. When paired with 12th and 13th generation Intel processors, like the i9-13900K, the motherboard supports impressive overclocking capabilities, although it faces inherent challenges due to the processor’s high base power draw. As observed in a review by TechPowerUp, the Tomahawk’s power delivery system can easily handle processors at extreme power settings, but efficient cooling becomes the critical factor limiting further overclock potential.
Memory and Storage Excellence
Equipped with four DDR5 memory slots, the board supports memory speeds up to 7200+(OC) MHz, providing ample bandwidth for gaming and productivity. It also boasts extensive storage capabilities, with four M.2 slots and seven SATA ports, allowing for a robust combination of SSDs and HDDs. This makes the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi an excellent choice for users who need extensive storage flexibility (ITC.ua).
Connectivity and Expansion
The motherboard is designed with cutting-edge connectivity options, including PCIe 5.0 support, Intel 2.5 Gbps LAN, and Intel Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring you stay ahead in network performance. Besides traditional connection ports, it incorporates two USB 20Gbps Type-C ports, providing increased data transfer speeds. The presence of multiple PCIe slots facilitates the addition of GPUs and other peripherals, which is critical for gamers and creators working with high-performance setups.
Power Delivery and Thermal Management
Fitted with a robust 16+1+1 phase power delivery system, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi ATX adeptly handles high-wattage CPUs, maintaining stability under heavy loads. The large heat sinks efficiently dissipate heat, safeguarding the system’s components—a crucial feature highlighted in reviews (ITC.ua).
Software and BIOS
A key drawback of this motherboard is its BIOS, which is notably slow to load, taking up to 60 seconds under standard conditions. Compatibility issues, such as those with certain MSI liquid cooling systems, require manual configuration, which can be an inconvenience for users (ITC.ua). However, the MSI Center utility offers some relief by allowing parameter adjustments without BIOS restarts.
Conclusion
Despite software shortcomings, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi ATX DDR5 stands as a formidable motherboard, balancing power, performance, and connectivity. It’s ideal for enthusiasts who value hardware prowess and offers significant potential for future-proofing with its support for newer generations of hardware. While the slow BIOS might deter beginners, the board's substantial merits in terms of raw power and connectivity make it a compelling choice for advanced setups.
Overall, this motherboard is poised to support demanding applications and deliver a high-performance experience, making it a worthy investment for its target audience.