MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI, LGA 1700, Intel 14th/13th/12th Gen, DDR4

The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 motherboard is designed to power next-generation PC builds with cutting-edge performance and advanced features. Built on the Intel® Z790 chipset, it supports Intel® 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors, making it a future-proof option for gamers, creators, and professionals.

With DDR4 memory support and speeds up to 5333MHz (OC), this motherboard delivers outstanding multitasking and overclocking capabilities. It features PCIe 5.0 x16 support for the latest GPUs, along with quadruple PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots enhanced by M.2 Shield FROZR for fast and reliable storage. Networking is seamless with Wi-Fi 6E and Intel 2.5G LAN, while Lightning USB 20G (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C) ensures fast data transfers.

Enhanced cooling solutions, a 6-layer PCB with 2oz thickened copper, and robust power delivery ensure stable and efficient operation for high-performance builds.

Key Features

• Supports Intel 14th/13th/12th Gen Core, Pentium Gold, and Celeron processors.
• DDR4 memory compatibility with up to 256GB and speeds up to 5333MHz (OC).
• PCIe 5.0 x16 slot delivers unmatched GPU bandwidth for next-gen gaming and rendering.
• Quadruple PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots with M.2 Shield FROZR for high-speed storage and thermal stability.
• Wi-Fi 6E and Intel® 2.5G LAN offer fast and reliable networking.
• Lightning USB 20G (USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C) for ultra-fast 20Gbps data transfer.
• 6-layer PCB with 2oz copper enhances durability and cooling.
• Audio Boost 5 with Realtek® ALC4080 codec for immersive, high-quality sound.
• Pre-installed I/O Shielding provides better EMI protection and easier installation.
• EZ Debug LED and Clear CMOS Button simplify system setup and troubleshooting.
• ATX form factor, perfect for powerful and feature-rich builds.

MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI Specifications

• Brand: MSI
• Model: MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4
• Socket: LGA1700
• Chipset: Intel Z790
• Memory Support: DDR4, up to 5333MHz (OC), 4 DIMM slots, maximum 256GB
• Graphics Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1 (4K@60Hz), 1x DisplayPort 1.4 (8K@60Hz)
• Expansion Slots: 1 PCIe 5.0 x16 (from CPU), 1 PCIe 4.0 x4 (from chipset), 1 PCIe 3.0 x1 (from chipset)
• Storage: 4 PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots (up to 22110), 7 SATA 6Gb/s ports, RAID support for M.2 NVMe and SATA devices (RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10)
• Networking: Intel 2.5G LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
• Audio: Realtek ALC4080 Codec, 7.1-channel USB high-performance audio, supports S/PDIF out, 32-bit/384kHz playback on front panel
• USB Ports (Rear): 4x USB 5Gbps Type-A, 4x USB 10Gbps Type-A, 1x USB 20Gbps Type-C, 1x USB 10Gbps Type-C
• USB Ports (Front): 4x USB 2.0, 2x USB 5Gbps Type-A, 1x USB 10Gbps Type-C
• Cooling: 1 CPU fan header, 1 pump fan header, 6 system fan headers
• Power Requirements: 24-pin ATX power connector, 8-pin + 4-pin CPU power connectors
• Operating System Support: Windows 11 64-bit, Windows 10 64-bit
• Form Factor: ATX (243.84mm x 304.8mm)

Processor Compatibility

The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 motherboard supports a wide range of Intel processors, from 12th Gen Alder Lake to the 14th Gen lineup, utilizing the LGA 1700 socket. This compatibility makes it a versatile choice for builders looking for performance, reliability, and future-proofing.

Supported Intel Generations

• 12th Gen (Alder Lake): Hybrid architecture for improved efficiency and performance.
• 13th Gen (Raptor Lake): Enhanced core count and higher clock speeds for demanding tasks.
• 14th Gen: Cutting-edge CPUs for unparalleled multitasking and gaming performance.

Processor Recommendations for MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI

• Intel Core i5-13600K: Excellent for gaming and multitasking, delivering outstanding performance at an affordable price.
• Intel Core i9-12900KF: Ideal for high-end builds requiring powerful multitasking and productivity.
• Intel Core i7-14700KF: Perfect for the latest gaming titles and creative workloads, ensuring future-proof performance.

Discrete GPU Compatibility

The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 Motherboard features PCIe 5.0 support, offering up to 128GB/s bandwidth for maximum performance with the latest graphics cards. Backward compatibility with PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 ensures you can use older GPUs without issues, although they won’t utilize PCIe 5.0’s full potential.

PCIe Compatibility Insights

• PCIe 5.0 GPUs: Fully compatible, delivering cutting-edge performance.
• PCIe 4.0 GPUs: Run efficiently but will not utilize the full bandwidth of PCIe 5.0.
• PCIe 3.0 GPUs: Compatible but may encounter bottlenecks in data-intensive workloads or games.

Graphics Card Recommendations for MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI

• AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT: Great for 1440p gaming, taking full advantage of PCIe 4.0 compatibility.
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070: A solid choice for 4K gaming with ray tracing capabilities.
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090: The ultimate GPU for 4K gaming and professional rendering with PCIe 5.0 compatibility.

Upgrade your visual experience—choose a GPU that matches your performance goals!

Memory Compatibility

The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 Motherboard utilizes the DDR4 memory standard, offering affordability and excellent performance for most workloads. It supports overclocking to push memory performance to its limits while maintaining stability.

Key Memory Features

• Four DDR4 DIMM Slots: Supports up to 128GB total memory capacity.
• Supported Speeds: Default speeds of 3200 MHz, with overclocking up to 5333 MHz (O.C.).
• Dual-Channel Memory Architecture: Improves system performance by increasing data transfer speeds.
• Intel XMP 3.0 Support: Simplifies memory overclocking for maximum efficiency.

Note: Stability during overclocking depends on memory module quality and proper cooling.

Power Requirements and Cooling

The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 Motherboard features robust power delivery and advanced cooling solutions, ensuring your build runs efficiently and remains cool during high loads.

Power Connectors

• 24-Pin ATX Power Connector: Powers the motherboard for all operations.
• 8+8-Pin EPS CPU Power Connectors: Delivers sufficient power to high-performance processors, even under overclocked conditions.

Cooling and Fan Headers

• 1x CPU Fan Header: For air or liquid cooling of the processor.
• 1x Pump Fan Header: Optimized for AIO or custom liquid cooling solutions.
• 5x System Fan Headers: Allows for flexible case cooling configurations.
• VRM Cooling: The motherboard features large heatsinks that efficiently dissipate heat from the VRMs, maintaining stability during heavy workloads or overclocking.

Power Supply Recommendations for MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI

• 750W PSU: Perfect for mid-range builds featuring GPUs like the RX 6750 XT.
• 850W PSU: Ideal for systems with high-end GPUs like the RTX 3070.
• 1000W PSU or higher: Recommended for extreme builds using GPUs like the RTX 4090.

Ensure stable performance and efficient cooling—equip your build with the right PSU and cooling solutions!

Is This Motherboard for You?

The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR4 is perfect for gamers, content creators, and professionals who demand cutting-edge features in a reliable ATX motherboard.

With DDR4 support, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E, and quadruple M.2 slots, it’s an ideal choice for high-performance PC builds.