MSI MAG MAG Z790 Tomahawk Gaming Desktop Motherboard - Intel Z790 Chipset - Socket LGA-1700 - ATX

The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk is engineered for gamers who demand peak performance, rock-solid stability, and a platform built to endure the most intense battles in-game. Built around the Intel Z790 chipset and the LGA-1700 socket, this ATX motherboard unlocks the full potential of 12th and 13th Generation Intel Core processors, delivering superior power delivery, efficient cooling, and expansive connectivity. With a rugged, military-inspired design, reinforced components, and a focus on reliability, the MAG Tomahawk is a trusted foundation for high-end gaming rigs and content-creation desktops alike. Enhanced networking combines 2.5G LAN with Intel Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring ultra-low latency, speedy downloads, and smooth online play even in crowded networks. For builders chasing performance without compromise, this board blends premium features with practical engineering to keep your system cool, quiet, and ready for action.

• The MAG Z790 Tomahawk is built for enthusiasts who crave exceptional power delivery and durability. Its robust VRM design, comprehensive cooling solution, and durable components keep PWM stability high under CPU overclocking, ensuring consistent frame rates during long gaming sessions and demanding workloads.
• Networking excellence is baked in with 2.5G LAN and Intel Wi-Fi 6E, providing faster, more reliable connectivity for multiplayer games, streaming, and large file transfers. The combination of wired and wireless networking options gives you flexible, low-latency options for every setup.
• DDR5 memory support and PCIe 5.0 readiness deliver future-proof performance that lets you push higher memory frequencies and faster GPU/SSD interfaces. The motherboard supports high-speed RAM kits and has features to optimize memory profiles for speed and stability across games and workloads.
• Storage and expansion are plentiful, with multiple M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs and abundant SATA ports, letting you configure a fast boot drive, roomy gaming libraries, and ample storage for creative projects. Smart thermal design and heat sinks help maintain sustained read/write speeds under heavy load.
• Visual appeal and customization are part of the package, with MSI’s Mystic Light-inspired lighting options and a clean layout that makes building and cable management straightforward. The sturdy ATX form factor fits a wide range of cases, while the layout provides easy access to power, PCIe, USB, and fan headers for tidy builds.

Technical Details of MSI MAG MAG Z790 Tomahawk

• CPU Socket: LGA-1700
• Chipset: Intel Z790
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory: Supports DDR5 memory (multi-channel, high-speed readiness); 4 x DIMM slots
• Memory Features: Overclocking support, LED status indicators, memory profile optimization for stability
• PCIe: PCIe 5.0 readiness for GPU/SSD interfaces
• M.2 Slots: Multiple M.2 NVMe slots for fast storage expansion
• SATA: Several SATA ports for HDDs/SSDs and optical drives (where applicable)
• Networking: 2.5G LAN + Intel Wi-Fi 6E wireless solution
• USB: Front and rear USB connectivity with USB 3.x support (including high-speed standards)
• Cooling: Comprehensive cooling design with VRM heatsinks and optimized airflow
• Audio: High-quality onboard audio solution for immersive gaming and media
• BIOS/Software: MSI Click BIOS and software suite for performance tuning, monitoring, and customization
• RGB/Mystic Lighting: Built-in lighting controls for synchronized system aesthetics
• Expansion: PCIe expansion slots and robust power delivery for multi-GPU or high-performance configurations
• Additional Features: Durable components designed for long life under demanding gaming and creator workloads

How to Install MSI MAG MAG Z790 Tomahawk

• Prepare your case and ensure your power supply provides adequate wattage and all required connectors for the motherboard and peripherals.
• Install the CPU into the LGA-1700 socket, aligning the notches, then secure the socket lever. Apply an appropriate amount of thermal paste if your cooler requires it and attach the CPU cooler or heatsink with a secure mounting.
• Install the DDR5 memory modules in the correct motherboard slots according to the manual’s channel population guidance to maximize memory bandwidth and stability.
• Place the M.2 NVMe drives into the M.2 slots and secure them with screws. Connect any required cooling solutions for high-performance SSDs to maintain sustained speeds.
• Mount the motherboard in the case using the standoffs, connect the 24-pin ATX power connector and 8-pin (or 4+4) CPU power connector, and attach all case fans and front-panel USB, audio, and LED cables according to the motherboard’s manual.
• Install graphics cards and other expansion cards into their PCIe slots, ensuring sufficient clearance and proper seating. Connect PCIe power cables as required by your GPU(s).
• Power on and enter the BIOS to configure your boot drive, memory XMP/DOCP profiles, and any overclocking settings you plan to use. Update the BIOS to the latest version for maximum compatibility and stability.
• Install the operating system, drivers, and MSI software suite. If you plan to use the Intel Wi-Fi 6E, install the latest wireless drivers and configure the network settings to optimize latency and throughput.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What processors are compatible with the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk? A: The motherboard is designed for Intel LGA-1700 processors from the 12th and 13th generations. It supports high-performance CPUs for gaming, content creation, and productivity tasks.
• Q: Does this board support DDR5 memory? A: Yes, the MAG Z790 Tomahawk supports DDR5 memory, offering higher bandwidth and improved efficiency for modern applications and games.
• Q: What networking options are included? A: The motherboard includes 2.5G LAN and Intel Wi-Fi 6E for fast, reliable online gaming and streaming, with flexible wired and wireless connectivity options.
• Q: How many PCIe slots and M.2 slots does it have? A: The board features multiple PCIe slots for graphics cards and expansion cards, along with several M.2 NVMe slots for ultra-fast storage expansion.
• Q: Is this motherboard suitable for overclocking? A: Yes, with a robust VRM design, enhanced cooling, and MEM/CPU overclocking support, it’s well-suited for enthusiasts who push their hardware beyond stock settings.
• Q: Do I need special tools or software to customize lighting? A: MSI provides software to control Mystic Light-inspired lighting and other RGB features, making customization straightforward without extra hardware.