Recommended Free Tools
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
For most Intel LGA1700 gaming and mixed-use PCs, the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi in its DDR5 version is the best Z790 motherboard. It combines four DDR5 memory slots, four M.2 sockets, seven SATA ports, a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot, 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi‑Fi 6E, USB 20Gbps and a standard ATX layout without forcing you to pay for specialist features. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is the better value-oriented alternative, while the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero makes sense for premium creator systems that need dual Thunderbolt 4, extensive diagnostics or Hyper M.2 expansion.
Z790 is Intel’s enthusiast desktop chipset for 12th-, 13th- and 14th-generation Core processors on the LGA1700 socket. The board you choose still needs the correct DDR4 or DDR5 version, a BIOS that recognizes your processor, enough sustained power and cooling for an unlocked chip, and a case that fits its form factor.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is the best Z790 motherboard?
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi (DDR5) is the strongest all-round recommendation because its feature set covers demanding gaming, content creation and long-term storage expansion without the cost or oversized layout of flagship boards. MSI specifies support for Intel 12th-, 13th- and 14th-generation processors, four DDR5 DIMMs up to 256GB, four M.2 slots, seven SATA ports, a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi‑Fi 6E, USB 20Gbps and an ATX PCB.
PC Gamer also identifies the Tomahawk WiFi as a current choice for Intel 13th- and 14th-generation gaming builds. Choose the exact DDR5 model shown on the retailer listing; a similarly named DDR4 board uses different memory and expansion support.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for Intel Core 14th & 13th Gen Processors, Intel Core 12th Gen, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors
- Enhanced power solution: 12+1 DrMOS, 6-layer PCB, ProCool connectors, alloy chokes and durable capacitors for stable power delivery
- Next-gen connectivity: DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 6, PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, rear USB 10Gbps Type-C and Type-A, front panel USB 10Gbps Type-C, Thunderbolt (USB4) header support
- Exclusive Memory Technology: ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II and ASUS OptiMem II
- Comprehensive cooling: Large VRM heatsinks, M.2 heatsinks, PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4 with AI Cooling II
Quick comparison
| Board | Best for | Confirmed features | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi (DDR5) | Most gaming and mixed-use builds | Four DDR5 DIMMs, up to 256GB; four M.2; seven SATA; PCIe 5.0 x16; 2.5GbE; Wi‑Fi 6E; USB 20Gbps; ATX | Wi‑Fi 6E and 2.5GbE are not the fastest networking available on premium boards |
| Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX | Value-focused all-round systems | 16+1+2 digital power design; DDR5-7600 XMP/EXPO support; Gen 4 thermal guards; EZ-Latch storage features | Check the exact rear-I/O, M.2 and network configuration for the regional suffix |
| ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero | Premium creator or enthusiast builds | DDR5 up to 7800+ MT/s; up to 192GB; two rear Thunderbolt 4 ports; Hyper M.2 expansion; six SATA; 2.5GbE; Wi‑Fi 6E | Premium pricing and Wi‑Fi 6E rather than Wi‑Fi 7 are difficult to justify for ordinary gaming |
| Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Xtreme | High-end workstations | 10GbE, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 5.0 and heavily overbuilt power delivery | High cost and E‑ATX dimensions restrict case choice |
| ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite | Feature-rich ATX alternative | Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, four M.2 sockets, eight SATA ports and strong power delivery | Verify current availability and the exact memory and networking specification |
Retail prices, stock, sellers and promotional terms change constantly. Check the final listing immediately before purchase rather than relying on an old price comparison.
What does the Z790 chipset provide?
Z790 launched in the fourth quarter of 2022 as part of Intel’s 700 Series desktop chipsets. Intel’s current specification lists up to 28 chipset PCIe lanes, with PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0 configurations, up to 14 USB ports including as many as five USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports rated at 20Gb/s, and up to eight SATA 6Gb/s ports in the platform-controller-hub data sheet.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Those are chipset maximums, not guarantees for every motherboard. A manufacturer may allocate lanes to M.2 sockets, additional controllers, networking or expansion slots, so two Z790 boards can expose different connectors and disable different ports when a particular SSD or card is installed. Read the block diagram and M.2 lane-sharing table in the manual for the exact model.
Who can use Z790?
Z790 boards use Intel’s LGA1700 socket and target 12th-generation Alder Lake, 13th-generation Raptor Lake and 14th-generation Core desktop processors. Intel’s 14th-generation guidance says these CPUs require a 600- or 700-series board; a BIOS update may be required when upgrading a board that was originally running a 12th- or 13th-generation chip.
Z790 also enables CPU and memory overclocking. That is an option, not a promise of free performance. Intel warns that changing clock frequency or voltage can reduce stability and component life, cause failures or extra heat, lower performance, and affect data integrity. Use conservative settings, validate stability and keep important data backed up.
Is the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi the right choice?
It is the easiest recommendation when you want a conventional ATX case, fast storage, modern connectivity and support for a high-end unlocked processor without paying flagship-board premiums.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Why it works for gaming
- The PCIe 5.0 x16 slot leaves room for current and future graphics cards that use the newer interface.
- Four M.2 sockets let you separate an operating-system drive, game library and project or scratch drives without filling the PCIe slots with add-in cards.
- Seven SATA ports accommodate large hard drives, 2.5-inch SSDs and optical or archival storage.
- 2.5Gb Ethernet and Wi‑Fi 6E cover fast wired and wireless home networks, while USB 20Gbps provides a high-speed external connection.
- Four DIMM slots and a 256GB maximum give more memory headroom than a typical gaming build needs.
Checks before ordering
- Confirm that the listing says DDR5. Do not assume a “Tomahawk WiFi” name identifies the memory generation.
- Check MSI’s CPU support list and the board’s shipped BIOS revision against your exact 14th-generation processor.
- Read the manual’s storage table to see whether installing a Gen5 M.2 drive disables, shares or changes the speed of another slot.
- Measure the ATX case and cooler clearance, then verify that the power supply has the connectors required by your CPU and graphics card.
- Buy a memory kit whose capacity and speed appear on the board’s qualified-vendor list (QVL), and enable its tested XMP profile only after the system is stable at default settings.
When is the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX better value?
The AORUS Elite AX is a sensible alternative when you want strong power delivery and DDR5 flexibility while keeping the feature set focused on mainstream expansion. Gigabyte lists a 16+1+2 digital power design, DDR5-7600 support for both XMP and EXPO profiles, Gen 4 thermal guards and EZ-Latch features for easier storage installation.
Rank #2
- Intel LGA 1700 Socket: Supports Intel Core 14th/13th/12th Gen processors
- DDR5 Compatible: Dual Channel DDR5, 4 DIMMs
- Sturdy Power Design: Twin 12*+1+1 Phases Digital VRM Solution
- Comprehensive Thermal Design: Advanced Thermal Design, Enlarged MOSFET Heatsinks, M.2 Thermal Guard
- Next Gen Connectivity: PCIe 4.0, NVMe M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C
Its advertised memory ceiling and exact connector count can vary by revision or regional suffix, so compare the complete model number rather than a product photograph. Confirm whether the board includes the wireless standard, audio outputs and rear USB arrangement you need. For a gaming system with one graphics card and a few NVMe drives, the Elite AX’s value comes from not paying for Thunderbolt controllers, 10GbE or elaborate diagnostic hardware that you will not use.
Should you buy the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero?
Choose the Maximus Z790 Hero when your workflow can use its connectivity and tuning features, not simply because it is expensive. ASUS lists DDR5 support above 7800 MT/s and up to 192GB, while the manual documents two rear Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2.5Gb Ethernet, Wi‑Fi 6E, six SATA ports and support for a Hyper M.2 expansion card.
Who benefits from the Hero?
- Creators moving large media projects to and from Thunderbolt 4 storage or docks.
- Enthusiasts who want extensive onboard diagnostics and ASUS tuning controls.
- Users who need more NVMe devices than the integrated sockets can provide and can allocate an expansion slot to Hyper M.2.
- Builders who will actually use the board’s high-speed USB and storage connectivity over several years.
For a normal gaming PC, the premium price does not guarantee higher frame rates. The Hero still uses Wi‑Fi 6E rather than Wi‑Fi 7, and its six SATA ports are fewer than the Tomahawk’s seven or the Taichi Lite’s eight.
What are the high-end alternatives?
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Xtreme
Tom’s Hardware names the AORUS Xtreme as a high-end pick because it combines 10Gb Ethernet, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 5.0 and unusually overbuilt power delivery. Its E‑ATX footprint can exceed the mounting or cable-clearance limits of ordinary ATX cases, and its cost is difficult to justify unless you need that I/O and sustained power capacity.
ASRock Z790 Taichi Lite
Tom’s Hardware’s ATX pick, the Z790 Taichi Lite, provides two Thunderbolt 4 ports, four M.2 sockets, eight SATA ports and strong power delivery in a more conventional case size. It is worth considering for a storage-heavy workstation, but verify current stock, the exact Wi‑Fi or Ethernet configuration and the memory QVL before ordering.
How should you choose DDR4 or DDR5?
There is no universal “best” memory generation for Z790. The motherboard determines the choice: DDR4 and DDR5 modules are physically and electrically different, and a board built for one cannot be converted by changing BIOS settings.
Choose DDR5 when
- You are building new and want the platform’s highest memory bandwidth and the broadest support for current high-speed kits.
- You plan to keep the board through multiple CPU or GPU upgrades.
- Your chosen board’s QVL includes the capacity and speed you intend to run.
Choose DDR4 when
- You already own a large, reliable DDR4 kit and want to reuse it.
- The total build budget is constrained by the cost of replacing memory as well as the motherboard.
- Your applications do not benefit enough from additional memory bandwidth to offset the upgrade cost.
Never compare a DDR4 board with a DDR5 board solely by the chipset name. Verify the suffix, DIMM type, maximum capacity and supported profiles on the manufacturer’s specification page.
How do you match a Z790 board to an i7 or i9 processor?
An unlocked Core i7 or i9 can sustain high power for long workloads, so evaluate cooling and power delivery together. Phase-count labels alone do not reveal how a board behaves under load; compare heatsink coverage, the processor-support list, firmware maturity and independent thermal testing where available.
- Select an LGA1700-compatible CPU cooler rated for the processor’s sustained power, and confirm that its mounting hardware supports the socket.
- Use a case with unobstructed front-to-back airflow and enough radiator or tower clearance.
- Connect every required CPU power lead from a suitable power supply; do not rely on a single cable or adapter outside its rated use.
- Update firmware using the manufacturer’s documented process before enabling automatic overclocking or aggressive memory profiles.
- Stress-test CPU, memory and storage separately, then together, while monitoring temperatures, clock behavior and system errors.
Intel’s warning about altered voltage and frequency applies even when a board advertises easy one-click tuning. Treat overclocking as a configuration risk and keep a stable baseline profile for recovery.
How many M.2 slots and PCIe lanes do you really get?
The chipset can provide up to 28 PCIe lanes, but the motherboard designer decides how those lanes are shared. The Tomahawk has four M.2 sockets; the Hero supports additional Hyper M.2 expansion; both the AORUS Xtreme and Taichi Lite add high-end storage and expansion features. None of those counts alone tells you whether every socket runs at full speed simultaneously.
Check lane sharing before installing drives
- Find the manual’s storage or PCIe configuration table, not just the marketing specification.
- Identify whether the CPU-connected graphics slot changes width when a second card or adapter is installed.
- Look for M.2 sockets that disable SATA ports or another PCIe slot when populated.
- Check whether a Gen5 SSD shares bandwidth with the graphics slot or uses a chipset connection.
- Confirm heatsink clearance when several double-sided NVMe drives are installed.
This check prevents a common surprise: a board can advertise four M.2 sockets and eight SATA ports while some combinations are mutually exclusive.
What rear I/O and networking should you prioritize?
For most gamers, 2.5GbE, Wi‑Fi 6E and a mix of USB 10Gbps and 20Gbps ports are sufficient. Prioritize Thunderbolt 4 if you regularly attach fast external storage, docks, professional interfaces or multiple displays. Prioritize 10GbE only when your switch, NAS and cabling can use it; otherwise the controller adds cost without improving transfers.
Count the physical ports you will use at the same time. Front-panel USB headers, display outputs for troubleshooting and clear audio connectivity can matter more than a headline maximum. A discrete graphics card normally handles gaming displays, but motherboard outputs remain useful for diagnostics when the card is removed.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What case and platform-cost checks prevent mistakes?
Most Tomahawk, Elite AX and Taichi Lite versions use ATX mounting, while the AORUS Xtreme is E‑ATX. Verify the case’s supported width, standoff positions, cable-routing space and radiator clearance. An E‑ATX board can fit inside a nominally compatible case yet cover grommets or collide with side-mounted radiators.
Rank #4
- Supports Latest Processors: Compatible with 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors, ensuring future-proof performance
- DDR5 Memory Ready: Equipped with four DDR5 memory slots, supporting up to 128GB for enhanced multitasking and data-intensive applications
- PCIe 5.0 Support: Experience blazing-fast data transfer rates with the latest PCIe 5.0 interface
- Advanced Connectivity: Features 2.5Gbps LAN, USB 3.2 Gen2, HDMI, and DisplayPort for seamless connectivity
- Wi-Fi 6E & Bluetooth 5.3: Enjoy high-speed wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring smooth streaming and low-latency gaming
Budget for the complete platform rather than the board alone:
- DDR4 or DDR5 memory that matches the board’s QVL.
- An LGA1700-compatible cooler sized for an unlocked i7 or i9.
- NVMe heatsinks or an expansion card when the integrated M.2 sockets are insufficient.
- A power supply with appropriate CPU and graphics connectors and enough sustained capacity.
- A case that fits the board and provides the airflow its processor requires.
Because retailer pricing and availability are volatile, perform a final listing check for the exact model, memory generation, wireless suffix, warranty region and BIOS status.
What are the most common Z790 buying and setup mistakes?
- Buying the wrong memory variant: DDR4 and DDR5 boards can have nearly identical names. Read the full model label and DIMM specification.
- Assuming 14th-generation support is automatic: a BIOS update may be needed on a board shipped with older firmware.
- Counting chipset lanes as guaranteed connectors: lane allocation and disabling behavior differ by board and revision.
- Using phase count as a quality score: heatsinks, firmware, power stages and sustained thermal behavior matter together.
- Ignoring the case footprint: E‑ATX boards need more room than standard ATX models.
- Enabling XMP or overclocking before establishing stability: start at default settings, update firmware and test each change.
- Paying for unused I/O: Thunderbolt 4, 10GbE and diagnostic controls are valuable only when your peripherals or workflow need them.
Which Z790 motherboard should you buy?
Buy the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk WiFi DDR5 for the balanced choice most gaming and mixed-use builders need. Select the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX when value, capable power delivery and broad DDR5 profile support matter more than premium connectivity. Move to the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero for a creator or enthusiast system that will use Thunderbolt 4, Hyper M.2 expansion and advanced diagnostics. Consider the AORUS Xtreme or Taichi Lite only when their specific 10GbE, Thunderbolt, storage or power-delivery advantages justify the added cost and, for the Xtreme, an E‑ATX case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Z790 motherboard run a 14th-generation Intel processor out of the box?
Not always. Intel states that a BIOS update may be required when moving from a 12th- or 13th-generation processor, so ask the seller which firmware revision ships with the exact board and plan a compatible update path.
Is Z790 still useful if I do not plan to overclock?
Yes. Its value can come from memory support, storage connectivity, USB capacity and networking rather than CPU overclocking. You can run an unlocked processor at Intel defaults while using the chipset’s expansion options.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWill every M.2 drive run at PCIe 5.0 speed on a Z790 board?
No. Z790 boards mix CPU-connected and chipset-connected sockets, and many M.2 slots are PCIe 4.0. Consult the model’s lane diagram to identify the socket that supports a Gen5 drive and any shared-bandwidth consequences.
Do I need Wi‑Fi if my gaming PC uses Ethernet?
Not necessarily. Wired 2.5GbE is usually preferable for a stationary desktop, while onboard Wi‑Fi adds flexibility for relocation, troubleshooting or backup connectivity. Avoid paying extra for wireless capability you will never use if an otherwise identical board is available without it.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
