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

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

Bottom line: The MSI MAG MAG Z790 Tomahawk Gaming Desktop Motherboard: PCIe 5.0 x16 slot ready for next-gen graphics cards; main trade-off: LGA 1700 socket only, no path to newer Intel chips.

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Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014, focused on GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. Synthesises community benchmarks, manufacturer specs, and public forum data into actionable buying guides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ PCIe 5.0 x16 slot ready for next-gen graphics cards
  • ✓ DDR5 support up to 7200+ MHz with overclocking
  • ✓ Lightning Gen 5 x4 M.2 for fast NVMe SSDs
  • ✓ Intel Wi-Fi 6E plus 2.5G LAN onboard
  • ✓ Runs 12th and 13th Gen Intel LGA 1700 CPUs

Cons

  • ✗ LGA 1700 socket only, no path to newer Intel chips
  • ✗ DDR5 required, no DDR4 memory compatibility
  • ✗ 14th Gen support may need a BIOS update first
  • ✗ Full ATX size won't fit mini-ITX cases

Manufacturer description

The MAG Z790 Tomahawk fights alongside gamers in pursuit of honor as the motherboard platform of choice for gamers. With added military-inspired elements in these gaming products, they were reborn as the symbol of sturdiness and durability.

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored MSI MAG MAG Z790 Tomahawk Gaming Desktop Motherboard using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the motherboards category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the motherboards category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for motherboards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • Supports 13th /12th Gen Intel® Core™ / Pentium® / Celeron® processors for LGA 1700 socket
  • Supports DDR5 Memory, up to 7200+(OC) MHz
  • Lightning Fast Game experience: PCIe 5.0 slot, Lightning Gen 5 x4 M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2x3
  • 2.5G LAN and Intel Wi-Fi 6E Solution: Upgraded network solution for professional and multimedia use. Delivers a secure, stable and fast network connection

Full Specifications

Brandmsi
Weight2.5g
USB 2.012
PlatformWindows 11
CPU ModelCore i9
CPU SocketLGA 1700
Model NameMAG
Unit Count1 Count
Chipset TypeIntel Z790
ConnectivityUSB, WiFi
Model Number7D91-009R
Built-In Media1 product
Chipset FamilyZ
Mfr Part NumberZ790TOMWI
Number of Ports15
Total Usb Ports17
Processor SocketLGA 1700
Total PCIe Ports3
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer
Memory Clock Speed7200 MHz

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MSI MAG MAG Z790 Tomahawk Gaming Desktop Motherboard - Intel Z790 Chipset - Socket LGA-1700 - ATX is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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