I recently upgraded my PC build with the MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi, and overall, it’s a solid choice. Let’s dive into the details:
IO options: One of the main reasons I chose this board was its mass of connectivity options. I use a lot of USB devices and this board has ports in spades. support for USB 3.2 Gen 2 @ 20gbps means I can use fast external hard disks and other data hungry devices. Plenty of legacy USB 3 ports means I can connect all of my sound equipment and still have ports free for the future. Inclusion of BIOS utility buttons makes upgrading the BIOS a breeze without having to open the case or install a CPU or RAM
Performance: The 16+1+1 mirrored power arrangement ensures stable power delivery to my Intel 13th Gen processor. Overclocking is straightforward, and the extended heatsink keeps temperatures in check even during intense gaming sessions. Coming from my old DDR3 system, DDR5 RAM gives a massive performance boost. My RAM (Corsair Vengeance) successfully trained at 6000MHZ after using the built-in XMP profile.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5G LAN provide excellent network options, which are of course, backwards compatible with slower options. There is a magnet at the bottom of the Wi-Fi antenna with sticks it firmly to the top of my case. The inclusion of PCIe 5.0 support is forward-thinking and gives me an element of future proofing. There are plenty of headers for system fans.
M.2 Shield Frozr: My M.2 SSDs are safe and cool thanks to this feature. No more throttling, and data transfer speeds are impressive. The heatsinks could have more surface area, but as it stands, my m2 drives are currently averaging 40degC under heavy use. The industrial first magnetic design for M.2 installation (on the first slot) is genius. No more fumbling with tiny screws! M.2 Gen 5 compatibility is great to have for the future as prices come down
Build Quality: The built in I/O plate was a nice feature (first time I've used!) which simplified the install process. The board feels solid and well built, the 6 layer PCB helps to reduce electrical noise and is supposed to be "server" grade.
Sound quality: I rely on a good audio setup with my rig, to stream and record audio. I have had no problems with sound setup with this motherboard. The audio circuit has a visible line on the PCB, isolating the delicate audio components from electrical noise. I can hear no discernable noise on my recordings.
Aesthetics: The sleek brushed black design with subtle lime accents looks fantastic in my case (Fractal Design Pop Air). If you don't like RGB, then this could be of interest.
MSI Center Quirk:
Setting up the ARGB lights using the MSI Center software can be a bit of a pain. The interface isn’t the most intuitive, The software is slow and not very feature rich. I tried eschewing the software for SignalRGB, but haven't been able to successfully get all elements working as yet.
Pros:
Excellent connectivity options
Robust power delivery
Easy M.2 installation
Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5G LAN
Premium audio quality
Sturdy build
Cons:
MSI Center software for ARGB configuration
I would have liked a paper manual for ease of setup
Verdict:
The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max WiFi strikes a balance between performance and features. If you can overlook the MSI Center quirks, it’s a reliable motherboard for various use cases.
| Brand | MSI |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 2 x 1.5 cm; 3 kg |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included) |
| Item model number | MEG Z790 ACE |
| Manufacturer | MSI COMPUTER |
| Series | MEG Z790 ACE |
| Colour | schwarz |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Processor Socket | LGA 1700 |
| Memory Technology | DDR5 |
| Computer Memory Type | DIMM |
| Maximum Memory Supported | 128 GB |
| Memory Clock Speed | 7800 MHz |
| Graphics Card Interface | PCI Express |
| Connectivity Type | Wi-Fi |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth, 802.11ax |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 12 |
| Number of HDMI Ports | 1 |
| Voltage | 1 Volts |
| Power Source | PSU |
| Are Batteries Included | Yes |
| Lithium Battery Energy Content | 225 Milliamp Hours (mAh) |
| Lithium Battery Packaging | Batteries contained in equipment |
| Lithium Battery Weight | 3 g |
| Number Of Lithium Ion Cells | 1 |
| Number of Lithium Metal Cells | 1 |
| Item Weight | 3 kg |
| Guaranteed software updates until | unknown |
