Motherboard · MODEL NOTES
MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI
LGA1700 storage expansion that can justify keeping the platform
The MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI is worth comparing for an LGA1700 system with several internal drives: four M.2 positions and seven SATA ports distinguish it from simpler two-drive boards. Those connections can support a useful rebuild, but they do not create a path to LGA1851 processors. Compare the whole replacement platform cost if buying the CPU and memory from scratch.
Consider it when
- A DDR5 LGA1700 machine with a documented multi-drive requirement.
Look again when
- You expect the Z790 chipset to provide a Gen5 SSD link or support Core Ultra desktop CPUs.
The checks that can change your choice
Four M.2 positions, all recorded as Gen4
The catalog lists four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots; M2_3 also accepts SATA M.2. Map each drive to the exact manual position and check resource-sharing notes before populating every connector. Confirm processor-specific BIOS and recommended power settings before running prolonged CPU-heavy work.
Prove the complete platform
Find the exact processor in this board’s CPU support list and compare its required BIOS with the installed version. Then check the exact memory kit, occupied slots and front-panel connectors. A matching socket or a published maximum memory capacity is only part of that check.
Published specifications
LGA1700; ATX; Z790; four DDR5 slots; four PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots; Wi-Fi 6E; 304.8 × 243.84 mm.
| Brand | MSI |
|---|---|
| Exact model | MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI |
| Socket | LGA1700 |
| Memory generation | DDR5 |
| Form factor | ATX |
| Motherboard memory slots | 4 |
| Motherboard memory limit | 256 GB; CPU, firmware and DIMM support must also be checked |
| Motherboard SATA ports | 7 |
| Storage slot M2_1 | M.2 22110, M.2 2280, M.2 2260; PCIe NVMe; PCIe 4 x4 |
| Storage slot M2_2 | M.2 2280, M.2 2260; PCIe NVMe; PCIe 4 x4 |
| Storage slot M2_3 | M.2 2280, M.2 2260, M.2 2242; PCIe NVMe, SATA; PCIe 4 x4 |
| Storage slot M2_4 | M.2 2280, M.2 2260, M.2 2242; PCIe NVMe; PCIe 4 x4 |
Check the manufacturer CPU support list and installed BIOS version before buying. Matching socket and DDR generation do not prove CPU support, memory-profile stability, power-delivery suitability, or PCIe/M.2 lane availability.
A different choice worth checking
These alternatives address related choices. Recheck their platform, connections and fit before treating one as a replacement.
Follow the check that matters to your build
Sources and review notes
RigAtlas connects manufacturer specifications to component choices. This page is document-based analysis; it does not claim a hands-on test or a current store offer.
- MSI — exact model specificationsEvidence checked
- MSI — supporting specification or manualEvidence checked
- MSI — CPU support list; check your exact processorAdditional manufacturer reference; not rechecked in this review.
See how it fits your list.
Review this component with your existing selections before making the change.