MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi vs Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
The MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi is the superior choice for users building a new high-end system with the latest Intel processors, offering better future-proofing and connectivity. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a solid option for those looking to build with current-generation Intel CPUs and save a bit of money.
AI Verdict
MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi wins overall.
By the numbers
Performance
Pick A wins
The MSI Z890 supports the newer LGA1851 socket and faster DDR5 memory speeds (9200 MT/s vs 7600 MT/s), which will likely translate to better performance with future Intel CPUs and high-speed RAM.
Value for money
Pick B wins
The Gigabyte Z790 is $20 cheaper and offers a very similar feature set for current-generation systems, making it a better value for those not needing the absolute latest platform.
Power efficiency
Tie
Power efficiency is primarily determined by the CPU and PSU, not significantly by the motherboard itself, assuming both boards have robust VRMs for stable power delivery.
Future-proofing
Pick A wins
The MSI Z890's LGA1851 socket, Z890 chipset, and WiFi 7 support position it better for future CPU upgrades and network standards compared to the Z790 and WiFi 6E of the Gigabyte board.
Pick A if…
- • You are building a brand new system with Intel's upcoming 15th generation (Arrow Lake) or newer processors.
- • You want the absolute latest connectivity standards, including WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
- • You plan to use extremely high-speed DDR5 memory (above 7600 MT/s).
Pick B if…
- • You are building a system with current-generation Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th gen CPUs (LGA1700 socket).
- • You want to save $20 while still getting a feature-rich ATX motherboard with PCIe 5.0 and WiFi 6E.
- • You don't anticipate needing WiFi 7 or memory speeds above 7600 MT/s in the near future.
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | A: MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi | B: Z790 Aorus Elite AX |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1851 | LGA1700 |
| Chipset | Z890 | Z790 |
| Form factor | ATX | ATX |
| M.2 slots | 4 | 4 |
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Common questions
MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi vs Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX — which should I buy?+
The MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi is the superior choice for users building a new high-end system with the latest Intel processors, offering better future-proofing and connectivity. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX is a solid option for those looking to build with current-generation Intel CPUs and save a bit of money.
When does MSI MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi win?+
You are building a brand new system with Intel's upcoming 15th generation (Arrow Lake) or newer processors. You want the absolute latest connectivity standards, including WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. You plan to use extremely high-speed DDR5 memory (above 7600 MT/s).
When does Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX win?+
You are building a system with current-generation Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th gen CPUs (LGA1700 socket). You want to save $20 while still getting a feature-rich ATX motherboard with PCIe 5.0 and WiFi 6E. You don't anticipate needing WiFi 7 or memory speeds above 7600 MT/s in the near future.
Are the prices live or MSRP?+
MSRP is shown as a reference baseline. Click either product card to see live retailer pricing — we pull current prices from Amazon, Newegg, Best Buy and other retailers on demand, cached for 30 days. Prices localize automatically for US, Canada, and India.