The MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk Max motherboard supports 13th/14th Generation Intel Core processors, Pentium Gold and Celeron processors and LGA 1700 sockets, features up to 4 x DDR5 UDIMM memory slots, PCIe 5.0 and 4.0 compatible expansion slots, 4 x M.2 slots, 8 x SATA ports (6Gb/s), 10 x rear USB ports, 7 x front panel USB ports, Intel 2.5 Gbps LAN, Intel Wi-Fi 7, 7.1-channel USB high performance audio with Realtek ALC4080 Codec, and an ATX motherboard form factor.
Features
Unite as One
The MAG series fights alongside gamers in pursuit of honour.
With added military-inspired elements in these gaming products, they were reborn as the symbol of sturdiness and durability.
Easy to Build – Tool-Free M.2 Installation
Industrial first Magnetic with patented Screwless M.2 Shield Frozr & EZ M.2 Clip provide the easiest way for M.2 Installation.
Pre-installed I/O Shield
Keep Out Zone Printing
XL Clip
Exclusive Features
16 Phases Mirrored Power Arrangement with 90A SPS
Core Boost Technology
Screwless M.2 Shield Frozr
Steel Armour
Server Grade PCB
Premium Thermal Solution
Extended Heatsink
M.2 Shield Frozr
Pump Fan Support
Heatsinks with 7W/mK Thermal Pad
Connectivity – High-Speed Transmission
2.5G Network Solution
Wi-Fi 7
Memory Boost
Lightning Gen 5
Hardware
Extended Heatsink
Extended Heatsink enlarges the surface of heat dissipation, ensuring even high-end processors to run in full speed.
M.2 Shield Frozr
Keeps M.2 SSDs safe while preventing throttling, making them run faster.
Heavy Plated VRM Heatsink
The VRM heatsink covers the upper MOS and helps dissipate the heat.
7W/mK Thermal Pad & Additional Choke Pad
High quality 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads and extra choke thermal pads ensure all cores running in high performance.
DIY 2.0 – Integrating with the System Environment
Connect and synchronize with MSI coolers and cases with strategically positioned pin-header locations including a dedicated pump-fan header.
For CPU Cooler
For Waterblock Cooler
For Top System Fan
For Front System Fan
For Rear System Fan
Control in One Click
MSI motherboards let you manage speeds and temperatures for all your system and CPU fans in BIOS and software with a simplified graphical interface. You can also set up to 4 temperature targets, which will adjust the fan speeds automatically.
Frozr AI Cooling
Detecting CPU & GPU temperatures and automatically adjusting fan duty of system fans to a proper value by adopting MSI AI ENGINE.
AutoDetect Your Fan
MSI fan headers automatically detect fans running in DC or PWM mode for optimal tuning of fan speeds and silence. Hysteresis also makes your fans spin up fluently to make sure your system stays silent, no matter what.
Optimized for Water Cooling
Designed to support the most popular All-In-One & customized water cooling solutions on the market. A dedicated water pump PIN header supports up to 3 amp, giving you full control of the water pump speed. A clearly marked ‘keep-out-zone’ allows for easy and safe installation and a perfect fit.
16 Phases Mirrored Power Arrangement with 90A SPS
Unleash and sustain the maximum performance with a premium VRM design built with a total of 16 Phases Mirrored Power Arrangement with 90A SPS. Combining dual power connectors and Power Stage, MAG Z790 MAX Series are ready for the challenge of high-end processors.
16 Phase Core SPS – Power 90A
1 Phase GT Power
1 Phase AUX Power
Double Power Connectors
Two 8-pin connectors deliver adequate power even for an overclocked multi-core CPU.
Digital Power Design
A fully digital power design allows for faster and undistorted current delivery to the CPU at pin-point precision.
Core Boost
Premium layout not only support the multi-core CPU, also create the perfect conditions for your CPU overclocking.
Optimized PCB Solution
The PCB design has been optimized for higher bandwidth and faster transfer speeds, which is also beneficial for reliable circuit transmission.
6 PCB layers
IT-170 Server-grade PCB material
2oz Thickened Copper
More for Performance
1-Second Overclocking!
MSI Game Boost enables one-second overclocking, giving you the performance boost you need to get more FPS.
Load-Line Calibration
What you set, is what you get. LLC makes sure your CPU voltage remains 100% stable under any load. This greatly improves stability when demanding more CPU performance.
Overvoltage Protection
Prevents potential short-circuit damage to the CPU and other critical components.
Solid Pin Design
The 4-pin, 8-pin, and 24-pin power connectors of MSI motherboards are all designed with solid pins. The solid pin design allows for a more stable transmission of 12V power to the CPU, even when handling high current loads.
Advantages of Solid Pin Power Connector
Improved stability : Larger contact area enhances stability during power delivery.
Strong durability : The solid pin design ensures strong durability, capable of withstanding demanding conditions.
Suitable for high-current applications.
Anti-Corrosive Stainless Steel IO Shield
An extra layer of sponge materials along with corrosive resistance IO Shield to help improve static electricity and reduce electromagnetic radiation noise from the system as well as much more durable compare to traditional IO Shields.
The Grounding Structure of Power Phases
The grounding structure of power phases is the MSI’s exclusive design. This patented design enables to suppress the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by the power phases and helps to efficiently conduct heat to the copper plane with grounding properties.
Over Current Protection
MSI motherboards prioritize safety with the embedded Overcurrent Protection (OCP), ensuring crucial components such as the USB ports, DDR memory, PWM IC, and CPU are shielded from excessive current. This proactive defence mechanism curtails the risk of damage or malfunction due to power surges, promoting long-term system stability. This commitment to safeguarding your hardware underscores MSI’s dedication to producing motherboards that prioritize durability and stability.
CPU / PWM IC
DDR memory Slots
Rear & Front USB ports
Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS)
Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) are safety devices used to protect against excessive voltage. All motherboard models of MSI are equipped with TVS. When the voltage abnormally rises, the TVS switches from a high-resistance state to a low-resistance state, diverting the excessive voltage to ground. This helps prevent circuit damage caused by high voltage.
Lightning Gen 5 PCI-E
Doubling over the previous generation, the bandwidth of a x16 interface can reach 128GB/s.
SMT PCIE 5.0 Slot
The advanced SMT(Surface Mount Technology) PCIE slot diminish interference and electrical noise, fully support the PCI-E 5.0 signal.
Reinforced, Heavy Soldered Connections
Secure to the motherboard with extra solder points and support the weight of heavy graphics cards.
Fast and Future-Ready Storage
MSI MAG series motherboards support all the latest storage standards, which allows users to connect any ultra-fast storage device. Start games faster, load levels faster and have a real advantage over your enemies.
4x Lightning Gen 4 M.2 – 64 Gbps
8x – 6 Gbps
Double Bandwidth with Lightning USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20G
Using USB 3.2 devices has never been faster! MAG Z790 series motherboards offer a wide variety of options to connect and boost your USB devices, offering never before seen USB speeds up to 20Gb/s when connecting the Rear USB Type-C.
USB Front Type-C
MSI gaming motherboards support USB Front Type-C that allows gamers to connect with the latest USB devices. Built up a system with MSI PC case to have the most convenient experience.
Latest DDR5 Memory with SMT Slot
A huge step of DDR performance enhancement with the latest DDR5 memory. Combines with dedicated SMT welding process and MSI Memory Boost technology, MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI is ready to deliver the world class memory performance.
The advanced SMT(Surface Mount Technology) welding process reduces the defect rate of slot solder joints, electromagnetism, and interference. Combining with exclusive Memory Boost technology allows MSI motherboards to deliver the clean and pure high-frequency DDR5 signal.
Easy Overclocking with XMP Profile
The XMP (Extreme Memory Profiles) in MSI BIOS are tested and certified by MSI OC LAB. It is easy to enable with auto power settings to get the best memory speed and stability.
BIOS & Software
MSI Center
MSI brand new MSI Center unifies a suite of MSI software utilities into a single centralized application. Take control of advanced motherboards features and unleash endless possibilities.
Mystic Light
Create your own colourful masterpiece with ease. Splash any colour you want with just a few clicks!
True Colour
Optimized monitor’s brightness and colour in several modes for different situation, you can also customize by yourself.
User Scenario
One click for setting your computer, even customize own profile as your preference.
Hardware Monitoring
Get immediate access to your critical hardware information in real-time.
Profile Setting
Tune select motherboard settings in the OC Setting menu, where options to boost core performance and optimize system cooling are presented in an intuitive interface.
Fan Center
Assume complete control of your fans with Fan Center. Set up to four CPU temperature targets and the motherboard will adjust fan speeds automatically.
System Diagnosis
Restore and backup your MSI storage devices in one click to provide stable system usage, you can even monitor the storage status to prevent system crash or data missing.
Click BIOS 5
Get more from a loaded BIOS designed for ease of use. Fine-tune the motherboard for gaming performance, efficiency, or overclocking world records!
EZ-Mode
Advanced Mode
XMP
Choose from a preset XMP profile and automatically overclock compatible DDR memory.
VMD (Volume Management Device)
Enable direct control and management of NVMe SSDs from the PCIe bus without additional hardware adaptors.
M-Flash
Conveniently flash or upgrade the BIOS in a few minutes from the CMOS Setup Utility.
Hardware Monitor
Get immediate access to your critical hardware information in real-time including temperature, memory capacity, clock speed, and voltage.
Memory Try It
Get extreme speed out of your system memory and get more performance.
Search & Favourites
A permanent search & favourite option in the top right corner moves you through the BIOS menus quickly.
Exclusive UI of AIDA64 Extreme
MSI motherboards provide 60 days free trial of AIDA64 Extreme – MSI edition. AIDA64 Extreme is an almighty application for system information, diagnostics and benchmarks. With the application, you can monitor the detailed hardware and software information on PC and save it to file in multiple formats such as CSV and HTML.
Resizable Bar
Resizable BAR (Re-Size BAR) is an advanced PCI Express feature that enables the CPU to access the entire GPU frame buffer at once and improve performance.
Audio Boost 5
High Definition ALC4080 Audio Processor
High Quality Audio Capacitors
High Quality Audio Jacks with S/PDIF
Isolated Audio Signal
De-Pop Protection
The Isolated Analogy Structure for Audio Connectors
To provide clear voice, MSI develops a unique structure – Isolated Analogy Structure. The external metal framework of the audio connectors is separated from the internal layout, which ensures the sound quality crisp.
Mystic Light
Synchronize
Extend Your RGB Experience with Ease
Add more colour if you want! Mystic Light Extension pin header provides an intuitive way to control additional RGB strips and other RGB peripherals added to a system, without needing a separate RGB controller.
Synchronize lighting theme with compatible lighting devices.
The Next Gen Wi-Fi Solution – Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 is the latest wireless solution that takes a huge leap forward with multiple improvements to meet the traffic demand brought and the growing number of wireless devices.
*Windows 11 compatibility only
Upgrade to Wi-Fi 7
Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) introduced higher speeds, wider channels, improved efficiency, and reduced latency over Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). It also improved battery life and provided better performance in crowded environments.
Data Transfer Rate
The Wi-Fi 7 provides maximum speeds to a whopping 5.8 Gbps! 2.4 times faster than previous Wi-Fi 6/6E standards, Wi-Fi 7 is set to be the wireless standard of the future.
Channel Size
Previous Wi-Fi generations have had to make do with 160MHz channel widths. Wi-Fi 7 brings this width up to 320MHz (on 6GHz) – ensuring better reliability during simultaneous transmissions at max speeds.
Higher Order Modulation
The higher QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) value, the more data each packet can carry. Wi-Fi 7 improves the modulation scheme from 1024-QAM to 4096-QAM – boosting peak transmission rates and network capacity.
Multi-Link Operation
Wi-Fi 7 enables devices to simultaneously send and receive data across several frequency bands and channels to meet the traffic demand brought and the growing number of wireless devices.
High-Bandwidth and Low-Latency Network
MSI’s premium network solution provides incredible data transfer speed for demanding users.
Wi-Fi 7
Bluetooth 5.4
2.5G LAN
Specifications
Model Number
MAG-Z790-TOMAHAWK-MAX-WIFI
Chipset
Intel Z790
CPU Support
Supports 13th / 14th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors, Pentium® Gold and Celeron® Processors
LGA 1700
Memory
4 x DDR5 UDIMM, Maximum Memory Capacity 192 GB
Memory Support 7800+(OC) / 7600(OC) / 7400(OC) / 7200(OC) / 7000(OC) / 6800(OC) / 6600(OC) / 6400(OC) / 6200(OC) / 6000(OC) / 5800(OC) / 5600(JEDEC) / 5400(JEDEC) / 5200(JEDEC) / 5000(JEDEC) / 4800(JEDEC) MHz
Max. overclocking frequency:
1DPC 1R Max speed up to 7800+ MHz
1DPC 2R Max speed up to 6600+ MHz
2DPC 1R Max speed up to 6400+ MHz
2DPC 2R Max speed up to 5600+ MHz
Supports Intel® XMP3.0 OC
Supports Dual-Controller Dual-Channel mode
Supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Onboard Graphics
1 x HDMI™
Support HDMI™ 2.1, maximum resolution of 4K 60 Hz*
1 x DisplayPort
Support DP 1.4, maximum resolution of 8K 60 Hz*
*Available only on processors featuring integrated graphics. Graphics specifications may vary depending on the CPU installed.
Expansion Slot
2 x PCI-E x 16 slot
1 x PCI-E x 1 slot
PCI_E1 Gen PCIe 5.0 supports up to x 16 (From CPU)
PCI_E2 Gen PCIe 3.0 supports up to x 1 (From Chipset)
PCI_E3 Gen PCIe 4.0 supports up to x 4 (From Chipset)
Storage
4 x M.2
M.2_1 Source (From CPU) supports up to PCIe 5.0 x 4 , supports 22110 / 2280 / 2260 devices
M.2_2 Source (From Chipset) supports up to PCIe 4.0 x 4 , supports 2280 / 2260 devices
M.2_3 Source (From Chipset) supports up to PCIe 4.0 x 4 / SATA mode, supports 2280 / 2260 / 2242 devices
M.2_4 Source (From Chipset) supports up to PCIe 4.0 x 4 , supports 2280 / 2260 / 2242 devices
8 x SATA 6G
* SATA_1 will be unavailable when installing M.2 SATA SSD in the M2_3 slot.
RAID
Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for SATA storage devices
Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and RAID 10 for M.2 NVMe storage devices
* SATA_A1_A2 do not support RAID function.
USB
4 x USB 2.0 (Front)
4 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A (Rear)
2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A (Front)
4 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type A (Rear)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C (Rear)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C (Front)
1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type C (Rear)
LAN
Intel® 2.5 Gbps LAN
Wireless / Bluetooth
Wi-Fi 7
The Wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E) slot
Supports MU-MIMO TX / RX, 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz / 6 GHz* (320 MHz) up to 5.8 Gbps
Supports 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be
Supports Bluetooth® 5.4**, MLO, 4KQAM
* 6 GHz band support may depend on every country’s regulations and Wi-Fi 7 will be ready in Windows 11 SV3.
** The Bluetooth version may be updated, please refer to the Wi-Fi chipset vendor’s website for details. Bluetooth 5.4 support schedule depends on MSFT Windows 11 plan.
Audio
Realtek® ALC4080 Codec
7.1-Channel USB High Performance Audio
Supports up to 32-Bit / 384 kHz playback on front panel
Internal I/O
1 x Power Connector(ATX_PWR)
2 x Power Connector(CPU_PWR)
1 x CPU Fan
1 x Pump Fan
6 x System Fan
2 x Front Panel (JFP)
1 x Chassis Intrusion (JCI)
1 x Front Audio (JAUD)
1 x Tuning Controller connector(JDASH)
3 x Addressable V2 RGB LED connector (JARGB_V2)
1 x RGB LED connector(JRGB)
1 x TPM pin header(Support TPM 2.0)
4 x USB 2.0 ports
2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type A ports
1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type C ports
1 x USB4 card connector (JTBT_U4_1, supports RTD3)
LED Feature
4 x EZ Debug LED
Back Panel Ports
Display Port
USB 3.2 Gen 1 5 Gbps (Type-A)
USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps (Type-A)
2.5G LAN
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Audio Connectors
HDMI™
Clear CMOS
Flash BIOS
USB 3.2 Gen 2 10 Gbps (Type-A)
USB 3.2 Gen 2 10 Gbps (Type-C)
USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2 20 Gbps (Type-C)
Operating System
Support for Windows® 11 64-bit, Windows® 10 64-bit
PCB Dimension (W x L)
ATX
243.84 mm x 304.8 mm
Box Content
Quick Installation Guide
European Union Regulatory Notice
2 x SATA Cables
EZ M.2 Clips
USB Drive
Cable Sticker
Wi-Fi Antenna
Front Panel Connector
