Buying Guide
The Best Z790 Motherboards
Seven Z790 boards for 12th to 14th Gen Core compared on power stages, M.2 slots, Wi-Fi and wired LAN.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
13 min read7 products evaluated
Z790 is the enthusiast chipset for LGA1700, supporting 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core. All boards here use DDR5.
We compared seven Z790 boards. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications and retailer listings; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Which of the 7 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best All-Round Z790
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFiFive M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout.
Best for: Most Z790 builds.
Check price for MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best High-End
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFiAn 18+1 layout with Thunderbolt 4 support.
Best for: Core i9 builds.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi IIThe PRO Z790-A WiFi II offers four Gen4 M.2 slots and 80A power stages.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Check price for MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Value
ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFiFour M.2 slots and a 14+1+1 layout at a low Z790 price.
Best for: Budget K-series builds.
Check price for ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Easiest to Service
GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AXEZ-Latch card removal and Q-Flash BIOS updating.
Best for: Builders who swap parts often.
Check price for GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7The Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7 offers a 14+1 layout, Wi-Fi 7 and a USB 20Gbps port, with 1Gbps Ethernet.
Best for: Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Check price for ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
ASRock Z790 PG SonicThe Z790 PG Sonic offers a 14+1+1 layout and Killer 2.5Gbps Ethernet under a Sonic-themed design.
Best for: Buyers who want 14+1+1 power stage layout.
Check price for ASRock Z790 PG Sonic on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best All-Round Z7901 of 7
MSI MAG Z790 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout.
Best for
- Most Z790 builds.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Z790 Pro RS, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It is the most complete Z790 board for its price here. On M.2 slot count it ties with the Strix Z790-E at 5. On wired network speed it ties with the Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II, the Z790 Pro RS, the Z790 Eagle AX and the Z790 PG Sonic at 2.5Gbps.
It shares a wi-Fi 7 with the Z790 MAX Gaming; the PRO Z790-A II goes with a wi-Fi 6E. You get 16+1+1 power stages here, which sets it apart from the Z790 MAX Gaming and its 14+1 power stages. You also get Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7 and a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot. On price it sat fourth of 7, between the cheaper Z790 Eagle AX and the pricier PRO Z790-A II, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 5
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages
- 16+1+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- 5 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 16+1+1 power stage layout
- Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7
Cons
- Costs more than the Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
Best High-End2 of 7
ASUS ROG Strix Z790-E Gaming WiFi
The Strix Z790-E offers an 18+1 layout, five M.2 slots and Thunderbolt 4 support.
Best for
- Core i9 builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It is the premium LGA1700 board here. It matches the Z790 Tomahawk MAX on M.2 slot count (5). It matches the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the PRO Z790-A II, the Z790 Pro RS, the Z790 Eagle AX and the Z790 PG Sonic on wired network speed (2.5Gbps).
It is the only pick here with 18+1 power stages; the Z790 Pro RS has 14+1+1 power stages instead. You also get a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and a front-panel USB 3.2 port. It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched.
Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Z790 MAX Gaming the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 5
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages
- 18+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- 5 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 18+1 power stage layout
- PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot
- Thunderbolt 4 support
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice3 of 7
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II
The PRO Z790-A WiFi II offers four Gen4 M.2 slots and 80A power stages.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Wi-Fi 6E is its only step back. It has four Gen4 M.2 slots with Shield Frozr, Wi-Fi 6E with BT 5.3 and a 20Gbps rear USB-C port. On wired network speed it ties with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the Strix Z790-E, the Z790 Pro RS, the Z790 Eagle AX and the Z790 PG Sonic at 2.5Gbps.
You also get memory support to DDR5-7800 (OC). It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. Its price falls between the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Z790 MAX Gaming, based on our last check.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 80A SPS power stages
- Memory support to DDR5-7800 (OC)
- Wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, ahead of the Z790 MAX Gaming
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
Best Value4 of 7
ASRock Z790 Pro RS WiFi
The Z790 Pro RS WiFi is one of the cheapest Z790 boards here, yet offers four M.2 slots, a 14+1+1 layout, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Budget K-series builds.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7 is a problem.
Why we like it
On M.2 slot count it ties with the PRO Z790-A II at 4. On wired network speed it ties with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II, the Z790 Eagle AX and the Z790 PG Sonic at 2.5Gbps. It shares 14+1+1 power stages with the Z790 PG Sonic; the Strix Z790-E goes with 18+1 power stages.
It also comes with memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC). It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Z790 PG Sonic was the next step up.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 4
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages
- 14+1+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 14+1+1 power stage layout
- Memory support to DDR5-7200 (OC)
- One of the lowest Z790 prices here
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- M.2 slot count of 4, behind the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (5)
The catch
The main gap: M.2 slot count of 4, behind the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (5). If that matters, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers 5.
Easiest to Service5 of 7
GIGABYTE Z790 Eagle AX
The Z790 Eagle AX pairs a 12+1+1 layout with three M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Builders who swap parts often.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It is a plain Z790 board for Core i5 K builds. On M.2 slot count it ties with the Z790 MAX Gaming at 3. On wired network speed it ties with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II, the Z790 Pro RS and the Z790 PG Sonic at 2.5Gbps.
12+1+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Z790 Pro RS uses 14+1+1 power stages. It also comes with EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal and Q-Flash BIOS updating. It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched.
Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. Its price falls between the Z790 PG Sonic and the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, based on our last check.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages
- 12+1+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- EZ-Latch for tool-free card removal
- Q-Flash BIOS updating
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps Ethernet
- Wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, ahead of the Z790 MAX Gaming
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
Solid Alternative6 of 7
ASUS Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7
The Z790 MAX Gaming WIFI7 offers a 14+1 layout, Wi-Fi 7 and a USB 20Gbps port, with 1Gbps Ethernet.
Best for
- Buyers who want wi-fi 7 built in.
Skip if
- Skip it if M.2 slot count matters most to you; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers 5.
Why we like it
It suits wireless desks. It matches the Z790 Eagle AX on M.2 slot count (3). Its 1Gbps wired network speed is the slowest in this group; the Z790 Tomahawk MAX leads at 2.5Gbps.
Like the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, it has a wi-Fi 7, while the Strix Z790-E uses a wi-Fi 6E. It is the only pick here with 14+1 power stages; the Z790 PG Sonic has 14+1+1 power stages instead. It also offers a PCIe 5.0 graphics slot.
It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. When we checked, only the PRO Z790-A II and cheaper picks cost less, and the Strix Z790-E cost more.
Key specs
- M.2 slots
- 3
- Wired LAN
- 1Gbps
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Power stages
- 14+1
- Form factor
- ATX
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- Wi-Fi 7 built in
- 14+1 power stage layout
- Rear USB 20Gbps Type-C port
- PCIe 5.0 graphics slot
Cons
- M.2 slot count trails the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (5)
- Wired network speed trails the Z790 Tomahawk MAX (2.5Gbps)
- Costs more than the Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
The catch
M.2 slot count is its weakest area, and the Z790 Tomahawk MAX covers it better at 5.
Worth Considering7 of 7
ASRock Z790 PG Sonic
The Z790 PG Sonic offers a 14+1+1 layout and Killer 2.5Gbps Ethernet under a Sonic-themed design.
Best for
- Buyers who want 14+1+1 power stage layout.
Skip if
- Its M.2 slot count is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
The maker doesn't state Wi-Fi. On wired network speed it ties with the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II, the Z790 Pro RS and the Z790 Eagle AX at 2.5Gbps. It shares 14+1+1 power stages with the Z790 Pro RS; the Z790 MAX Gaming goes with 14+1 power stages.
It uses Intel's LGA1700 socket for 12th, 13th and 14th Gen Core processors; check the CPU support list for the BIOS version your chip needs, since early boards shipped before 14th Gen launched. On price it sat second of 7, between the cheaper Z790 Pro RS and the pricier Z790 Eagle AX, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Wired LAN
- 2.5Gbps
- Power stages
- 14+1+1
- Socket
- LGA1700
- Memory type
- DDR5
- Chipset
- Z790
Pros
- 14+1+1 power stage layout
- Killer 2.5G Ethernet
- Sonic-themed design
- Wired network speed of 2.5Gbps, ahead of the Z790 MAX Gaming
Cons
- No published M.2 slot count
- Costs more than the Z790 Pro RS at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its M.2 slot count; if that figure matters, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX offers 5.
How We Chose These Z790 Motherboards
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up seven boards on M.2 slot count, wired network speed, wi-Fi and power stages as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 7 picks leave out M.2 slot count.
- What every pick has in common
- All 7, from the Z790 Tomahawk MAX to the Z790 PG Sonic, state wired network speed, socket and memory type and share LGA1700 socket and DDR5 memory type.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Z790 PG Sonic gives no M.2 slot count; the Z790 PG Sonic gives no wi-Fi.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Z790 Pro RS ($100 to $150) to the Strix Z790-E ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Z790 Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Wired network speed across these picks
Across these 7 picks wired network speed spans 1Gbps (the Z790 MAX Gaming) to 2.5Gbps (the Z790 Tomahawk MAX). If wired network speed is your first filter, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX sets the ceiling at 2.5Gbps.
How much M.2 slot count you need
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX tops M.2 slot count at 5 and the Z790 MAX Gaming sits lowest at 3; 2 picks share the top figure. The Z790 Tomahawk MAX is the pick for M.2 slot count. The Z790 PG Sonic gives no M.2 slot count figure, so 6 of 7 picks are compared here.
Power stages
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX lists 16+1+1; the Strix Z790-E lists 18+1; the Z790 Pro RS and the Z790 PG Sonic list 14+1+1; the Z790 Eagle AX lists 12+1+1; the Z790 MAX Gaming lists 14+1. Settling power stages first narrows 6 picks to 2, 1, 1 or 1 or 1.
Extras that separate them
The Z790 Pro RS: one of the lowest Z790 prices here. The Z790 Eagle AX: Q-Flash BIOS updating. The Z790 PG Sonic: a Sonic-themed design.
How much to spend
$100 to $150 buys the Z790 Pro RS; $150 to $250 buys the Z790 PG Sonic, the Z790 Eagle AX, the Z790 Tomahawk MAX, the PRO Z790-A II and the Z790 MAX Gaming; $250 to $500 buys the Strix Z790-E at our last check.
How to Choose a Z790 Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most Z790 builds | Z790 Tomahawk MAX | Five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout |
| Core i9 builds | Strix Z790-E | An 18+1 layout with Thunderbolt 4 support |
| Budget K-series builds | Z790 Pro RS | Four M.2 slots and a 14+1+1 layout at a low Z790 price |
| Builders who swap parts often | Z790 Eagle AX | EZ-Latch card removal and Q-Flash BIOS updating |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX leads on wired network speed at 2.5Gbps, ahead of the Strix Z790-E at 2.5Gbps. "Not listed" marks M.2 slot count where the Z790 PG Sonic leaves the figure out.
| Board | M.2 slots | Wired LAN | Wi-Fi | Power stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z790 Tomahawk MAX | 5 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 16+1+1 |
| Strix Z790-E | 5 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 18+1 |
| PRO Z790-A II | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | Not listed |
| Z790 Pro RS | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+1+1 |
| Z790 Eagle AX | 3 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 12+1+1 |
| Z790 MAX Gaming | 3 | 1Gbps | Wi-Fi 7 | 14+1 |
| Z790 PG Sonic | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Not listed | 14+1+1 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Z790 Pro RS was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Strix Z790-E the highest ($250 to $500) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Boards |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Z790 Pro RS |
| About $150 to $250 | Z790 PG Sonic, Z790 Eagle AX, Z790 Tomahawk MAX, PRO Z790-A II, Z790 MAX Gaming |
| About $250 to $500 | Strix Z790-E |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Strix Z790-E add over the Z790 Pro RS?
What it brings is M.2 slot count (5 against 4). On our last price check the Z790 Pro RS was in the $100 to $150 tier and the Strix Z790-E in the $250 to $500 tier, with 5 other picks between them; pay the difference only if M.2 slot count decides your purchase.
Why is the Z790 Tomahawk MAX our Best All-Round Z790 pick?
The label rests on five M.2 slots, Wi-Fi 7 and a 16+1+1 layout. The Z790 Pro RS, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for most Z790 builds.
Do the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Strix Z790-E differ on wi-Fi?
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Z790 MAX Gaming use Wi-Fi 7; the Strix Z790-E, the PRO Z790-A II, the Z790 Pro RS and the Z790 Eagle AX use Wi-Fi 6E. The Z790 PG Sonic has no wi-Fi listed, so 6 of 7 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Z790 Tomahawk MAX and the Strix Z790-E include?
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX: Bluetooth 5.4 alongside Wi-Fi 7. The Strix Z790-E: a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot. The PRO Z790-A II: 80A SPS power stages.
Who should choose the Strix Z790-E?
The Strix Z790-E carries our Best High-End label for an 18+1 layout with Thunderbolt 4 support. It ranks second of 7 here and sat in the $250 to $500 tier at our last price check; it suits core i9 builds.
Bottom Line
The Z790 Tomahawk MAX is the most complete board for the price. The Strix Z790-E suits a Core i9, and the Z790 Pro RS saves money.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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