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GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX vs MSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

A

Product A: GIGABYTE

Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

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B

Product B: MSI

MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

68 of 78 known

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Only differences

AGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

BMSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

General

3 of 9 differ

Series

AORUS7Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00520901.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC: AORUS motherboard. AORUS is the GIGABYTE line name in the product name.

MAG1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Cover: MAG Series Motherboard.

Model numbersiMaker identifiers for this exact model and its listed variants. Excludes sibling models and other generations.

Z790 AORUS ELITE AX1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Manual cover: Z790 AORUS ELITE AX.

MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Cover and specification chapter name the board MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II.

GTIN / EAN

4719331849467, 8895230340025Spec databasebuildcores.com/products/Motherboard/v9byrya49/Gigabyte-Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-DDR5-ATX-LGA1700Read 15 October 2026BuildCores: UPC 889523034002 and EAN 4719331849467 for the Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. Retailers in Cyprus and Spain list the same EAN.

Not available

AnnouncediThe maker's first announcement of this model. This is separate from first retail availability.

Not available

11 March 20269Press articlefunkykit.com/news/msi-motherboards-support-new-intel-core-ultra-200s-plus-series-processorsRead 14 October 2026MSI press release copied by FunkyKit, dated 11 March 2026: the MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II is announced with the Core Ultra 200S Plus processors.

Status

Available2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026On 2026-10-15 Geizhals shows 33 offers.6Spec databasemaxmybuild.com/motherboards/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-axRead 15 October 2026MaxMyBuild shows the board in stock at Newegg for 189.99 USD on 2026-10-15.

Available5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Amazon listing in stock with the price updated on 2026-10-14.

PredecessoriThe model this one directly replaced, in the same line, tier and size, as the maker or a trusted review names it.

Not available

MSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Tom's Hardware calls the MAG Z890 Tomahawk Wifi II a streamlined revision of the original MAG Z890 Tomahawk.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026The FPS Review calls the MAG Z890 Tomahawk WiFi II a refreshed issue of the original Z890 Tomahawk.

SuccessoriThe model that directly replaced this one, in the same line, tier and size. A revision such as a Slim or OLED model does not count when a next generation exists.

GIGABYTE Z890 AORUS ELITE WIFI710Reviewhwcooling.net/en/gigabyte-z890-aorus-elite-wifi7-in-test-with-core-ultra-9-285k-reviewRead 23 October 2026HWCooling's review of the Z890 Aorus Elite WiFi7 names the Z790 Aorus Elite AX as the previous generation and as its predecessor.

Not available

Launch price (US)iThe maker's US launch MSRP for the stated configuration, excluding tax. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

$229.994Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Review of 2026-06-29: listed at $229.99 on Newegg and on sale at $199.99 at the time. This is a retailer listing at review time, not an MSI statement. FPS Review says $229 is the usual price and $30 more than the $199 offer.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026The MSI store listed the board at $199 as a limited offer with a usual price of $229, 30 dollars less than on release.

Launch price (EU)iThe maker's euro launch price for the stated configuration, including VAT as published. Current store prices and later discounts do not qualify.

Not available

Not available

MarketsiISO country or region codes where this exact model or variant is sold. A source page's language does not establish availability.

Not available

Not available

ColoursiThe maker's own colour names

Not available

Not available

SegmentiThe maker's own product category, e.g. ASUS ProArt is Creator. It is not assigned from price or features. Maker lines that are not gaming, creator or workstation lines, such as ASUS PRIME, MSI PRO and ASRock Pro, are mainstream.

Gaming7Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00520901.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC calls it a Gigabyte AORUS gaming motherboard.

Gaming5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026The MAG (MSI Arsenal Gaming) tier is the entry level for enthusiast gaming from MSI, a solid no-frills gaming platform. Real Hardware Reviews also calls it an MSI Arsenal Gaming-branded board.

Board revisioniThe maker's revision name, e.g. rev. 1.1, for variant rows of revisions that keep the board's name and model number. Leave it out when the maker names no revision.

Not available

Not available

Platform

3 of 4 differ

CPU socketiSocket name without spaces, e.g. AM5 or LGA1851.

LGA17001Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

LGA18511Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026

ChipsetiChipset with its brand and without the word chipset, e.g. AMD B850, AMD X870E or Intel Z890. Same form as desktop PCs and as compatible chipsets on CPUs.

Intel Z7901Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Intel Z8901Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 20262Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdfRead 14 October 2026Specifications: Intel Z890 Chipset.

Supported processorsiProcessor series the maker lists for the board, one item per series in the chip maker's name. BIOS updates can add series later.

Intel Core (14th Gen), Intel Core (13th Gen), Intel Core (12th Gen), Intel Pentium Gold, Intel Celeron1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 13th and 12th Generation Intel Core, Pentium Gold and Celeron on LGA1700. The 14th Gen is from Geizhals and Tech4Gamers, which list it for the current BIOS. The manual refers to GIGABYTE's website for the latest CPU list. Read on 2026-10-15.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals CPU compatibility: Celeron G6000, Pentium Gold G7000, Core i-12000, i-13000 and i-14000.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Key specifications table: Intel 14th, 13th and 12th Gen.

Intel Core Ultra (Series 2)1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Specifications chapter, page 16: Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2). The manual refers to msi.com for newer processors. Read on 2026-10-14.

CPU overclockingiThe board allows multiplier overclocking of an unlocked CPU. Memory overclocking alone does not count.

Yes4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review (2022-12-17): the board overclocked an i9-13900K from the BIOS to 5.6 GHz on the P-cores and 4.3 GHz on the E-cores at 1.38 V.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 30 (CPU socket chapter): this motherboard supports overclocking. The Performance feature list names Core Boost. Intel's Z890 chipset page also lists overclocking.8Maker product pageintel.com/content/www/us/en/products/sku/237777/intel-z890-chipset/specifications.htmlRead 14 October 2026Intel's Z890 chipset page lists Supports Overclocking: IA, BCLK, Memory. This is the chip maker's page, not the board maker's.

Board

1 of 5 differ

Form factoriThe maker's stated board standard. Other covers sizes such as XL-ATX or Mini-DTX.

ATX1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: ATX form factor, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm.

ATX1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Board dimensionsiSize of the board itself. Height runs along the rear I/O edge, as the board stands in a tower case. ATX is 244 mm wide and 305 mm high. Micro ATX is 244 mm high and up to 244 mm wide. A size with a cover that reaches past the board, as NZXT prints, is not used when the maker also states the board size.

Width244Height305mm(9.6 × 12 in)1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm, stored as 244 mm wide and 305 mm high.

Width244Height305mm(9.6 × 12 in)1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19: ATX form factor, 9.6 in. x 12 in. (244 mm x 305 mm).

PCB layersiCopper layers in the circuit board as published.

63Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: the 6-layered and 2x copper PCB.

63Retailer pagevishalperipherals.com/products/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboardRead 14 October 2026MSI text copied by the shop: 6-layer PCB made by 2oz thickened copper and server-grade level material.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026All-black 6-layer, server-grade PCB.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026MSI states the PCB is 6-layer with inlaid copper.6Reviewrealhardwarereviews.com/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/5Read 14 October 20266-layer PCB.

Back-connect designiPower, fan and front-panel connectors sit on the back of the board to hide the cables, e.g. ASUS BTF, MSI Project Zero or GIGABYTE Stealth. It needs a case made for it.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026The section 2-8 connector layout shows the usual front-side connectors. The board is not a back-connect design.

No1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026The component overview on page 28 shows the usual front-side power, fan and USB connectors. The board is not a back-connect design.

RGB lighting on the boardiLEDs on the board itself. Headers for external lighting are counted under Internal connectors. True only when the maker's spec or feature list names lighting on the board. A single small LED that a reviewer sees does not count.

Yes2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals lighting: RGB, 1 zone (chipset heatsink). Tech4Gamers and Profesional Review see the same RGB Fusion 2.0 zone under the chipset cover. GIGABYTE's manual names no lighting.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: subtle RGB lighting under the chipset cover.

No4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026The board has no RGB lighting, only headers for external lighting.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026No RGB on this motherboard or other fancy lighting. It has three ARGB headers.10Press articletechno-edge.net/release/prtimes2/20260904/24458.htmlRead 14 October 2026MSI Japan press release of 2026-09-04: black military-style design without LED lighting.

Power delivery

4 of 6 differ

Power stage layoutiAs the maker publishes it, e.g. 18+2+2. The first number is the CPU core (Vcore) rail. Makers group the other rails differently, so compare the first number. Doubled or teamed stages are written as the maker prints them, such as MSI's 12+2+1 Duet Rail. A review's count of real phases goes in the source note.

16+1+22Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals reads 16+1+1 from the board (17 virtual CPU phases, 9 real phases). GIGABYTE's text, which LDLC and Tech4Gamers copy, is Twin 16+1+2 (8+8 parallel).7Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00520901.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC text: VRM 16+1+2 phases (8+8 parallel).

16+1+1+13Retailer pagevishalperipherals.com/products/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboardRead 14 October 2026The shop copies MSI's text: 16+1+1+1 Duet Rail Power System 90A SPS. FPS Review says MSI states 16+1+1+1. Another MSI product page text seen in a search snippet groups the rails as 16+2+1. The Vcore number is 16 in all of them.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026MSI states 16+1+1+1 (Duet 8 phase) with Smart Power Stage support and 90 A.

CPU core (Vcore) power stagesiPower stages on the Vcore rail. Makers call them phases or power stages. A doubled design has more stages than controller phases. Use the first number of the maker's layout, such as 14 for MSI's 14+2+1 Duet Rail. A review's different count goes in the source note.

162Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 16 x 70 A FDMF5062 smart power stages for Vcore, 1 x 60 A NCP303160 for GT.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: 16 phases in parallel for Vcore using Infineon TDA21472 70 A power stages. Profesional Review and Geizhals read onsemi 5062 stages, so the stage maker is not stored.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review: 16 phases for Vcore, 1 for VccGT and 2 for VccAUX, with 18 onsemi 5062 MOSFETs rated 70 A and 1 NCP302155 rated 60 A.

164Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 202619 phases, 16 of them for Vcore, from 16 MPS 90A SPS MOSFETs (spec table: 16x 90A SPS MOSFETs for Vcore).6Reviewrealhardwarereviews.com/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/5Read 14 October 202616x 90A Smart Power Stages doubled on the eight phases that feed the CPU cores, in a (7+1)+1+1 true phase layout.7Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2026/03/23/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/ampRead 14 October 202619 phases: 16 for VccCore, 1 for VccGT, 1 for VccSA and 1 for VNNAON, with 16 MPS 90 A MOSFETs for Vcore.

Vcore power stage ratingiCurrent rating of each Vcore power stage. Only a figure the maker or a copy of the maker's text states. A review's reading of the chip markings is not enough.

Not available

90A3Retailer pagevishalperipherals.com/products/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboardRead 14 October 2026MSI text copied by the shop: 90A SPS (Smart Power Stage). Tom's Hardware and Real Hardware Reviews read 16 MPS 90A stages.6Reviewrealhardwarereviews.com/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/5Read 14 October 202616x 90A stages, 1440 A in total.

VRM controlleriPWM controller chip with maker, e.g. MPS MP2857. One name: the maker's when published, otherwise the one name a review uses. No parentheses. Other names go in the source note. Use the part number without the date code in the chip marking.

onsemi NCP81530R2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: PWM controller NCP81530R (max 10 phases). Profesional Review names the same chip.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review: the controller is an onsemi NCP81530R.

Not available

CPU power connectorsiEPS 12 V connectors for the CPU as pin counts, e.g. 8+8 pin, 8+4 pin or 8 pin.

8+8 pin1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 2 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connectors.

8+8 pin1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: 2x 8-pin +12V power connectors. The page also lists the 24-pin ATX connector.

Extra slot power connectoriA PCIe or other power connector on the board that feeds the expansion slots. The 24-pin and CPU connectors do not count. A connector the maker ties only to a front USB-C header does not count.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026The section 2-2 internal connector list has no extra slot power connector.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: 1x 8-pin PCIe power connector (PCIE_PWR1). The special features list names a Supplemental PCIe Power Connector.7Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2026/03/23/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/ampRead 14 October 2026An 8-pin PCIe header supplements power to the PCIe slots and the internal USB-C with Power Delivery. The review says the Wi-Fi card is a Killer BE1750x like the original, which conflicts with MSI's datasheet and two other reviews and is not used.

Memory

2 of 6 differ

Memory type

DDR51Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

DDR51Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Memory slotsiDIMM slots on the board.

41Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

41Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Max memoryiMaximum total capacity the maker states for the board. The maker's product page wins over an older manual, since a BIOS update can raise the value.

256GB2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 4 DDR5 DIMM slots, max. 256 GB UDIMM non-ECC. BuildCores and MaxMyBuild also say 256 GB. The launch manual says 128 GB (32 GB per DIMM), LDLC says 192 GB (48 GB per DIMM) and a later manual for the white ICE model says 256 GB. BIOS updates raised the limit.5Spec databasebuildcores.com/products/Motherboard/v9byrya49/Gigabyte-Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-DDR5-ATX-LGA1700Read 15 October 2026BuildCores: max memory 256 GB.6Spec databasemaxmybuild.com/motherboards/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-axRead 15 October 2026MaxMyBuild: max capacity 256 GB.

256GB1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026

Max memory speed (overclocked)iHighest overclocked speed the maker lists for one module per channel, with the newest CPU family the board is sold for, e.g. Ryzen 9000 or Core Ultra 200S. Ryzen 8000 values are never used. The source note names the family and the other module setups. It is not the CPU's official speed. A JEDEC-only list such as 5600/4800 is not this value. When the maker lists a manual overclock and a memory profile speed, the higher one is stored. The maker's product page wins over an older manual, since a BIOS update can raise the value. A table that names the CPU family wins over a headline speed that names none.

7,600MT/s2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: max. DDR5-7600 OC. LDLC (GIGABYTE text) and Tech4Gamers say DDR5 7600 MHz (OC) too, with a BIOS update. CPU defaults are 5600 MT/s for 13th and 14th Gen i9 and i7. The speed is not tied to a CPU family in these sources.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Key specifications table: DDR5 up to 7600 MHz+ (OC). The review says it works with a BIOS update.7Retailer pageldlc.com/en/product/PB00520901.htmlRead 15 October 2026LDLC text: support for DDR5 7600 MHz memory (OC).8Reviewtheoverclocker.comRead 15 October 2026The Overclocker says the board officially supports DDR5 7600 at its price.

9,200MT/s3Retailer pagevishalperipherals.com/products/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboardRead 14 October 2026Memory support DDR5 9200 - 6400 (OC) MT/s and 6400 - 4800 (JEDEC) MT/s in MSI's table. 9200+ is the 1DPC 1R figure and is stored for Core Ultra (Series 2), the only CPU family of the board. Tom's Hardware and FPS Review also give DDR5-9200 (OC). The setups with more modules or ranks reach lower speeds.

ECC memoryiThe board runs unbuffered ECC modules with ECC active. A board that runs ECC modules in non-ECC mode does not count. DDR5 on-die ECC does not count. A maker list of ECC and non-ECC unbuffered memory with no non-ECC mode qualifier counts as true, as on ASUS and ASRock AM5 boards. A note that ECC mode depends on the CPU, as ASUS writes for AM4 boards, still counts as true.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: support for ECC unbuffered DIMM (operate in non-ECC mode) and for non-ECC unbuffered DIMM.

No1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 16: supports non-ECC, un-buffered memory.

CUDIMM supportiThe board runs clocked unbuffered DIMMs (CUDIMM) with the clock driver active. Clock driver bypass mode only does not count. A plain "Supports CUDIMM" with no bypass limit, as ASRock and ASUS write it, counts as true.

Not available

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 16: supports CUDIMM. The manual states no clock driver bypass limit. FPS Review also says CU-DIMMs are fully supported.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Memory up to 256 GB, advertised up to 9200 MT/s (OC) which includes CU-DIMMs, with XMP 3.0.

Expansion slots

1 of 3 differ

Expansion slotsiPhysical card slots. Storage M.2 slots are listed under Storage. The M.2 slot of a pre-installed Wi-Fi module is not listed. A full-length slot wired for x4 is PCIe x16 with 4 lanes.

AGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Physical slot	Electrical lanes	PCIe generation	Connected to	Count
PCIe x16	16	5	CPU	1
PCIe x16	4	4	Chipset	1
PCIe x16	4	3	Chipset	1

Source1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: CPU PCIEX16 supports PCIe 5.0 and runs at x16. Chipset PCIEX4_1 is an x16 slot supporting PCIe 4.0 at x4, and PCIEX4_2 is an x16 slot supporting PCIe 3.0 at x4.

BMSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

Physical slot	Electrical lanes	PCIe generation	Connected to	Count
PCIe x16	16	5	CPU	1
PCIe x16	4	4	Chipset	2

Source1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 16: 3x PCIe x16 slots. PCI_E1 up to PCIe 5.0 x16 from the CPU, PCI_E2 and PCI_E3 up to PCIe 4.0 x4 from the Z890 chipset. The pre-installed Wi-Fi module sits in an M.2 Key-E slot and is not listed.

Full-length PCIe slotsiCounts full-length slots, whatever their lane count.

3=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

3=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

Fastest PCIe x16 slot generationiHighest PCIe generation of a full-length slot. This is normally the graphics card slot.

5=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

5=CalculatedFrom Expansion slots

Storage

3 of 4 differ

M.2 storage slotsiOne row per M key storage slot on the board, front or back. Slots on an included add-in card are not listed. Values are with the CPU family that gives the board its full connectivity. A slot listed for 25110 counts as M.2 22110. A slot listed for 2260 counts as M.2 2280.

AGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Slot	PCIe generation	PCIe lanes	Connected to	Longest drive	Takes SATA drives	Heatsink	Shares lanes with
M2A_CPU	4	4	CPU	M.2 22110	No	Yes	Not available
M2P_SB	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	No	Yes	Not available
M2Q_SB	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	No	Yes	Not available
M2M_SB	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	Yes	Yes	SATA3 2 and SATA3 3 are unavailable when a PCIe SSD is in M2M_SB

Source1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2 and 2-8: M2A_CPU on the CPU, M2P_SB and M2Q_SB on the chipset, each PCIe 4.0 x4/x2 for 22110/2280 SSDs. M2M_SB on the chipset takes PCIe 4.0 x4 or SATA SSDs. The 2-8 table: a PCIe SSD in M2M_SB turns off SATA3 2 and SATA3 3. Only M2M_SB takes M.2 SATA SSDs. The heatsinks are from Tech4Gamers and Geizhals.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 3 M.2 M-key PCIe 4.0 x4 (22110/2280) and 1 M.2 M-key PCIe 4.0 x4/SATA (22110/2280). 4 passive M.2 heatsinks.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: a thicker silver M.2 thermal guard on the top slot, which is the only slot wired to the CPU, and a single low-profile cover over the other three.

BMSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

Slot	PCIe generation	PCIe lanes	Connected to	Longest drive	Takes SATA drives	Heatsink
M2_1	5	4	CPU	M.2 2280	No	Yes
M2_2	4	4	Chipset	M.2 22110	No	Yes
M2_3	4	4	Chipset	M.2 2280	No	Yes
M2_4	4	4	Chipset	M.2 2280	Yes	Yes

Source1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: M2_1 PCIe 5.0 x4 for 2260 and 2280. M2_2 PCIe 4.0 x4 for 2260, 2280 and 22110. M2_3 PCIe 4.0 x4 for 2242, 2260 and 2280. M2_4 PCIe 4.0 x4 and SATA for 2242, 2260 and 2280. The longest module is stored. The manual and its block diagram say M2_2 comes from the CPU. MSI's web specification text copied by Vishal Peripherals, Tom's Hardware and Profesional Review all say the chipset, so chipset is stored. This is a doubt. Heatsinks: pages 36 to 43 show a screwless M.2 Shield Frozr heatsink on M2_1, a screw-down M.2 Shield Frozr on M2_2 and a screwless one over M2_3 and M2_4. FPS Review and Profesional Review count three M.2 heatsinks for the four slots. The manual lists no lane sharing for the M.2 slots.3Retailer pagevishalperipherals.com/products/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboardRead 14 October 2026Shop copy of the MSI specification: M.2_1 from the CPU, PCIe 5.0 x4, 2280/2260. M.2_2 from the chipset, PCIe 4.0 x4, 22110/2280/2260. M.2_3 from the chipset, PCIe 4.0 x4, 2280/2260/2242. M.2_4 from the chipset, PCIe 4.0 x4 or SATA mode, 2280/2260/2242.4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026M.2_1 is the CPU-connected PCIe 5.0 x4 socket. The other three connect through the chipset at PCIe 4.0 x4, M.2_4 also takes SATA. The text says all sockets take up to 80 mm modules, but the spec table and MSI's manual list 110 mm for M.2_2. No lane sharing between PCIe, M.2, USB and SATA.

M.2 slots

4=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

4=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots

0=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

1=CalculatedFrom M.2 storage slots

SATA portsiSATA 6Gb/s connectors on the board. SlimSAS connectors and M.2 slots that take SATA drives do not count.

61Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (the DDR4 AX model has 4).

41Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 16: 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports from the Z890 chipset.

Rear ports

5 of 5 differ

Rear portsiPhysical connectors on the rear I/O panel. Wi-Fi antenna connectors and buttons are not ports. 3.5 mm audio counts analog jacks of any role. A video input, such as the DisplayPort In of a Thunderbolt board, is Other.

AGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Type	Version	Count	Max link rate (Gbps)
USB-C	USB 3.2 Gen 2x2	1	20
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	2	10
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 1	3	5
USB-A	USB 2.0	4	0.48
HDMI	HDMI 2.1	1	Not available
DisplayPort	DisplayPort 1.2	1	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	2.5
3.5 mm audio	Not available	2	Not available
Optical S/PDIF	Not available	1	Not available

Source1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2 back panel: 1 USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2x2), 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A (red), 3 USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 USB 2.0/1.1, 2 SMA antenna connectors, 1 HDMI 2.0, 1 DisplayPort, 1 RJ-45, 1 optical S/PDIF out, 2 audio jacks. The 3 Gen 1 ports are Type-A per Profesional Review. HDMI is stored as 2.1 from Geizhals, see that source. DisplayPort 1.2 is from the onboard graphics text. USB 2.0 is stored as 0.48 Gbps.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals external ports: 1 DisplayPort 1.2, 1 HDMI 2.1 TMDS, 1 USB-C 20 Gb/s, 2 USB-A 10 Gb/s, 3 USB-A 5 Gb/s, 4 USB-A 2.0, 1 S/PDIF out, 2 audio jacks, 1 RJ-45 2.5G. The launch manual says HDMI 2.0 and the manual of the white ICE model says HDMI 2.1.

BMSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

Type	Version	Count	Max link rate (Gbps)	Thunderbolt or USB4	Power out (W)	DP Alt Mode
USB-C	USB4	1	40	Thunderbolt 4	15	Yes
USB-C	USB 3.2 Gen 2	1	10	Not available	Not available	Not available
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 2	3	10	Not available	Not available	Not available
USB-A	USB 3.2 Gen 1	4	5	Not available	Not available	Not available
HDMI	HDMI 2.1	1	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available
Ethernet (RJ45)	Not available	1	5	Not available	Not available	Not available
3.5 mm audio	Not available	2	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available
Optical S/PDIF	Not available	1	Not available	Not available	Not available	Not available

Source1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Pages 19 and 23: 1 HDMI 2.1 with FRL, 1 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C (from the CPU, DisplayPort over USB Type-C, 40 Gbps per the datasheet), 1 USB 10Gbps Type-C, 3 USB 10Gbps Type-A, 4 USB 5Gbps Type-A, 1 5Gbps LAN (RJ45), line-out and mic-in jacks and 1 optical S/PDIF out. The datasheet gives the Thunderbolt 4 port charging up to 5V/3A, 15W. The board has no rear USB 2.0 port. The 4 USB 2.0 and 6 USB 5Gbps Type-A counts in the datasheet include front-panel ports. The Flash BIOS and Clear CMOS buttons and the two Wi-Fi antenna connectors are not ports. The Thunderbolt port is stored as USB4 with the Thunderbolt 4 marking, since it is a USB4 port.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdfRead 14 October 2026Thunderbolt 4 row: 1x USB Type-C up to 40Gbps, charging support up to 5V/3A, 15W. Connections list: 1 Flash BIOS button, 1 Clear CMOS button, S/PDIF-Out, Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps Type-C.

Rear USB ports

10=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

9=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Rear USB-C portsiIncludes Thunderbolt and USB4 ports.

1=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

2=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Fastest rear USB port

20Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

40Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

ThunderboltiThunderbolt on the rear panel. A header for an add-in card does not count.

Not available

Yes=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Internal connectors

5 of 5 differ

Internal USB headersiHeaders for front-panel USB ports. The header count may be left out when the maker states only the front ports served.

AGIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX

Header	Max data rate (Gbps)	Headers	Front ports served
USB-C header	10	1	1
USB 3 header (19-pin)	5	1	2
USB 2.0 header (9-pin)	0.48	2	4

Source1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 1 USB Type-C header with USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1 header (2 ports) and 2 USB 2.0/1.1 headers (4 ports).2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 1 USB 3.1 Key-A header (10 Gb/s, 1 USB-C), 1 USB 3.0 20-pin header (5 Gb/s, 2 USB-A) and 2 USB 2.0 9-pin headers (4 USB-A).

BMSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II

Header	Max data rate (Gbps)	Headers	Front ports served	Power out (W)
USB-C header	20	1	1	27
USB 3 header (19-pin)	5	1	2	Not available
USB 2.0 header (9-pin)	0.48	2	4	Not available

Source1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 1 USB 20Gbps Type-C front panel port (JUSBC1, USB PD 27W fast charging), 1 USB 5Gbps connector (JUSB3) for 2 more ports and 2 USB 2.0 connectors (JUSB1 and JUSB2) for 4 more ports.

Front USB-C header speed

10Gbps=CalculatedFrom Internal USB headers

20Gbps=CalculatedFrom Internal USB headers

Fan headersiAll fan and pump headers on the board, including CPU, CPU optional, AIO pump and chassis fan headers. Combination connectors that carry fan power together with other lines, such as MSI EZ Conn, do not count. A header that drives several fans, such as GIGABYTE 3_FANS, counts once. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

61Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 1 CPU fan header, 1 CPU fan/water cooling pump header, 3 system fan headers and 1 system fan/water cooling pump header.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals: 1 CPU fan, 1 CPU fan/pump, 3 fans and 1 fan/pump header.

81Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 1 CPU fan, 1 water-pump/system fan and 6 system fan connectors, all 4-pin, make 8 headers. The EZ Conn-Header V2 (JAF_2) is a combination connector and is not counted.6Reviewrealhardwarereviews.com/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/5Read 14 October 2026Eight 4-pin fan headers plus the JAF v2 header.

ARGB headersi3-pin 5 V addressable RGB headers. Combination connectors do not count. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

21Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 2 x addressable LED strip headers (D_LED1, D_LED2, 5 V).

31Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 3x 3-pin A-RAINBOW V2 (ARGB Gen2) LED connectors.

RGB headersi4-pin 12 V RGB headers. Headers on a hub that ships with the board and plugs into it, such as MSI's EZ CONTROL HUB, count. The source note splits board and hub.

21Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: 2 x RGB LED strip headers (LED_C1, LED_C2, 12 V).

11Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 1x 4-pin RGB LED connector (JRGB1, 12 V).

Networking

4 of 9 differ

Ethernet controllersiOne item per Ethernet chip, as maker plus chip family without suffix letters, e.g. Realtek RTL8126 or Realtek RTL8125. Suffixes and revisions go in the source note. Leave it empty when no maker document or review names the chip. A Killer chip is written with Intel as its maker, such as Intel Killer E3100G.

Realtek RTL81251Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: Realtek 2.5GbE LAN chip. The chip family is from Tech4Gamers and Profesional Review (RTL8125B or RTL8125BG).3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: Realtek RTL8125BG 2.5GbE chip.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review: 2.5 Gbps LAN with a Realtek RTL8125B.

Intel Killer E50001Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: 1x Intel Killer E5000 5Gbps LAN controller. The datasheet writes E5000B. Tom's Hardware's table says Killer E5000 Realtek RTL8125 at 2.5 GbE, which does not fit the 5 Gbps port and is not used.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdfRead 14 October 2026Specifications: Intel Killer E5000B 5G LAN.

Ethernet ports

1=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

1=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Ethernet speediFastest Ethernet port.

2.5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

5Gbps=CalculatedFrom Rear ports

Wi-Fi includediA Wi-Fi module comes installed. A board sold with and without Wi-Fi is two products.

Yes1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, WIFI a/b/g/n/ac/ax on 2.4/5/6 GHz, Bluetooth 5.3, 11ax 160 MHz and up to 2.4 Gbps.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: the wireless module is pre-installed in the M.2 (Key-E) slot.

Wi-Fi standard

Wi-Fi 6E1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

Wi-Fi 71Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: Wi-Fi 7, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be.

Wi-Fi bandsiBands the installed module supports.

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026

2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz. 6 GHz support may depend on country regulations.

Max Wi-Fi channel widthiWidest channel the installed module supports, e.g. 320 or 160. It follows the Wi-Fi module, so a board revision can change it.

160MHz1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: support for the 11ax 160 MHz wireless standard.

160MHz2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdfRead 14 October 2026Features text: Wi-Fi 7 with a new 160MHz channel and a maximum transmission speed of 2.9Gbps. The manual states 320MHz and 5.8Gbps. Tom's Hardware and FPS Review say the II dropped from 320 MHz to 160 MHz and from Killer to a MediaTek module, so the datasheet value is stored.

Wi-Fi moduleiChip as published. A board revision can change the chip. One name: the maker's when published, otherwise the one name a review uses. No parentheses. Other names go in the source note. Use the chip's part number with its maker when any source gives it, such as Qualcomm QCNCM865 for a module also written NCM865. A platform name such as FastConnect 7800 is used only when no part number is published.

Not available

Not available

BluetoothiVersion of the Bluetooth radio on the Wi-Fi module.

5.31Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: Bluetooth 5.3. GIGABYTE's later manuals for sibling white models list the same for both PCB revisions.

5.41Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: Bluetooth 5.4. The manual says the version may be updated, so check the Wi-Fi chipset vendor.2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdfRead 14 October 2026Specifications: Wi-Fi 7 Solution, Bluetooth 5.4.

Audio

1 of 2 differ

Audio codeciMaker and model, e.g. Realtek ALC4080. A board revision can change the codec.

Not available

Realtek ALC1220P1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 17: Realtek ALC1220P, 7.1-channel High Definition Audio with S/PDIF output.

DAC chipiA separate DAC chip next to the codec, e.g. ESS ES9219. Maker plus part number as the maker writes it, with suffix letters, e.g. ESS ES9219Q. A marketing name that stands for a part number is written as the part number, so ESS SABRE9219 is ESS ES9219 and the maker wording goes in the source note. Leave it empty on boards with only a codec.

Not available

Not available

Features

4 of 7 differ

BIOS flashbackiA button that updates the BIOS from a USB drive without a CPU or memory installed. Maker names include BIOS FlashBack, Flash BIOS Button and Q-Flash Plus.

Yes1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Q-Flash Plus button on the board (section 2-7) with a dedicated USB port on the rear panel.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19 and the special features list: Flash BIOS button on the rear panel.

Clear CMOS button (rear)iA button on the rear panel that resets the BIOS settings. A jumper or header does not count. A board whose only clear CMOS button sits on the board itself is false.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-7: CLR_SW is a Clear CMOS button on the board. The rear panel list has no button.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19 and the rear panel chapter: Clear CMOS button. The board also has a JBAT1 jumper.

POST code displayiA two-digit display that shows boot codes, e.g. ASUS Q-Code or ASRock Dr. Debug. Single status LEDs do not count. Taken from the maker's spec or manual only. A review spec table is not enough.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-7: four status LEDs (CPU, DRAM, VGA, BOOT). No two-digit display. Tech4Gamers also says there is no debug LED.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 18: 1x EZ Digi-Debug LED, a two-character display for boot codes and errors. It also has four EZ Debug status LEDs.

Power button on the boardiA power or start button on the board itself, for use outside a case. A button with another label counts when the maker says it can turn the PC on, such as GIGABYTE's quick button labelled RESET. A button on the rear I/O panel counts. A button on a module that ships fitted to the board, such as MSI's EZ BRIDGE, counts.

Yes1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-7: the RST_SW reset button lets users quickly turn on or off the computer in an open-case environment.2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals buttons: internal Clear CMOS, power, reset and Q-Flash Plus buttons.

No1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026The manual lists no power or reset button on the board. Real Hardware Reviews says MSI left out the power and reset buttons to fit the debug LEDs, and Profesional Review sees no integrated buttons.6Reviewrealhardwarereviews.com/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-review/5Read 14 October 2026MSI left out the power and reset buttons found on higher models to fit the debug LED and digital display.

Dual BIOSiTwo BIOS chips, so the board can start from the second chip after a failed update. Two flash chips alone do not count.

No1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026Section 2-2: BIOS is 1 x 256 Mbit flash. Dual BIOS is not stated.

No1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 19: BIOS is 1x 256 Mb flash. Dual BIOS is not stated.

Pre-installed I/O shieldiThe rear I/O shield is fixed to the board.

Yes2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals features: I/O shield integrated.

Yes1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Special features list on page 21: Pre-installed I/O Shield.

Tool-free featuresiM.2 latch holds a drive without a screw. M.2 heatsink comes off without a tool. PCIe slot release is a button or lever that frees the graphics card. Push-on antenna connector fits the Wi-Fi antenna without screwing.

Tool-free M.2 latch, PCIe slot release1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026M.2 EZ-Latch Plus clip, section 2-8. The PCIe release lever is from Tech4Gamers (EZ-Latch on the PCIe slot) and Profesional Review (extended release tabs). The manual says the M.2 heatsink is held by screws, and the Wi-Fi antenna uses SMA screw connectors.3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Review: EZ-Latch on the PCIe slot (extended locker) and EZ-Latch on the M.2 ports.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Review: the PCIe 5.0 slot has extended release tabs. The M.2 SSD anchor is the EZ-Latch type.

Tool-free M.2 latch, Tool-free M.2 heatsink, PCIe slot release, Push-on antenna connector1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Special features list: EZ M.2 Clip II (screwless M.2 drive clip), EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II (tool-free heatsink), EZ PCIe Release (button that frees the graphics card, pages 33 to 35) and EZ Antenna. The press release says the EZ Antenna design needs no twisting.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Two EZ-Release Shield-FROZR II M.2 heatsinks and one that needs a Phillips screwdriver, an EZ-PCIe Release button, all M.2 slots tool-less with a rotary or EZ Clip, and EZ antenna ports.9Press articlefunkykit.com/news/msi-motherboards-support-new-intel-core-ultra-200s-plus-series-processorsRead 14 October 2026EZ Antenna design simplifies Wi-Fi antenna installation without the need for twisting.

Measured

3 of 3 differ

VRM temperature under CPU loadiHighest VRM temperature a reviewer measured during a sustained all-core CPU stress test at stock settings. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. The reviewer's probe reading when given, otherwise the board sensor. The sensor and the CPU package power during the test go in the source note.

66°C4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Profesional Review test of the VRM at stock under a CPU stress test: Core i9-13900K, Corsair H150i ELITE LCD, open bench, BIOS F3g, PL2 unlimited so the CPU drew up to 300 W. The HWiNFO VRM sensor read 66 C. A FLIR One camera read 59 C on the outside of the VRM and 28 C at idle. The ambient temperature and test duration are not stated. The review lists the Z790 AORUS MASTER in its test bench table, which looks like a copy error. Tech4Gamers measured about 48 C with a thermal camera on an i7-12700K at about 170 W (Cinebench R23, 30 minutes, ambient 30 C). That figure is not stored.

58°C4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420, Team Group DDR5-7600 kit, 30-minute test (AIDA64 System Stability Test per the method text), stock settings. Probes on the back of the board under the MOSFETs peaked at 58 C. HWiNFO and the board sensor peaked at 56 C. The probe reading is stored. The whole system averaged 233 W during the test. The ambient temperature is not stated.

Power draw idleiWhole test system at the wall at idle, measured by a reviewer. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. A chart of CPU and board power without a wall meter does not count.

Not available

61W4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Whole test system at the wall with a Kill-A-Watt meter, Windows Balanced power plan, XMP enabled. Test system: Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, Asus TUF RTX 4080, Crucial T705, Windows 11 25H2.

Power draw CPU stressiWhole test system at the wall at the peak of a CPU stress test, measured by a reviewer. The graphics card is not loaded. Compare only results from the same reviewer and CPU. A chart of CPU and board power without a wall meter does not count.

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345W4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Peak of the whole test system at the wall (Kill-A-Watt) during the AIDA64 System Stability Test with Stress CPU, FPU, cache and Memory, Core Ultra 7 270K Plus, Team Group DDR5-7600 kit at stock. The graphics card was not stressed.

In the box

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In the boxiItems as the maker lists them.

1 x Wi-Fi antenna, 2 x SATA cables, 1 x G Connector, M.2 SSD screws, Paper leaflet3Reviewtech4gamers.com/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-motherboardRead 15 October 2026Accessories: 1 motherboard, 1 Wi-Fi antenna, 2 SATA cables, 1 front panel G Connector, 1 paper leaflet. No user manual. Profesional Review adds SSD installation screws.4Reviewprofesionalreview.com/2022/12/17/z790-aorus-elite-ax-review/ampRead 15 October 2026Package: board, external Wi-Fi antenna, 2 SATA 6 Gbps cables, SSD installation screws and F-panel adapter.

1 x Quick installation guide, 1 x European Union Regulatory Notices, 2 x SATA Cables, 1 x 1 to 3 EZ Conn-Cable (V2), 1 x EZ Wi-Fi antenna, 1 x Cable sticker, 2 x EZ M.2 Clip II, 1 x EZ M.2 Clip II Remover1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026Page 22 package contents, without the board itself. Real Hardware Reviews says the drivers come on a USB drive. The manual list does not include it, so it is left out.

Links

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Product page

www.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-rev-1x9Maker product pagegigabyte.com/Motherboard/Z790-AORUS-ELITE-AX-rev-1xRead 15 October 2026The GIGABYTE page for rev. 1.x. gigabyte.com blocks agents, so the page was not read and no value comes from it.

www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II11Maker product pagemsi.com/Motherboard/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-IIRead 14 October 2026msi.com blocks agents, so the page was not read. Its address appeared in web search results and in the job brief. No value comes from it.

Spec sheet

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storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdf2Maker spec sheet (PDF)storage-asset.msi.com/datasheet/mb/jp/MAG-Z890-TOMAHAWK-WIFI-II.pdfRead 14 October 2026MSI datasheet generated 2026-02-19. The file sits in the jp folder but the text is English.

Manual

www.trovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdf1Owner's manualtrovaprezzi.it/manuali/gigabyte_z790_aorus_elite_ax.pdfRead 15 October 2026GIGABYTE User's Manual Rev. 1001 (2022) for Z790 AORUS ELITE AX, Z790 AORUS ELITE and the two DDR4 models, hosted by trovaprezzi.it. gigabyte.com blocks agents. Features marked for the DDR5 models with an AX are the ones used. Newer manual revisions were not readable for the black board.

download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdf1Owner's manualdownload-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGZ890TOMAHAWKWIFIII_English.pdfRead 14 October 2026MSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WIFI II User Guide, 44 pages, English PDF on download-2.msi.com. The Japanese and German files have the same name pattern.

EPREL registration numberiId in the EU energy label database. Each size or model of a series has its own id, so it is per variant.

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Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)iThe maker's warranty period for the exact SKU or configuration and market named in the source note. It applies only to that stated market, not every regional variant. Statutory consumer rights are excluded. The base term is stored. An extension that needs registration goes in the source note.

3years2Spec databasegeizhals.de/gigabyte-z790-aorus-elite-ax-a2819887.htmlRead 15 October 2026Geizhals warranty field: 3 years, German and Austrian listing.

3years4Reviewtomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026Spec table: 3 years, in a US-focused review.5Reviewthefpsreview.com/2026/06/29/msi-mag-z890-tomahawk-wifi-ii-motherboard-reviewRead 14 October 2026The warranty is listed at 3 years on the MSI store.

Both are also in the API. Back to all motherboards.