ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX vs MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi
Winner
Value Comparison
How they compare across key dimensions
ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi MSI MAG B650
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is stronger at
Connectivity, Expandability, Build, Overclocking, Value
Very close
Compatibility
By how much
ValueMSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi leads by 15
BuildMSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi leads by 14
ConnectivityMSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi leads by 10
ExpandabilityMSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi leads by 7
OverclockingMSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi leads by 7
CompatibilityVery close
Pros & Cons
ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX
Pros
- Strong fit for Intel 12th-14th Gen builds with DDR5 and overclocking
- Clear published specification target: Z790 chipset, DDR5, LGA 1700
- Cross-checked against manufacturer manuals, chipset docs, and BIOS support pages
- Easy to compare against same-category alternatives by price, chipset, and form factor
- Useful for buyers who want a practical recommendation rather than a single synthetic score
- Amazon direct link makes it easier to compare current sellers and variants before checkout
Cons
- Confirm LGA 1700 socket, chipset, case form factor, BIOS support, and RAM QVL before buying
- Real-world VRM thermals depend on case airflow, CPU power draw, and ambient temperature
- Pricing, bundles, and seller availability can change quickly on Amazon
- The best value can shift when nearby alternatives go on sale
- BIOS update may be required for newer CPU support — plan for USB BIOS Flashback capability
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi
Pros
- Strong fit for B650 chipset
- Clear published specification target: AM5 socket
- Cross-checked against respected motherboard specification and benchmark references
- Easy to compare against same-category alternatives by price, role, and build constraints
- Useful for buyers who want a practical recommendation rather than a single synthetic score
- Amazon search link makes it easier to compare current sellers and variants before checkout
Cons
- Exact performance and acoustics vary by workload, firmware, drivers, cooling, and case airflow
- Compatibility depends on the rest of the build and should be checked before purchase
- Pricing, bundles, and seller availability can change quickly on Amazon
- The best value can shift when nearby alternatives go on sale
- Requires checking case fit, memory QVL, lane sharing, Wi-Fi needs, and front-panel connector support
Specs
ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX
- Price
- ~$249.99
- Rating
- 4.3 / 5.0
- Key Features
- Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for Intel Core 14th & 13th Gen Processors, Intel Core 12th Gen, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors
- Enhanced power solution: 12+1 DrMOS, 6-layer PCB, ProCool connectors, alloy chokes and durable capacitors for stable power delivery
- Next-gen connectivity: DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 6, PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, rear USB 10Gbps Type-C and Type-A, front panel USB 10Gbps Type-C, Thunderbolt (USB4) header support
- Exclusive Memory Technology: ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II and ASUS OptiMem II
- Comprehensive cooling: Large VRM heatsinks, M.2 heatsinks, PCH heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 4 with AI Cooling II
- Socket
- LGA 1700
- Chipset
- Z790
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Support
- Next-gen connectivity: DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 6, PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, rear USB 10Gbps Type-C and Type-A, front panel USB 10Gbps Type-C, Thunderbolt (USB4) header support
- PCIe Generation
- —
- Wi-Fi
- —
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi
- Price
- ~$219.99
- Rating
- 4.6 / 5.0
- Key Features
- AM5 socket
- B650 chipset
- strong midrange VRM
- Socket
- —
- Chipset
- —
- Form Factor
- —
- Memory Support
- —
- PCIe Generation
- —
- Wi-Fi
- —
| Feature | ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX | MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$249.99 | ~$219.99 |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 |
| Key Features |
|
|
| Detailed Specifications | ||
| Socket | LGA 1700 | — |
| Chipset | Z790 | — |
| Form Factor | ATX | — |
| Memory Support | Next-gen connectivity: DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 6, PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, rear USB 10Gbps Type-C and Type-A, front panel USB 10Gbps Type-C, Thunderbolt (USB4) header support | — |
| PCIe Generation | — | — |
| Wi-Fi | — | — |
Recommendations
Quick TakeChoosing between the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX and the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi comes down to workload, compatibility, thermals, power needs, and price. We compare them using manuals, chipset documentation, BIOS support pages, and verified-builder feedback, not guaranteed-performance claims.▾
Who Should Pick the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX?The ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX is the better starting point if you want Intel LGA 1700 socket: Ready for Intel Core 14th & 13th Gen Processors, Intel Core 12th Gen, Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors, Enhanced power solution: 12+1 DrMOS, 6-layer PCB, ProCool connectors, alloy chokes and durable capacitors for stable power delivery, Next-gen connectivity: DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 6, PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, rear USB 10Gbps Type-C and Type-A, front panel USB 10Gbps Type-C, Thunderbolt (USB4) header support, Exclusive Memory Technology: ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile II and ASUS OptiMem II. Its clearest advantage is Strong fit for Intel 12th-14th Gen builds with DDR5 and overclocking.▾
Who Should Pick the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi?The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi makes more sense if its priorities fit your current build: AM5 socket, B650 chipset, strong midrange VRM. Its best case is Strong fit for B650 chipset.▾
Specification Fit and Build UseFor motherboards, specification fit matters more than hype. The ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX leans on Enhanced power solution: 12+1 DrMOS, 6-layer PCB, ProCool connectors, alloy chokes and durable capacitors for stable power delivery, while the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi leans on B650 chipset.▾
Value AnalysisThe MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is the lower-cost pick at $219.99, saving about $30.00 versus the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX. That matters when you are balancing a full parts list.▾
VerdictPick the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi if you want the stronger research score and its specification profile fits your build. Pick the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi if budget matters more and it still satisfies your compatibility checklist.▾
Frequently asked questions
Is the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX better than the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi?▾
Both are excellent picks in the Motherboards category. Based on user ratings, the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi narrowly edges ahead with a 4.6/5 score. Your best choice depends on which features matter most to you.
Which is cheaper, the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX or the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi?▾
The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is currently the more affordable option at $219.99, while the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX retails for $249.99.
Where can I buy the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX or MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi?▾
Both products are available on Amazon. Use our affiliate links to check the latest prices and current availability.
Winner
Verdict
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi is the cleaner value pick: it rates higher and costs less than ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX. Start there unless ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX has a specific build-fit advantage you need.
Price
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi: saves $30.00
Top Rated
MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi: 4.6 / 5.0
Category
Motherboards
On a tight budget? Go with the MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi (saves $30.00). Want the highest-rated pick? The MSI MAG B650 Tomahawk WiFi takes the crown. Both are excellent in the Motherboards category — pick based on which features matter most to you.
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