ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX vs MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
Winner
Value Comparison
How they compare across key dimensions
ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi MSI MAG B850
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi is stronger at
Connectivity, Expandability, Build, Compatibility, Overclocking, Value
By how much
OverclockingMSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi leads by 41
ConnectivityMSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi leads by 40
CompatibilityMSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi leads by 32
ValueMSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi leads by 31
BuildMSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi leads by 27
ExpandabilityMSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi leads by 19
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 B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
Pros
- Strong fit for high-end AM5 gaming with excellent VRM thermals
- Clear published specification target: B850 chipset, 5GbE LAN, strong VRM
- 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
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 B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
- Price
- ~$249.99
- Rating
- 4.6 / 5.0
- Key Features
- ULTRA POWER - SUPPORTS THE LATEST RYZEN 9000 PROCESSORS IN HIGH PERFORMANCE - The MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI employs a 14 Duet Rail Power System (80A, SPS) VRM for the AMD B850 chipset (AM5, Ryzen 9000 / 8000 / 7000) with Core Boost architecture
- FROZR GUARD - Premium cooling features such as 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads, extra choke thermal pads and an Extended Heatsink; Includes chipset heatsink, EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II, and a Combo-fan (for pump & system) header (3A)
- DDR5 MEMORY, PCIe 5.0 x16 SLOT - 4 x DDR5 DIMM SMT slots enable extreme memory overclocking speeds (1DPC 1R, 8400+ MT/s); 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 SMT slot (128GB/s) with Steel Armor II supports cutting-edge graphics cards
- QUADRUPLE M.2 CONNECTORS - Storage options include 2 x M.2 Gen5 x4 128Gbps slots, 1 x M.2 Gen4 x4 64Gbps slot and 1 x M.2 Gen4 x2 32Gbps slot; Features EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II to prevent thermal throttling and EZ M.2 Clip II for EZ DIY experience
- CONNECTIVITY - Network hardware includes a full-speed Wi-Fi 7 module with Bluetooth 5.4 & 5Gbps LAN; Rear ports include USB 20G Type-C and 7.1 USB High Performance Audio with Audio Boost 5 (supports S/PDIF output)
- Socket
- —
- Chipset
- B850
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Support
- DDR5 MEMORY, PCIe 5.0 x16 SLOT - 4 x DDR5 DIMM SMT slots enable extreme memory overclocking speeds (1DPC 1R, 8400+ MT/s); 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 SMT slot (128GB/s) with Steel Armor II supports cutting-edge graphics cards
- PCIe Generation
- —
- Wi-Fi
- —
| Feature | ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX | MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$249.99 | ~$249.99 |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5.0 | 4.6 / 5.0 |
| Key Features |
|
|
| Detailed Specifications | ||
| Socket | LGA 1700 | — |
| Chipset | Z790 | B850 |
| Form Factor | ATX | 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 | DDR5 MEMORY, PCIe 5.0 x16 SLOT - 4 x DDR5 DIMM SMT slots enable extreme memory overclocking speeds (1DPC 1R, 8400+ MT/s); 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 SMT slot (128GB/s) with Steel Armor II supports cutting-edge graphics cards |
| PCIe Generation | — | — |
| Wi-Fi | — | — |
Recommendations
Quick TakeChoosing between the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX and the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX 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 B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi?The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi makes more sense if its priorities fit your current build: ULTRA POWER - SUPPORTS THE LATEST RYZEN 9000 PROCESSORS IN HIGH PERFORMANCE - The MAG B850 TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI employs a 14 Duet Rail Power System (80A, SPS) VRM for the AMD B850 chipset (AM5, Ryzen 9000 / 8000 / 7000) with Core Boost architecture, FROZR GUARD - Premium cooling features such as 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads, extra choke thermal pads and an Extended Heatsink; Includes chipset heatsink, EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II, and a Combo-fan (for pump & system) header (3A), DDR5 MEMORY, PCIe 5.0 x16 SLOT - 4 x DDR5 DIMM SMT slots enable extreme memory overclocking speeds (1DPC 1R, 8400+ MT/s); 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 SMT slot (128GB/s) with Steel Armor II supports cutting-edge graphics cards, QUADRUPLE M.2 CONNECTORS - Storage options include 2 x M.2 Gen5 x4 128Gbps slots, 1 x M.2 Gen4 x4 64Gbps slot and 1 x M.2 Gen4 x2 32Gbps slot; Features EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II to prevent thermal throttling and EZ M.2 Clip II for EZ DIY experience. Its best case is Strong fit for high-end AM5 gaming with excellent VRM thermals.▾
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 B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi leans on FROZR GUARD - Premium cooling features such as 7W/mK MOSFET thermal pads, extra choke thermal pads and an Extended Heatsink; Includes chipset heatsink, EZ M.2 Shield Frozr II, and a Combo-fan (for pump & system) header (3A).▾
Value AnalysisThe ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX is the lower-cost pick at $249.99, saving about $0.00 versus the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi. That matters when you are balancing a full parts list.▾
VerdictPick the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi if you want the stronger research score and its specification profile fits your build. Pick the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX 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 B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi?▾
Both are excellent picks in the Motherboards category. Based on user ratings, the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX 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 B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi?▾
The ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX is currently the more affordable option at $249.99, while the MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi retails for $249.99.
Where can I buy the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX or MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi?▾
Both products are available on Amazon. Use our affiliate links to check the latest prices and current availability.
Winner
Verdict
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi has the rating edge, while ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX is the lower-cost option. Choose based on whether performance tier, power, platform fit, or savings matters more.
Price
ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX: saves $0.00
Top Rated
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi: 4.6 / 5.0
Category
Motherboards
On a tight budget? Go with the ASUS Z790-AYW WiFi W II Intel Z790 LGA 1700 ATX (saves $0.00). Want the highest-rated pick? The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi takes the crown. Both are excellent in the Motherboards category — pick based on which features matter most to you.
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