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- Best overall: MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI
- Best budget: Gigabyte B760 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x)
- Best premium: MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI
- Best for storage expansion: ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
- The MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI is a strong value choice with three M.2 sockets and Wi-Fi 6E.
- The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX adds CPU overclocking support and four M.2 sockets.
- Choose a Z790 motherboard for CPU multiplier overclocking; B760 still supports memory overclocking.
- Check the exact DDR4 or DDR5 version and CPU BIOS support before choosing a board.
- Black Friday 2026 shopping is a good time to compare complete feature sets, not just chipset names.
The MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI and Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX suit different build priorities: MSI’s B760 board puts practical connectivity and expansion into a value-focused package, while Gigabyte’s Z790 board adds CPU overclocking support and another M.2 socket. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the differences clear for Black Friday 2026 shoppers.
My pick for most people is the MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI when a stock-speed processor, Wi-Fi 6E and three M.2 sockets cover the build. Choose the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX for an unlocked Intel K-series CPU, four M.2 drives or more chipset expansion. The seven alternatives below cover other budgets and feature priorities, with no need to buy a board whose extra features will sit unused.
How We Picked
- Compared chipset features, CPU overclocking support and Intel LGA1700 compatibility.
- Checked memory type, M.2 socket count, SATA ports and practical expansion options.
- Considered wireless networking, wired Ethernet and rear-panel connectivity.
- Reviewed manufacturer specifications alongside review coverage and owner feedback.
- Favored boards with clear use cases and useful features for different Black Friday 2026 builds.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Chipset | M.2 sockets | Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI | Value-focused DDR5 builds | Intel B760 | 3 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x) | Unlocked CPUs and multi-drive builds | Intel Z790 | 4 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI | High-performance storage-heavy builds | Intel Z790 | 4 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI | Z790 gaming builds | Intel Z790 | 4 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Gigabyte B760 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x) | Affordable DDR5 and wireless | Intel B760 | 3 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi | White builds and storage expansion | Intel Z790 | 5 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI | Wi-Fi 7 and understated builds | Intel Z790 | 4 | Wi-Fi 7 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI
The MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI is the best value motherboard for mainstream LGA1700 builds that do not need CPU multiplier overclocking. Three M.2 sockets, 2.5Gb Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6E make it a balanced ATX option.
Best for: Value-focused DDR5 gaming and general-purpose builds
- Chipset
- Intel B760
- Memory
- 4 DDR5 DIMM slots
- M.2
- 3 sockets
- Networking
- 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 6E
- Three M.2 sockets suit multiple NVMe drives.
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE are built in.
- ATX layout provides room for expansion.
- B760 does not support CPU multiplier overclocking.
Is the MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI is worth considering for a DDR5 LGA1700 build focused on value and connectivity. The MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI's three M.2 sockets, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE cover common needs, while B760 limits CPU multiplier overclocking.
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#2
Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x)
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x) is the best Z790 alternative for builders who want CPU overclocking support and four M.2 sockets. Four DDR5 DIMM slots and Wi-Fi 6E round out its ATX feature set.
Best for: Unlocked Intel CPUs and multi-drive builds
- Chipset
- Intel Z790
- Memory
- 4 DDR5 DIMM slots
- M.2
- 4 sockets
- Networking
- 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 6E
- Z790 supports CPU multiplier overclocking.
- Four M.2 sockets offer flexible storage expansion.
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE are integrated.
- Extra Z790 features add little for stock-speed CPU builds.
Is the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x) is a good fit for an unlocked Intel processor and a storage-heavy build. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x)'s Z790 chipset supports CPU multiplier overclocking, and four M.2 sockets provide more NVMe expansion than the MSI B760 pick.
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#3
MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI
The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI is the best feature-rich choice for builders who want Z790 controls and broad storage expansion. Four M.2 sockets, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE give this ATX board a versatile foundation.
Best for: High-performance builds with several NVMe drives
- Chipset
- Intel Z790
- Memory
- 4 DDR5 DIMM slots
- M.2
- 4 sockets
- Networking
- 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 6E
- Z790 enables CPU multiplier overclocking.
- Four M.2 sockets support a flexible storage plan.
- Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE provide wired and wireless options.
- A B760 board is a better match for a locked CPU.
Is the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI is worth considering for a premium LGA1700 build that uses an unlocked CPU or several NVMe drives. Four M.2 sockets and Wi-Fi 6E are useful upgrades, but locked-CPU builds do not need its Z790 overclocking feature.
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#4
ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI
The ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI is the best match for builders who want a durable-feeling Z790 feature set with four M.2 sockets. Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb Ethernet and four DDR5 DIMM slots cover a capable ATX system.
Best for: Z790 gaming builds with familiar ASUS controls
- Chipset
- Intel Z790
- Memory
- 4 DDR5 DIMM slots
- M.2
- 4 sockets
- Networking
- 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 6E
- Z790 supports CPU multiplier overclocking.
- Four M.2 sockets suit larger game and media libraries.
- Includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet.
- The ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI's extra chipset features are unnecessary for basic builds.
Is the ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI is a sensible choice for a DDR5 gaming build that needs Z790 CPU controls and four M.2 sockets. Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet provide flexible networking, while B760 is the simpler pick for a locked CPU.
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#5
Gigabyte B760 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x)
The Gigabyte B760 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x) is the best alternative for a value-focused DDR5 build that still needs Wi-Fi 6E. Three M.2 sockets and 2.5Gb Ethernet give it practical storage and networking features.
Best for: Affordable DDR5 builds with integrated wireless
- Chipset
- Intel B760
- Memory
- 4 DDR5 DIMM slots
- M.2
- 3 sockets
- Networking
- 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 6E
- Three M.2 sockets give useful NVMe expansion.
- Wi-Fi 6E is included.
- B760 suits stock-speed CPU builds.
- CPU multiplier overclocking requires a Z-series chipset.
Is the Gigabyte B760 AORUS ELITE AX worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Gigabyte B760 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x) is worth a look for a DDR5 system that needs Wi-Fi 6E without Z790 CPU overclocking features. Three M.2 sockets and 2.5GbE offer useful everyday connectivity and expansion.
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#6
ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi
The ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi is the best choice for builders prioritizing storage flexibility and a distinctive white-and-silver design. Five M.2 sockets and Wi-Fi 6E give this Z790 ATX board room for an expanded system.
Best for: White builds and multiple NVMe drives
- Chipset
- Intel Z790
- Memory
- 4 DDR5 DIMM slots
- M.2
- 5 sockets
- Networking
- 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 6E
- Five M.2 sockets exceed the other listed picks.
- White-and-silver styling suits coordinated builds.
- Z790 supports CPU multiplier overclocking.
- The ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi's extra storage capacity is wasted in a one-drive system.
Is the ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi is worth considering when a build needs five M.2 sockets, Z790 features and a lighter motherboard design. Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet complete the connectivity package; simpler systems get better value from B760.
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#7
MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI
The MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI is the best choice for a clean, understated Z790 build with newer wireless connectivity. Four M.2 sockets, Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5GbE give its ATX platform room for fast networking and storage.
Best for: Understated builds and Wi-Fi 7
- Chipset
- Intel Z790
- Memory
- 4 DDR5 DIMM slots
- M.2
- 4 sockets
- Networking
- 2.5GbE and Wi-Fi 7
- Wi-Fi 7 provides newer wireless capability.
- Four M.2 sockets support multiple NVMe drives.
- Z790 supports CPU multiplier overclocking.
- Wi-Fi 7 benefits depend on compatible network equipment.
Is the MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI is a good fit for a Z790 system that values Wi-Fi 7 and four M.2 sockets. The MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI's understated styling suits workstations as well as gaming PCs, but a B760 board is the more practical match for a locked CPU.
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Which is better, MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI or Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX?
The MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI is the better value fit for a stock-speed build, while the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x) is better for CPU overclocking and four M.2 drives. Both boards use the LGA1700 socket, DDR5 memory and ATX form factor, so the core choice is feature need rather than size.
Intel B760 supports memory overclocking but does not enable CPU multiplier overclocking. Intel Z790 enables that feature with a compatible unlocked processor. Gigabyte also provides four M.2 sockets versus three on the MSI B760 board. For a single boot drive and a locked CPU, the extra chipset capability is easy to leave unused; for an unlocked CPU or storage expansion, Z790 has a clearer advantage.
Can an Intel B760 motherboard run a powerful gaming processor?
The MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI and Gigabyte B760 AORUS ELITE AX support compatible LGA1700 Intel processors, but neither enables CPU multiplier overclocking. A capable processor can still run at supported stock settings, subject to board BIOS support, cooling and power configuration.
Gaming performance depends on the full system, including the graphics card, processor, memory and cooling. A B760 board is a practical match for a locked Intel CPU, fast DDR5 memory and a graphics card. A Z790 board is the right class when CPU overclocking is part of the plan. Before buying, check the motherboard’s CPU support list and BIOS notes for the exact processor generation; some combinations need a BIOS update.
What does Z790 add over B760 for a motherboard?
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX and MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI add CPU multiplier overclocking support compared with the MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI. Z790 also offers a larger overall chipset expansion budget, useful for connecting more high-speed devices across a carefully planned build.
The practical difference varies by board. The B760 Tomahawk already supplies three M.2 sockets, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet, so it is not a bare-bones option. Z790 choices on this page provide four or five M.2 sockets and support CPU overclocking. Choose Z790 when those features solve a real build need; otherwise, a well-equipped B760 board keeps the component list simpler.
How many M.2 drives can these motherboards support?
The ASRock Z790 Steel Legend WiFi supports five M.2 drives, the most among these seven picks, while the MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI supports three. The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX, MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI and ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI each offer four M.2 sockets.
An M.2 socket count is only one part of storage planning. Check the motherboard manual for supported drive lengths, PCIe generation and any shared-lane restrictions involving SATA ports or expansion slots. A two-drive gaming system has little reason to pay for five sockets, while a workstation with large project libraries benefits from spare NVMe capacity. Confirm the board’s exact revision and specification before placing an order.
What should Black Friday 2026 motherboard shoppers compare?
Black Friday 2026 shoppers should compare CPU support, memory type, M.2 count and wireless features before choosing between the MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI and Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX. A headline chipset name does not show whether a board fits a particular case, processor or storage plan.
Check whether the listing matches the exact model name and revision, especially for Gigabyte products. Confirm DDR4 versus DDR5, the number of M.2 sockets, onboard Wi-Fi and rear I/O. Compare the complete board against the features you will use rather than treating Z790 as automatically better. Skip it if an unlocked CPU, extra M.2 slots and other expansion features are not part of your build; B760 is a capable foundation for many systems.
Buying Guide
Match the chipset to your CPU
Choose an Intel Z790 board such as the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX for CPU multiplier overclocking with a compatible unlocked processor. Pick B760, including the MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI, for a locked CPU and a more focused feature set.
Confirm the memory type
Check the complete product name and manufacturer specification for DDR5 or DDR4 before ordering. DDR5 memory does not fit a DDR4 motherboard, and the reverse is also true. The seven recommendations here are DDR5 versions.
Count storage and expansion needs
Three M.2 sockets cover many gaming PCs; four or five suit builds with more NVMe drives. Review the manual for slot sharing, SATA limits and supported drive lengths before treating every socket as available at once.
Verify CPU and case compatibility
All listed boards use the Intel LGA1700 socket and ATX form factor. Check CPU support and BIOS requirements for the exact processor, then confirm that the PC case supports ATX and that the cooler clears the memory and board.
Compare networking and the exact listing
Wi-Fi 6E is included on most picks, while the MSI PRO Z790-A MAX WIFI adds Wi-Fi 7. Check the exact board revision, wireless standard and Ethernet specification so the selected listing matches the build plan.
FAQ
MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI vs Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX: which should I buy?
The MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI suits a locked-CPU system where three M.2 sockets and Wi-Fi 6E are enough. Choose the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x) for CPU multiplier overclocking, four M.2 sockets or additional Z790 expansion.
Does the MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI support CPU overclocking?
The MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI does not support CPU multiplier overclocking because it uses Intel B760. The board supports memory overclocking, and compatible Intel processors run at supported stock settings. Choose a Z790 motherboard for CPU multiplier tuning.
Does the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX have Wi-Fi?
The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX (rev. 1.x) includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet. Wi-Fi performance also depends on a compatible router, signal conditions and antenna placement. Check the exact revision on the product listing before purchase.
How many M.2 slots are on the MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI?
The MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI has three M.2 sockets for compatible NVMe storage. Review the manual for supported drive sizes and shared-lane details before installing several drives, since slot behavior and other port availability depend on the board configuration.
Is Z790 worth choosing over B760 for a gaming PC?
Intel Z790 is worth choosing when the gaming PC uses a compatible unlocked CPU for multiplier overclocking or needs extra expansion. Intel B760 is a sound option for a stock-speed gaming build; the MSI MAG B760 TOMAHAWK WIFI still offers three M.2 sockets and Wi-Fi 6E.