Head-to-Head · Motherboards
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5) vs MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Motherboard (ATX)
Scored Dimensions
9.2
Value for Money
9.0
8.8
Build & Ergonomics
7.5
7.8
Connectivity & Ports
8.0
6.0
Compatibility Experience
6.0
8.5
Stability
6.5
8.8
Upgrade Potential
9.5
8.0
Software & BIOS Features
7.0
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5)
The Good
- Robust build quality and durable components, contributing to cool and stable operation.
- Excellent power delivery (16+1 DrMOS) reliably supports high-end Intel processors without thermal throttling.
- Extensive connectivity, including four M.2 slots, WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN, and a Thunderbolt 4/USB4 header.
- Intuitive and feature-rich BIOS that facilitates XMP profile activation and overclocking.
- Offers strong value for money, providing a comprehensive feature set at its price point.
The Bad
- Frequent reports of initial driver issues for LAN and WiFi, often requiring manual installation during OS setup.
- Many users needed BIOS updates for 14th Gen Intel CPUs, sometimes necessitating an older CPU for the flashing process.
- Some experienced difficulties with memory installation due to one-sided DIMM clasps or instability when all four RAM slots were populated.
- Occasional reports of defective units, including bent CPU pins or non-functional ports, requiring returns.
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Motherboard (ATX)
The Good
- Exceptional value for money, offering high-end features at a competitive price point
- Solid build quality with robust heatsinks and premium components
- Excellent ease of installation, featuring tool-less M.2 slots and a convenient GPU release button
- Strong performance and future-proof design with PCIe 5.0, DDR5, and multiple M.2 Gen5 slots
The Bad
- Significant compatibility issues with Windows 10, requiring an upgrade to Windows 11 for full driver support
- Isolated reports of instability, including Wi-Fi freezing, boot loops, or component malfunctions (e.g., Bluetooth, DRAM/CPU lights)
- Lack of a physical manual in the box and aesthetic preferences regarding the green accents
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5) Verdict
The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi motherboard offers a powerful and feature-rich foundation for high-performance Intel builds, delivering strong stability and upgrade potential once initial setup hurdles, particularly with drivers and BIOS, are addressed.
Read the full ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5) consensus →The MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Motherboard (ATX) Verdict
This motherboard is an excellent choice for users building a new AM5 system on Windows 11, offering a compelling blend of features, performance, and value. However, potential buyers should be aware of its strict Windows 11 requirement for full functionality and be prepared for potential troubleshooting during initial setup.
Read the full MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Motherboard (ATX) consensus →
The Bottom Line
Our pick: ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5) · 7.9/10
It's close. The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5) edges it, 7.9/10 to 7.7/10, on the strength of Stability and Build & Ergonomics.
ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi Motherboard (LGA 1700, DDR5)
$225.00
Best price the consensus found
Check Price →
MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Motherboard (ATX)
$209.99
Best price the consensus found
Check Price →
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How ORA built this: We read recent reviews, remove suspected bot or incentivized entries, off-topic complaints, and reviews describing the buyer's own setup problems rather than the product, then synthesize the remainder into a single unbiased verdict. Read our full methodology →