The Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX is the objective winner of this comparison, securing more total spec victories across the evaluated categories. Its most significant technical advantage is the inclusion of PCIe x16 slots, which offer a 50% improvement over the alternative. This hardware configuration provides a clear lead in expansion capacity for users prioritizing primary slot connectivity, establishing the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX as the superior choice based on the provided specifications.

Users who require maximum capacity for high-bandwidth expansion cards should select the Gigabyte Z790 AORUS ELITE AX for its superior PCIe x16 slot count. Conversely, the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI is the better option for those who prioritize secondary connectivity, as it provides a 100% advantage in PCIe x1 slots. Choosing between these motherboards depends entirely on whether your specific build configuration demands more primary expansion lanes or additional smaller peripheral slots.