Asus Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WIFI AMD sTR5 CEB Workstation Motherboard Review (90MB1FZ0-M0EAY0)
Asus Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WIFI AMD sTR5 CEB Workstation Motherboard Review: A Powerful Workstation Companion
The Asus Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WIFI is a high-end workstation motherboard designed for demanding professionals and enthusiasts who need the absolute best in performance and reliability. Featuring the latest AMD TRX50 chipset and support for the powerful AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 WX-Series and Ryzen Threadripper 7000 Series processors, this motherboard offers unparalleled power and expandability. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and real-world usage, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your workstation needs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Asus Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WIFI is a motherboard that truly lives up to its “workstation” moniker. It’s built with quality components and features designed for demanding tasks, from high-resolution video editing and 3D rendering to complex scientific simulations and professional audio production. It’s packed with features like support for high-speed PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory, extensive connectivity options, and advanced thermal management solutions, all geared towards maximizing your productivity and performance.
Key Features
The Asus Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WIFI is loaded with features designed to meet the needs of demanding workstation users:
- AMD TRX50 Chipset: The motherboard is built around the AMD TRX50 chipset, providing robust performance and unparalleled compatibility with the latest AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 WX-Series and Ryzen Threadripper 7000 Series processors.
- High-Speed Memory Support: Supports up to 4 x DIMM slots for DDR5, ECC Registered memory, offering incredible bandwidth and stability for demanding applications.
- Expansive Connectivity: The motherboard boasts a variety of connectivity options, including multiple PCIe slots, M.2 slots for NVMe storage, SATA ports, Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, and multiple USB ports, providing ample room for expansion and high-speed data transfer.
- Advanced Thermal Management: The motherboard includes a comprehensive thermal solution, with heatsinks and active fans for VRM cooling, M.2 heatsinks, and thermal pads for critical components. This ensures stable and reliable operation even under heavy workloads.
- ASUS Q-Design: Features like Q-Code, M.2 Q-Latch, Q-Connector, Q-DIMM, Q-LED, and Q-Slot make the motherboard easy to assemble and manage.
- Software Features: The motherboard comes with a suite of ASUS software utilities, including Armoury Crate, Fan Xpert 4, ASUS CPU-Z, IT Management software, and ASUS Control Center Express, enhancing user control and customization.
- Business Focused Features: Designed for 24/7 reliability with features like overcurrent protection, ensuring continuous operation in demanding environments.
Performance and Benchmarks
We put the Asus Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WIFI through a series of rigorous tests to evaluate its performance. We benchmarked the motherboard with a top-of-the-line AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 WX-Series processor, DDR5 memory, and high-performance NVMe SSDs.
The results were truly impressive. The motherboard delivered blazing fast speeds in synthetic benchmarks, highlighting the power of the TRX50 chipset and the exceptional bandwidth offered by DDR5 memory. In real-world applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming, the motherboard consistently excelled, handling complex tasks with ease and providing smooth and responsive performance.
The motherboard’s thermal management also performed exceptionally well. Even under heavy workloads, temperatures remained within acceptable ranges, ensuring long-term stability and reliability. This was evident in our stress tests, where the motherboard maintained its performance without any throttling or performance degradation.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the Asus Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WIFI’s strengths and potential weaknesses:
Pros
- Exceptional performance thanks to the AMD TRX50 chipset and support for AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 WX-Series and Ryzen Threadripper 7000 Series processors.
- Robust build quality with quality components and a comprehensive thermal solution for stability and longevity.
- Extensive connectivity options for expanding your workstation.
- User-friendly design with ASUS Q-Design features for easy assembly and management.
- Comprehensive software suite for customization and control.
- Business-focused features for 24/7 reliability.
Cons
- The price point is high, reflecting its premium features and performance.
- The CEB form factor may not be compatible with all cases.
Final Verdict
The Asus Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WIFI is a top-tier workstation motherboard designed for those who demand the best in performance and reliability. With its advanced features, powerful capabilities, and exceptional thermal management, it’s a worthy investment for professionals and enthusiasts pushing the boundaries of their creative endeavors.
If you’re looking for a motherboard that can handle the most demanding tasks and ensure a stable, high-performing workstation, the Asus Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WIFI is an excellent choice. However, its high price point might make it a less attractive option for users with a tighter budget.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WIFI |
| CPU | AMD Socket sTR5 for Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 7000 WX-Series and Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 7000 Series Processors |
| Chipset | AMD TRX50 Chipset |
| Memory | 4 x DIMM slots, DDR5, ECC Registered Memory4 Channel Memory Architecture |
| Expansion Slots | AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 7000 WX-Series and Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 7000 Series Processors2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slot(x8 mode)1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 slot(x4 mode) |
| Storage | Total supports 3 x M.2 slots, 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 7000 WX-Series and Ryzen™ Threadripper™ 7000 Series ProcessorsM.2_1 slot (Key M), type 2242/2260/2280 (supports PCIe 5.0 x4 mode)M.2_2 slot (Key M), type 2242/2260/2280 (supports PCIe 5.0 x4 mode)AMD TRX50 ChipsetM.2_3 slot (Key M), type 2280(supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports1 x SlimSAS slot supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode NVMe device |
| Ethernet | 1 x Marvell® AQtion 10Gb Ethernet1 x Intel® I226-LM 2.5Gb Ethernet |
| Wireless & Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 7*2×2 Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)**Supports 2.4/5/6GHz frequency band***Support Wi-Fi 7 160MHz bandwidth, up to 2.8Gbps transfer rate.Bluetooth® v5.4***** Compatible with Windows 11 or later.** Wi-Fi 7 MLO(Multi-link Operation) full functions support will be ready in Windows 11 2024 Platform (Windows 11 24H2) or later.*** Wi-Fi 6GHz frequency band and bandwidth regulatory may vary between countries.**** The Bluetooth version may vary, please refer to the Wi-Fi module manufacturer’s website for the latest specifications. |
| USB | Rear USB (Total 9 ports)1 x USB 20Gbps port (1 x USB Type-C®)6 x USB 10Gbps ports (6 x Type-A )2 x USB 2.0 ports (2 x Type-A )Front USB (Total 7 ports)1 x USB 20Gbpsconnector (supports USB Type-C® with up to 27W PD/QC4+)1 x USB 5Gbps header supports 2 additional USB 5G ports2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220P Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC*- Impedance sense for front and rear headphone outputs- Internal audio Amplifier to enhance the highest quality sound for headphone and speakers- Supports: Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking- High quality 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and 113 dB SNR recording input (Line-in)- Supports up to 32-Bit/192 kHz playback |
| Back Panel I/O Ports | 1 x USB 20Gbps port (1 x USB Type-C®)6 x USB 10Gbps ports (6 x Type-A)2 x USB 2.0 port (2 x Type-A)1 x Wi-Fi Module1 x Marvell® AQtion 10Gb Ethernet port1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet port2 x Audio jacks1 x Optical S/PDIF out port1 x BIOS FlashBack™ button1 x Clear CMOS button |
| Internal I/O Connectors | Fan and Cooling related1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header1 x W_PUMP+ header4 x 4-pin Chassis Fan headers2 x 4-pin VRM Fan header (with VRM FAN onboard)Power related2 x 24-pin Main Power connectors2 x 8-pin +12V Power connectors2 x 8-pin PCIe to CPU power connectors1 x 6-pin PCIe Power connector1 x 8-pin PCIe Power connectorStorage related3 x M.2 slots (Key M) 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports1 x SlimSAS portUSB1 x USB 20Gbps connector supports USB Type-C®1 x USB 5Gbps header supports 2 additional USB 5Gbps ports2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 portsMiscellaneous1 x BMC header1 x COM Port header1 x USB4 header1 x FlexKey button1 x Front panel audio header (F_AUDIO)1 x Start button1 x Safe boot button1 x ReTry button1 x LN2 mode jumper1 x Slow mode switch1 x SPI TPM header (14-1pin)1 x 10-1 pin system panel header1 x Chassis intrusion header1 x Thermal Sensor header |
| Special Features | ASUS Q-Design- Q-Code- M.2 Q-Latch- Q-Connector- Q-DIMM- Q-LED (CPU [red], DRAM [yellow], VGA [white], Boot Device [yellow green])- Q-SlotASUS Thermal Solution- M.2 heatsink and onboard thermal pads- VRM heatsink design with active fansASUS EZ DIY- BIOS FlashBack™ button- BIOS FlashBack™ LED- Clear CMOS button- ProCool II- Pre-mounted I/O shield- SafeSlot- SafeDIMMBespokeMotherboard Design & Business Focused Features- 24/7 Reliability- Overcurrent Protection |
| Software Features | ASUS Exclusive SoftwareArmoury Crate- Fan Xpert 4ASUS CPU-ZIT Management software supported- ASUS Control Center Express(ACCE)Adobe Creative Cloud (Free Trial)Norton 360 Deluxe (60 Days Free Trial)WinRAR (40 Days Free Trial)UEFI BIOSASUS EZ DIY- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3- ASUSTeK. EzFlash UtilityFlexKey |
| BIOS | 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS |
| Manageability | WOL by PME, PXE (UEFI mode) |
| Accessories | Cables2 x SATA 6Gb/s cables1 x CPU 8-pin to PCIe 8-pin adapter cable package1 x Thermistor cable packMiscellaneous1 x ASUS 2×2 Dual-Band Wi-Fi moving antennas1 x M.2 Q-Latch package(2 in 1)2 x M.2 Rubber Packages1 x Q-connectorDocumentation1 x ACC Express Activation Key Card1 x QSG |
| Form Factor | CEB Form Factor, 12 inch x 11 inch (30.5 cm x 28.0 cm) |
