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Asus Pro WS W680-ACE LGA 1700 ATX Motherboard Review
The Asus Pro WS W680-ACE LGA 1700 ATX motherboard is a high-end workstation platform designed for demanding professionals seeking maximum performance and reliability. With its Intel W680 chipset, support for the latest 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core processors, and an array of advanced features, the Pro WS W680-ACE aims to deliver a seamless and powerful computing experience.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the key features, performance, and overall usability of the Asus Pro WS W680-ACE. Our analysis will be based on real-world testing and a thorough examination of its specifications. Join us as we explore whether this motherboard is the ideal solution for your workstation needs.
Key Features
The Asus Pro WS W680-ACE is packed with features that cater to professional users, offering a robust foundation for demanding applications and workflows. Some of its standout features include:
- Intel W680 Chipset: The Intel W680 chipset provides the backbone for this motherboard, enabling support for Intel’s latest 13th and 12th Gen Core processors, along with high-speed memory and storage technologies.
- LGA 1700 Socket: The LGA 1700 socket supports Intel’s latest processor generations, offering a platform ready for future upgrades and performance enhancements.
- DDR5 Memory Support: With up to 192GB of DDR5 memory support, the Pro WS W680-ACE delivers blazing-fast data access speeds, essential for demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific computing.
- Dual PCIe 5.0 Slots: Featuring two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, the Pro WS W680-ACE provides unmatched bandwidth for high-performance graphics cards and other PCIe devices, enabling next-level graphics processing and data transfer speeds.
- Triple M.2 Slots: With three M.2 slots, the Pro WS W680-ACE offers ample storage options for fast boot times and seamless data access. The included M.2 heatsinks ensure optimal thermal performance, protecting your SSDs from overheating.
- Robust Connectivity: The Pro WS W680-ACE boasts an impressive array of connectivity options, including 2 x 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, multiple USB 3.2 ports, and HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. This ensures effortless connection to peripherals and displays.
- ASUS 5X Protection III: This suite of comprehensive protection features ensures the longevity and stability of your system. It includes Digi+ VRM for precise voltage regulation, ESD guards for static discharge protection, LANGuard for network protection, and more.
- ASUS Q-Design: The Pro WS W680-ACE incorporates a series of user-friendly design features, like Q-Code for easy troubleshooting, M.2 Q-Latch for quick SSD installation, Q-Connector for simplified front panel connections, and more.
Performance Evaluation
In our performance tests, the Asus Pro WS W680-ACE delivered exceptional results, exceeding expectations in various benchmarks and real-world scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of our findings:
- Processor Performance: We tested the motherboard with Intel’s latest 13th Gen Core i9 processor, and it delivered remarkable CPU performance, effortlessly handling demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and multi-tasking without breaking a sweat. The motherboard’s Digi+ VRM and thermal solution ensured stable and efficient operation, even under heavy workloads.
- Memory Performance: The DDR5 memory support allowed us to utilize high-speed memory modules, resulting in significantly faster loading times, responsiveness, and data processing speeds. The OptiMem II technology, optimized for memory performance, further enhanced the memory bandwidth and stability.
- Storage Performance: The triple M.2 slots with PCIe 4.0 support provided incredibly fast storage speeds, with our NVMe SSDs reaching impressive read and write speeds. This significantly improved application launch times, data transfers, and overall system responsiveness.
- Graphics Performance: The dual PCIe 5.0 slots ensured ample bandwidth for high-end graphics cards, allowing us to experience seamless gaming and professional 3D rendering with exceptional frame rates and detail. The motherboard’s PCIe 5.0 technology delivered a significant performance boost compared to previous generations.
- Networking Performance: The 2.5Gb Ethernet ports offered incredibly fast and reliable network speeds, ensuring smooth data transfers, online gaming, and streaming experiences. The ASUS LANGuard technology further protected the network connection from damage and interference.
Pros & Cons
Like any product, the Asus Pro WS W680-ACE has its strengths and areas for improvement. Here’s a balanced look at its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Exceptional performance with support for Intel’s latest processors and DDR5 memory
- Robust feature set designed for demanding professional workflows
- Extensive connectivity options, including 2.5Gb Ethernet and multiple USB ports
- Robust build quality and comprehensive ASUS 5X Protection III for reliability
- User-friendly Q-Design features for easy installation and maintenance
- Excellent thermal solution for maintaining system stability under heavy workloads
Cons:
- Price premium compared to mainstream motherboards
- Limited expansion slot options for specific use cases
- No integrated Wi-Fi, requiring a separate module
Final Verdict
The Asus Pro WS W680-ACE is an impressive workstation motherboard that delivers exceptional performance and features designed to meet the needs of professionals. Its powerful components, advanced features, and robust design make it an ideal choice for demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific computing. While it comes at a premium price, the Pro WS W680-ACE’s performance and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-end workstation platform.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget or require a wider range of expansion options, you might consider exploring other motherboard choices that might be a better fit for your specific needs.
Overall, the Asus Pro WS W680-ACE is a highly recommended motherboard for professionals who demand the very best in performance, reliability, and features. Its impressive capabilities make it a standout choice for anyone seeking to build a powerful and stable workstation.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Pro WS W680-ACE |
| CPU | Intel® Socket LGA1700 for 13th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors & 12th Gen Intel® Core™ |
| Chipset | Intel® W680 Chipset |
| Memory | 4 x DIMM, Max. 192GB, DDR5 ECC and Non-ECC Un-buffered Memory*Dual Channel Memory ArchitectureSupports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)OptiMem II* Supported memory types, data rate (speed), and number of DRAM modules vary depending on the CPU and memory configuration, for more information please refer to CPU/Memory Support list under the Support tab of product information site or visit https://www.asus.com/support/* Non-ECC, un-buffered DDR5 memory supports On-Die ECC function. |
| Graphics | 1 x DisplayPort**1 x HDMI® port***1 x VGA port |
| Expansion Slots | Intel® 13th & 12th Gen Processors*- 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 slots (support x16 or x8 / x8 mode)Intel® W680 Chipset- 2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (supports x4 mode)- 1 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot |
| Storage | Total supports 3 x M.2 slots and 8 x SATA 6Gb/s ports*Intel® 13th & 12th Gen Processors- M.2_1 slot (Key M), type 2242/2260/2280 (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)Intel® W680 Chipset**- M.2_2 slot (Key M), type 2242/2260/2280 (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)- M.2_3 slot (Key M), type 2242/2260/2280/22110 (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode)- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports- 1 x SlimSAS Slot Support SlimSAS NVMe device (supports PCIe 4.0 x4 mode and up to 4 SATA devices) |
| Ethernet | 2 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet, ASUS LANGuard |
| Wireless & Bluetooth | M.2 slot only (Key E, CNVi & PCIe)**Wi-Fi module is sold separately. |
| USB | Rear USB (Total 8 ports)- 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (1 x Type-A, 1 x Type-C®)- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (4 x Type-A)- 2 x USB 2.0 ports (2 x Type-A)Front USB (Total 7 ports)- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connector (supports USB Type-C®)- 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header supports additional 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports- 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports |
| Audio | Realtek 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC- Supports: Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-retasking- Supports up to 24-Bit/192 kHz playback”Audio Features- Audio Shielding- Premium audio capacitors- Dedicated audio PCB layers- Unique de-pop circuit |
| Back Panel I/O Ports | -2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (1 x Type-A, 1 x Type-C®)-4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (4 x Type-A)-2 x USB 2.0 ports (2 x Type-A)-1 x DisplayPort-1 x HDMI® port-1 x VGA port-2 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet ports-5 x Audio jacks-1 x BIOS FlashbackTM button |
| Internal I/O Connectors | Fan and Cooling related1 x 4-pin CPU Fan header1 x 4-pin CPU OPT Fan header1 x 4-pin W_PUMP+ header3 x 4-pin Chassis Fan headersPower related1 x 24-pin Main Power connector1 x 8-pin +12V Power connector1 x 4-pin +12V Power connector1 x 6-pin PCIe Power connectorStorage related3 x M.2 slots (Key M)4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports1 x SlimSAS portUSB1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connector (supports USB Type-C® )1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header supports 2 additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports2 x USB 2.0 headers support 4 additional USB 2.0 portsMiscellaneous1 x LPT header1 x T-sensor1 x Clear CMOS header1 x COM Port header1 x BMC Header1 x Front Panel Audio header (AAFP)1 x Start button1 x Flexkey button1 x SPI TPM header (14-1pin)1 x 20-3 pin System Panel header with Chassis intrude function1 x M.2 slot (Key E)1 x LPT_P80 Switch1 x Thunderbolt™ header |
| Special Features | ASUS 5X PROTECTION III- DIGI+ VRM (- Digital power design with DrMOS)- ESD Guards- LANGuard- Overvoltage Protection- SafeSlot- Stainless-Steel Back I/OASUS 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- VRM heatsink designASUS EZ DIY- CPU Socket lever protector- SafeDIMM- SafeSlot- BIOS FlashBack™ button- BIOS FlashBack™ LEDBespoke Motherboard Design & Business Focused Features- 24/7 Reliability |
| Software Features | Intel® vPro supportASUS Exclusive SoftwareArmoury Crate- Fan Xpert 4- Power SavingASUS CPU-ZAdobe Creative Cloud (Free Trial)Norton 360 Deluxe (60 Days Free Trial)WinRARIT Management software supported- ASUS Control Center Express(ACCE)UEFI BIOSASUS EZ DIY- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3- ASUS EZ Flash 3FlexKeyIntel® vPro supportASUS Exclusive SoftwareArmoury Crate- Fan Xpert 4- Power SavingASUS CPU-ZAdobe Creative Cloud (Free Trial)Norton 360 Deluxe (60 Days Free Trial)WinRARIT Management software supported- ASUS Control Center Express(ACCE)UEFI BIOSASUS EZ DIY- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3- ASUS EZ Flash 3FlexKey |
| BIOS | 256 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS |
| Manageability | WOL by PME, PXE |
| Accessories | Cables2 x SATA 6Gb/s cablesMiscellaneous1 x Q-connector1 x M.2 Rubber Packages2 x Screw package for M.2 SSD1 x Screw package for M.2 Key E1 x I/O ShieldDocumentation1 x User guide1 x ACC Express Activation Key Card |
| Operating System | Windows® 11, Windows® 10 64-bit |
| Form Factor | ATX Form Factor (12 inch x 9.6 inch) |