ASRock X870 Taichi Creator Review: Power for Creative Pros

Priced just under $320, the ASRock X870 Taichi Creator is a compelling AM5 motherboard that delivers robust performance and a suite of features tailored for creative professionals. Its strong all-around performance and creator-focused features – like 10 GbE, ample slot spacing/dual PCIe 5.0 slots, and numerous USB ports – make it a top mid-range option, though its cost does edge into the territory typically reserved for higher-end X870E models. This board is engineered for demanding workflows, offering the precise performance, stable power delivery, and advanced connectivity that video editors, broadcasters, audio engineers, and streamers require.

For your investment, the Taichi Creator provides an impressive array of connectivity. This includes dual LAN ports (10 GbE and 5 GbE), Wi-Fi 7, two full-length PCIe 5.0 slots, and a total of 12 USB ports on the rear panel, two of which are high-speed USB4 Type-C ports. Its power delivery system is capable, and it features a high-quality audio solution. Visually, the board sports an all-black PCB and heatsinks accented by a subtle gold stripe. Clear plexiglass covers on the chipset and VRM heatsinks contribute to a unique, premium aesthetic that, while somewhat understated, will complement any black computer case.

In our testing, the board performed well across a comprehensive benchmark suite, including gaming. We did encounter a recurring compatibility issue with our primary DDR5-6000 memory kit on recent ASRock AM5 boards, which required us to use an alternate set. This can sometimes lead to slightly slower results in memory-intensive tests compared to kits with optimized timings. It’s worth noting that our primary kit worked with earlier BIOS versions but became incompatible with newer updates, so consulting the board’s memory QVL list is a prudent step for guaranteed stability.

Examining the specifications reveals a well-equipped platform. The socket is AM5 (LGA 1718) with the X870 chipset in an ATX form factor. Power is managed by a 21-phase voltage regulator, with 18 phases dedicated to the Vcore using 80A SPSMOSFETs, providing ample current for even flagship AMD Ryzen processors. For storage, there are four M.2 sockets: two PCIe 5.0 x4, one PCIe 4.0 x4, and one PCIe 3.0 x4, all supporting drives up to 80mm in length. Four SATA3 ports are also present. The rear I/O panel is densely packed, featuring two USB4 (40 Gbps) Type-C ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) ports, two USB 2.0 ports, both 10 GbE and 5 GbE Ethernet jacks, Wi-Fi 7 antenna connectors, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a basic audio stack.

The accessory bundle is standard for a mid-range board, including four SATA cables, an ARGB splitter, a thermistor cable for monitoring temperatures, and the Wi-Fi antenna.

A closer look at the board’s design shows a focus on function with a touch of style. The eight-layer black PCB is paired with black heatsinks featuring a ribbed design for improved cooling. The distinctive plexiglass elements on the chipset and VRM heatsinks add visual interest without integrated RGB lighting, relying instead on the multiple addressable and standard RGB headers provided for user customization. The top of the board houses the large VRM heatsinks, two 8-pin EPS power connectors, and four DDR5 DIMM slots supporting speeds up to DDR5-8000. Seven 4-pin fan headers are strategically placed, with varying power outputs to handle everything from case fans to high-current water cooling pumps.

The expansion slot configuration is particularly thoughtful for creators. The top two full-length PCIe slots are connected to the CPU, with the primary slot running at PCIe 5.0 x16. When both are used, they operate at x8/x8. The generous spacing between these slots is a major benefit, allowing for the installation of thick graphics cards and other high-bandwidth expansion cards without compromise. A third PCIe 3.0 x4 slot is routed through the chipset. Users should be aware of some lane-sharing configurations. Populating the M2_2 socket will cause both rear USB4 ports and that M.2 slot to run in x2 mode unless a BIOS setting is changed to prioritize the storage at the cost of disabling those USB4 ports.

The bottom edge of the motherboard hosts a comprehensive set of headers for front-panel connections, additional USB ports (including USB 2.0, 3.2 Gen 1, and a front-panel USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C header), and fan connections. A clear CMOS jumper and onboard power and reset buttons round out the convenience features.

The audio solution is built around the flagship Realtek ALC4082 codec, which is supplemented by dedicated audio capacitors and a separation line on the PCB for cleaner signal integrity. While it lacks a discrete amplifier or DAC, this represents the best available integrated audio codec.

In summary, the ASRock X870 Taichi Creator successfully carves out a niche in the competitive motherboard market. It bundles high-speed networking, exceptional connectivity, and a robust power design into a package aimed directly at content creators and power users who need reliable, high-bandwidth performance. While its price point is at the upper end of the mid-range spectrum, the feature set justifies the cost for those who will fully utilize its capabilities. The minor quirks with memory compatibility are overshadowed by the board’s overall solid performance and thoughtful layout, making it a strong contender for professional creative builds.

(Source: Tom’s Hardware)