Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme Review: Premium Power, Minimal Compromises

For enthusiasts seeking uncompromising performance, the Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme delivers a premium flagship experience tailored for high-end AMD builds. This E-ATX motherboard combines robust power delivery, extensive connectivity, and innovative features like a customizable 5-inch LCD, positioning it as a top contender for demanding users. While its price tag reflects its elite status, the board justifies the cost with exceptional hardware and thoughtful design that minimizes typical compromises.

Immediately striking is the integrated full-color LCD display, capable of showing real-time system statistics, branded animations, or personal images. The board’s aesthetic leans into a sophisticated all-black theme with silver accents, including a prominent ROG emblem. Nearly all front-panel USB-C ports are discreetly housed under a full-length shroud, while an array of buttons and switches along the bottom edge signals this is no ordinary motherboard.

Storage options are plentiful, with three PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots and an additional DIMM.2 socket supporting two more PCIe 4.0 drives, totaling five M.2 connections. It even includes a Slim SAS connector for specialized storage setups. Beyond storage, the board is equipped with high-speed networking, premium audio components, and an overbuilt power system ready for serious overclocking.

Pushing hardware limits is facilitated by dedicated controls for extreme cooling, alongside Asus’s AI tuning software for automated optimization. Performance remains consistently strong across gaming, content creation, and everyday tasks, living up to its flagship billing.

Specifications highlight its capabilities: an AM5 socket, 24-phase power design with 110A MOSFETs, and support for DDR5 memory up to 8200 MT/s (or 9200 with certain APUs). Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring dual USB4 ports, 10 GbE and 5 GbE Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7, and multiple USB 3.2 headers. Audio is handled by a Realtek ALC4082 codec paired with an ESS Quad DAC.

Included accessories enhance the building experience, ranging from SATA cables and fan splitters to a VRM fan, thermal pads, and even a ROG-branded bottle opener. The package ensures builders have all necessary extras for a seamless setup.

Design-wise, the Crosshair X870E Extreme maintains a stealthy, professional appearance. The large LCD screen is a standout, outperforming competing models with smaller displays. It can be adjusted to improve compatibility with rear-mounted cooling fans. Power connectors are reinforced, and nine fan headers offer ample control for complex cooling loops.

Overclocking aids include a Probelt for direct voltage measurement and NitroPath-optimized memory slots. While four-DIMM configurations support high capacities, maximum memory speeds are often achieved with two-slot boards. The included Q-DIMM.2 card efficiently expands storage without compromising thermals.

Diagnostic tools like Q-LED and Q-CODE displays simplify troubleshooting. The board’s PCIe slot layout shares bandwidth with M.2 slots, so using certain storage configurations may reduce graphics card lanes. Three M.2 sockets are strategically placed, with the top slot operating independently for peak performance.

Rear I/O delivers extensive ports, including multiple high-speed USB connections, dual Ethernet jacks, and BIOS controls. Audio outputs are comprehensive, catering to both standard and high-fidelity setups. Altogether, the Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme stands as a powerfully equipped, meticulously engineered foundation for any elite computing system.

(Source: Tom’s Hardware)