AMD’s hardware partners have launched a selection of motherboards to match the new Ryzen Threadripper processors. Using the X399 platform and Socket TR4, all the motherboards are suitably high-end products to support the AMD HEDT CPUs which offer up to 16 cores and 32 threads. The motherboards will be released on time for the first Ryzen Threadripper processors to hit the market – 10th August.
Asus
In a press release sent to HEXUS, Asus shared information about a trio of EATX TR4 motherboards it has prepared. The company says that the motherboards target power users, gaming enthusiasts and prosumers. All of the Asus X399 board feature ‘core DNA’ which includes; one-touch intelligent overclocking, refined cooling control, advanced connectivity and improved RGB lighting.
The Asus ROG Zenith Extreme “brings Threadripper into the world of premium dream PCs with provisions for custom liquid cooling and 10Gbps networking,” says Asus. Turning to the Asus Prime X399-A, this has been designed as a well-rounded board for prosumers, said to play to Threadripper’s strengths “without spending too much of the budget on extras”. For gamers Asus is offering the ROG Strix X399-E Gaming with gaming, streaming, and extra RGB zones in mind.
Asus says its ROG Zenith Extreme and ASUS Prime X399-A will be available in the UK from 10th August. If you are interested in the ROG Strix X399-E Gaming motherboard you will have to wait until the end of August. Pricing will be announced on the date of availability but I found the Asus ROG Zenith Extreme on Newegg at $550. You can read more about all the new Asus TR4 motherboards at EdgeUp-Asus.
ASRock
ASRock has a pair of Threadripper TR4 motherboards for you. It splits the market into two segments; Professional Gaming, and Performance Enthusiasts.
If you are intending to game on your Threadripper system ASRock points you towards the Fatal1ty X399 Professional Gaming motherboard. This board sports plentry of expansion options plus built-in AQUANTIA 10Gb/s LAN – “ideal for ultra-responsive lag-free online gaming”.
Alternatively prosumers and enthusiasts are steered towards the ASRock X399 Taichi motherboard. Comparing the specs of this and the Fatal1ty, they are very similar in tech specs but seem to differ mainly in the LAN and audio subsystems.
Both ASRock TR4 motherboards are listed for release on Newegg, priced at $440 and $340 for the Fatal1ty and Taichi boards respectively.
MSI
MSI launched the X399 GAMING PRO CARBON AC yesterday. The systems and components maker boasts that its new TR4 motherboard “is built on a massive 13 phase (10+) DrMOS power design,” for improved overclocking.
The MSI X399 board features fully exchangeable heatsink covers and X-Mounting accessories to support 3D printing and modding, combined with the latest generation MYSTIC LIGHT RGB LEDs. This motherboard is listed at $380 on Newegg.
Gigabyte
Gigabyte has launched a single X399 motherboard today, under its AORUS branding. The X399 AORUS Gaming 7 seems to offer the same base specs of many of the above motherboards but seeks to differentiate with the audio and net working functionality. For example it sports an ALC1220 120dB SNR HD Audio with Smart Headphone AMP and WIMA audio capacitor, with Sound BlasterX 720°, and Killer E2500 GbE LAN Gaming Network as well as Intel Dual Band 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.2. Elsewhere in its design Gigabyte talks up the X399 AORUS Gaming 7’s RGB Fusion LED lighting, component durability, and Smart Fan 5 sensors and fan headers.
I’ve found a retail listing for this motherboard, due on 10th August. It’s listed on the US Newegg site at $390 with a free HyperX Cloud Stereo Gaming Headset.