Asus ROG Strix X870E-E: 13 USB and M.2 5.0 to another level! ⚡💻
The Asus ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming Wifi It’s an upper-mid-range option that you can find on the official Asus store (at the time of writing) for $499.99, which is also the introductory price. If it says ROG Strix, you know it’s packed with features and boasts a luxurious premium design! 💎 The latest E Gaming model introduces an additional M.2 socket, faster networking, various AI-friendly “Q” features, and refreshed styling compared to the X670E version, updating elements almost universally.
For less than £$500, Asus offers a host of AI features, including AI Overclocking (a simple performance upgrade), IA Cooling II (one-click fan tuning), and IA Networking II (network performance optimization) to maximize the potential of your installed hardware. Also included are a host of EZ PC DIY features, covering M.2 sockets (Q-Release/Slide/Latch), troubleshooting (Q-LED/Code), Wi-Fi (Q-Antenna), and the slim Q-Release for PCIe slots.
Asus has improved its design, refining an already high-end aesthetic. The large VRM heatsinks enhance the appearance with a dot-matrix illuminated RGB symbol and an Asus logo at the top. While not significantly different from the previous generation, the design looks less cluttered and better supports PCIe 5.0 M.2 devices, which tend to run hotter.
When it comes to connectivity and power, there’s a lot to like. With 13 USB ports on the rear (10 Type-A and 4 Type-C), five M.2 sockets (3 PCIe 5.0), robust power delivery, and fast networking, there’s not much you can improve on speed without spending significantly more. The ROG Strix X870E-E’s performance in our test suite with default settings was average across most tests. It also proved to be a competent choice for gaming, showcasing its all-around capabilities against other motherboards we’ve evaluated on this platform.
Next, we'll examine the details of the plate and determine if it deserves a spot on our list of Best MotherboardsBut before we share the test results and discuss the details, let's take a look at the specifications from Asus' website.
Specifications of the Asus ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming Wifi
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Socket
AM5 (LGA 1718)
Chipset
X870E
Form Factor
ATX
Voltage Regulator
22 Phases (18x 110A SPS MOSFETs for Vcore)
Video Ports
(2) USB 4 (Type-C) (1) HDMI (v2.1)
USB ports
(2) USB 4.0 (40 Gbps) Type-C (1) USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C (30W PD Fast Charging) (10) USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)
Network Connectors
(1) 5 GbE
Audio Connectors
(2) Analog + SPDIF
Legacy Ports/Jacks
✗
Other Ports/Jack
✗
PCIe x16
(1) v5.0 (x16)** (1) v4.0 (x4) Varies depending on CPU type
PCIe x8
✗
PCIe x4
✗
PCIe x1
✗
CrossFire/SLI
✗
DIMM Slots
(4) DDR5-8000+(OC)*, 192GB Capacity *For 9000 series. DDR5-8400+(OC) for 8000 series
Asus includes several accessories to make your build experience easier. From SATA cables to Wi-Fi antennas, you'll be able to get started without having to go to the store! Below is a complete list of extras.
(2) SATA 6Gb/s Cables
Thermal pad for M.2 22110
ASUS Wi-Fi Antennas
Cable tie pack
Q-Latch package for M.2
(2) Q-Slides for M.2
ROG Keychain
ROG Strix stickers
(5) M.2 support rubbers
Quick Start Guide
Design of the X870E-Gaming Wifi 🖌️
(Image credit: Asus)
(Image credit: Asus)
(Image credit: Asus)
The overall design of the board doesn't change significantly from the previous version. 🔄 However, it still exudes a premium atmosphere ✨ and fits the profile of a luxury motherboard. 💎 On the all-black 8-layer PCB, the oversized VRM heatsinks connected to a heat pipe display an RGB ROG symbol shining through them. 🌈
Three larger heatsinks sit above the three M.2 PCIe 5.0 slots on the bottom. 🖥️ A badge-style heatsink with diagonal slots and brushed aluminum accents covers the remaining M.2s, along with the chipset heatsink. 🧊 A second RGB lighting strip hidden underneath illuminates the bottom of the board. 💡 Once again, we appreciate the improvements over the previous generation, and there's no doubt this setup will look stunning inside almost any chassis. 🚀
(Image credit: Asus)
In the left corner, we notice the two Procool II Dual 8-pin EPS connectors that power the CPU. The massive VRM coolers have no trouble keeping the powerful VRMs under spec. The ROG logo design divides the dual finish (matte and smooth aluminum) on the top, along with the "For Those Who Dare" branding found on both sides of the cooler.
Moving to the right, we find the DRAM slots equipped with Nitropath and locking mechanisms on both sides. Asus lists capacity up to 256GB with DDR5-8400+(OC) speeds for 8000-series APUs, while desktop 7/9000-series processors are a bit lower at DDR5-8000+(OC). Our DDR5-8000 kit didn’t work out of the box (it wasn’t on the QVL), but our Team Group DDR5-7200 kit worked without issue. The board also features Asus’s AEMP feature, which helps squeeze the most performance out of memory kits without XMP profiles.
Above the DRAM slots, we find the first four of the seven 4-pin fan connectors. Each connector supports both PWM and DC-controlled devices, with a total output across all connectors of 1A/12W. While this is lower compared to other motherboards, which typically offer at least a 2/3A connector, you only need to worry if you accidentally connect multiple fans to a single connector. Control of these devices is handled through Armoury Create and AI Cooling II, which includes automatic fan tuning using a proprietary Asus algorithm.
Below are a pair of LED displays to aid in troubleshooting. At the top is the Q-Code LED, which shows more detailed codes, while the simpler Q-LED display is located below. Both functions work during the POST process, indicating the specific area (Q-LED – CPU, DRAM, VGA, BOOT) where the problem lies and providing additional information (via Q-Code). These features are always beneficial when problems arise, and especially important if you enjoy tweaking and overclocking your system.
We find the first (of three) 3-pin ARGB connectors along the right edge. Control of any onboard devices and those connected to the connectors is handled through the Aura Sync software, which can be accessed through the Armoury Crate. Next is the home button and the Flex (reset) button, which you can configure to quickly access features like Safe Boot or toggle LEDs on and off with the button. Then there’s the 24-pin ATX connector for powering the board, a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps) Type-C front panel connector, and finally a 19-pin USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) front panel connector.
Power delivery on the X870E-E Gaming features 22 phases, 18 dedicated to Vcores. Power flows from the EPS connector(s) to a Digi+ ASP2205 PWM controller. These are followed by 18 Vishay Sic850A 110A SPS MOSFETs using the “teamed” power configuration we’re used to seeing today. The available 1,980 Amps can easily support overclocked flagship-class processors, even with sub-ambient cooling methods. Ultimately, the only limitation is CPU cooling on such a well-built board. If this sounds familiar, it’s the same solution on the more expensive ROG Maximus X870E Hero.
(Image credit: Asus)
Hidden beneath the SupremeFX shield in the lower left corner is the current-generation Realtek ALC4080 audio codec. This is aided by several premium audio capacitors (yellow), audio line shielding, and a Savitech SV3H712 amplifier. Most users will be pleased with this audio solution.
En el centro de la placa hay dos ranuras PCIe: La superior está conectada a la CPU y funciona a velocidades de PCIe 5.0 x16 🚀, mientras que la inferior, a través del chipset, opera a PCIe 4.0 x4 ⚡. Ambas ranuras están reforzadas, con la superior que presenta la tecnología Q-Release Slim para extraer fácilmente tu tarjeta gráfica 🎮 sin necesidad de presionar un botón.
The card is secured with a standard (maybe wider) spring-loaded clip that stays open by default, locking when the GPU is pressed down 🔒. As long as your graphics card is secured to the chassis, there's no risk of it coming loose.
To remove it, you'll need to lift up on the IO side of the card to disengage it from the front (left) side of the slot ⬅️. Additionally, the top slot is branchable and supports up to four M.2 x4 (or x4/x4/x8) slots using an expansion card 💾.
Among the PCIe slots are five M.2 sockets. The top three sockets, M.2_1/2/3, are all CPU-connected and run at PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps), supporting devices up to 80mm (M.2_3 supports 110mm). The bottom two slots accommodate 80mm modules but connect through the chipset, operating at PCIe 4.0 x4 (64 Gbps). You have plenty of speed and sockets available. The first socket also has a multi-size connector for easy installation. There's lane sharing: when both M.2_2 and M.2_3 are enabled, the main PCIe slot is reduced to x8. The E Gaming supports NVMe RAID0/1/5/10 with 9000 series processors.
A lo largo del borde derecho, más allá del chipset, hay cuatro puertos SATA horizontales (también admitiendo RAID0/1/5/10) y otro conector de panel frontal USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) de 19 pines.
Along the bottom of the board are several exposed connectors. Here you'll find the usual, including additional USB ports, RGB connectors, and more. Below is a complete list, from left to right.
Front panel audio
Chassis fan connector
(2) 3-pin ARGB connectors
Alternate PCIe Mode Switch
Chassis fan connector
(3) USB 2.0 connectors
(2) chassis fan connectors
Front panel
CPU Overvolt Connector
2-pin thermistor connector
(Image credit: Asus)
The rear IO of the X870E-E Gaming is extremely active with a total of 14 USB ports dominating the space. Starting on the left is the HDMI video output followed by two USB4 (40 Gbps) Type-C ports. Two more Type-C ports line the bottom edge, and between these are the Clear CMOS and BIOS Flashback buttons. Above all of this are 10 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) ports and the Realtek RTL8126 5 GbE. On the right are the Wi-Fi 7 module, the Q-Antenna quick-connect antenna, and the audio stack of 2 connectors plus SPDIF.
In conclusion, the Asus ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming Wifi It is positioned as a solid and well-balanced option within the mid-high range segment for enthusiasts and gamers 🎮 looking for a premium product without reaching the most expensive top of the line. Its wide range of connectivity, highlighting the 13 USB ports 🔌 and Five M.2 sockets with support for PCIe 5.0 🚀, along with robust power delivery ⚡ and intelligent AI features for overclocking, cooling ❄️ and network optimization 🌐, make it a board ready to maximize the performance of the latest generations of AM5 processors.
Furthermore, its refined design, with efficient heatsinks and a careful aesthetic ✨, ensures not only functionality but also style within the case. Although its performance in standard tests remains average, its versatility, build quality and feature set make it an excellent candidate for those looking for a reliable, modern platform with advanced capabilities, all at a competitive price close to the $500 💰.
Without a doubt, the ROG Strix X870E-E It is an option worth considering for users who value a balance between performance ⚙️, connectivity 🔗 and design 🎨 in the AM5 ecosystem.
