ASRock X299 Taichi XE Motherboard Review

1. Introduction2. Packaging and Bundle3. Board Layout and Features4. UEFI5. Software6. Testing Methodology7. Tests: CPU Related8. Tests: Memory Related9. Tests: Gaming Related10. Tests: Motherboard Features Performance11. Overclocking & Power Consumption12. Closing Thoughts13. View All Pages

A bountiful range of X299 options exist currently on the market and differentiating between models tends to be difficult at the best of times. That said ASRock has still managed to carve out its own unique identity with the X299 Taichi XE motherboard.

At the heart of the design is a robust CPU VRM solution that is high-end in all regards, in fact the ASRock X299 Taichi XE shares its VRM solution with the flagship ASRock X299 Fatal1ty Professional Gaming i9. ASRock has further strengthened the capability of this VRM on the XE model by upgrading the heatsink to what it calls an “XXL Aluminium Alloy Heatsink & Heatpipe Design”.

An enlarged heatsink for CPU VRM cooling means the Taichi XE is more robust for Intel's power-hungry Skylake-X CPUs since it can sustain higher current with lower operating temperatures than the standard Taichi. The addition of the second 8 pin means its possible to split the power requirements across two 8 pin EPS cables so that efficiency is not lost to excess heat and a single cable is not overloaded.

These new and revised CPU VRM features will be particularly important for users engaging in overclocking of Skylake-X CPUs with more than ten cores – the Core i9-7980XE, Core i9-7960X, Core i9-7940X and Core i9-7920X.

 

 

The rest of the X299 Taichi XE is identical to the standard X299 Taichi which means strong all-rounder credentials. Novel features include three M.2 ports, which is beyond average user requirements, and a dual Intel Gigabit LAN implementation.

There are extra SATA ports on offer too – 10 instead the standard 8 usually found on this type of motherboard. USB is similarly generous with two USB 3.1, eight USB 3.0 and six USB 2.0.

Onboard Intel WiFi is provided but it's only a 1T1R unit meaning performance will be no more than adequate. The onboard RGB LEDs are similarly average with limited coverage, the chipset heatsink only, and middling levels of brightness. That said ASRock does compensate with two RGB LED headers to choose from a neutral colour scheme which is amenable to customisation.

Overclocking features are limited to a debug code reader, BIOS flashback button and Clear CMOS button but that should be sufficient for ASRock's intended audience. PCIe dip switches, onboard power & reset buttons and various other buttons and switches for overclocking are reserved for the ASRock X299 OC Formula so keen overclockers should consider their options appropriately.

Performance was on point across the full range of tests with exception to marginally lower synthetic memory performance and slightly increased power consumption at stock due to the auto voltage behaviour.

The ASRock X299 Taichi XE is available at Overclockers UK for £300.99. ASRock offers a 3 year manufacturer warranty with this product through Overclockers UK.

Pros:

• High-quality CPU VRM solution – 13 phases and heatpipe cooling solution
• Dual Gigabit and WiFi
• Triple M.2 and 10 SATA ports
• Neutral colour scheme
• Shielded PCIe slots
• Dual LED headers
• Debug code reader

Cons:

• 1T1R WiFi is entry-level
• Onboard RGB LEDs are underwhelming
• No onboard power or reset buttons
• No M.2 cooling solution

KitGuru says: ASRock's Taichi XE is an excellent X299 motherboard that punches above its weight for its VRM solution and overall connectivity.

 

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