AMD recently launched four models of 2nd Gen Threadripper CPUs, including the mighty 32-core Threadripper 2990WX CPU that features in our review of the Armari Magnetar Workstation. We expect that new CPUs will arrive with a new chipset and a raft of new new motherboards but this time round things are slightly different as AMD has stuck with the X399 chipset. All existing X399 motherboards will work with the new CPUs and two new high end X399 motherboards from MSI and Gigabyte.
Today we have a preview of the new Gigabyte X399 Aorus Xtreme that sports a 10+3 VRM configuration with active cooling under the I/O shroud, triple Ethernet (Aquantia 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Dual Intel Gigabit Ethernet) and Quad PCI Express graphics slots.
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The Gigabyte X399 Aorus Xtreme is a high end motherboard that has been specifically designed to accommodate the 250W TDP of the latest Threadrippers. The price looks rather steep at £449.99, however you have to consider that this motherboard represents a serious upgrade over the Aorus Gaming 7. In addition to the upgraded VRMs you also get multiple Ethernet, including Aquantia 10Gigabit, and the I/O panel is packed chock-full of USB ports including the Type C we know and love.
We are working on a review of this mighty motherboard that will be coming and then we'll see whether those looks are backed up with the performance to match.
KitGuru says:We have been waiting many weeks for this motherboard to arrive and can hardly wait to see whether it can keep an overclocked Threadripper under control and deliver the maximum level of performance.