ASUS Introduces X299 Based Motherboards at Computex
The next generation of high-end desktops debuted at Computex 2017 today, and Asus unveiled new X299 motherboards pacross its ROG, Prime and TUF families, all designed for gamers that will invest in Intel's new new X299 platform and the accompanying LGA2066 Skylake-X processors.
Intel's new X299 platform and accompanying Skylake-X processors raise the bar for CPU and memory performance with up to 12 cores and 128GB of quad-channel DDR4 memory. And they add bandwidth for multiple graphics cards and NVME SSDs with up to 44 PCIe lanes through the CPU and even more from the chipset.
ROG has three models tailored for different priorities: the Rampage VI Extreme, designed for dream machines with custom liquid cooling and ultra-fast networking; the Rampage VI Apex, which targets peak game performance and overclocking; and the Strix X299-E, which provides gamers the tuning, cooling, and personalization options.
Asus also announced new motherboards in its Prime and TUF families: the new Prime X299-Deluxe is for high-end builders, the Prime X299-A eschews certain extras in favor of a straightforward approach that gets back to basics, the TUF X299 Mark 1 comes equipped with protective armor and advanced cooling options, while the TUF X299 Mark 2 strips down to the essentials for X299 builders who want to deviate from the conventional formula.
All three boards ROG share the same features that enthusiasts in the Republic of Gamers crave. That starts with overclocking and cooling controls for liquid and air. There are dedicated pump headers for powering custom loops and all-in-one coolers, plus intelligent fan controls for optimal efficiency and quiet acoustics. Sensor grouping lets your cooling react to a mix of workloads, including GPU-heavy gaming via direct temperature monitoring for select graphics cards. Tuning your gaming PC is easy whether you want to perfect your setup with manual tweaking or automatically configure and overclock the whole thing with a single click using our 5-Way Optimization utility.
The RGB LEDs embedded on the Asus boards are augmented by headers for multiple RGB LED strips to illuminate your entire chassis. All of the lighting is part of the Asus Aura Sync ecosystem, which synchronizes across compatible ROG graphics cards, peripherals, and monitors, along with other components from our partners.
Equipped with the latest generation of SupremeFX integrated audio, ROG's new X299 motherboards boast enhanced recording quality for streamers. Graphics cards plug into reinforced SafeSlots that protect against damage from heavy GPU coolers and rough handling.
Intel's VROC technology combines with Asus' optional add-in card to enable M.2 RAID arrays made up of a stack of parallel drives with a direct line to the CPU. You get all the latest I/O, including USB 3.1 Gen2 with Type-C ports and internal headers pushing speeds up to 10Gbps. Onboard Wi-Fi and Intel Gigabit networking are standard equipment, and you can add Intel's new Optane Memory as a high-speed cache.
ROG Rampage VI Extreme, Rampage VI Apex and ROG Strix X299-E motherboards will be available at resellers in North America starting in late June with the STRIX series. Asus will announce suggested MSRP pricing on 6/19/2017.
The Prime series mate great connectivity with accessible tuning options, such as 5-Way Optimization, which intelligently overclocks your system and tunes the cooling based on the individual characteristics of your components.
Core X-Series processors also have up to 44 PCI Express 3.0 lanes available for graphics cards and NVMe SSDs. The Prime X299 series supports up to three-way graphics configurations, and their x16 slots incorporate structural reinforcements with our SafeSlot technology to prevent damage.
The TUF models march to a different beat that prioritizes reliability and durability for PCs built to go the distance. They use tougher components than conventional counterparts, and they're subjected to more stringent testing.
TUF offers distinctive designs that meld industrial sensibilities with a touch of space marine. Stealthy by nature, the new boards minimize RGB lighting to concentrate on different priorities.
ASUS Prime X299-Deluxe, Prime X299-A and TUF X299 Mark 1 motherboards will be available atresellers in North America starting in late June.