OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Motherboards Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Motherboards Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Motherboards Methodology v3.0

ASUS P9X79 review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£150CPU socket:LGA 2011Chipset:Intel X79Form factor:ATX

ASUS P9X79 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 2 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS P9X79
5.7/10

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, expert reviews, best-of lists, owners and ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 40%, Reviews score 20%, List score 20%, Sentiment score 10%, User score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

40%

4.8

Technical score

20%

4.8

Reviews score

20%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

8.9

Sentiment score

10%

4.8

User score

▼Worse than 92% of motherboards
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

▼Worse than 93%
4.8

Technical score

Technical score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

19%

4.5

Memory

16%

6.9

Platform

16%

3.1

Storage

15%

4.1

Network

13%

4.7

Ports

8%

4.0

Expansion

8%

5.7

Power & Cooling

5%

6.3

Audio

▼Worse than 79%
4.8

Reviews score

Reviews score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 89% of models

4.8

Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.6

Average grade

20%

6.9

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
▼Worse than 89%
4.8

User score

User score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 86% of models

4.8

Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

8.6

Rating

30%

7.1

Popularity

▼Worse than 86%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 20% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the ASUS P9X79

Based on 34 owners sharing their experience in online comments

56%positive0%mixed44%negative

Owners praise its overclocking headroom and long service, while power and boot failures remain a major frustration.

What owners dislike

  • Some boards stop powering on or cycle on and off, and one shows CPU error code 5A and starts about once in 50 tries.5
  • Owners report missing memory slots or channels, with 24GB shown out of 32GB; a BIOS update or cleaning the CPU contacts fixed some cases.4
  • Owners report 12V or 3.3V short circuits that trip the power supply when a CPU is installed, but the fans spin without one.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS P9X79

Technical score
Technical score
4.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 40% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components:

19%

4.5

Memory

16%

6.9

Platform

16%

3.1

Storage

15%

4.1

Network

13%

4.7

Ports

8%

4.0

Expansion

8%

5.7

Power & Cooling

5%

6.3

Audio

4.8
Reviews score
4.8
User score
4.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the motherboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a motherboard that offers a strong balance of features, performance, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

6.9
CPU socket
LGA 2011
ASUS P9x79 uses LGA 2011, which is less up-to-date than 86.8% of Motherboards and the same as 1.5% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel X79
ASUS P9x79 uses Intel X79, which is less capable than 70.2% of Motherboards and as capable as 1.2% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
no
ASUS P9x79 does not support integrated graphics. 89.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3
ASUS P9x79 uses DDR3, which is less modern than 86.9% of Motherboards and the same as 13.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
8
Market range: <2 – >4
ASUS P9x79 has 8 Memory slots, which is more than 93.9% of motherboards and equal to 5.8% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
64 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
ASUS P9x79 supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
Memory channels
4
Maximum RAM speed
1,866 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
ASUS P9x79 supports memory speeds up to 1,866 MT/s, which is lower than that of 91.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.4% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
0
Market range: <0 – >4
ASUS P9x79 has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.5% of motherboards and equal to 11.5% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
2
Market range: <4 – >8
ASUS P9x79 has 2 SATA 3 connectors, which is fewer than 94.8% of motherboards and equal to 4.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
ASUS P9x79 RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
NVMe RAID support
no
ASUS P9x79 does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
ASUS P9x79 has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 31.6% of motherboards and equal to 68.4% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
ASUS P9x79 has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 44.8% of motherboards and equal to 55.2% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
3
Market range: <0 – >3
ASUS P9x79 has 3 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 82.7% of motherboards and equal to 11.1% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0/x16/x8, x16/x8/x8/x8
ASUS P9x79 splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0/x16/x8, x16/x8/x8/x8, which is more generous than 96.7% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
ASUS P9x79 does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Requires BIOS mod.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
10
Market range: <6 – >10
ASUS P9x79 has 10 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 75.7% of motherboards and equal to 15.4% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
18
Market range: <11 – >19
ASUS P9x79 has 18 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 81.8% of motherboards and equal to 5.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
ASUS P9x79 has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.8% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
0
Market range: <0 – >3
ASUS P9x79 has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.5% of motherboards and equal to 30.5% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
0
Market range: <0 – >1
ASUS P9x79 has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is fewer than 18% of motherboards and equal to 82% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
1 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
ASUS P9x79 supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 51.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 48.9% of motherboards.
LAN controller
?
N. of RJ45 ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
ASUS P9x79 has 1 RJ45 ports, which is fewer than 14.4% of motherboards and equal to 85.6% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
ASUS P9x79 supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 50% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC892
ASUS P9x79 uses Realtek ALC892, which is lower-end than 79.9% of Motherboards and the same as 8.8% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
ASUS P9x79 offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
95 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
ASUS P9x79 has an audio SNR of 95 dB, which is lower than that of 82.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 10.5% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
ASUS P9x79 does not support a headphone amp. 58.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
Market range: <2 – >6
ASUS P9x79 has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 13% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
16
ASUS P9x79 has 16 VRM phases, which is more than 79.6% of motherboards and equal to 3.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
1
Market range: <1 – >2
ASUS P9x79 has 1 CPU power connectors, which is fewer than 45.2% of motherboards and equal to 54.9% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
Market range: <3 – >8
ASUS P9x79 has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
ASUS P9x79 does not have a pump header. 77.9% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
0 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
ASUS P9x79 supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 76.2% of motherboards and equal to that of 23.8% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS P9X79 vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 4 more memory slots
    ASUS P9x79 has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    8 vs 4
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    ASUS P9x79 has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 1 more PCI slots
    ASUS P9x79 has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • Includes POST code display
    ASUS P9x79 has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • More VRM phases
    ASUS P9x79 has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16 vs 10
  • 3 more total USB connections
    ASUS P9x79 has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    18 vs 15
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    ASUS P9x79 has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • More generous lane split
    ASUS P9x79 splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x16/x8, x16/x8/x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x16/x8, x16/x8/x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 18.7% higher sentiment score
    8.9 vs 7.5
  • Includes POST code display
    ASUS P9x79 has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 4 more memory slots
    ASUS P9x79 has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    8 vs 4
  • Supports ECC memory
    ASUS P9x79 supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    supports ECC unbuffered memory.
  • 4 more SATA 2 connectors
    ASUS P9x79 has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (4 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
    4 vs 0
  • 1 more PCI slots
    ASUS P9x79 has more PCI slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCI slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • More generous lane split
    ASUS P9x79 splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0/x16/x8, x16/x8/x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0/x16/x8, x16/x8/x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 more PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS P9x79 has more PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    ASUS P9x79 has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 2 more rear USB ports
    ASUS P9x79 has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    10 vs 8
  • 3 more total USB connections
    ASUS P9x79 has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (18 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
    18 vs 15
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers
    ASUS P9x79 has more USB 3.2 Gen1 headers than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 header/s.
    two internal headers
    2 vs 1
  • 2 more USB 2.0 headers
    ASUS P9x79 has more USB 2.0 headers than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 header/s.
    4 vs 2
  • Supports Bluetooth
    ASUS P9x79 supports Bluetooth, while the average motherboard does not. 49% of motherboards support Bluetooth.
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    ASUS P9x79 has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    6 vs 3
  • More VRM phases
    ASUS P9x79 has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (16 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    16 vs 10
  • More basic chipset
    ASUS P9x79 uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X79 vs Intel B860).
    Intel X79 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASUS P9x79 has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASUS P9x79 does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 34.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 89% of models

    4.8

    Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    6.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    4.8 vs 7.3
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    ASUS P9x79 uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 34.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 89% of models

    4.8

    Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.3 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.6

    Average grade

    20%

    6.9

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    1 review, its grade estimated from the review text. 1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 20% of the overall score.
    Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
    4.8 vs 7.3
  • 35.1% lower user score
    User score
    4.8/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 10% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 86% of models

    4.8

    Mark 8.2 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    8.6

    Rating

    30%

    7.1

    Popularity

    4.8 vs 7.4
  • 11% worse value for money
    ASUS P9x79 has worse value for money than the average motherboard (6.93 vs 7.7).
    6.93 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    ASUS P9x79 uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X79 vs Intel B860).
    Intel X79 vs Intel B860
  • No integrated graphics support
    ASUS P9x79 does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    ASUS P9x79 is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • More dated socket
    ASUS P9x79 uses a more dated socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2011 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 2,011 vs LGA 1,151
  • Narrower Windows support
    ASUS P9x79 supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    ASUS P9x79 uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 60.3% lower maximum RAM speed
    ASUS P9x79 has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (1,866 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    1,866 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 52% lower overclocked RAM speed
    ASUS P9x79 has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    2,400 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASUS P9x79 does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 2 fewer SATA 3 connectors
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    2 vs 4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    ASUS P9x79 does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
    Requires BIOS mod.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    USB 3 naming equivalent
    2 vs 4
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
    no onboard video outputs
    0 vs 1
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    0 vs 1
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASUS P9x79 has a lower LAN speed than the average motherboard (1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps). The average motherboard offers LAN speed of 2.5 Gbps.
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • 20 dB lower audio SNR
    ASUS P9x79 has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (95 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    95 dB vs 115 dB
  • No headphone amp support
    ASUS P9x79 does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • Less capable onboard audio
    ASUS P9x79 has a lower-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC892 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • No pump header
    ASUS P9x79 does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77.9% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    ASUS P9x79 has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    ASUS P9x79 has a lower pump header current than the average motherboard (0 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    0 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.0
Decryptedtech
≈ estimated
03/02/2012
Hands-on review · performance, USB and Bluetooth tests
Verdict
ASUS P9X79 is a good board at a high price, but you get what you pay for.
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
servethehome.com
≈ estimated
30/01/2012
Hands-on review · X79 motherboard
Verdict
The ASUS P9X79 is an entry-level LGA 2011 board with eight memory slots and BIOS flashback, but it skips the power buttons and debug display of the Pro.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS P9X79

  • Excellent UEFI BIOS: Users frequently praise the intuitive, user-friendly graphical interface and easy mouse navigation.
  • USB BIOS Flashback: Highly valued feature that allows users to update the BIOS using only a USB drive and standby power, without needing a CPU or RAM installed.
  • Strong Overclocking: Reported to have robust overclocking capabilities with extensive manual and automatic tuning options via AI Suite II.
  • Stable Performance: Once properly configured and updated, users report high stability even under heavy workloads like 4K video processing or long-term stress tests.
  • High Connectivity: Offers extensive expansion options including up to 8 DIMM slots for 64GB+ RAM, multiple PCIe slots for multi-GPU setups (SLI/Crossfire), and numerous USB 3.0 ports.
  • Versatile CPU Support: Compatible with a wide range of processors, including 2nd/3rd Gen Core i7 and even Xeon E5 workstation CPUs.

What customers don't like about ASUS P9X79

  • Initial BIOS Compatibility: Many users received boards that wouldn't POST with newer Ivy Bridge-E CPUs (like the i7-4820K) without a manual BIOS update first.
  • Poor Customer Support: Frequent complaints regarding difficult RMA processes, long wait times, and unhelpful technical support interactions.
  • RAM Compatibility Issues: Some users reported instability or failure to recognize all 8 DIMMs, often requiring specific BIOS versions or manual timing adjustments.
  • Limited SATA 6Gb/s Ports: Certain models (like the LE and standard P9X79) only offer two SATA 6Gb/s ports, which some find restrictive for high-speed storage arrays.
  • Cramped Layout: The large LGA 2011 socket and 8 DIMM slots create a crowded layout that can interfere with large aftermarket air coolers.
  • Reported Reliability Failures: Some long-term users experienced catastrophic failures, such as burnt traces or failed disk controllers, after 1–2 years of use.

Verdict

The Asus P9X79 is an ATX motherboard built on the Intel X79 chipset for LGA 2011 sockets, supporting 2nd generation Intel Core i7 processors and up to 64GB of quad-channel DDR3-2400 memory across 8 DIMM slots. Key technical features include three PCIe 3.0 x16 slots with 3-Way SLI and Quad-GPU CrossFireX support, Dual Intelligent Processors 3 with DIGI+ power control for precise CPU/DRAM voltage tuning, and specialized Asus SSD caching for accelerated performance. Its main pros are the robust overclocking stability, a user-friendly UEFI BIOS with USB BIOS Flashback, and integrated Bluetooth connectivity. Primary cons include the high initial cost, the lack of native Intel Smart Response Technology (requiring Asus's proprietary software alternative), and the physical crowding of components caused by the large socket and extensive memory bank design.

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