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ASUS P9X79 E WS Review | 107 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£400
  • Avg. price in US: ~$500
  • CPU socket: LGA 2011
  • Chipset: Intel X79
  • Form factor: SSI CEB

ASUS P9X79 E WS review. Compare 107 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among motherboards and if it is worth buying.

4.9

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the motherboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best motherboards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.9

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.9

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

4.5

Memory

16.0%

6.3

Platform & Features

16.0%

3.5

Storage

15.0%

4.9

Network

13.0%

4.2

Ports & USB

8.0%

3.0

Expansion

8.0%

7.1

Power & Cooling

5.0%

8.6

Audio

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 4.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    9.0

    VRM phases

    22.0%

    1.0

    N. of M.2 sockets

    18.0%

    4.6

    LAN speed

    17.0%

    2.1

    Maximum RAM speed

    15.0%

    1.0

    N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £400

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The ASUS P9X79-E WS is a high-end SSI CEB form-factor workstation motherboard built on the Intel X79 chipset for LGA 2011 sockets, supporting Intel Core i7 and Xeon E5-2600 series processors. It features eight DIMM slots for up to 64GB of quad-channel DDR3 memory (up to 2400MHz O.C.), seven PCIe 3.0 x16 slots supporting 4-way NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFireX at full x16 speed, and dual server-grade Intel Gigabit Ethernet. Storage connectivity is extensive with ten internal SATA ports (six SATA 6Gb/s and four SATA 3Gb/s) plus dual eSATA 6Gb/s. Main pros include its massive multi-GPU scalability, server-level component reliability, and specialized features like ASUS Dr. Power for real-time power supply monitoring. Notable cons include its high premium price point, lack of native USB 3.0 support on the chipset (relying on third-party controllers), and potential stability issues when overclocking high-capacity RAM configurations without manual voltage adjustments.

Technical Specifications of ASUS P9X79 E WS

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the motherboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as power delivery, CPU and memory support, expansion, storage, connectivity, cooling, BIOS features, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare motherboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

19.0%

?

Memory

16.0%

?

Platform & Features

16.0%

?

Storage

15.0%

?

Network

13.0%

?

Ports & USB

8.0%

?

Expansion

8.0%

?

Power & Cooling

5.0%

?

Audio

4.9
ASUS P9x79 E WS has a technical score of 4.94 points, which is lower than that of 80.6% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the motherboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a motherboard performs in real-world builds and how reliable it is in terms of stability, BIOS usability, connectivity, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a motherboard that has already been bought and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
ASUS P9x79 E WS has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 77.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

4.9

Overall score

40.0%

8.4

Price

6.0
ASUS P9x79 E WS has a quality-to-price ratio of 6 points, which is lower than 93.8% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The brand that makes the motherboard.
When it matters: When you have a brand preference for support, BIOS, or build quality.

Importance: MEDIUM

Asus
CPU socket
What it is: The socket type the motherboard is built to support.
When it matters: When you need the motherboard to match a specific CPU.

Importance: HIGH

LGA 2011
ASUS P9x79 E WS uses the LGA 2011 CPU socket, which is less advanced than that of 86.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.5% of motherboards.
CPU platform

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Chipset
What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

Importance: HIGH

Intel X79
ASUS P9x79 E WS uses the Intel X79 chipset, which is less advanced than that of 69.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.2% of motherboards.
Form factor
What it is: The physical size standard of the motherboard, such as ATX or Micro-ATX.
When it matters: When you need the board to fit a specific case size.

Importance: HIGH

SSI CEB
ASUS P9x79 E WS has the SSI CEB form factor, which is less versatile than that of 99.1% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.4% of motherboards.
Often marketed as E-ATX.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
ASUS P9x79 E WS uses DDR3 memory, which is older than that of 86.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 13.4% of motherboards.
Memory slots
What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4

8
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 8 Memory slots, which is more than 94% of motherboards and equal to 5.7% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
ASUS P9x79 E WS supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 62.6% of motherboards and equal to 24.3% of motherboards.
higher limit with Xeon CPU
Memory channels
What it is: The memory channel configuration supported by the motherboard platform.
When it matters: When memory bandwidth matters for your build.

Importance: MEDIUM

4
ASUS P9x79 E WS supports 4 memory channels, which is more than 92.8% of motherboards and equal to 6.9% of motherboards.
Maximum RAM speed
What it is: The highest officially supported memory speed for the motherboard.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=6400 MT/s

2,400 MT/s
ASUS P9x79 E WS supports memory speeds up to 2400 MT/s, which is lower than that of 83.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=3

0
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 0 M.2 sockets, which is fewer than 88.4% of motherboards and equal to 11.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
What it is: The storage or PCIe interface available for each M.2 slot on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want to check which drives each M.2 slot can use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
N. of SATA 3 connectors
What it is: The number of SATA 6Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you plan to connect multiple SATA drives.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

6
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 52.6% of motherboards and equal to 32.1% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
What it is: The RAID modes officially supported by the motherboard storage platform.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple drives in a RAID setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

0/1/5/10
ASUS P9x79 E WS supports RAID levels 0/1/5/10, which is broader than 31.8% of motherboards and equal to 68.2% of motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

Importance: LOW

no
ASUS P9x79 E WS does not support NVMe RAID. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 5.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want the newest high-bandwidth expansion slots.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is equal to 68.5% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 4.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more room for modern expansion cards.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is equal to 55.6% of motherboards.
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
What it is: The number of PCIe 3.0 x16 physical slots on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need more full-length expansion slots.

Importance: MEDIUM

7
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 7 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is more than 99.6% of motherboards and equal to 0.3% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

Importance: HIGH

x16/x8/x8/x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x16/x16
ASUS P9x79 E WS uses x16/x8/x8/x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x16/x16 for PCIe slot electrical configuration, which is more flexible than that of 99.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 0.1% of motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASUS P9x79 E WS does not support PCIe bifurcation. 61% of motherboards support this feature.
Requires BIOS mod.
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Total USB ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=8

12
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 12 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 93% of motherboards and equal to 5.5% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want to know the board's full USB expansion potential.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=14

16
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 16 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 61.8% of motherboards and equal to 10.2% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
What it is: The total number of rear USB-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C devices connected without adapters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 0 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is fewer than 64.6% of motherboards and equal to 35.4% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
What it is: The total number of USB-C ports supported when rear ports and internal headers are counted together.
When it matters: When you want more USB-C connectivity across the whole build.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=2

0
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 0 USB-C ports (including headers), which is fewer than 69.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.4% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
What it is: The number of rear USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want very fast USB-C connectivity on the rear I/O.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=1

0
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is equal to 81.6% of motherboards.
Show more
LAN speed
What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.5GbE

1 Gbps
ASUS P9x79 E WS supports LAN speeds up to 1 Gbps, which is lower than that of 50.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 49.1% of motherboards.
dual 1GbE ports
LAN controller
What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 82579V
ASUS P9x79 E WS uses the Intel 82579V LAN controller, which is less advanced than that of 97.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.2% of motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

Importance: LOW

2
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes onboard Wi-Fi hardware instead of requiring a separate adapter.
When it matters: When you want wireless networking without adding an extra card.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASUS P9x79 E WS does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 49.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: The supported Wi-Fi generation, such as Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7.
When it matters: When you care about wireless speed and router compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)

N/A
Show more
Audio codec
What it is: The onboard audio codec used by the motherboard.
When it matters: When sound quality from the built-in audio matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Realtek ALC1150
ASUS P9x79 E WS uses the Realtek ALC1150 audio codec, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 9.3% of motherboards.
Audio channels
What it is: The audio channel configuration supported by the onboard sound solution.
When it matters: When you want surround sound from the motherboard audio outputs.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 7.1

7.1
ASUS P9x79 E WS offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.9% of motherboards and equal to 95.1% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
What it is: The signal-to-noise ratio of the onboard audio solution.
When it matters: When you care about cleaner onboard audio output.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=120 dB

115 dB
ASUS P9x79 E WS has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 46.5% of motherboards and equal to that of 8.2% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
What it is: Shows whether the onboard audio path includes dedicated headphone amplification for harder-to-drive headsets.
When it matters: When you use harder-to-drive headphones from the onboard audio.

Importance: LOW

?
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
What it is: The number of rear 3.5mm audio jacks on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you want more analog audio connection options.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5

6
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 86.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.4% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
What it is: The number of power-delivery phases used by the motherboard VRM.
When it matters: When you care about CPU power delivery and overclocking headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=12

?
N. of CPU power connectors
What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=2

2
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.6% of motherboards and equal to 45.3% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
What it is: The number of headers available for case or CPU fans.
When it matters: When your build uses several fans.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6

6
ASUS P9x79 E WS has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50.3% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
What it is: Shows whether the motherboard includes a dedicated header designed for a liquid-cooling pump.
When it matters: When you build with an AIO or custom liquid cooling loop.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
ASUS P9x79 E WS does not have a pump header. 77% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
What it is: The maximum current the dedicated pump header can supply.
When it matters: When you want to make sure the pump header can power your cooling setup.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2 A

0 A
ASUS P9x79 E WS supports up to 0 A on the pump header, which is lower than that of 74.3% of motherboards and equal to that of 25.7% of motherboards.
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ASUS P9X79 E WS vs the average motherboard

  • 4 more rear USB ports
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
    What it is: The total number of rear USB ports available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you use many USB devices directly from the back of the PC.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8

    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.12 vs 8
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x8/x8/x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x16/x16 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
    What it is: The actual lane wiring used by the motherboard PCIe slots.
    When it matters: When you need to know how much bandwidth each slot really gets.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x8/x8/x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x16/x16 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.x16/x8/x8/x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x16/x16 vs x16/x1
  • 4 more memory slots
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    What it is: The number of RAM slots on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want more room for future memory upgrades.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=4

    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.8 vs 4
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    What it is: The number of wired Ethernet ports on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you need one or more wired network connections.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.2 vs 1
  • Includes POST code display
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    Q-Code display.
    What it is: Shows whether the board includes a diagnostic POST code readout for boot troubleshooting.
    When it matters: When you troubleshoot boot issues and want clearer error information.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS P9x79 E WS has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    What it is: The number of CPU power connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you care about power delivery for higher-end CPUs.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=2

    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.2 vs 1
  • 4 more SATA 2 connectors
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (4 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
    What it is: The number of SATA 3Gb/s connectors on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you still use older SATA devices.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (4 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.4 vs 0
  • Supports ECC memory
    ASUS P9x79 E WS supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    What it is: Shows whether the motherboard can work with ECC memory on supported CPU and platform combinations.
    When it matters: When stability and error correction matter in your system.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS P9x79 E WS supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • Includes POST code display
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 27.2% of motherboards include a POST code display.
  • Includes onboard power button
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has an onboard power button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.7% of motherboards include an onboard power button.
  • Includes onboard reset button
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has an onboard reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 27.6% of motherboards include an onboard reset button.
  • 4 more memory slots
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
  • Supports ECC memory
    ASUS P9x79 E WS supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • More memory channels
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more memory channels than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 memory channel/s.
  • 4 more SATA 2 connectors
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (4 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
  • More flexible PCIe lane configuration
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more flexible PCIe lane configuration than the average motherboard (x16/x8/x8/x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x16/x16 vs x16/x1). The average motherboard uses x16/x1 PCIe slot lane configuration.
  • 6 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (7 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
  • 4 more rear USB ports
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more rear USB ports than the average motherboard (12 vs 8). The average motherboard has 8 rear USB port/s.
  • 2 more eSATA ports
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more eSATA ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 eSATA port/s.
  • 8 more USB 2.0 ports
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more USB 2.0 ports than the average motherboard (10 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 USB 2.0 port/s.
  • 1 more total USB connections
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more total USB connections than the average motherboard (16 vs 15). The average motherboard has 15 total USB connections.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
  • 1 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 3.5mm audio jacks.
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
  • 1 more fan headers
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more fan headers than the average motherboard (6 vs 5). The average motherboard has 5 fan header/s.

Total
Platform & Features
Memory
Storage
Expansion
Ports & USB
Network
Audio
Power & Cooling
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X79 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
  • No integrated graphics support
    ASUS P9x79 E WS does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.4% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    ASUS P9x79 E WS is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.1% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • Less versatile form factor
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has less versatile form factor than the average motherboard (SSI CEB vs ATX). The average motherboard comes in ATX form factor.
    Often marketed as E-ATX.
  • Older CPU socket
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has older CPU socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2,011 vs LGA 1,151). The average motherboard uses LGA 1,151 CPU socket.
  • 8 years older release date
    ASUS P9x79 E WS is older than the average motherboard (2,013 vs 2,021). The average motherboard was released in 2,021.
    June 2013
  • Narrower Windows support
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has narrower Windows support than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10). The average motherboard supports Windows 11, Windows 10.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    higher limit with Xeon CPU
  • Older DDR memory generation
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
  • 47.8% lower maximum RAM speed
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 4,600 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,600 MT/s.
  • 51.3% lower overclocked RAM speed
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 4,933 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 4,933 MT/s.
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASUS P9x79 E WS does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    ASUS P9x79 E WS does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
    Requires BIOS mod.
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has fewer PCIe x1 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe x1 slot/s.
  • 1 fewer rear USB-C ports
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has fewer rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
  • 1 fewer USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    ASUS P9x79 E WS 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.
  • 2 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    ASUS P9x79 E WS 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.
  • 1 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 DisplayPort outputs.
  • 1 fewer total USB-C connections
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has fewer total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
  • 1 fewer HDMI outputs
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has fewer HDMI outputs than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 HDMI outputs.
  • More basic LAN controller
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel 82,579V vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASUS P9x79 E WS 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.
    dual 1GbE ports
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    ASUS P9x79 E WS does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
  • No pump header
    ASUS P9x79 E WS does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • No onboard RGB lighting
    ASUS P9x79 E WS does not have onboard RGB lighting, while the average motherboard does. 50.3% of motherboards include onboard RGB lighting.
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    ASUS P9x79 E WS 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.
  • 23 mm wider
    ASUS P9x79 E WS is wider than the average motherboard (267 mm vs 244 mm). The average motherboard width is 244 mm.
  • More basic motherboard chipset
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X79 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.
    What it is: The chipset that defines the motherboard platform and many of its features.
    When it matters: When you compare platform features, connectivity, and CPU support.

    Importance: HIGH

    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more basic motherboard chipset than the average motherboard (Intel X79 vs Intel B860). The average motherboard uses Intel B860 chipset.Intel X79 vs Intel B860
  • More basic LAN controller
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel 82,579V vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.
    What it is: The model of onboard Ethernet controller used by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you compare networking hardware quality and features.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS P9x79 E WS has more basic LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel 82,579V vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C). The average motherboard uses Marvell AQtion AQC113C LAN controller.Intel 82579V vs Marvell AQtion AQC113C
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    ASUS P9x79 E WS 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.
    dual 1GbE ports
    What it is: The maximum wired Ethernet speed supported by the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want faster wired networking.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.5GbE

    ASUS P9x79 E WS 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 E WS has fewer M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    What it is: The number of M.2 slots available on the motherboard.
    When it matters: When you want room for more NVMe or M.2 drives.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=3

    ASUS P9x79 E WS 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 E WS does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
    What it is: Shows whether the board supports RAID configurations that use NVMe SSDs.
    When it matters: When you plan to use multiple NVMe drives in RAID.

    Importance: LOW

    ASUS P9x79 E WS does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.8% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • 50% less maximum memory capacity
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (64 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    higher limit with Xeon CPU
    What it is: The largest total amount of RAM the motherboard supports.
    When it matters: When you plan a build with very high memory capacity.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=128 GB

    ASUS P9x79 E WS 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
  • Older DDR memory generation
    ASUS P9x79 E WS has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.
    What it is: The RAM generation the motherboard supports, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the board to match a certain memory platform.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: DDR5

    ASUS P9x79 E WS has older DDR memory generation than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4). The average motherboard supports DDR4 memory.DDR3 vs DDR4
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    ASUS P9x79 E WS does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
    Requires BIOS mod.
    What it is: Shows whether the board can split PCIe lanes across multiple devices from one slot or link.
    When it matters: When you plan multi-SSD adapters or more advanced expansion setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    ASUS P9x79 E WS does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 61% of motherboards support PCIe bifurcation.
Total
Overall
Platform & Features
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS P9X79 E WS?

  • Exceptional expansion with 7 PCIe x16 slots supporting Quad-SLI/CrossFire at full x16 speeds
  • Robust workstation features including dual Intel server-class Gigabit LAN and support for Xeon processors
  • Highly praised UEFI BIOS that is intuitive, feature-rich, and easy to navigate for overclocking
  • USB BIOS Flashback allows for easy BIOS updates without needing a CPU or RAM installed
  • Excellent build quality and effective thermal management, keeping the board cool under heavy loads
  • Support for up to 64GB of quad-channel DDR3 memory with high stability

What customers dislike about ASUS P9X79 E WS?

  • Very high price point, often being one of the most expensive X79 boards on the market
  • Poorly documented BIOS update process, specifically regarding the required naming convention for the flash file
  • Limited internal USB 2.0 headers, which can be a bottleneck for cases with multiple front-panel devices
  • Inconsistent customer support experiences, with some users reporting difficulties with the RMA process
  • Potential memory compatibility issues out-of-the-box that require a BIOS update to resolve
  • Lack of official drivers for certain server operating systems like Windows Server 2012 R2

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