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-E WS review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£400CPU socket:LGA 2011Chipset:Intel X79Form factor:SSI CEB

ASUS P9X79-E WS Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 3 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS P9X79-E WS
5.9/10

Overall score

Score
5.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% 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%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.0, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

User scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.9, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 89% of motherboards
6.6

Value for money

Value for money
6.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 98%
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

19%

4.5

Memory

16%

6.9

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

3.9

Network

13%

4.2

Ports

8%

3.4

Expansion

8%

6.3

Power & Cooling

5%

8.1

Audio

â–¼Worse than 78%
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models

4.8

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

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 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.
â–¼Worse than 89%
?

User score

User score
7.9/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
No ratings from across the web yet, so it counts as 7.9, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
No ratings from across the web yet
?

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
  • asus-p9x79-e-ws
asus-p9x79-e-ws
Where to buy
    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.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS P9X79-E WS

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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components:

19%

4.5

Memory

16%

6.9

Platform

16%

3.2

Storage

15%

3.9

Network

13%

4.2

Ports

8%

3.4

Expansion

8%

6.3

Power & Cooling

5%

8.1

Audio

4.8
Reviews score
4.8
User score
?
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

6.6
CPU socket
LGA 2011
ASUS P9x79-E WS 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-E WS uses Intel X79, which is less capable than 70.2% of Motherboards and as capable as 1.2% of Motherboards.
Form factor
SSI CEB
Integrated graphics support
no
ASUS P9x79-E WS does not support integrated graphics. 89.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3
ASUS P9x79-E WS 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-E WS 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-E WS supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is less than 63% of motherboards and equal to 23.9% of motherboards.
higher limit with Xeon CPU
Memory channels
4
Maximum RAM speed
2,400 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
ASUS P9x79-E WS supports memory speeds up to 2,400 MT/s, which is lower than that of 84% of motherboards and equal to that of 3.2% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
0
Market range: <0 – >4
ASUS P9x79-E WS 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
6
Market range: <4 – >8
ASUS P9x79-E WS has 6 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 53.5% of motherboards and equal to 31.2% of motherboards.
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
ASUS P9x79-E WS RAID support: 0/1/5/10, which is more flexible than 32.5% of Motherboards and the same as 67.5% of Motherboards.
JBOD excluded from RAID-level set
NVMe RAID support
no
ASUS P9x79-E WS 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-E WS 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-E WS 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
7
Market range: <0 – >3
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
x16/x8/x8/x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x16/x16
ASUS P9x79-E WS splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x8/x8/x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x16/x16, which is more generous than 99.8% of Motherboards and the same as 0.1% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
no
ASUS P9x79-E WS does not support PCIe bifurcation. 59.8% of motherboards support this feature.
Requires BIOS mod.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
12
Market range: <6 – >10
ASUS P9x79-E WS has 12 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 92.7% of motherboards and equal to 5.6% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
16
Market range: <11 – >19
ASUS P9x79-E WS has 16 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 61.3% of motherboards and equal to 10% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
0
Market range: <0 – >2
ASUS P9x79-E WS 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-E WS 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-E WS 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-E WS 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.
dual 1GbE ports
LAN controller
Intel 82579V
ASUS P9x79-E WS has a Intel 82579V LAN controller, which is slower than 98.3% of Motherboards and equal to 0.8% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
ASUS P9x79-E WS has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
ASUS P9x79-E WS does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1150
ASUS P9x79-E WS uses Realtek ALC1150, which is higher-end than 53% of Motherboards and the same as 9.1% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
ASUS P9x79-E WS offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
115 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
ASUS P9x79-E WS has an audio SNR of 115 dB, which is higher than that of 47.7% of motherboards and equal to that of 7.6% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
ASUS P9x79-E WS 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-E WS has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 13% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
8+2
ASUS P9x79-E WS has 8+2 VRM phases, which is fewer than 57.4% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
ASUS P9x79-E WS has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
6
Market range: <3 – >8
ASUS P9x79-E WS has 6 fan headers, which is more than 50% of motherboards and equal to 22.3% of motherboards.
Pump header
no
ASUS P9x79-E WS 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-E WS 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-E WS vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 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.
    12 vs 8
  • 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.
    2 vs 1
  • 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.
    8 vs 4
  • 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.
    2 vs 1
  • Includes POST code display
    ASUS P9x79-E WS has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    Q-Code display.
  • More generous lane split
    ASUS P9x79-E WS splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x8/x8/x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x16/x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x8/x8/x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x16/x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    ASUS P9x79-E WS 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
  • 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.
    4 vs 0
  • Includes POST code display
    ASUS P9x79-E WS has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    Q-Code display.
  • 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.
    8 vs 4
  • Supports ECC memory
    ASUS P9x79-E WS supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
  • 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.
    4 vs 0
  • 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.
    6 vs 4
  • More generous lane split
    ASUS P9x79-E WS splits its PCIe lanes more generously than the average motherboard (x16/x8/x8/x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x16/x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x8/x8/x8/x16/x8/x8, x16/x16/x16/x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 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.
    7 vs 1
  • 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.
    12 vs 8
  • 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.
    16 vs 15
  • 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.
    2 vs 1
  • 3 more 3.5mm audio jacks
    ASUS P9x79-E WS 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 capable onboard audio
    ASUS P9x79-E WS has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1150 vs Realtek ALC897
  • Includes coaxial S/PDIF out
    ASUS P9x79-E WS has coaxial S/PDIF out, while the average motherboard does not. 2.8% of motherboards include coaxial S/PDIF out.
  • 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.
    2 vs 1
  • More basic chipset
    ASUS P9x79-E WS 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-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
    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.
    0 vs 2
  • No NVMe RAID support
    ASUS P9x79-E WS 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models

    4.8

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

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 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-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
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    ASUS P9x79-E WS uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    ASUS P9x79-E WS does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 89% of models

    4.8

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

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 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
  • 16.1% worse value for money
    ASUS P9x79-E WS has worse value for money than the average motherboard (6.63 vs 7.7).
    6.63 vs 7.7
  • 2.67x more expensive
    ASUS P9x79-E WS is more expensive than the average motherboard (£400 vs £150).
    £400 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    ASUS P9x79-E WS 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-E WS does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% 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. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • More dated socket
    ASUS P9x79-E WS 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-E WS supports a narrower range of Windows versions than the average motherboard (Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10).
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs 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
    64 GB vs 128 GB
  • More dated memory type
    ASUS P9x79-E WS uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 48.9% lower maximum RAM speed
    ASUS P9x79-E WS has a lower maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    2,400 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • 52% lower overclocked RAM speed
    ASUS P9x79-E WS 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-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. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • No PCIe bifurcation support
    ASUS P9x79-E WS does not support PCIe bifurcation, while the average motherboard does. 59.7% 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.
    0 vs 1
  • 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.
    0 vs 1
  • 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.
    0 vs 1
  • 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.
    2 vs 4
  • 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.
    0 vs 1
  • 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.
    0 vs 1
  • 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
    1 Gbps vs 2.5 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    ASUS P9x79-E WS does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 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.
  • Less capable LAN controller
    ASUS P9x79-E WS has a slower LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel 82579V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel 82579V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • No headphone amp support
    ASUS P9x79-E WS does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 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.
    0 vs 2
  • No pump header
    ASUS P9x79-E WS 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-E WS 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-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.
    0 A vs 2 A

Video reviews

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

6.0
Dragon Systems
≈ estimated
08/03/2026
Hands-on review · niche use cases and GPU compatibility
Verdict
ASUS P9X79-E WS is only worth it for niche users who need seven PCIe slots and is not recommended otherwise.
Brand video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
servethehome.com
≈ estimated
27/11/2013
Hands-on review · Large workstation board
Verdict
The ASUS P9X79-E WS is a workstation board for multi-GPU and add-in card rigs, but it needs a big case and runs most slots at x8 when fully populated.
9.5
techwarelabs.com
≈ estimated
16/04/2014
Overall review · LGA 2011 board
Verdict
The ASUS P9X79-E WS suits builders who want both i7 and Xeon support with many slots, but it is among the priciest LGA 2011 boards.

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 don't like 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

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.

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