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 Pro WS W880-Ace SE review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£500CPU socket:LGA 1851Chipset:Intel W880Form factor:ATX

ASUS Pro WS W880-Ace SE Review: Compare 109 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS Pro WS W880-Ace SE
7.8/10

Overall score

Score
7.8/ 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–² Better than 81% of models
Score components

40%

8.2

Technical score

20%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

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%

7.6

User score

â–²Better than 81% of motherboards
7.8

Value for money

Value for money
7.8/ 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–² Better than 53% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

Overall score

30%

7.9

Price

â–²Better than 53%
8.2

Technical score

Technical score
8.2/ 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–² Better than 87% of models
Score components

19%

9.1

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform

16%

9.1

Storage

15%

7.5

Network

13%

7.0

Ports

8%

6.6

Expansion

8%

7.1

Power & Cooling

5%

8.9

Audio

â–²Better than 87%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
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
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.8.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
No expert tests yet
7.6

User score

User score
7.6/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models

70%

8.0

Rating

30%

6.7

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 61%
?

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.
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Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS Pro WS W880-Ace SE

Technical score
Technical score
8.2/ 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–² Better than 87% of models
Score components:

19%

9.1

Memory

16%

9.0

Platform

16%

9.1

Storage

15%

7.5

Network

13%

7.0

Ports

8%

6.6

Expansion

8%

7.1

Power & Cooling

5%

8.9

Audio

8.2
Reviews score
7.8
User score
7.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 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–² Better than 53% of models
Score components:

70%

7.8

Overall score

30%

7.9

Price

7.8
CPU socket
LGA 1851
This motherboard uses LGA 1851, which is more up-to-date than 77.5% of Motherboards and the same as 8% of Motherboards.
CPU platform
Intel
Chipset
Intel W880
This motherboard uses Intel W880, which is less capable than 64.4% of Motherboards.
Form factor
ATX
Integrated graphics support
yes
This motherboard supports integrated graphics. 10.2% of motherboards support this feature.
Rear outputs: HDMI + DisplayPort + USB4 / Thunderbolt.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR5
This motherboard uses DDR5, which is more modern than 63.8% of Motherboards and the same as 36.2% of Motherboards.
Memory slots
4
Market range: <2 – >4
This motherboard has 4 Memory slots, which is more than 21.9% of motherboards and equal to 72% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
192 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 192 GB of memory, which is more than 72% of motherboards and equal to 10.4% of motherboards.
Memory channels
2
Maximum RAM speed
9,066 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard supports memory speeds up to 9,066 MT/s, which is higher than that of 96.4% of motherboards and equal to that of 1.3% of motherboards.
Show more
N. of M.2 sockets
4
Market range: <0 – >4
This motherboard has 4 M.2 sockets, which is more than 84.1% of motherboards and equal to 10.7% of motherboards.
M.2 slot interface per slot
1x PCIe 5.0 x4, 3x PCIe 4.0 x4
This motherboard offers M.2 slots: 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 3x PCIe 4.0x4, which is faster than 93.4% of Motherboards and the same as 1.5% of Motherboards.
N. of SATA 3 connectors
4
Market range: <4 – >8
This motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors, which is more than 6.1% of motherboards and equal to 46.8% of motherboards.
optional SlimSAS/MCIO breakout excluded
Supported RAID levels
0/1/5/10
This motherboard 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
yes
This motherboard supports NVMe RAID. 40.2% of motherboards support this feature.
VROC key required for some configurations
Show more
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
2
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 2 PCIe 5.0x16 slots, which is more than 95.1% of motherboards and equal to 4.4% of motherboards.
lane split supported
N. of PCIe 4.0 x16 slots
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 PCIe 4.0x16 slots, which is more than 55.2% of motherboards and equal to 35.7% of motherboards.
runs at x4 mode
N. of PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 0 PCIe 3.0x16 slots, which is fewer than 59.6% of motherboards and equal to 40.4% of motherboards.
PCIe slot electrical configuration
x16/x0, x8/x8
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16/x0, x8/x8, which is less generous than 76.4% of Motherboards and the same as 2.9% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x8/x8.
Show more
Total USB ports (rear I/O)
8
Market range: <6 – >10
This motherboard has 8 USB ports (rear I/O), which is more than 40.6% of motherboards and equal to 30.3% of motherboards.
Total USB ports (including headers)
15
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard has 15 USB ports (including headers), which is more than 47.7% of motherboards and equal to 13.5% of motherboards.
Total USB-C ports (rear I/O)
2
Market range: <0 – >2
This motherboard has 2 USB-C ports (rear I/O), which is more than 84.2% of motherboards and equal to 12.2% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
Total USB-C ports (including headers)
3
Market range: <0 – >3
This motherboard has 3 USB-C ports (including headers), which is more than 84.7% of motherboards and equal to 10.9% of motherboards.
N. of USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C)
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 ports (USB-C), which is more than 82.1% of motherboards and equal to 17.7% of motherboards.
Thunderbolt excluded.
Show more
LAN speed
2.5 Gbps
Market range: <1 Gbps – >2.5 Gbps
This motherboard supports LAN speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is higher than that of 49% of motherboards and equal to that of 41.4% of motherboards.
also includes 1GbE secondary port
LAN controller
Intel I226-V
This motherboard has a Intel I226-V LAN controller, which is faster than 94.7% of Motherboards and equal to 1.3% of Motherboards.
N. of RJ45 ports
3
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 3 RJ45 ports, which is more than 99% of motherboards and equal to 0.9% of motherboards.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 50.1% of motherboards support this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Show more
Audio codec
Realtek ALC1220P
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC1220P, which is higher-end than 78.4% of Motherboards and the same as 2% of Motherboards.
Audio channels
7.1
This motherboard offers 7.1 audio channels, which is more than 4.7% of motherboards and equal to 95.3% of motherboards.
Audio SNR
120 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 120 dB, which is higher than that of 55.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 41% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
yes
This motherboard supports a headphone amp. 41.2% of motherboards support this feature.
headphone amp on rear port.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
2
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 2 3.5mm audio jacks, which is fewer than 88.8% of motherboards and equal to 10.8% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
8+1+2+2
This motherboard has 8+1+2+2 VRM phases, which is more than 59.9% of motherboards.
N. of CPU power connectors
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 CPU power connectors, which is more than 54.9% of motherboards and equal to 44.8% of motherboards.
N. of fan headers
8
Market range: <3 – >8
This motherboard has 8 fan headers, which is more than 82.2% of motherboards and equal to 15% of motherboards.
Pump header
yes
This motherboard has a pump header. 22.1% of motherboards include this feature.
Pump header max current
3 A
Market range: <0 A – >3 A
This motherboard supports up to 3 A on the pump header, which is higher than that of 77.8% of motherboards and equal to that of 22.2% of motherboards.
Show more

ASUS Pro WS W880-Ace SE vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    4 vs 2
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1851 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,851 vs LGA 1,151
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    lane split supported
    2 vs 0
  • 2 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    3 vs 1
  • 5 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    6 vs 1
  • 1 more top-speed NVMe slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I226-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I226-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More up-to-date socket
    This motherboard uses a more up-to-date socket than the average motherboard (LGA 1851 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 1,851 vs LGA 1,151
  • Integrated I/O shield
    This motherboard has an integrated I/O shield, while the average motherboard does not. 46.6% of motherboards include an integrated I/O shield.
  • Includes POST code display
    This motherboard has a POST code display, while the average motherboard does not. 26.7% of motherboards include a POST code display.
    Q-Code display.
  • Rear-panel CMOS reset button
    This motherboard has a rear-panel CMOS reset button, while the average motherboard does not. 26.5% of motherboards include a rear-panel CMOS reset button.
    Rear-panel Clear CMOS button.
  • More modern memory type
    This motherboard uses a more modern memory type than the average motherboard (DDR5 vs DDR4).
    DDR5 vs DDR4
  • 50% more maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (192 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    192 GB vs 128 GB
  • 92.9% higher maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher maximum RAM speed than the average motherboard (9,066 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s). The average motherboard supports RAM speed of 4,699.5 MT/s.
    9,066 MT/s vs 4,699.5 MT/s
  • Supports ECC memory
    This motherboard supports ECC memory, while the average motherboard does not. 20.9% of motherboards support ECC memory.
    ECC requires compatible CPU.
  • 81.3% higher overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a higher overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (9,066 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    9,066 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 2 more M.2 sockets
    This motherboard has more M.2 sockets than the average motherboard (4 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 M.2 socket/s.
    4 vs 2
  • 1 more top-speed NVMe slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0).
    1 vs 0
  • Faster NVMe storage slots
    This motherboard has faster M.2 slots than the average motherboard (1x PCIe 5x4, 3x PCIe 4x4 vs 1x PCIe 5x4, 2x PCIe 4x4).
    1x PCIe 5.0x4, 3x PCIe 4.0x4 vs 1x PCIe 5.0x4, 2x PCIe 4.0x4
  • 2 more PCIe 5.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 5.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (2 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 5.0x16 slot/s.
    lane split supported
    2 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe 4.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe 4.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe 4.0x16 slot/s.
    runs at x4 mode
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more PCIe x4 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x4 slots than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x4 slot/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 5 more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 ports than the average motherboard (6 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 port/s.
    6 vs 1
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 USB-C port/s.
    Thunderbolt excluded.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard has more rear USB-C ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 rear USB-C port/s.
    Thunderbolt / USB4 Type-C ports counted.
    2 vs 1
  • 1 more USB4 20Gbps ports
    This motherboard has more USB4 20Gbps ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 20Gbps port/s.
    USB4 20Gbps.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more total USB-C connections
    This motherboard has more total USB-C connections than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 total USB-C connections.
    3 vs 1
  • 1 more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers
    This motherboard has more USB4 or Thunderbolt headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 or Thunderbolt header/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers
    This motherboard has more USB 3.2 Gen2 headers than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB 3.2 Gen2 header/s.
    20Gbps Type-C header
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more Thunderbolt 3 ports
    This motherboard has more Thunderbolt 3 ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 Thunderbolt 3 port/s.
    1 vs 0
  • 1 more USB4 40Gbps ports
    This motherboard has more USB4 40Gbps ports than the average motherboard (1 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 USB4 40Gbps port/s.
    USB4 via Thunderbolt 4.
    1 vs 0
  • 2 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (3 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    3 vs 1
  • More capable LAN controller
    This motherboard has a faster LAN controller than the average motherboard (Intel I226-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek).
    Intel I226-V vs Killer + Intel + Realtek
  • More capable onboard audio
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC1220P vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC1220P vs Realtek ALC897
  • 5 dB higher audio SNR
    This motherboard has a higher audio SNR than the average motherboard (120 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    120 dB vs 115 dB
  • 1 more CPU power connectors
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    2 vs 1
  • 2.5 more fan headers
    This motherboard has more fan headers than the average motherboard (8 vs 5.5). The average motherboard has 5.5 fan header/s.
    8 vs 5.5
  • More VRM phases
    This motherboard has more VRM phases than the average motherboard (8+1+2+2 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    8+1+2+2 vs 10
  • 1 A higher pump header current limit
    This motherboard has a higher pump header current than the average motherboard (3 A vs 2 A). The average motherboard provides pump header current of 2 A.
    3 A vs 2 A
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel W880 vs Intel B860).
    Intel W880 vs Intel B860
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    rear Type-A ports are Gen 2
    0 vs 4
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • Noisier chipset cooling
    This motherboard uses noisier chipset cooling than the average motherboard (Active vs Passive).
    Active vs Passive
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • 3.33x more expensive
    ASUS Pro WS W880-Ace SE is more expensive than the average motherboard (£500 vs £150).
    £500 vs £150
  • 3.33x more expensive
    ASUS Pro WS W880-Ace SE is more expensive than the average motherboard (£500 vs £150).
    £500 vs £150
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel W880 vs Intel B860).
    Intel W880 vs Intel B860
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16/x0, x8/x8 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4
  • 1 fewer PCIe x1 slots
    This motherboard 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 PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard has fewer PCIe 3.0x16 slots than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 PCIe 3.0x16 slot/s.
    0 vs 1
  • 4 fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports
    This motherboard has fewer USB 3.2 Gen1 ports than the average motherboard (0 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 port/s.
    rear Type-A ports are Gen 2
    0 vs 4
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This motherboard does not support Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average motherboard does. 50.1% of motherboards support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • No Wi-Fi antenna included
    This motherboard does not include a Wi-Fi antenna, while the average motherboard does. 51.1% of motherboards include a Wi-Fi antenna.
  • 1 fewer 3.5mm audio jacks
    This motherboard has fewer 3.5mm audio jacks than the average motherboard (2 vs 3). The average motherboard has 3 3.5mm audio jacks.
    2 vs 3
  • Noisier chipset cooling
    This motherboard uses noisier chipset cooling than the average motherboard (Active vs Passive).
    Active vs Passive
  • 2 fewer ARGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer ARGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 2). The average motherboard has 2 ARGB header/s.
    0 vs 2
  • 1 fewer RGB headers
    This motherboard has fewer RGB headers than the average motherboard (0 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RGB header/s.
    0 vs 1

Video reviews

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

Overview video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS Pro WS W880-Ace SE

  • High-speed DDR5 support with stable performance even when overclocked (up to 9066+ MT/s).
  • Excellent build quality that feels heavy and solid, appropriate for a workstation-class board.
  • Comprehensive remote management features via the integrated AST2600 BMC and IPMI.
  • Modern connectivity including Thunderbolt 4 (40Gbps) and dual 2.5Gb Ethernet.
  • Useful DIY-friendly features like the M.2 Q-Latch and BIOS FlashBack button.
  • Reliable support for DDR5 ECC memory, which is critical for professional and server tasks.

What customers don't like about ASUS Pro WS W880-Ace SE

  • Quality control concerns with reports of boards arriving with bent PCB corners or scratched heatsinks.
  • Potential for damaged CPU socket pins out of the box, requiring careful inspection before installation.
  • Lack of integrated 10Gb Ethernet, which some users feel is a significant omission for a high-end workstation.
  • Unconventional layout choices, such as CPU power connector placement that can complicate clean cable management.
  • Limited BIOS interface for certain hardware controls, forcing users to use the IPMI for basic fan speed adjustments.
  • Difficulty finding compatible high-capacity ECC RAM modules that are officially listed on the QVL.

Verdict

The Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE is a high-performance ATX workstation motherboard designed for professional environments, featuring the LGA 1851 socket to support Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processors and the Intel W880 chipset. It is equipped with four DDR5 slots supporting up to 256GB of memory at speeds of 9066+ MT/s (OC), dual PCIe 5.0 x16 expansion slots for next-gen graphics, and substantial storage options including one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, and a SlimSAS connector. Main pros include its robust 8+1+2+2 teamed power stages (80A each) for stability under heavy AI or deep learning workloads, server-grade remote management via an onboard AST2600 BMC with a dedicated LAN port, and advanced connectivity like Thunderbolt 4 and dual 2.5Gb Ethernet. Notable cons include the lack of built-in Wi-Fi, the absence of integrated 10Gb networking which is often standard for high-end workstations, and some user reports of difficult cable management due to the layout of the CPU power connectors.

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