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 Z9PE-D8 WS review: 109 specs compared

Avg. price:~£150CPU socket:LGA 2011Chipset:Intel C602Form factor:SSI EEB

ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 7 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Motherboards category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS Z9PE-D8 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%

5.3

Technical score

20%

5.3

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%

5.3

User score

â–¼Worse than 89% of motherboards
7.0

Value for money

Value for money
7.0/ 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 91% of models
Score components

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

â–¼Worse than 91%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 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 68% of models
Score components

19%

7.1

Memory

16%

6.4

Platform

16%

3.3

Storage

15%

4.4

Network

13%

3.1

Ports

8%

4.6

Expansion

8%

6.5

Power & Cooling

5%

7.5

Audio

â–¼Worse than 68%
5.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.3/ 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 84% of models

5.3

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

80%

8.1

Average grade

20%

8.8

Popularity

Grades by review (7)
5 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each 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 84%
5.3

User score

User score
5.3/ 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 81% of models

5.3

Mark 7.1 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

70%

7.0

Rating

30%

7.5

Popularity

â–¼Worse than 81%
?

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-z9pe-d8-ws
asus-z9pe-d8-ws
Where to buy
    N/A~ £150
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS

Based on 5 · 2

Reviewers like the generous expansion slots and storage ports, but reliability concerns are the main complaint.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of motherboard ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 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 68% of models
Score components:

19%

7.1

Memory

16%

6.4

Platform

16%

3.3

Storage

15%

4.4

Network

13%

3.1

Ports

8%

4.6

Expansion

8%

6.5

Power & Cooling

5%

7.5

Audio

5.3
Reviews score
5.3
User score
5.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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 91% of models
Score components:

70%

5.9

Overall score

30%

9.7

Price

7.0
CPU socket
LGA 2011
This motherboard 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 C602
This motherboard uses Intel C602, which is less capable than 71.6% of Motherboards and as capable as 0.2% of Motherboards.
Also described with C606 support.
Form factor
SSI EEB
Integrated graphics support
no
This motherboard does not support integrated graphics. 89.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
DDR memory version
DDR3
This motherboard 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
This motherboard has 8 Memory slots, which is more than 93.9% of motherboards and equal to 5.8% of motherboards.
Maximum memory capacity
256 GB
Market range: <32 GB – >256 GB
This motherboard supports up to 256 GB of memory, which is more than 82.5% of motherboards and equal to 16.7% of motherboards.
higher limit with high-density DIMMs
Memory channels
4
Maximum RAM speed
1,866 MT/s
Market range: <2.1k MT/s – >8k MT/s
This motherboard 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
This motherboard 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
This motherboard 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
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.
secondary Marvell controller has different RAID limits
NVMe RAID support
no
This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID. 59.9% of motherboards support this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of PCIe 5.0 x16 slots
0
Market range: <0 – >1
This motherboard 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
This motherboard 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
This motherboard 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
This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes as x16, which is less generous than 81% of Motherboards and the same as 16.1% of Motherboards.
PCIe bifurcation support
yes
This motherboard supports PCIe bifurcation. 40.3% of motherboards support this feature.
x4/x4/x4/x4.
Show more
What reviewers say
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)
16
Market range: <11 – >19
This motherboard 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
This motherboard 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
This motherboard 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
This motherboard 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
This motherboard 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
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This motherboard has 2 RJ45 ports, which is more than 85.6% of motherboards and equal to 13.3% 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 ALC898
This motherboard uses Realtek ALC898, which is higher-end than 50.5% of Motherboards and the same as 1.8% 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
110 dB
Market range: <95 dB – >120 dB
This motherboard has an audio SNR of 110 dB, which is lower than that of 54.6% of motherboards and equal to that of 5.4% of motherboards.
Headphone amp support
no
This motherboard does not support a headphone amp. 58.8% of motherboards support this feature.
N. of 3.5mm audio jacks
6
Market range: <2 – >6
This motherboard has 6 3.5mm audio jacks, which is more than 87% of motherboards and equal to 13% of motherboards.
Show more
VRM phases
7+1
This motherboard has 7+1 VRM phases, which is fewer than 77.1% of motherboards and equal to 0.2% 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.
Dual 8-pin CPU power.
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
no
This motherboard 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
This motherboard 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 Z9PE-D8 WS vs the average motherboard

246810TotalPlatformMemoryStorageExpansionPortsNetworkAudioPower & Cooling
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    higher limit with high-density DIMMs
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This motherboard has more RJ45 ports than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 RJ45 port/s.
    2 vs 1
  • 3 more PCIe x8 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x8 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x8 slot/s.
    3 vs 0
  • 4 more memory slots
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard has more CPU power connectors than the average motherboard (2 vs 1). The average motherboard has 1 CPU power connectors.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    2 vs 1
  • 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.
  • 8 more SATA 2 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
    8 vs 0
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 2x more maximum memory capacity
    This motherboard has more maximum memory capacity than the average motherboard (256 GB vs 128 GB). The average motherboard supports 128 GB of memory.
    higher limit with high-density DIMMs
    256 GB vs 128 GB
  • 4 more memory slots
    This motherboard has more memory slots than the average motherboard (8 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 memory slot/s.
    8 vs 4
  • 8 more SATA 2 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 2 connectors than the average motherboard (8 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 SATA 2 connectors.
    8 vs 0
  • 2 more SATA 3 connectors
    This motherboard has more SATA 3 connectors than the average motherboard (6 vs 4). The average motherboard has 4 SATA 3 connectors.
    6 vs 4
  • 3 more PCIe x8 slots
    This motherboard has more PCIe x8 slots than the average motherboard (3 vs 0). The average motherboard has 0 PCIe x8 slot/s.
    3 vs 0
  • 6 more PCIe 3.0x16 slots
    This motherboard 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
  • 1 more total USB connections
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard has a higher-end audio codec than the average motherboard (Realtek ALC898 vs Realtek ALC897).
    Realtek ALC898 vs Realtek ALC897
  • 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.
    Dual 8-pin CPU power.
    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 basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel C602 vs Intel B860).
    Also described with C606 support.
    Intel C602 vs Intel B860
  • 60% lower LAN speed
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 27.4% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.3/ 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 84% of models

    5.3

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

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    5 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each 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.
    5.3 vs 7.3
  • 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 BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • 27.4% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.3/ 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 84% of models

    5.3

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

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    8.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    5 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 5 estimated from the review. 2 video reviews, each 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.
    5.3 vs 7.3
  • 28.4% lower user score
    User score
    5.3/ 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 81% of models

    5.3

    Mark 7.1 is below the typical mark 8.4 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    70%

    7.0

    Rating

    30%

    7.5

    Popularity

    5.3 vs 7.4
  • 9.4% worse value for money
    ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS has worse value for money than the average motherboard (7.04 vs 7.7).
    7.04 vs 7.7
  • More basic chipset
    This motherboard uses a more basic chipset than the average motherboard (Intel C602 vs Intel B860).
    Also described with C606 support.
    Intel C602 vs Intel B860
  • No BIOS flashback support
    This motherboard does not support BIOS flashback, while the average motherboard does. 51.3% of motherboards support BIOS flashback.
    requires CPU/RAM
  • No integrated graphics support
    This motherboard does not support integrated graphics, while the average motherboard does. 89.8% of motherboards support integrated graphics.
  • Not ready for Windows 11
    This motherboard is not ready for Windows 11, while the average motherboard is. 77.4% of motherboards are ready for Windows 11.
  • No automatic overclocking
    This motherboard does not support automatic overclocking, while the average motherboard does. 74.1% of motherboards support automatic overclocking.
  • More dated socket
    This motherboard uses a more dated socket than the average motherboard (LGA 2011 vs LGA 1151).
    LGA 2,011 vs LGA 1,151
  • Narrower Windows support
    This motherboard 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).
    Also lists Windows Server editions.
    Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP vs Windows 11, Windows 10
  • More dated memory type
    This motherboard uses a more dated memory type than the average motherboard (DDR3 vs DDR4).
    DDR3 vs DDR4
  • 60.3% lower maximum RAM speed
    This motherboard 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
  • 57.3% lower overclocked RAM speed
    This motherboard has a lower overclocked RAM speed than the average motherboard (2,133 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s). The average motherboard supports overclocked RAM speed of 5,000 MT/s.
    2,133 MT/s vs 5,000 MT/s
  • 2 fewer M.2 sockets
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard does not support NVMe RAID, while the average motherboard does. 59.9% of motherboards support NVMe RAID.
  • Less generous lane split
    This motherboard splits its PCIe lanes less generously than the average motherboard (x16 vs x16/x0/x4, x8/x8/x4).
    x16 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 rear USB-C ports
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
    This motherboard 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
  • 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.
  • No headphone amp support
    This motherboard does not support a headphone amp, while the average motherboard does. 58.8% of motherboards support a headphone amp.
  • 5 dB lower audio SNR
    This motherboard has a lower audio SNR than the average motherboard (110 dB vs 115 dB). The average motherboard has audio SNR of 115 dB.
    110 dB vs 115 dB
  • 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
  • No pump header
    This motherboard does not have a pump header, while the average motherboard does. 77.9% of motherboards include a pump header.
  • Fewer VRM phases
    This motherboard has fewer VRM phases than the average motherboard (7+1 vs 10). The average motherboard has 10 VRM phase/s.
    7+1 vs 10
  • 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
  • 2 A lower pump header current limit
    This motherboard 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
eTeknix
≈ estimated
03/04/2012
Hands-on review · workstation testing and stability
Verdict
ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS is a strong workstation board with solid performance, though locked CPUs limit overclocking.
4.0
renderz
≈ estimated
02/07/2016
Support test vlog · faulty board and RMA request
Verdict
ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS was faulty out of the box, slower than hoped, and is not really worth its money.
Overview video
Not graded
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
pugetsystems.com
≈ estimated
06/03/2012
Lab test · Server and workstation board
Verdict
The ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS is a cool-running, quick-booting dual-Xeon board, best in tower cases, but its standby mode is unreliable and it lacks usable onboard video.
9.0
servethehome.com
≈ estimated
11/06/2012
Lab test · Dual-CPU workstation
Verdict
The ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS is a powerful, expandable dual Xeon board that can later become a remotely managed server, though it lacks a VGA port.
9.0
pcgameshardware.de
≈ estimated
03/06/2012
Lab test · Dual Xeon workstation
Verdict
The ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS lets two Xeon E5-2687W chips run together for heavy rendering, but games gain little and the large EEB board needs a special case.
7.0
myc-media.de
≈ estimated
07/03/2013
Product overview · Dual Xeon workstation
Verdict
The ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS suits builders who want a powerful, expandable workstation with 14 SATA ports and seven x16 slots, provided the case fits its unusual board size.
8.0
hardware.fr
≈ estimated
09/05/2012
Hands-on test · Dual-CPU workstation
Verdict
The ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS packs workstation features like voltage control and audio into one board, but its two Xeon E5-2687W chips are far beyond most budgets.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS

  • Supports dual Intel Xeon E5-2600 processors for massive parallel computing power.
  • Exceptional expansion with seven PCIe 3.0 x16 slots supporting up to 4-way SLI/CrossFireX.
  • High memory capacity supporting up to 256GB across 8 DIMM slots.
  • Robust storage options including 14 SATA ports and built-in SSD caching features.
  • Server-grade reliability with dual Intel Gigabit LAN and iKVM remote management support.
  • Standard EEB form factor that fits in many large tower cases compared to HPTX competitors.
  • Relatively fast POST times (approximately 10 seconds) for a workstation-class board.

What customers don't like about ASUS Z9PE-D8 WS

  • Extremely pickiness with hardware compatibility, often requiring specific ECC RAM or high-wattage power supplies (1000W+).
  • Dated and complex BIOS interface that lacks a modern graphical UI or easy overclocking profiles.
  • Limited fan control, as BIOS profiles often adjust all connected fans simultaneously rather than individually.
  • Lack of integrated physical video output ports despite having an onboard ASpeed controller.
  • Strict hardware requirements mean it will not boot with consumer-grade Core i7 processors.
  • Potential memory cooling issues in rackmount setups due to the vertical orientation of DIMM slots.
  • Poor documentation and technical support, with some manual diagrams reportedly containing errors.

Verdict

The Asus Z9PE-D8 WS is a high-performance SSI EEB workstation motherboard featuring dual Intel LGA 2011 sockets for Xeon E5-2600/v2 processors and the Intel C602 chipset. It provides exceptional scalability with seven PCIe 3.0 x16 slots supporting 4-way NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX, alongside eight DIMM slots that accommodate up to 256GB of DDR3 ECC registered memory. Key advantages include dual server-class Intel Gigabit LAN, 14 SATA ports (including six 6Gb/s), and advanced management features like ASMB6-iKVM support for remote monitoring. However, its massive form factor requires a specialized large chassis, it lacks integrated rear-panel video outputs despite having an onboard ASPEED controller, and the complex BIOS and high power requirements may be challenging for non-professional users.

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