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ASRock X399 Taichi (Ryzen Threadripper) Motherboard Review

Today we have another fantastic X399 motherboard to review. This time it’s the ASRock X399 Taichi. As the name suggests, it utilizes the latest X399 chipset from AMD for their new TR4 platform, and is suitable for all Ryzen Threadripper processors. It also supports DDR4 memory in quad channel up to 3600+(OC). Like all ASRock’s other Taichi series, it’s designed for the extreme high-end enthusiast, and content creators who require high multi-core/multi-thread performance.
 
As with all high-end motherboards on the market, the ASRock X399 Taichi is packed with some great features. And just to name a few … you have the ASRock Super Alloy, ASRock RGB LED, BIOS Flashback, Hyper BCLK Engine, Diagnostic LEDs, Dual Intel Gigabit LAN, Intel 802.11ac WiFi, 7.1 CH HD Audio, DTS Connect support, 8 x SATA3, 3 x Ultra M.2 connectors, 2 USB 3.1 Gen2 (1 Type-A + 1 Type-C), 12 x USB 3.1 Gen1 (4 Front, 8 Rear), 1 x U.2 Connector and lots more.

For multi-GPU support, the ASRock X399 Taichi can take up to NVIDIA 4-Way SLI or AMD 4-Way CrossFireX.

Please note that this motherboard and all X399 chipset based motherboards, do not support and is not compatible with Ryzen 7, Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 3 (AM4) processors. 

 

 

Earlier in the week, we reviewed the Asus ROG Zenith Extreme which we thought was excellent motherboard, that offered good multi-core/multi-thread performance when paired with a Ryzen Threadripper processor. It also came with a ton of features making it THE Threadripper motherboard for the hardcore enthusiast. 

Now let’s see how well the ASRock X399 Taichi can compete against the Asus ROG Zenith Extreme. Both boards are aimed at the high-end enthusiast market, and both offer great features for overclocking. The only difference that I can see is the price, with the ASRock X399 Taichi costing less than the Asus ROG Zenith Extreme. Mind you, the latter does offer more accessories in its package such as the 10Gb card and fan controller card.

Currently there are only 3 Threadipper CPUs on the market … the 1950X, 1920X and the 1900X. All have 64 PCIE lanes, and all are compatible with TR4 socket boards only. Their highest-end CPU cost under $1,000, which is a major winner in the never-ending Intel vs AMD battle. Take a look at the table below …

I would like to thank ASRock for providing the review sample. This is a snippet from what ASRock has to say about themselves on their website:

ASRock Inc. is established in 2002, specialized in the field of motherboards. ASRock strives to build up its own brand. With the 3C design concept, “Creativity, Consideration, Cost-effectiveness”, the company explores the limit of motherboards manufacturing while paying attention on the eco issue at the same time, developing products with the consideration of eco-friendly concept.

ASRock has been growing fast and become world third largest motherboard brand with headquarter in Taipei, Taiwan and branches in Europe and the USA. The young and vibrant company targets from mainstream to enthusiast MB segments for different kinds of users, owning reputation around the world market with its reliability and proficiency.

First impressions of the ASRock X399 Taichi is without doubt, a good one. It has the same Taichi themed design as their other Taichi motherboards which looks great, especially with that signature heatsink. What really caught my eye was the 3 x ultra M.2 connectors for SSDs. They’re integrated on to the motherboard itself which I really like (unlike the ROG Zenith Extreme, which is on a separate expansion DIMM.2 card). I guess it’s a matter of preference. 

I’m expecting the performance of the ASRock X399 Taichi to be very similar to the Zenith Extreme. Both are very good motherboards so I think it’s down to personal preference … are you an ASRock or Asus Fan?

OK, now let’s first take a look at the features and specification of the AMD X399 chipset, then will move on to the ASRock X399 Taichi motherboard itself.

 

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