ASUS Pro WS W680-ACE IPMI Motherboard Review Comprehensive Look at Features and Performance

Description

Design and Build Quality

The ASUS Pro WS W680-ACE IPMI motherboard immediately stands out with its sleek black finish and robust build. I was genuinely impressed by the attention to detail in its construction. The large VRM heatsinks and M.2 heatsinks not only enhance cooling but also give it a professional, industrial look. Its 8.9 x 2.36 x 7.17-inch dimensions fit seamlessly into an ATX case, and the layout is thoughtfully designed for easy installation. While testing, I found the placement of ports and headers intuitive, which is a relief when you’re trying to minimize cable clutter. The ProCool connectors and alloy chokes give it a sturdy, durable edge, ensuring it can handle high-performance tasks without breaking a sweat.

Performance and Features

This motherboard is an absolute powerhouse. With support for 13th and 12th Gen Intel Core processors, it offers future-proof compatibility for a wide range of CPUs. I paired it with a 13th Gen Intel processor, and the performance was buttery smooth. The PCIe 5.0 Safeslots are a game-changer, especially for users like me who rely on high-end GPUs for tasks like 3D rendering and AI training. It also includes three M.2 PCIe 4.0 slots, which I utilized for SSDs, and the read/write speeds were stellar.

What really caught my eye was the Thunderbolt 4 header support, something you don’t find in every motherboard. During my tests, dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports made data transfers incredibly fast, and the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C front panel was perfect for connecting modern peripherals. Whether I was working on animation projects or deep learning algorithms, this board kept up without a hitch.

Key Benefits

• Robust performance: Handles demanding tasks like media production effortlessly.
• Ample storage options: Three M.2 slots and SlimSAS support offer incredible flexibility.
• Exceptional connectivity: Dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports and Thunderbolt 4 header support.
• Advanced cooling: Efficient thermal management with large VRM and M.2 heatsinks.

Limitations

While the motherboard is packed with features, I did encounter a few drawbacks:

• Complex BIOS navigation: I found the BIOS interface slightly overwhelming at first.
• Price point: It’s not the most budget-friendly option out there.
• No integrated Wi-Fi: A surprising omission for a workstation motherboard.

Advanced Security Features

One of the underrated aspects of this motherboard is its security management capabilities. For someone like me who works with sensitive data, features like USB port management and software blacklisting are invaluable. I tested the ASUS Control Center Express, and its ability to manage system settings remotely was a lifesaver. The Regedit on/off controls allow for a custom security setup, which IT administrators will undoubtedly appreciate.

Competing Products

While this motherboard is impressive, it faces stiff competition from MSI MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi and Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Master. The MSI board comes with built-in Wi-Fi and a similarly robust cooling system, but it doesn’t offer dual PCIe 5.0 slots, which is a significant advantage for the ASUS. On the other hand, Gigabyte’s option includes more M.2 slots, but I found its BIOS interface less user-friendly compared to ASUS Control Center.

The ASUS Pro WS W680-ACE IPMI excels in expandability and connectivity, making it ideal for professionals who need customization and flexibility. However, the lack of integrated Wi-Fi might make competitors slightly more appealing for users who prioritize wireless connectivity.

Bang for the Buck

Is it worth the investment? Definitely, if you’re a creative professional or IT manager who needs a reliable, high-performance motherboard. The build quality and feature set justify the premium price. However, for casual users, the extra features like Thunderbolt 4 header and ECC memory support might not be necessary. But for someone like me, who relies on top-notch performance and security, it’s worth every penny.

Additional information