Overclocking and Conclusion

Overclocking

To give a feel for the overclocking performance potential of the X99-E WS/USB 3.1 motherboard, we attempted to push it to known CPU-supported performance parameters with minimal tweaking. We had some issues initially getting the board dialed in, but finally got the board to cooperate with an updated BIOS. The board was fulled stable with a base clock of 100MHz, a 4.4GHz CPU speed, a 3.5GHz ring bus speed, and a 2933MHz memory speed. All overclocking sessions remained stable for over 4hrs. System stability was tested running the AIDA64 stability test in conjunction with EVGA's OC Scanner X graphical benchmark running at 1280×1024 resolution and 8x MSAA in stress test mode. Note that 16GB (4 x 4GB) of Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3200 memory modules were used for the overclocking tests.

Note that we could not get the board to stabilize at any base clock above 100MHz nor CPU speeds faster than 4.4GHz, but attribute those issues to the Corsair H100i CPU cooler used rather than a board-related issue.

100MHz Base Clock Stats with 3200MHz Memory

Note that this is is meant only as a quick preview of the board's performance potential. With more time to tweak the settings to a greater extent, pushing to a higher base clock and ring bus speed may have been achievable, in addition to an overnight stability run without issue.

Performance

The X99-E WS/USB 3.1 motherboard was a stellar performer, managing to easily handle all benchmarking testing and overclocking. While there were some challenges with the board overclocking, we attribute those to the CPU cooler used for testing rather than to the board itself.

Pricing

As of December 01, the ASUS X99-E WS/USB 3.1 motherboard was available at Amazon.com for $511.00. The board was also available from Newegg.com for $545.36 and from B&H for $520.49 with free expedited shipping.

Conclusion

As we've come to expect from high-end ASUS boards, the X99-E WS/USB 3.1 motherboard is a beast – well designed and engineered to take a beating. As part of ASUS' Workstation line, the board comes with all the power bells and whistles you've come to expect from that series – 12k-rated capacitors, Beat Thermal chokes, and Dr. MOS MOSFETs. The board's aesthetics are kept simple yet elegant with a base black design with chromed accents on the heat sinks. THe board layout is a thing of beauty with no real tight spots and everything put in easy to access locations, even with multiple GPUs seated on the board. Other than the price of the board, there are really no glaring issues with this beauty.

Strengths

  • Stock performance
  • Overclocking potential
  • Board aesthetics
  • Board design and layout
  • CPU socket layout and spacing
  • UEFI BIOS design and usability
  • CMOS battery placement
  • Performance of Intel GigE NICs
  • Placement of M.2 port
  • CMOS reset jumper

Weaknesses

  • Price
  • Lack of integrated CMOS clear jumper
  • ASMedia controlled SATA port performance
  • Exposed VRM circuitry in close proximity to CPU socket on board underside

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