ASUS has announced their first MicroATX motherboard that can support a full compliment of workstation-class hardware. The X99-M WS is an intriguing package, but it has us asking if you would really want a workstation that small.
The ASUS X99-M WS motherboard is based on the Intel X99 chipset, and offers full support for Intel Core i7 and Xeon processors on the LGA2011-v3 socket. When paired with a Xeon, the X99-M WS can also use ECC memory to guard against data corruption. The board supports dual PCI Express 3.0 graphics cards at full x16 speeds, with support for both NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX two-way configurations. ASUS has also performed extensive validation to make sure this board provides a solid foundation for your professional workstation.
As for the question of wanting or needing a workstation in this small a form factor, I just have to refer back to that time where we tried to spec-match a Mac Pro using off the shelf components and DIY chutzpah. There is a market for this, however small it may be. I for one welcome the chance to build a nice small workstation that still can get down with the best of them in AutoCAD or the Adobe suite of programs. Maybe we should take another crack at that DIY Mac Pro?
The ASUS X99-M WS motherboard is available at ASUS authorized resellers now, with the MSRP of $279.99. For more info you can check out the press release below.
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ASUS Announces the X99-M WS
The World’s Most Powerful MicroATX X99 Motherboard for Compact Workstations and High-Performance Desktops
KEY POINTS
- Ultimate microATX power: Supports dual PCI Express 3.0 graphics cards at full x16 speed, plus Xeon CPUs with up to 18 cores
- Cutting-edge connectivity: 10Gbit/s USB 3.1, 1300Mbit/s 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and high-speed M.2 are all built in
- Qualified for workstations: Premium components and extensive evaluation ensure long-term stability and broad compatibility
- One-click tuning: ASUS 5-Way Optimization technology boosts performance and adjusts cooling to suit your workload
Fremont, California (31st July, 2015) – Today ASUS announced the X99-M WS, bringing workstation features to a compact microATX motherboard that’s perfect for powerful small-form-factor builds. The X99-M WS combines the reliable performance and extensive validation required by professionals with the overclocking prowess and fine-grained control expected by power users.
Ultimate CPU and graphics power for microATX
Based on the Intel X99 chipset, the X99-M WS is the first ASUS microATX motherboard that can run two dual-slot graphics cards at full PCI Express (PCIe) 3.0 x16 speeds. Two-way NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX configurations can tap into a staggering 32GB/s of bandwidth direct from the CPU, enabling peak performance for demanding graphics workloads.
Support for Core i7 and Xeon E5-2600/1600 v3 CPUs allows you to harness up to 18 cores for processing-intensive tasks. When paired with a Xeon processor, the X99-M WS can also use ECC memory to guard against data corruption.
Cutting-edge connectivity inside and out
Dual USB 3.1 Type-A ports transfer data to external devices at up to 10Gbit/s—double the speed of USB 3.0. The X99-M WS has an M.2 slot for speedy PCIe SSDs, too, and its three PCIe x16 slots provide flexible expansion for full-sized PCIe SSDs, RAID adapters, video capture cards, and other hardware.
Onboard 3×3 (three transmit, three receive) 802.11ac Wi-Fi reaches speeds up to 1300Mbit/s, ensuring fast connectivity for wireless networks. For wired infrastructure, dual Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports deliver worry-free performance.
Qualified for workstations, ready for desktops
ASUS uses only premium components on its workstation motherboards. The hardware and firmware is subjected to more strenuous testing, which leads to superior long-term reliability even under heavy loads.
Extensive validation guarantees compatibility with a broad array of products, including both professional- and consumer-grade gear, making the X99-M WS a solid foundation for not only serious workstations, but also powerful desktops and gaming machines.
One-click performance and cooling optimization
Exclusive ASUS 5-Way Optimization technology intelligently tunes your system with a single click. It ramps up performance when you need it and conserves power when you don’t, while industry-leading fan controls dynamically adjust system cooling for optimal acoustics and airflow. Optimization profiles can be linked to specific applications, and manual controls are available for power user and enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their settings.
AVAILABILITY & PRICING
ASUS X99-M WS is priced at $279.99 and available at ASUS authorized resellers now.
SPECIFICATIONS*
* Specifications, content and product availability are all subject to change without notice and may differ from country to country. Actual performance may vary depending on applications, usage, environment and other factors.
About ASUS
ASUS is a worldwide top-three consumer notebook vendor and maker of the world’s best-selling, most award-winning motherboards. A leading enterprise in the new digital era, ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today’s digital home and office, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, displays, desktop and all-in-one PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia devices, wireless solutions, networking devices, tablets and smartphones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 4,326 awards in 2014 and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with its Eee PC™. ASUS has more than 13,600 employees around the globe with a world-class R&D team of 4,500 engineers. Company revenue for 2014 was approximately US$14.5 billion.
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