Intel’s W890 is a launched workstation chipset for its Xeon 600 workstation platform. Intel lists up to 24 chipset PCIe 4.0 lanes, while Xeon 600 processors provide up to 128 CPU-attached PCIe 5.0 lanes; these are separate connections, not one combined pool. The exact slots, memory support, and I/O available depend on the processor and motherboard.
What is the Intel W890 chipset?
W890 is Intel’s workstation chipset for systems built around Xeon 600 workstation processors. Intel’s W890 specifications page lists its marketing status as Launched and its launch timing as Q1 2026. Intel describes Xeon 600 as an update to its high-end workstation platform built on W890. Intel W890 chipset specifications · Intel’s February 2, 2026 Xeon 600 launch announcement
How many PCIe lanes does W890 have?
Intel lists up to 24 PCIe 4.0 lanes from the W890 chipset, configurable as x1, x2, or x4 links, and up to eight DMI 4.0 lanes connecting the chipset to the processor. Separately, Intel says Xeon 600 processors support up to 128 CPU-attached PCIe 5.0 lanes. The chipset lanes and CPU lanes have different sources and roles; adding the figures does not describe a single interchangeable pool. A motherboard’s routing and design determine which slots and devices are exposed and how they share connectivity. Intel W890 specifications · Intel Xeon 600 announcement
W890 memory and I/O capabilities
Intel lists ECC support and two DIMMs per channel at the chipset level. The Xeon 600 announcement specifies up to eight channels of DDR5 RDIMM memory at 6,400 MT/s and DDR5 MRDIMM speeds up to 8,000 MT/s. Those platform maximums do not establish what a particular processor and board support together: check the selected CPU and motherboard documentation for memory type, capacity, speed, and population rules.
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Intel’s chipset specifications list these maximum connectivity capabilities. They are not a promise that every W890 motherboard exposes every listed maximum at once.
| W890 capability | Intel-listed specification |
|---|---|
| Chipset PCIe | Up to 24 PCIe 4.0 lanes; x1, x2, and x4 configurations |
| Processor link | Up to eight DMI 4.0 lanes |
| SATA | Up to eight SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports |
| USB | Up to 14 ports; listed configurations include up to five USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 Gb/s), ten Gen 2×1 (10 Gb/s), ten Gen 1×1 (5 Gb/s), and 14 USB 2.0 ports |
| Networking | Integrated LAN MAC and support for Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 |
| Memory-related chipset listing | ECC support; two DIMMs per channel |
Intel also lists support for VT-d, Trusted Execution Technology, Boot Guard, and vPro Enterprise eligibility. These are platform support or eligibility statements, not guarantees that every W890 system includes every feature; Intel directs buyers to verify availability with the system vendor. Intel W890 chipset specifications
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Which processors are compatible with W890?
Intel associates W890 with the Xeon 600 workstation family. Its compatible-products listing includes processors with 12 to 86 cores, all using the FCLGA4710 socket. Listed TDPs range from 150 W to 350 W. Those figures describe Intel’s current compatible-products listing, not retail inventory or a guarantee that any one motherboard supports every listed model. Confirm CPU support and BIOS requirements against the exact board before buying. Intel W890 compatible-products listing
Intel’s February 2, 2026 announcement identifies the ASUS Pro WS W890E-SAGE SE paired with a Xeon 698X as an example system. That confirms a named W890 motherboard, but it does not establish current stock or the board’s detailed component support. Intel’s Xeon 600 announcement
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What kind of work is Xeon 600 for?
Intel positions Xeon 600 workstations for data science and AI development, engineering simulation and visualization, and media and entertainment content creation. The family’s high core counts, multi-channel memory, and extensive PCIe connectivity are relevant to workloads that can use those resources, but the appropriate processor and system depend on the workload and its scaling behavior.
Intel advertises up to 9% better single-thread and 61% better multi-thread performance versus prior-generation Intel processors, measured using Cinebench 2026 CPU Single Thread and CPU Multiple Threads. It also claims up to 17% faster AI/ML performance versus prior-generation Intel processors, measured using SPECworkstation 4.0 AI & Machine Learning. Intel says results may vary; these are vendor-reported comparisons, not independent test results. In a separate comparison, Intel says its 86-core Xeon 698X delivered up to 61% higher multi-thread performance than the prior-generation 64-core W3595X, citing Cinebench 2026 CPU Multiple Threads.
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Intel also reported that a Xeon 698X system using the ASUS Pro WS W890E-SAGE SE set world records across 10 benchmarks and earned 10 additional global first-place submissions as of February 2, 2026. These are Intel’s reported launch results. Intel’s launch announcement and benchmark footnotes
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check when choosing a W890 system
W890 is one chipset specification, not a complete system specification. Before choosing a CPU or board, verify the parts and capabilities that the finished workstation will actually expose:
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Processor: Confirm the exact Xeon 600 model is supported, including any BIOS requirement. Compare core count and workload scaling, clock behavior, cache, TDP, and price and availability.
- Memory: Check whether the board and CPU support the intended RDIMM or MRDIMM type, capacity, speed, and DIMM population.
- Expansion: Review the motherboard manual for slot wiring, CPU-attached versus chipset-attached slots, and any lane sharing or disabled ports.
- Storage and I/O: Count the board’s implemented SATA, USB, and other ports rather than assuming it exposes every chipset maximum.
- Networking and features: Verify the actual LAN and Wi-Fi hardware and whether desired platform features are enabled on that system.
- Power and fit: Check power delivery, cooling needs, PSU requirements, case dimensions, and vendor support for the selected high-TDP processor.
Does W890 cost $72?
Intel’s W890 specification page lists a $72 recommended customer price (RCP). Intel describes RCP as guidance, not a formal offer, and notes that point-of-sale pricing may differ because of taxes, tariffs, and other factors. It is not a current street-price quote for a chipset or motherboard. Intel W890 chipset specifications
How does W890 compare with W790?
The available Intel specifications establish W890’s capabilities and its relationship to Xeon 600, but do not provide enough comparative detail to make a reliable W890-versus-W790 assessment. A useful comparison requires matching official specifications for both chipsets and the specific processors and boards being considered.
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