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The ASUS Pro WS W890E-SAGE SE is a high-end Intel W890 motherboard for Xeon 600 workstation processors, built around extensive expansion, fast storage and networking, and onboard remote management. Its seven PCIe slots are not wired alike for every supported CPU, and the board needs compatible registered memory, a large EEB-capable chassis, and careful power and cooling planning. It makes the most sense when those workstation features solve a real build requirement—not simply because the spec sheet is long.
This assessment draws on ASUS’s specifications and the independent review published by ServeTheHome; no hands-on testing is claimed here.
What is the ASUS Pro WS W890E-SAGE SE?
It is an Intel W890 workstation motherboard with an LGA4710-2 socket for Intel Xeon 600 processors. It is not a drop-in replacement for a consumer desktop motherboard: both the processor platform and the required memory differ from mainstream desktop builds. ASUS’s official specifications are the starting point for checking CPU, memory and configuration compatibility.
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#1 Best Overall
- Ready for Advanced AI PC: Designed for the future of AI computing, with the power and connectivity needed for demanding AI applications
- Intel LGA 4710-2 socket: Ready for Intel Xeon? 600 Processors for Workstation
- CPU and memory overclocking: The performance of ECC R-DIMM DDR5 memory (1DPC) is further enhanced by the exclusive NitroPath DRAM technology
- Ultrafast connectivity: 7 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, Dual Intel E610-XAT2 10Gb LAN, 4 M.2, MCIO, 2 SlimSAS, and USB4? and USB 20Gbps Type-C
- Server-grade IPMI remote management: Hardware and software-level with a dedicated LAN port link to AST2600 BMC controller, plus a real-time monitoring and management software – ASUS Control Center Express
Which CPUs and memory does it support?
Xeon 600 processors
ASUS specifies Xeon 600 workstation processors for the LGA4710-2 socket. CPU choice affects more than compute performance: it changes which PCIe slots are active, the available memory-channel configuration and potentially the usable I/O topology. Check the current ASUS CPU support list for the precise processor before purchase.
Eight DDR5 slots, with registered memory
The board has eight DDR5 DIMM slots and supports ECC registered DIMMs (RDIMMs), 3DS-RDIMMs and multiplexed combined rank DIMMs (MRDIMMs), according to ASUS. It is not a board for ordinary unbuffered desktop DIMMs. Although ASUS describes an eight-channel memory architecture, it says only channels A, C, E and G function with Xeon 630 Series processors. Supported memory type, speed and population depend on the CPU and configuration, so use ASUS’s current CPU and memory support information to validate the exact DIMM model and layout.
How many GPUs can the W890E-SAGE SE run?
There are seven physical PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, but their electrical wiring depends on the installed CPU. ASUS publishes these configurations:
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Rank #2
- AMD socket sTR5 supports up to 96-core CPUs: Ready for AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 WX-Series Processors.
- Ultrafast connectivity:Seven PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, dual 10 Gb LAN ports, four M.2 slots, two rear USB4 40Gbps Type-C and SlimSAS NVMe support.
- CPU and memory overclocking: Support for up to 2TB ECC R-DIMM DDR5 memory modules (1DPC)
- Robust power and thermal design: 32 power stages with two 8-pin power connectors for the CPU, massive VRM cooling, chipset and M.2 heatsinks with active fans, and M.2 thermal pad.
- PCIe Q-release Slim: Remove the graphics card by directly pulling it up, instead of pressing a PCIe latch.
| Processor series | Published slot wiring, slots 1–7 |
|---|---|
| Xeon 690, 670 or 650 | x16 / x16 / x16 / x16 / x16 / x8 / x16 |
| Xeon 630 | x16 / x0 / x16 / x0 / x16 / x0 / x16 |
Here, x0 means the slot is not active in that published configuration. The physical slot count therefore is not a promise of seven usable GPUs. The number of cards that will work in a build also depends on card width, cooling clearance, power connections and the CPU’s lane allocation. ASUS notes that specifications vary by CPU and points users to its bifurcation reference; CXL support is limited to slots 1, 3, 5 and 7. Confirm the exact CPU and slot arrangement against the ASUS specifications before designing around a multi-GPU or CXL configuration.
What storage, networking and rear I/O does it provide?
Storage connections
ASUS lists four M.2 Key M sockets supporting PCIe 5.0 x4, two SlimSAS connections, one MCIO connector and four SATA 6 Gb/s ports. For supported processor series, MCIO can provide PCIe 5.0 x8 operating as x4/x4; the chipset-connected SlimSAS connections support PCIe 4.0 x4. The board also supports Intel VROC/VMD, with a VROC hardware key purchased separately for supported RAID features. Drive count, RAID options and lane sharing depend on the specific configuration, so check the manual and CPU setup before selecting storage.
Network and USB
The network hardware consists of dual Intel 10Gb Ethernet and a Realtek 1Gb port reserved for BMC/IPMI. ASUS says the BMC port does not provide internet access. The rear panel also has two USB4 Type-C ports rated at 40 Gbps and six Type-A ports rated at 10 Gbps.
Rank #3
- Ready for Advanced AI PC: Designed for the future of AI computing, with the power and connectivity needed for demanding AI applications
- Intel? LGA 4710-2 socket: Ready for Intel Xeon 600 Processors for Workstation
- CPU and memory overclocking: The performance of ECC R-DIMM DDR5 memory (2DPC) is further enhanced by the exclusive NitroPath DRAM technology
- Ultrafast connectivity: 7 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, Realtek 10Gb LAN and Intel? 2.5Gb LAN, 4 M.2, 2 SlimSAS, and USB4? and USB 20Gbps Type-C
- Server-grade IPMI remote management: Hardware and software-level with ASUS IPMI expansion card support, plus a real-time monitoring and management software – ASUS Control Center Express
ASUS describes USB-C display output up to 8K at 60 Hz, but that function requires a DisplayPort input through a Mini DisplayPort-in-to-DisplayPort adapter and depends on the processor or graphics card. Separately, the AST2600 BMC provides a VGA output. Treat the display paths as configuration-dependent rather than assuming every video output is available from every CPU and graphics setup.
What does onboard BMC/IPMI management add?
The board includes an AST2600 BMC and a dedicated LAN connection for management. ASUS Japan’s March 27, 2026 announcement describes remote monitoring and management through Control Center Express. This can be useful when a workstation is deployed where an administrator needs out-of-band access rather than relying only on the operating system. Confirm the features and any licensing requirements with ASUS for the intended management workflow; the dedicated BMC port is not an additional general-purpose internet connection.
Will it fit in a workstation case, and what does installation require?
Chassis and clearance
ServeTheHome identifies the board as a 12-by-13-inch EEB design. Check that a case supports the board’s actual dimensions and mounting points, with enough space for cable routing and adjacent components. An “E-ATX compatible” label alone does not establish that the layout will fit comfortably.
Rank #4
- Ready for Advanced AI PC: Designed for the future of AI computing, with the necessary performance and connectivity for demanding AI applications
- Intel LGA4710-2 Socket Supports up to 86-core CPUs Ready for Intel Xeon 600 processors for workstation.
- Ultra-fast connectivity: seven PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, two 10Gb LAN ports, four M.2 slots, one MCIO port, two rear USB4 40Gbps Type-C and SlimSAS NVMe support.
- CPU and memory overclocking: support for up to 4TB ECC R-DIMM DDR5 memory modules (1DPC)
- Robust power and cooling design: 16+2+2+1+2 power stages for the CPU and ready for dual PSU operation, massive VRM, chipset and M.2 heatsink with active fans, AngleBoost Fan Kit for DDR5 and M.2 Thermopad.
CPU carrier and cooler
ServeTheHome’s review describes the CPU as being installed in a carrier and reports that the package included E2A and E2B carriers in its tested context: E2A for Xeon 696X/698X and E2B for other Xeon CPUs. The reviewer used a Xeon 658X with a NH-U14S DX4677 cooler. Those details describe the review configuration, not universal compatibility. Check the current ASUS manual and the CPU and cooler manufacturers’ instructions for the exact processor and cooler.
Power and cooling
ServeTheHome describes multiple CPU and PCIe power sockets, as well as VRM and memory cooling fans and an included AngleBoost fan assembly. Plan the PSU capacity and every required power cable around the chosen CPU and installed cards; high-draw components and overclocking make that check especially important. The review’s layout observations do not establish one universal PSU wattage. ASUS’s announcement also highlights the board’s power-stage design and additional cooling hardware.
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What does the independent review establish?
Ryan Smith’s ServeTheHome review, published September 11, 2026, describes the board as a feature-rich premium W890 offering and reports a test configuration using an Intel Xeon 658X and NH-U14S DX4677 cooler. The article examines physical design, slot layout, power delivery, cooling, I/O and the block diagram. These are the review publisher’s observations, not hands-on findings from this article.
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- Intel LGA 4677 socket: Ready for Intel Xeon W-3400 & W-2400 processors
- CPU and memory overclocking: Supports for up to 2TB of ECC R-DIMM DDR5 memory (1DPC)
- Ultrafast connectivity: 7 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, Dual Intel X710-AT2 10G LAN, 3 M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C and 2 SlimSAS
- Server-grade IPMI remote management: Hardware and software-level with a dedicated LAN port link to AST2600 BMC controller, plus a real-time monitoring and management software – ASUS Control Center Express
- Robust power and thermal design: 14+1+1 power stages, 8-pin and 6-pin PCIe power connectors, Massive VRM, chipset, M.2 heatsinks and M.2 backplates
The review also notes that devices connected through the chipset share a DMI Gen4 x8 link to the CPU. That is relevant when estimating aggregate bandwidth for chipset-connected devices; a list of individual port rates does not mean every device can sustain its maximum rate simultaneously. For a workload-specific decision, compare the CPU lane allocation, card spacing, memory layout, storage topology, remote-management needs, case fit, cooling and power requirements together.
What does it cost, and when is it available?
A B&H Photo listing was captured as in stock at $1,168.79. That is one retailer listing snapshot, not a guaranteed current price or a market-wide figure; check local availability and pricing before buying. ASUS notes that products may not be available in every market and specifications can change.
ASUS Japan’s announcement dated March 27, 2026 said Japanese sales were scheduled to begin April 3, 2026. Those dates describe the Japanese launch, not worldwide availability. The retailer listing and ASUS support page are useful places to verify current local stock and documentation.
Who should consider this motherboard?
The W890E-SAGE SE is a plausible fit for a Xeon 600 workstation that needs several CPU-connected expansion slots, high-speed storage and networking, or onboard remote management. It is a poor match for a conventional desktop upgrade or a build that cannot accommodate registered memory, the EEB footprint and workstation-class power and cooling requirements.
Before committing, verify the exact CPU and RDIMM/MRDIMM configuration, which slots remain active with that CPU, card dimensions and cooling clearances, drive and RAID topology, BMC workflow, chassis mounting, and every required power connection. A feature count alone cannot establish that the board is the right choice for a particular workload.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
