ASRock X670E Taichi vs. ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E: Which Flagship Motherboard Reigns Supreme?

The release of AMD’s latest Ryzen 7000 series processors has sparked a fierce competition among motherboard manufacturers to deliver the most capable platforms for these powerful CPUs. Two of the leading contenders in this race are the ASRock X670E Taichi and the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E, both representing the pinnacle of motherboard engineering. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key features, performance, and design aspects of these two flagship motherboards to determine which one emerges as the ultimate champion.

Performance Prowess: Power Delivery and Cooling

Both the ASRock X670E Taichi and ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E boast impressive power delivery systems designed to handle the demanding power requirements of the latest Ryzen 7000 CPUs. The ASRock Taichi features a 20-phase VRM with 105A power stages, while the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E employs a 16-phase VRM with 90A power stages. Both motherboards offer excellent voltage regulation and stability, ensuring smooth and reliable operation even under heavy workloads.

When it comes to cooling, the ASRock X670E Taichi features a robust heatsink design with a large surface area and multiple heat pipes. The ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E, on the other hand, utilizes a more elaborate cooling solution, including a large VRM heatsink, aluminum backplate, and active cooling fan. This advanced cooling system helps dissipate heat effectively, allowing for sustained high performance without thermal throttling.

Connectivity and Expansion: Abundant Options

Both motherboards offer a wide range of connectivity and expansion options. The ASRock X670E Taichi features four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, three M.2 slots (two PCIe 5.0 and one PCIe 4.0), and eight SATA ports. The ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E also provides four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, three M.2 slots (two PCIe 5.0 and one PCIe 4.0), and eight SATA ports.

In terms of rear panel connectivity, both motherboards include multiple USB 3.2 Gen2 and Gen1 ports, Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5Gb Ethernet. However, the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E offers an additional HDMI 2.1 port, which may be beneficial for users who rely on high-refresh rate displays.

Aesthetics and Design: Eye-Catching and Functional

The ASRock X670E Taichi and ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E both exhibit distinct design aesthetics. The ASRock Taichi features a black and silver color scheme with a sleek and angular design. The ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E, on the other hand, sports a more aggressive black and red design with angular accents and RGB lighting.

Beyond aesthetics, both motherboards feature functional design elements. The ASRock Taichi includes a debugging LED display and onboard power and reset buttons, while the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E offers a BIOS FlashBack button and a Q-LED display for easy troubleshooting.

Overclocking Potential: Pushing Boundaries

Overclockers will appreciate the robust overclocking capabilities of both the ASRock X670E Taichi and ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E. The ASRock Taichi features a wide range of voltage and frequency controls, including per-core voltage adjustment. The ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E also provides extensive overclocking options, including its AI-powered “Performance Enhancer” feature that automatically optimizes CPU and memory settings.

In terms of memory overclocking, both motherboards support high-speed DDR5 memory modules. The ASRock X670E Taichi supports speeds up to DDR5-6600, while the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E supports speeds up to DDR5-6800.

Software and Utilities: Comprehensive Support

Both ASRock and ASUS offer comprehensive software suites to complement their motherboards. The ASRock X670E Taichi comes with the ASRock Polychrome RGB software for controlling RGB lighting and the ASRock A-Tuning utility for system monitoring and overclocking. The ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E includes the ASUS AI Suite 3 software for system monitoring, overclocking, and fan control. Additionally, the ROG Armoury Crate software provides centralized control over RGB lighting and other ROG devices.

The Verdict: A Close Contender with Slight Advantages

After meticulously comparing the ASRock X670E Taichi and ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E, it is clear that both motherboards offer exceptional features and performance. The ASRock X670E Taichi excels in terms of power delivery and cooling, while the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E impresses with its elaborate cooling solution and additional rear panel connectivity options.

Ultimately, the choice between these two flagship motherboards comes down to personal preferences and specific needs. For users who prioritize raw power and stability, the ASRock X670E Taichi is an excellent choice. For those who seek a more comprehensive feature set, including advanced cooling and additional connectivity options, the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E is a compelling option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which motherboard has better voltage regulation?
A1: Both motherboards offer excellent voltage regulation, but the ASRock X670E Taichi has a slight edge due to its 20-phase VRM with 105A power stages.

Q2: Which motherboard has more M.2 slots?
A2: Both motherboards have three M.2 slots, two PCIe 5.0 and one PCIe 4.0.

Q3: Which motherboard supports higher memory speeds?
A3: The ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E supports slightly higher memory speeds of up to DDR5-6800 compared to the ASRock X670E Taichi’s support for DDR5-6600.

Q4: Which motherboard has better software support?
A4: Both ASRock and ASUS offer comprehensive software suites, but the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E has a slight advantage with its AI-powered Performance Enhancer feature and centralized control through ROG Armoury Crate.

Q5: Which motherboard is more affordable?
A5: Typically, the ASRock X670E Taichi is slightly more affordable than the ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E.