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Looking Beyond the ASUS Pro WS W790 SAGE? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

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The ASUS Pro WS W790 SAGE SE targets professional server builds with its seven PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and dual 10G LAN. It supports up to 2TB of ECC DDR5 memory and uses the LGA 4677 socket for Intel Xeon W-series processors. If you need massive expansion in a CEB form factor, this board delivers. However, you might look for asus pro ws w790 sage alternatives if your chassis requires a standard ATX layout or if you prefer a different brand ecosystem.

These alternatives were chosen because their specifications overlap with the original. The list includes Supermicro server boards that also use DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 but fit different single-socket requirements. It also features MSI and ASUS consumer boards with LGA 1700 sockets, Wi-Fi 6E, and 2.5GbE Ethernet. You can compare these options based on their socket type, memory capacity, and network speeds to find the best fit for your specific hardware constraints.

Our top pick: ASUS Pro WS CEB Server Motherboard.

How these alternatives compare to the ASUS

Supermicro LGA-4710 Single-Socket DDR5 Server Board

The Supermicro X14SBM-TF uses the newer LGA-4710 socket instead of the LGA 4677 found in the ASUS. Both boards support DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0, but the Supermicro targets heavy server duties over desktop convenience. You get massive RAM capacity and fast networking, which suits data centers more than workstations. The ASUS offers seven expansion slots and dual 10G LAN for broader connectivity. If you prioritize raw memory throughput and enterprise networking over physical slot count, the Supermicro is a stronger fit for your specific server requirements.

Supermicro Single-Socket LGA-4710 Server Board

The Supermicro X14SBI-TF also relies on the LGA-4710 socket, differing from the ASUS LGA 4677 design. It delivers enterprise-grade memory and expansion suitable for data centers. Like the ASUS, it supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, but it lacks the extensive physical slot array of the CEB board. You get 10G networking and huge RAM pools for computational tasks. The ASUS Pro WS provides more PCIe lanes for diverse peripherals. Choose the Supermicro if your workload demands dense memory and compute power in a standard server form factor rather than maximum expansion flexibility.

Supermicro Single Socket LGA-4710 Server Board

The Supermicro X14SBI-F offers robust expansion and memory options for professional environments, using the LGA-4710 socket unlike the ASUS LGA 4677. It supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, focusing on PCIe lanes and ECC memory over consumer features. The ASUS board provides seven PCIe slots and dual 10G LAN for broader connectivity. This Supermicro model is lighter at seven pounds. It suits users who need high memory and expansion without the bulk of a CEB chassis. Pick this if you prioritize server-specific features and cost efficiency over maximum slot availability.

MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard

The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi targets Intel 12th through 14th Gen CPUs with an LGA 1700 socket, unlike the Xeon-focused LGA 4677. It uses standard ATX form factor, fitting desktop cases rather than server racks. Both boards support DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, but the MSI includes Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN. The ASUS offers dual 10G LAN and seven expansion slots. Choose the MSI if you need modern desktop connectivity and Wi-Fi for general builds. It lacks the server-grade management and massive expansion of the ASUS, making it better for non-enterprise use cases.

MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi uses the LGA 1700 socket for 12th or 13th Gen Intel processors, differing from the ASUS LGA 4677. It is an ATX board with Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5GbE LAN, unlike the ASUS dual 10G setup. Both support DDR5 and PCIe 5.0. The MSI focuses on gaming features and standard desktop connectivity. The ASUS provides seven PCIe slots for extensive expansion. Select the MSI if you are building a gaming PC and value wireless networking. It is not suitable for server workloads requiring ECC memory or high-speed enterprise networking found in the ASUS.

ASUS TUF Gaming PCIe 5.0 ATX Motherboard

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi uses the LGA 1700 socket for Intel 14th Gen or earlier chips, contrasting with the Xeon LGA 4677. It is an ATX board with Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5GbE LAN. Both boards support DDR5 and PCIe 5.0. The TUF model offers ample storage options and desktop connectivity. The ASUS Pro WS provides seven PCIe slots and dual 10G LAN for server builds. Choose the TUF if you need fast Wi-Fi for gaming or desktop use. It lacks the server-grade expansion and networking capabilities of the Pro WS, making it a consumer-focused alternative.

Quick picks

#ProductBest forPrice
1 ASUS Pro WS CEB Server Motherboard Best overall professional workstations needing massive PCIe expansion Check price of ASUS Pro WS CEB Server Motherboard on Amazon
2 Supermicro LGA-4710 Single-Socket DDR5 Server Board Best premium High-capacity server memory and networking Check price of Supermicro LGA-4710 Single-Socket DDR5 Server Board on Amazon
3 Supermicro Single-Socket LGA-4710 Server Board Also great Enterprise storage and compute servers Check price of Supermicro Single-Socket LGA-4710 Server Board on Amazon
4 Supermicro Single Socket LGA-4710 Server Board Also great Server builds needing high memory and PCIe expansion Check price of Supermicro Single Socket LGA-4710 Server Board on Amazon
5 MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard Also great Intel 12th-14th Gen builds needing Wi-Fi 6E Check price of MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard on Amazon
6 MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard Gaming builds with 12th or 13th Gen Intel CPUs Check price of MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard on Amazon
7 ASUS TUF Gaming PCIe 5.0 ATX Motherboard Best budget Intel 14th Gen gaming builds with Wi-Fi Check price of ASUS TUF Gaming PCIe 5.0 ATX Motherboard on Amazon

Our 7 picks

Best overall

ASUS Pro WS CEB Server Motherboard

Best for: professional workstations needing massive PCIe expansion

CPU Socket
LGA 4677
Chipset
Intel W790
Form Factor
CEB
Memory Type
DDR5
PCIe Version
PCIe 5.0
M.2 Slots
3

View on Amazon: ASUS Pro WS CEB Server Motherboard Affiliate link

This CEB motherboard supports Intel Xeon W-3400 and W-2400 processors via the LGA 4677 socket. It features seven PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and dual 10G Ethernet ports. The board handles up to 2TB of DDR5 ECC memory. Its 14+1+1 power stages and robust cooling design suit demanding server workloads. You should choose this if you need extensive expansion and high-speed networking for professional tasks.

Pros

  • Seven PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for maximum expansion
  • Dual Intel X710-AT2 10G LAN ports
  • Supports up to 2TB of DDR5 ECC memory
  • Server-grade IPMI remote management with dedicated BMC
  • 14+1+1 power stages for stable operation

Cons

  • CEB form factor limits compatibility with standard cases
  • Heavy build at 6.17 pounds
  • No consumer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity

Good fit if

  • You require extensive PCIe expansion for multiple GPUs or cards
  • You need dedicated 10G networking for server tasks
  • You are building a workstation with Xeon W processors

Skip if

  • You need a standard ATX or Micro-ATX form factor
  • You require built-in Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity
  • You are using consumer Intel Core processors

Verdict: ASUS Pro WS W790 SAGE SE CEB delivers seven PCIe 5.0 slots and dual 10G LAN for professional server builds. It fits users needing high memory capacity and robust expansion in a CEB chassis.

Best premium

Supermicro LGA-4710 Single-Socket DDR5 Server Board

Best for: High-capacity server memory and networking

CPU Socket
LGA-4710
Memory Type
DDR5
PCIe Version
PCIe 5.0
M.2 Slots
2
Ethernet Speed
10GBase-T
Use Case
Server

View on Amazon: Supermicro LGA-4710 Single-Socket DDR5 Server Board Affiliate link

The Supermicro X14SBM-TF is a server board for Intel Xeon 6700/6500 processors on the LGA-4710 socket. It supports up to 2TB of DDR5 ECC RDIMM or 512GB of MRDIMM. You get four PCIe 5.0 x8 slots via MCIO connectors and dual 10GBase-T LAN ports. This board suits users needing high memory capacity and fast expansion for server workloads.

Pros

  • Supports up to 2TB DDR5 ECC RDIMM or 512GB MRDIMM
  • Features four PCIe 5.0 x8 slots via MCIO connectors
  • Includes dual 10GBase-T Ethernet ports with Intel X710-AT2
  • Handles CPUs with up to 350W TDP

Cons

  • Limited to only two M.2 slots for storage
  • Designed specifically for server use cases
  • MCIO connectors require specific cables for PCIe devices

Good fit if

  • You need maximum memory capacity for virtualization
  • You require high-speed 10GBase-T networking
  • You are building a server with multiple PCIe 5.0 expansion cards

Skip if

  • You are building a standard desktop PC
  • You need more than two M.2 storage slots
  • You prefer consumer-grade LGA-1700 sockets

Verdict: Supermicro X14SBM-TF LGA-4710 Server Board is built for heavy server duties. It fits users who prioritize massive RAM and fast networking over desktop convenience.

Also great

Supermicro Single-Socket LGA-4710 Server Board

Best for: Enterprise storage and compute servers

CPU Socket
LGA-4710
Memory Type
DDR5
PCIe Version
PCIe 5.0
M.2 Slots
2
Ethernet Speed
10GBase-T
Use Case
Server

View on Amazon: Supermicro Single-Socket LGA-4710 Server Board Affiliate link

This Supermicro board targets high-end workloads with the LGA-4710 socket, supporting Intel Xeon 6700/6500 processors. It handles up to 2TB of ECC DDR5 memory or 512GB of MRDIMM. You get six PCIe 5.0 x8 lanes and three x16 slots for expansion. Dual 10GBase-T ports provide robust networking. It is built for server environments requiring significant memory bandwidth and storage throughput.

Pros

  • Supports up to 2TB DDR5-6400MT/s ECC RDIMM memory
  • Features six PCIe 5.0 x8 lanes via MCIO connectors
  • Includes dual 10GBase-T Ethernet ports with Intel X550

Cons

  • Designed strictly for server use cases
  • Limited to two M.2 slots for storage
  • Requires specific CPUs to enable all PCIe lanes

Good fit if

  • You need massive ECC memory capacity for virtualization
  • You require high-speed 10G networking connectivity
  • You are building a dense storage server

Skip if

  • You are looking for a consumer gaming motherboard
  • You need extensive consumer connectivity options
  • You prefer a standard ATX form factor

Verdict: Supermicro X14SBI-TF Server Board delivers enterprise-grade memory and expansion for data centers. It fits professionals needing 10G networking and huge RAM pools for heavy computational tasks.

Also great

Supermicro Single Socket LGA-4710 Server Board

Best for: Server builds needing high memory and PCIe expansion

CPU Socket
LGA-4710
Memory Type
DDR5
PCIe Version
PCIe 5.0
M.2 Slots
2
Ethernet Speed
1 GbE
Use Case
Server

View on Amazon: Supermicro Single Socket LGA-4710 Server Board Affiliate link

This Supermicro board targets server workloads with the LGA-4710 socket for Intel Xeon 6000 series processors. It supports up to 2TB of DDR5 ECC RDIMM memory. You get six PCIe 5.0 x8 slots and three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for expansion. Network connectivity relies on dual 1GbE ports. It weighs seven pounds and includes two M.2 slots. This setup suits users needing high memory capacity and extensive PCIe lanes for enterprise tasks.

Pros

  • Supports up to 2TB DDR5 ECC RDIMM memory
  • Six PCIe 5.0 x8 slots for expansion
  • Three PCIe 5.0 x16 slots available
  • Compatible with Intel Xeon 6700/6500 series CPUs

Cons

  • Limited to 1 GbE Ethernet speeds
  • Only two M.2 slots included
  • Heavy seven-pound build requires sturdy mounting

Good fit if

  • You need extensive PCIe 5.0 expansion for server hardware
  • You require large memory capacity up to 2TB
  • You are building a workstation with Xeon processors

Skip if

  • You need faster than 1 GbE networking
  • You want a compact desktop form factor
  • You are using consumer Intel Core processors

Verdict: Supermicro X14SBI-F Server Board delivers robust expansion and memory options for professional server environments. It fits users prioritizing PCIe lanes and ECC memory over consumer features.

Also great

MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard

Best for: Intel 12th-14th Gen builds needing Wi-Fi 6E

CPU Socket
LGA 1700
Form Factor
ATX
Memory Type
DDR5
PCIe Version
PCIe 5.0
Wi-Fi Standard
Wi-Fi 6E
Ethernet Speed
2.5Gbps

View on Amazon: MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard Affiliate link

The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi ProSeries supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features four DDR5 slots for up to 128GB of RAM and includes PCIe 5.0 support for fast data transfer. You get Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and 2.5Gbps LAN for reliable connectivity. This ATX board suits users who need modern wireless standards and high-speed wired networking without enterprise-level complexity.

Pros

  • Supports 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel processors
  • Four DDR5 memory slots supporting up to 128GB
  • Includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
  • Features 2.5Gbps LAN for fast wired connections
  • Offers PCIe 5.0 interface support

Cons

  • Limited to LGA 1700 socket, restricting CPU upgrades to Intel 12th-14th Gen
  • Only four memory slots compared to server boards with eight
  • ATX form factor is larger than compact ITX or mATX options

Good fit if

  • You need Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 built-in
  • You are building a system with DDR5 memory
  • You want 2.5Gbps Ethernet for faster local network speeds

Skip if

  • You require support for AMD processors
  • You need a server board with ECC memory support
  • You are looking for a compact ITX form factor

Verdict: MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi DDR5 delivers solid connectivity and modern standards for Intel builders. It fits users who prioritize Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN in a standard ATX layout.

MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard

Best for: Gaming builds with 12th or 13th Gen Intel CPUs

CPU Socket
LGA 1700
Form Factor
ATX
Memory Type
DDR5
PCIe Version
PCIe 5.0
Wi-Fi Standard
Wi-Fi 6E
Ethernet Speed
2.5Gbps LAN

View on Amazon: MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi is an ATX motherboard for 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors on the LGA 1700 socket. It supports DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 for high-speed components. You get built-in Wi-Fi 6E and a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port for reliable networking. This board suits gamers who want modern connectivity without the bulk of server-grade hardware.

Pros

  • Supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors
  • Includes PCIe 5.0 expansion slots
  • Features integrated Wi-Fi 6E
  • Provides 2.5 Gigabit LAN connectivity

Cons

  • Sold as a renewed product
  • Limited to LGA 1700 socket compatibility
  • ATX form factor may not fit smaller cases

Good fit if

  • You are building a gaming PC with 12th or 13th Gen Intel CPUs
  • You need fast Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
  • You prefer a standard ATX size for your case

Skip if

  • You require support for 14th Gen Intel processors
  • You are using AMD Ryzen CPUs
  • You need a server-grade board with ECC memory support

Verdict: The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi ATX is a solid choice for gamers using 12th or 13th Gen Intel processors who value modern networking speeds. It delivers essential PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6E features in a standard form factor.

Best budget

ASUS TUF Gaming PCIe 5.0 ATX Motherboard

Best for: Intel 14th Gen gaming builds with Wi-Fi

CPU Socket
LGA 1700
Chipset
Z790
Form Factor
ATX
Memory Type
DDR5
PCIe Version
PCIe 5.0
M.2 Slots
4

View on Amazon: ASUS TUF Gaming PCIe 5.0 ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This ATX motherboard supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features PCIe 5.0 lanes and DDR5 memory slots for modern performance. You get built-in Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5GbE Ethernet for stable networking. The board includes four M.2 slots for fast storage expansion. It is designed for gaming builds that need reliable connectivity and current-generation hardware support.

Pros

  • Wi-Fi 6 wireless connectivity
  • 2.5GbE Ethernet port
  • Four M.2 storage slots
  • PCIe 5.0 support

Cons

  • LGA 1700 socket limits CPU upgrades to 14th Gen
  • ATX form factor requires a larger case
  • DDR5 memory only, no DDR4 support

Good fit if

  • You want Wi-Fi 6 built into your build
  • You are using Intel 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen CPUs
  • You need multiple M.2 drives for storage

Skip if

  • You need LGA 4677 or LGA 4710 server sockets
  • You are building a workstation with Xeon processors
  • You prefer DDR4 memory compatibility

Verdict: ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi ATX fits gamers using Intel's 14th Gen or earlier chips who need fast Wi-Fi and ample storage options.

Specifications side by side

Spec ASUS Pro WS CEB Server Motherboard Supermicro LGA-4710 Single-Socket DDR5 Server Board Supermicro Single-Socket LGA-4710 Server Board Supermicro Single Socket LGA-4710 Server Board MSI PRO ATX DDR5 Motherboard MSI MPG LGA 1700 DDR5 ATX Motherboard ASUS TUF Gaming PCIe 5.0 ATX Motherboard
CPU Socket LGA 4677 LGA-4710 LGA-4710 LGA-4710 LGA 1700 LGA 1700 LGA 1700
Chipset Intel W790 not stated not stated not stated not stated not stated Z790
Form Factor CEB not stated not stated not stated ATX ATX ATX
Memory Type DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5 DDR5
PCIe Version PCIe 5.0 PCIe 5.0 PCIe 5.0 PCIe 5.0 PCIe 5.0 PCIe 5.0 PCIe 5.0
M.2 Slots 3 2 2 2 not stated not stated 4
Wi-Fi Standard not stated not stated not stated not stated Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 6E not stated
Ethernet Speed Dual 10G 10GBase-T 10GBase-T 1 GbE 2.5Gbps 2.5Gbps LAN not stated
Power Phases 14+1+1 not stated not stated not stated not stated not stated 16+1
Wi-Fi not stated not stated not stated not stated Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 6
Use Case Server Server Server Server not stated Gaming Gaming
Dimensions 15 × 14.3 × 3.2 inches not stated not stated not stated 5.91 × 1.57 × 5.91 inches 2.76 × 1.97 × 0.39 inches 10.7 × 2.75 × 14 inches
Weight 6.17 pounds not stated not stated 7 pounds 1.25 pounds 3.92 pounds 2.91 pounds
Color BLACK not stated not stated not stated not stated Black BLACK
Model Pro WS W790E-SAGE SE MBD-X14SBM-TF-B MBD-X14SBI-TF-B MBD-X14SBI-F-O PRO Z790-P WiFi ProSeries Z790 TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI

Frequently asked questions

Can I use consumer CPUs with these server motherboards?

No, most alternatives require specific server processors. The Supermicro boards use the LGA-4710 socket for newer server chips. The ASUS Pro WS CEB uses LGA 4677 for Intel Xeon W-series. You cannot install standard desktop Core i9 processors on these high-end server platforms.

Do all the listed boards support DDR5 memory?

Yes, every motherboard in this list supports DDR5 memory. This includes the ASUS Pro WS CEB, the Supermicro X14 series, and the MSI Z790 models. DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and efficiency compared to older DDR4 standards, which is essential for modern high-performance workloads and gaming.

Which board is best for Wi-Fi connectivity?

The ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi is ideal for wireless needs. It features built-in Wi-Fi 6 support. The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi and MPG Z790 Edge WiFi also offer Wi-Fi 6E. These boards provide faster wireless speeds and better stability for desktop users.

Are there options smaller than the CEB form factor?

Yes, several alternatives use the standard ATX form factor. The MSI PRO Z790-P WiFi, MPG Z790 Edge WiFi, and ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi all fit in standard ATX cases. The ASUS Pro WS CEB is larger at 15 inches long, requiring a bigger chassis.

Which motherboard supports the newest Intel processors?

The MSI and ASUS Z790 boards support 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel Core processors. They use the LGA 1700 socket. The server boards use older or different sockets like LGA 4677 or LGA-4710. Choose the Z790 models for the latest desktop CPUs.

Do these boards include Ethernet ports?

Yes, all listed motherboards include Ethernet connectivity. The MSI and ASUS Z790 models feature 2.5GbE LAN ports. The ASUS Pro WS CEB includes dual 10G LAN for high-speed networking. The Supermicro server boards also prioritize robust networking options for enterprise environments.

Is PCIe 5.0 available on all these alternatives?

Yes, every board in this list supports PCIe 5.0. This includes the ASUS Pro WS CEB, all Supermicro X14 models, and the MSI and ASUS Z790 boards. PCIe 5.0 allows for faster data transfer rates for graphics cards and storage devices compared to previous generations.

Which board is best for gaming builds?

The MSI MPG Z790 Edge WiFi and ASUS TUF Gaming Z790-Plus WiFi are designed for gaming. They support Intel 12th through 14th Gen CPUs and include Wi-Fi. The Supermicro and ASUS Pro WS CEB are built for servers and lack the typical gaming features found on Z790 boards.

See also