Looking Beyond the ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE Workstation Motherboard? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How these alternatives compare

GIGABYTE AORUS Xtreme AM5 E-ATX Motherboard

The GIGABYTE AORUS Xtreme AM5 E-ATX Motherboard shifts you from Intel Xeon to the AMD AM5 socket. It keeps the 10GbE Ethernet and PCIe 5.0 standard found in the ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE, ensuring high-speed connectivity for modern GPUs and storage. However, it uses E-ATX form factor rather than EEB, which may affect compatibility with specific workstation chassis. You gain Wi-Fi 7 support, a feature absent in the ASUS model. This board suits builders who prefer AMD processors for their workstation while still demanding extensive PCIe lanes and robust networking capabilities without sacrificing physical size constraints.

GIGABYTE AORUS Master 10GbE Motherboard

The GIGABYTE AORUS Master 10GbE Motherboard targets 12th Gen Intel CPUs via the LGA 1700 socket, a significant step back from the LGA4710-2 socket in the ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE. It retains the 10GbE Ethernet and PCIe 5.0 slots, maintaining high-bandwidth connectivity for storage and graphics. The ATX form factor is much smaller than the EEB size of the ASUS board, making it easier to fit in standard cases. You lose the massive expansion potential of the Xeon platform. This option is ideal if you already own 12th Gen Intel hardware and need fast networking without the bulk and cost of a full workstation motherboard.

GIGABYTE Aero E-ATX Threadripper Motherboard

The GIGABYTE Aero E-ATX Threadripper Motherboard supports AMD Threadripper PRO CPUs, offering a different ecosystem than the Intel Xeon 600 in the ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE. It maintains PCIe 5.0 and 10GbE Ethernet, matching the high-speed I/O standards. The E-ATX form factor is slightly more compact than the ASUS EEB board. You gain Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, which the ASUS model lacks. This motherboard is designed for users who require the core density and memory bandwidth of Threadripper PRO processors. It fits professional workflows that prioritize AMD’s platform advantages while still needing robust networking and modern PCIe standards for high-performance tasks.

ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial E-ATX Motherboard

The ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial E-ATX Motherboard uses the AM5 socket, moving you away from the Intel Xeon 600 architecture. It includes 10GbE Ethernet and PCIe 5.0, aligning with the connectivity standards of the ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE. The E-ATX form factor differs from the EEB size, potentially impacting case compatibility. You get Wi-Fi 7 support, a feature not present in the original board. This motherboard is best for users who want high-density storage options and professional-grade networking on the AMD platform. It suits those who prioritize modern AMD processors and extensive connectivity over the specific server-grade features of the Xeon-based ASUS model.

Gigabyte TRX50 AERO D with Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

The Gigabyte TRX50 AERO D with Ryzen Threadripper 9960X bundle provides a complete solution using AMD’s Threadripper platform, contrasting with the Intel Xeon 600 in the ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE. It features 10GbE Ethernet and PCIe 5.0, matching the high-speed I/O capabilities. The E-ATX form factor is used instead of EEB. You gain Wi-Fi 7 support, which the ASUS board does not offer. This bundle is designed for professionals needing 24 cores and serious workstation power. It fits users who prioritize core count and networking speed over the specific expansion slots and server management features of the dedicated ASUS workstation motherboard.

ASUS Pro WS EEB Workstation Motherboard

The ASUS Pro WS EEB Workstation Motherboard is a sibling to the original, also supporting Intel Xeon 600 CPUs via the LGA4710-2 socket. It shares the PCIe 5.0 and 10GbE Ethernet specifications, ensuring similar high-speed connectivity. The EEB form factor matches the original board, maintaining compatibility with existing workstation cases. This model is positioned for server workloads and AI computing, offering specialized features for those needs. It is ideal for users who want a dedicated server or AI rig with extensive PCIe lanes and reliable remote access. The choice between this and the W890-SAGE depends on specific server management requirements and intended workload intensity.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE Workstation Motherboard

Best for: Intel Xeon 600 multi-GPU workstations

CPU Socket

LGA4710-2

Form Factor

EEB

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

4

Ethernet Speed

10Gb, 2.5Gb

View on Amazon: ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE Workstation Motherboard Affiliate link

This is an EEB workstation motherboard built for Intel Xeon 600 processors via the LGA4710-2 socket. It supports up to 86-core CPUs and 4TB of DDR5 memory. You get four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for multi-GPU setups and 10Gb Ethernet. The robust power design includes 12+2+2+1+2 phases and dual PSU support. It suits users needing heavy compute and expansion.

Pros

• Supports Intel Xeon 600 CPUs with up to 86 cores
• Four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for multi-GPU configurations
• Handles up to 4TB of ECC DDR5 memory
• Includes 10Gb and 2.5Gb LAN ports

Cons

• EEB form factor requires a compatible large chassis
• Heavy at 6.06 pounds
• Dual PSU operation adds setup complexity

Good fit if

• You need multi-GPU support for AI workloads
• You require 10Gb Ethernet connectivity
• You use Intel Xeon 600 processors

Skip if

• You need a standard ATX motherboard
• You are building a consumer desktop
• You prefer single PSU simplicity

Verdict: The ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE EEB Workstation Board is a high-capacity solution for professionals running Intel Xeon 600 CPUs. It fits users who demand extensive PCIe lanes and large memory capacity for demanding workstation tasks.

2 Also great

GIGABYTE AORUS Xtreme AM5 E-ATX Motherboard

Best for: Large E-ATX builds needing 10GbE and PCIe 5.0

CPU Socket

AM5, LGA 1718

Chipset

X870E

Form Factor

E-ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

4

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE AORUS Xtreme AM5 E-ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

This GIGABYTE motherboard targets high-end AMD builds with an E-ATX form factor and the X870E chipset. It supports DDR5 memory and offers four M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 connectivity. You get Wi-Fi 7 and dual 10 GbE LAN ports for robust networking. The 18+2+2 power design aims to handle demanding Ryzen processors. It is a premium option for users who need extensive expansion and modern standards.

Pros

• 18+2+2 power phase design with 110A smart power stages
• Four M.2 slots supporting PCIe 5.0
• Wi-Fi 7 and dual 10 GbE LAN connectivity
• USB4 support and front/rear USB-C ports

Cons

• E-ATX form factor requires a large case
• 8.14 pound weight adds significant bulk
• Premium positioning may not suit standard ATX builds

Good fit if

• You need extensive M.2 storage with PCIe 5.0 support
• You require high-speed 10 GbE networking
• You are building a large E-ATX workstation

Skip if

• You are limited to standard ATX cases
• You prefer smaller form factors like micro-ATX
• You do not need Wi-Fi 7 or USB4

Verdict: GIGABYTE X870E AORUS Xtreme E-ATX is a heavy, feature-rich board for users who need maximum connectivity and storage options. It fits those building large, high-performance AMD systems who prioritize modern standards over compact size.

3 Best budget

GIGABYTE AORUS Master 10GbE Motherboard

Best for: 12th Gen Intel builds with 10GbE needs

CPU Socket

LGA 1700

Chipset

Intel Z690

Form Factor

ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

4

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE AORUS Master 10GbE Motherboard Affiliate link

The GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master is an ATX motherboard built for Intel 12th Gen processors on the LGA 1700 socket. It features a robust 19+1+2 phase power design and supports DDR5 memory. You get PCIe 5.0 support, four M.2 slots, and 10GbE networking. This board suits users who need high-speed connectivity and strong power delivery for demanding tasks.

Pros

• 19+1+2 phase VRM design with 105A power stages
• Supports PCIe 5.0 and four NVMe M.2 slots
• Includes AQUANTIA 10GbE LAN and Intel WiFi 6E
• Features Intel Thunderbolt 4 and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2

Cons

• ATX form factor is smaller than the E-ATX options on this list
• Uses the older LGA 1700 socket instead of the latest LGA 4710-2
• Does not support DDR4 memory, limiting upgrade paths from older systems

Good fit if

• You need 10GbE networking for fast local transfers
• You are building with 12th Gen Intel processors
• You want Thunderbolt 4 connectivity on an ATX board

Skip if

• You require the latest LGA 4710-2 socket for new Intel CPUs
• You need E-ATX or EEB form factor for larger cases
• You are using DDR4 memory and want to keep it

Verdict: The GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS Master ATX is a solid choice for builders using 12th Gen Intel CPUs who prioritize fast networking and PCIe 5.0 storage over the latest socket generation.

4 Also great

GIGABYTE Aero E-ATX Threadripper Motherboard

Best for: Threadripper PRO workstation builds

CPU Socket

sTR5

Chipset

TRX50

Form Factor

E-ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 7

View on Amazon: GIGABYTE Aero E-ATX Threadripper Motherboard Affiliate link

The GIGABYTE TRX50 AERO D supports AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 Series via the sTR5 socket. It uses a 16+8+4 phase VRM for stable power delivery. You get PCIe 5.0 support for fast storage and graphics. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 7 and 10GbE Ethernet. This E-ATX board suits users needing high-end workstation performance and modern expansion options.

Pros

• Supports AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 Series
• 16+8+4 phase digital VRM solution
• Dual USB4 Type-C ports
• Wi-Fi 7 and 10GbE LAN

Cons

• E-ATX form factor requires a large case
• Weighs 4 pounds, adding significant bulk
• No mention of Thunderbolt certification

Good fit if

• You need a platform for Threadripper PRO processors
• You require 10GbE networking for professional workflows
• You have a large case for E-ATX boards

Skip if

• You are building in a compact ATX case
• You need Intel Xeon or Core processors
• You prefer smaller motherboards for space saving

Verdict: GIGABYTE TRX50 AERO D Threadripper E-ATX delivers robust power and connectivity for Threadripper PRO builds. It fits users who prioritize expansion and speed over compact size.

5 Best premium

ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial E-ATX Motherboard

Best for: High-density storage and networking needs

CPU Socket

AM5

Chipset

X870E

Form Factor

E-ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

7

View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial E-ATX Motherboard Affiliate link

The ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial is an E-ATX workstation board for AMD AM5 processors. It supports DDR5 memory and offers seven M.2 slots with PCIe 5.0 connectivity. Dual 10Gb LAN ports and Wi-Fi 7 provide robust networking. A 5-inch LCD screen adds visual feedback. This motherboard suits users needing extensive storage expansion and high-speed data transfer for demanding AI or workstation tasks.

Pros

• Seven M.2 slots for maximum storage flexibility
• Dual 10Gb LAN ports for high-speed networking
• Wi-Fi 7 support for modern wireless standards
• 5-inch LCD screen for system monitoring
• 24+2+2 power stage configuration for stable operation

Cons

• E-ATX form factor requires a large case
• Limited to AM5 socket compatibility
• No mention of Thunderbolt support in specifications

Good fit if

• You need extensive M.2 storage options
• You require dual 10Gb Ethernet connectivity
• You are building a high-end AMD AM5 workstation

Skip if

• You need an Intel LGA4710-2 socket
• You prefer a smaller ATX form factor
• You do not require Wi-Fi 7 or 10Gb LAN

Verdict: The ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial AM5 is ideal for builders who prioritize massive storage capacity and professional-grade networking on the AMD platform.

6 Best ryzen threadripper

Gigabyte TRX50 AERO D with Ryzen Threadripper 9960X

Best for: Professional desktop workstations needing 24 cores

CPU Socket

sTR5

Form Factor

E-ATX

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

Wi-Fi Standard

Wi-Fi 7

Ethernet Speed

10GbE + 2.5GbE

View on Amazon: Gigabyte TRX50 AERO D with Ryzen Threadripper 9960X Affiliate link

This bundle pairs the 24-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X with the Gigabyte TRX50 AERO D workstation motherboard. The sTR5 socket supports up to 1TB of DDR5 memory across four channels. You get PCIe 5.0 for storage and graphics, plus Wi-Fi 7 and dual 10GbE networking. It targets engineers and architects who need heavy multi-threaded performance for desktop workstations.

Pros

• 24-core, 48-thread AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X processor
• Gigabyte TRX50 AERO D motherboard with sTR5 socket
• Supports up to 1TB of quad-channel DDR5 memory
• Dual 10GbE and 2.5GbE Ethernet connectivity
• Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 support

Cons

• E-ATX form factor requires a large chassis
• Discrete graphics card is required for display output
• Cooler and thermal solution are not included

Good fit if

• You need high core counts for professional workloads
• You require fast dual 10GbE networking
• You want PCIe 5.0 storage expansion

Skip if

• You are building a compact ITX or mATX system
• You need integrated graphics for basic tasks
• You prefer a smaller ATX motherboard size

Verdict: Micro Center Ryzen Threadripper 9960X + Gigabyte TRX50 delivers serious workstation power for professionals who prioritize core count and networking speed over compact form factors.

7 Best server

ASUS Pro WS EEB Workstation Motherboard

Best for: server workloads and AI computing

CPU Socket

LGA 4710-2

Chipset

Intel W890

Form Factor

EEB

Memory Type

DDR5

PCIe Version

PCIe 5.0

M.2 Slots

4

View on Amazon: ASUS Pro WS EEB Workstation Motherboard Affiliate link

This EEB workstation board targets demanding AI and server workloads. It features the Intel LGA 4710-2 socket for Xeon 600 processors and seven PCIe 5.0 x16 slots. You get dual 10Gb Ethernet ports and four M.2 slots for storage. The design includes robust power stages and active cooling for sustained 24/7 operation. It suits professionals needing extensive expansion and remote management capabilities.

Pros

• Seven PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for maximum expansion
• Dual Intel 10Gb Ethernet ports for high-speed networking
• Server-grade IPMI remote management with dedicated BMC
• Supports Intel Xeon 600 processors via LGA 4710-2 socket

Cons

• Large EEB form factor requires compatible chassis
• Heavy build at 2.5 pounds
• Targeted at server use, not consumer gaming

Good fit if

• You need extensive PCIe expansion for AI workloads
• You require server-grade remote management features
• You are building a workstation for 24/7 operation

Skip if

• You need a standard ATX motherboard for a compact case
• You are building a consumer gaming PC
• You prefer smaller form factors like micro-ATX

Verdict: ASUS Pro WS W890E-SAGE SE Workstation Motherboard is a specialized tool for professionals requiring heavy expansion and server management. It fits users building dedicated AI or workstation rigs that demand extensive PCIe lanes and reliable remote access.

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