2 Best ASUS Motherboards Under $1000, Compared
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Finding the best ASUS motherboards under $1000 requires looking closely at the specs. We compared 2 options based strictly on published listing data. Our top pick is the ASUS Pro WS CEB Workstation Motherboard. It leads because it supports DDR5 memory and includes a 2.5GbE Ethernet port for reliable connectivity. This board is ideal for Intel Xeon W workstation builds. The selection focuses on server-grade features over consumer extras. This guide helps you decide which board fits your specific hardware needs.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASUS Pro WS CEB Workstation Motherboard Best overall | Intel Xeon W workstation builds | Check price of ASUS Pro WS CEB Workstation Motherboard on Amazon |
| 2 | ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero Best lga 1700 | Intel 13th/14th Gen gaming builds | Check price of ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero on Amazon |
The best fit for you
- You build an Intel Xeon W workstation ASUS Pro WS CEB Workstation Motherboard It supports Xeon W processors and provides five PCIe 5.0 slots for professional workloads.
- You build a high-end Intel 13th or 14th Gen gaming PC ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero It features an LGA 1700 socket, PCIe 5.0 support, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity.
- You need a standard ATX form factor for gaming ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero It uses the standard ATX size, ensuring compatibility with most mid-tower and full-tower cases.
Our 2 picks
ASUS Pro WS CEB Workstation Motherboard
Best for: Intel Xeon W workstation builds
- CPU Socket
- LGA 4677
- Form Factor
- CEB
- Memory Type
- DDR5 RDIMM
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 2
- Ethernet Speed
- 10 GbE, 2.5 GbE
View on Amazon: ASUS Pro WS CEB Workstation Motherboard Affiliate link
This ASUS Pro WS W790-ACE motherboard targets professional workstations using the LGA 4677 socket for Intel Xeon W processors. It supports DDR5 RDIMM memory and features five PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for extensive expansion. The board includes dual 10G and 2.5G Ethernet ports and a robust 12+1+1 power stage design. Its CEB form factor and heavy heatsinks suit data centers or high-performance computing tasks requiring reliability and speed.
Pros
- LGA 4677 socket for Intel Xeon W-3400 and W-2400 processors
- Five PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for high-speed expansion
- Dual 10G and 2.5G Ethernet connectivity
- 12+1+1 power stages for stable performance
- DDR5 RDIMM memory support for professional workloads
Cons
- CEB form factor limits compatibility with standard ATX cases
- Only two M.2 slots despite extensive PCIe expansion
- Heavy 5.51-pound build requires sturdy case support
Good fit if
- You need a workstation board for Intel Xeon W processors
- You require multiple PCIe 5.0 slots for professional hardware
- You use a case that supports the CEB form factor
Skip if
- You are building a standard desktop with consumer CPUs
- You only have an ATX case and cannot fit CEB boards
- You need more than two M.2 storage slots
Verdict: ASUS Pro WS W790-ACE Workstation Board is ideal for professionals needing Xeon W power and five PCIe 5.0 slots. It fits users with CEB-compatible cases who prioritize server-grade connectivity over consumer features.
ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero
Best for: Intel 13th/14th Gen gaming builds
- CPU Socket
- LGA 1700
- Chipset
- Intel Z790
- Form Factor
- ATX
- Memory Type
- DDR5
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 5.0
- M.2 Slots
- 5
View on Amazon: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero Affiliate link
This ATX motherboard supports Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen processors via the LGA 1700 socket. It features a 20+1+2 power stage design for stable performance and includes Wi-Fi 7 for modern connectivity. You get two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and five M.2 slots, with one supporting PCIe 5.0. Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and USB 20Gbps front-panel support provide abundant connectivity options for high-end builds.
Pros
- LGA 1700 socket for 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen Intel CPUs
- 20+1+2 power stages with robust VRM cooling
- Wi-Fi 7 and dual Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports
- Two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and five M.2 slots
Cons
- ATX form factor may not fit smaller cases
- Limited to two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots compared to competitors
- No mention of built-in LCD screen or debug LEDs
Good fit if
- You need a high-end board for Intel 13th or 14th Gen processors
- You require Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
- You are building a standard ATX gaming PC
Skip if
- You are using an Intel LGA 4677 processor
- You need a CEB form factor for specific chassis
- You prefer a board with an integrated LCD display
Verdict: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero is a powerful ATX board for users building high-performance systems with Intel 13th or 14th Gen CPUs who need top-tier connectivity and expansion slots.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ASUS Pro WS CEB Workstation Motherboard | ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Socket | LGA 4677 | LGA 1700 |
| Chipset | not stated | Intel Z790 |
| Form Factor | CEB | ATX |
| Memory Type | DDR5 RDIMM | DDR5 |
| PCIe Version | PCIe 5.0 | PCIe 5.0 |
| M.2 Slots | 2 | 5 |
| Wi-Fi Standard | not stated | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Ethernet Speed | 10 GbE, 2.5 GbE | not stated |
| Power Phases | 12+1+1 | 20+1+2 |
| Wi-Fi | not stated | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Use Case | not stated | Gaming |
| Dimensions | 14.6 × 12.3 × 4.25 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 5.51 pounds | 1.5 pounds |
| Color | BLACK | BLACK |
| Model | Pro WS W790-ACE | ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO |
| Size | not stated | Z790 Dark Hero|M.2 x5|WiFi 7| |
How to choose the right motherboard
-
Check the CPU socket
Match the socket to your processor. The ASUS Pro WS W790-ACE supports Intel Xeon W chips for workstation tasks. The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero uses the LGA 1700 socket for 13th and 14th Gen Intel CPUs. You must ensure the board fits your specific CPU model. Buying a board with the wrong socket prevents installation entirely. Verify the socket type before comparing other features like memory or expansion slots.
-
Verify form factor fit
Measure your case before buying. The Pro WS W790-ACE is a CEB board measuring 14.6 by 12.3 inches. This size requires a compatible case, as it is larger than standard ATX. The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero is a standard ATX board. You need to check your case specifications to ensure it accommodates the board dimensions. Incorrect sizing leads to installation failures or poor airflow.
-
Select memory type
Choose DDR5 for modern builds. Both listed boards support DDR5 memory. You cannot use older DDR4 modules with these platforms. DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and efficiency for current processors. Ensure you purchase compatible DDR5 RAM sticks. Mixing memory types is impossible due to physical keying differences. Stick to DDR5 to ensure compatibility with both the workstation and gaming options listed.
-
Compare PCIe versions
Look for PCIe 5.0 support. The Pro WS W790-ACE provides five PCIe 5.0 slots for maximum expansion. The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero also supports PCIe 5.0. This standard allows faster data transfer for future graphics cards and storage devices. Older PCIe 4.0 boards may bottleneck newer hardware. Check the version to ensure your components can run at peak speeds without restriction.
-
Review network speeds
Check Ethernet and Wi-Fi specs. The Pro WS W790-ACE includes 2.5GbE Ethernet for fast wired connections. The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero features Wi-Fi 7 for wireless performance. You should choose based on your connection needs. Wired users benefit from the high-speed Ethernet port. Wireless users need the latest Wi-Fi standard for stability. Compare these specs to match your home or office network setup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best ASUS motherboard for a workstation?
The ASUS Pro WS W790-ACE is the top choice for workstation builds. It supports Intel Xeon W processors and features five PCIe 5.0 slots. The board uses a CEB form factor, measuring 14.6 inches by 12.3 inches. It includes DDR5 memory support and a 2.5GbE Ethernet port for professional connectivity.
Which ASUS board is best for Intel 13th and 14th Gen CPUs?
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero is the best option for these processors. It uses an LGA 1700 socket and ATX form factor. The board supports PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 7. It is designed for high-performance gaming systems that require top-tier expansion and modern wireless connectivity.
Does the top pick support DDR5 memory?
Yes, the ASUS Pro WS W790-ACE supports DDR5 memory. This allows for high bandwidth and improved performance in workstation environments. The board is designed for professionals who need server-grade connectivity and stability for demanding tasks like rendering or simulation.
What form factor does the ROG Maximus Z790 use?
The ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero uses an ATX form factor. This is the standard size for most mid-tower and full-tower cases. It provides ample space for multiple expansion slots and cooling solutions, making it suitable for high-end gaming rigs.
Is Wi-Fi 7 available on the ASUS ROG Maximus Z790?
Yes, the ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero includes Wi-Fi 7. This offers faster wireless speeds and lower latency compared to older standards. It is ideal for gamers and users who need reliable, high-speed wireless connectivity for streaming or online gaming.
What Ethernet speed does the Pro WS W790-ACE have?
The Pro WS W790-ACE features a 2.5GbE Ethernet port. This provides faster wired network speeds than standard Gigabit connections. It is useful for workstations that need to transfer large files quickly or connect to high-speed local networks.
Can I use the Pro WS W790-ACE in a standard case?
You need a case that supports the CEB form factor. The board measures 14.6 inches in length and 12.3 inches in width. It is larger than standard ATX boards, so you must verify case compatibility before purchasing. It is not a standard ATX size.