The ASUS ROG Crosshair X870E Hero BTF is a high-end AMD Socket AM5 motherboard featuring rear connector support, a cleaner look, and updated features, making it a top choice for enthusiasts, though it requires a compatible BTF case.
ASUS is teasing a new series of AM5 platform motherboards called 'NEO,' which will include models from the ROG, TUF Gaming, and ProArt series, expected to be showcased at CES 2026. These appear to be refreshes of existing models with minor updates, possibly including improved connectivity features, and will be distinguished by the 'NEO' suffix in their names.
The ASRock Rack AMPONED8-2T/BCM motherboard is a significant upgrade featuring a standard CEB form factor, PCIe 5.0 support, DDR5 memory, and full-length PCIe slots, designed for AmpereOne CPUs and aimed at building high-performance Arm servers.
The MSI MEG X870E Godlike X Edition is a limited-edition, high-end motherboard celebrating MSI’s 10th anniversary of the Godlike series, featuring top-tier specifications such as support for AMD Ryzen 7000 series, multiple PCIe 5.0 slots, extensive connectivity options, and exclusive features aimed at enthusiasts and collectors.
A user reports that an ASRock X870 RS Pro WiFi motherboard repeatedly damaged his Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, even with recent BIOS updates, highlighting ongoing issues with ASRock motherboards killing Ryzen 9800X3D processors and questioning the manufacturer's claims of fixes.
AMD blames motherboard makers for CPU failures, similar to Intel's past issues, emphasizing the importance of updating BIOS and understanding system configurations due to the wide range of compatible hardware and potential for misconfiguration affecting CPU stability.
A hobbyist has developed a third-party motherboard called nsOne for the original PlayStation, which is fully compatible with the original hardware and restores features like the parallel port that Sony removed, aiming to extend the lifespan of vintage gaming consoles.
Two AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPUs have burned out while installed on MSI MAG X870 TOMAHAWK motherboards, with both incidents reported on the Quazarzone forums. MSI is investigating the issue, which they have so far only replicated with improperly installed CPUs. The problem may be due to deformed CPU sockets or incorrect installation, and it is unclear if this is a widespread issue or limited to a specific batch of motherboards.
Corsair has unveiled two PC cases, the 2500X, 2500D, 6500X, and 6500D, designed for mATX and ATX form factors, specifically made for Asus and MSI motherboards with reversed connectors. These cases enable builders to hide cables, feature glass and mesh front panels, and are the first to be compatible with reverse connector motherboards. The cases are available for retail via Amazon UK, with prices ranging from £129.99 to £169.99. The cases support graphics cards up to 400mm and offer compatibility with 120mm and 360mm radiators, as well as up to ten 120mm/140mm fans. The design allows for a clean and minimalistic aesthetic, and it is expected that other case manufacturers and motherboard makers will follow suit.
Asus has released a limited edition $700 ROG Maximus Z790 Hero EVA-02 motherboard in collaboration with the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, but it has a typo on the screen that reads "Evangenlion" instead of "Evangelion." While the mistake is embarrassing, some users find it endearing, likening it to a mistake the anime's main character, Shinji Ikari, would make. Despite the typo, the motherboard boasts impressive specs and is currently sold out on the Asus website.
The ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Hero motherboard, part of the EVA-02 series inspired by the 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' anime, has a misprint on the I/O cover where "Evangenlion" is spelled incorrectly. This typo has persisted across shipped models and official promotional materials, with limited options for users to address the issue. While the complete EVA-02 system will not display the error once assembled, it remains to be seen if ASUS will replace the misprinted components and exhibit greater attention to detail in future iterations of their products.
A video showcasing the restoration of an old PC motherboard with bad electrolytic capacitors revealed an interesting feature called "Post Reporter" in the ASUS BIOS, which allowed the motherboard to speak error codes and status through an external speaker. The video also highlighted the challenges of unsoldering and soldering the capacitors due to the large internal ground plane layers. While the feature may not have been widely desired, it showcased the potential for customizing computer messages and the possibility of using a microcontroller to achieve similar results.
Gigabyte has unveiled its TRX50 AERO D motherboard, designed for the upcoming Threadripper 7000 CPUs. The motherboard is compatible with both Threadripper 7000 PRO and non-PRO series and features a sTR5 socket, four DDR5 DIMM slots with quad-channel support, and support for PCIe Gen5 GPUs. It can accommodate up to three graphics cards simultaneously and offers up to 64 PCIe Gen5 lanes. The TRX50 AERO D also supports up to four R-DIMM memory modules and is expected to be available for preorder soon, with the Threadripper 7000 platform hitting shelves next month.
A pro PC builder shares five tips for building a PC that are often overlooked. First, keep the screws that come with your case, as they may not come with other components. Second, use Disk Management in Windows to detect and format additional hard drives. Third, balance the number of intake and exhaust fans in your case to maintain proper airflow and avoid dust accumulation. Fourth, don't forget to update drivers and configure settings in the BIOS after assembling the PC. Lastly, ensure compatibility between your motherboard and case, including the availability of necessary headers.
The ASRock B650E Taichi Lite is a midrange AMD AM5 motherboard that offers flagship-class features such as robust power delivery, a premium audio solution, and a dozen USB ports on the rear I/O panel, including a 40Gbps USB4 Type-C port. While it sacrifices the signature aesthetics of the Taichi line, it provides high-end features and overclocking potential at a more affordable price. With its powerful VRMs, support for AMD Ryzen AM5 processors, and DDR5-6600+ memory, it offers excellent performance. The motherboard also features multiple M.2 storage slots, a reinforced PCIe slot for graphics cards, and a high-quality audio section. Overall, the ASRock B650E Taichi Lite is a well-equipped option for AMD Ryzen 7000 builders looking for premium hardware at a midrange price.