ASUS ROG Zenith II Extreme Alpha TRX40 Motherboard: features, specs and fit

The ASUS ROG Zenith II Extreme Alpha is an EATX motherboard for AMD's 3rd Gen Ryzen Threadripper processors on the sTRX4 socket and TRX40 chipset. Threadripper is AMD's high-core-count line for workstations and enthusiast PCs, and this board is aimed at gamers and content creators who want a lot of storage, fast networking and strong power delivery in one platform.

Processor platform

The board is listed as ready for AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen Threadripper processors. The socket is different from the mainstream AM4 and AM5 sockets, so Ryzen desktop chips will not fit it. ASUS lists memory overclocking support up to 4733 MHz and PCIe 4.0 readiness, which doubles the theoretical bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 for graphics cards and fast drives that support it.

Power delivery

ASUS lists 16 Infineon TDA21490 power stages working as "teamed" stages, plus ProCool II power connectors, microfine alloy chokes and 10K capacitors. Power stages convert the supply's 12V into the low voltage the processor needs. High-core-count processors can draw a lot of current, so a strong design typically helps keep voltage stable under sustained loads like rendering or compiling.

Cooling

The thermal design includes an actively cooled VRM heatsink, an aluminium M.2 heatsink in the PCIe zone, a backplate, a Fan Extension Card II and a water-cooling zone. Active VRM cooling uses a fan on the heatsink; the water-cooling zone is intended for custom loops. Check the manual for how the fan card and the pump headers are used.

Storage and expansion

The board has five M.2 slots and eight SATA ports, so it can hold many drives. It also supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, a faster USB standard that depends on the connected device. ASUS says it supports up to five M.2 drives and that the PCIe 4.0 ports are ready for the latest drives and graphics cards.

Networking and audio

Wired networking uses an onboard Aquantia 10 Gbps Ethernet controller, which is useful with a 10 Gbps switch or network storage. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with MU-MIMO support is also onboard. Software features include GameFirst V and Anti-surge LANGuard. The listing quotes a 120 dB SNR stereo playback output and a 108 dB SNR recording input, with DTS Sound Unbound, Sonic Radar III and Sonic Studio III.

Personalization and size

A colour OLED display shows system information, and Aura Sync RGB lighting includes two RGB headers and two addressable headers. The listing gives 14.6 x 12.3 x 4.3 inches and 9.6 lb, which is large and heavy. The listed operating system is Windows 10 64-bit, with WOL and PXE for manageability.

Who it suits

It suits builders creating a high-end Threadripper workstation or enthusiast PC, such as for video editing, 3D work or running many drives. It is not suited to a compact build or any non-Threadripper processor.

What to check before you buy

• Processor: confirm it is a 3rd Gen Threadripper on sTRX4, and check BIOS support.
• Case: make sure it fits a full EATX board with room for the heatsinks.
• Memory: check the supported module type and speed in the manual.
• Power supply: confirm the connectors and capacity for the processor and graphics card.
• Cooling: check the cooler is compatible with sTRX4.
• Network: a 10 Gbps link needs matching switches and cabling.

The short version

• EATX motherboard for 3rd Gen Ryzen Threadripper (sTRX4, TRX40).
• 16 Infineon power stages with active VRM cooling.
• PCIe 4.0, five M.2 slots, eight SATA ports and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2.
• 10 Gbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, colour OLED and Aura Sync RGB.
• Large and heavy at 9.6 lb.

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