ASRock X870E Taichi Lite Motherboard Review

As I promised a few days ago, we are back with the X870E Taichi Lite, designed to be a more wallet-friendly version of the Taichi motherboard. It is focused more on pure performance than additional features. The Lite version is still well-equipped, but I will tell you all about it in our article. Let’s not make this introduction any longer as you are on Overclockers, so you know what to expect. As usual, we begin with a long list of specifications and features, and I will describe those that are most important or refreshed in the X870E Taichi Lite motherboard.

PHILOSOPHY OF INFINITE POTENTIAL

Taichi represents the philosophical state of undifferentiated absolute and infinite potential. A motherboard that fulfills every task – with style! Become like water. Shapeless, formless, versatile for any situation.

Specifications and Features of the ASRock X870E Taichi Lite

The X870E Taichi Lite shares the most important features with the X870E Taichi—the list is below. From the gamer’s point of view, the differences are unimportant, as most users don’t change components often. For enthusiasts, some design differences exist, like less RGB backlight and no toolless graphics card removal. We still have the same high-end components, top-of-the-line power delivery, and the best audio on current-generation desktop motherboards.

Key Features

AMD X870E Chipset Specifications

Chipset Comparison – Source: AMD

The X870E is the flagship chipset so that we can expect the best device support. On the other hand, there are barely any changes compared to the X670E, as we only get native USB4 support in the X870E chipset. It’s disappointing, but it doesn’t change that motherboards based on the 800 series chipsets promise many other improvements. AMD decided not to release lower chipsets in the first wave, while the successor of the B650E seems to be the most interesting option, considering the price-to-performance ratio.

The table with the general differences between the new chipsets is above, while all the details about the X870E Taichi Lite are below.

ASRock X870E Taichi Lite Specifications

The X870E Taichi Light is the same as the Taichi, a high-end AM5 motherboard perfect for all who expect the best performance. The Lite version of the Taichi shares the same excellent audio components, which barely any competitive motherboard can match. I said the same in the case of the X870E Taichi review, and I will repeat it. Most other brands use the ALC1220 codec in their highest series motherboards, while Taichi and Taichi Lite use the Realtek ALC4082 codec. In addition, both ASRock motherboards have ESS SABRE9219 DAC and WIMA capacitors. It’s tough to find anything else that matches this setup.

The motherboard supports all Ryzen 7000, 8000, 9000 desktop processors and DDR5 RAM up to 8200MT/s. The maximum supported capacity is 256GB, but we have to remember that the maximum capacity won’t run at high frequency because of the platform limitations. The optimal is two memory modules, so with popular memory kits, it’s 96GB. This is what works perfectly at 6400MT/s and low latency.

The power design is strong enough to handle every desktop CPU at much higher voltages than standard. However, this is an extreme overclocking scenario that only a few users will consider. On the other hand, we couldn’t hear any coil whine or other noises under high load from the motherboard itself. All voltages were perfectly stable, and the CPU was overclocking slightly higher than on motherboards from the previous generation. We are talking about a 50MHz average, but it still counts, especially when discussing all-core load.

The X870E Taichi Lite gives us the same number of M.2 sockets as the Taichi, so four. One is called Blazing and works up to PCIe 5.0 x4 mode (connected to the CPU), and three work up to PCIe 4.0 x4. M.2 sockets don’t share the bandwidth with the first PCIe x16 slot like with most competitive motherboards. However, if we use the second PCIe x16 slot, both will run in x8 mode. Seeing comments from the enthusiast community is what demanding users expect.

The main difference in the new motherboard series is native USB4 support. It’s not much, but until now, we could only count on external solutions available on the highest motherboards. The X870E Taichi Lite offers two USB4 Type-C ports with Display Port support, which should be more than enough for most users.

The Taichi Lite’s back I/O has clear CMOS and BIOS flashback buttons, an essential feature for enthusiasts and overclockers.

ASRock X870E Taichi Lite Features

Optimized VRM Design	Exclusive 20K Cap with 1000uF Capacitance The upgraded 20K Black capacitor not only extends the lifespan to 20,000 hours but also increases the capacitance value from 560uF to 1000uF, bringing several benefits: ●Higher Capacitance: Greater charge storage for better support under high loads. ●Lower Ripple: Reduced power output fluctuations, improving quality. ●More Stable Output Current: Stable power supply, minimizing voltage impacts. ●Better Performance & System Stability: Increased reliability and consistent performance. 24+2+1 Power Phase Design Featuring sturdy components and completely smooth power delivery to the CPU. Plus, it offers unmatched overclocking capabilities and enhanced performance with the lowest temperature for advanced gamers as well. SPS (Smart Power Stage) Dr.MOS design features the latest SPS (Smart Power Stage) technology. It’s optimized for monitoring current and temperature of each phase, thus delivering smoother and neater power to the CPU with enhanced performance and OC capability. Hi-Density Power Connector CPU overclocking requires higher current, ASRock Hi-Density Power connectors is able to withstand current higher traditional CPU 8-pin and ATX 24-pin connector, giving a more stable system as well as lowering the risk of fire under heavy overclocking.
Premium PCB Solution	The server grade low loss PCB improves signal integrity, allowing motherboard to support PCIe 5.0 for both graphics card and M.2 SSD, it also improves memory OC potential to deliver the most extreme memory performance. 2-ounce copper inner layers that provide stable signal traces and power shapes! Delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency for overclocking. The 8 Layer PCB provides stable signal traces and power shapes delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency, ensures a reliable and long-lasting system while delivering ultimate performance without any compromise.
DDR5 XMP & EXPO Support	Derived from the “built for stable and reliable” designing concept, ASRock does not compromise on any details. This motherboards is built with high quality materials, enthusiasts are able to enjoy the boost of DDR5 memory overclocking performance by enabling the pre-tested profiles. Make sure the memory modules are Intel® XMP/AMD EXPO™ capable and overclocking can be made so affordable, satisfying and absolutely no sweat at all. * There are certain risks involved with memory overclocking and may affect your system’s stability. Please realize that overclocking should be done at your own risk and expense. EXPO/XMP profile support may vary by different system configuration, memory modules and motherboard models. Please refer to Memory QVL for the completed support list.
High Speed M.2 Solution	PCIe Gen5 Blazing M.2 The Blazing M.2 accommodates the latest PCI Express 5.0 standard, performing twice the bandwidth compared to the previous generation. With a breathtaking 128Gb/s transfer speed, it is ready to unleash the full potential of future ultrafast SSDs.
DIY Friendly Design	Besides the M.2 SSD toolless design on the motherboard, ASRock takes it up a notch by introducing this industry-first M.2 heatsink quick-release mechanism on the motherboard. The user-friendly toolless design makes installing M.2 SSD super easy and simple. The M.2 bottom heatsink efficiently dissipates the heat of the M.2 SSD through the motherboard PCB, maximizing performance while maintaining system stability.
Enlarged M.2 Heatsink	The extra large aluminum alloy M.2 heatsink effectively improves heat dissipation to keep those high-speed M.2 SSDs as cool as possible. It can provide better stability while maintaining top performance. Tired of dropping screws or screws missing inside the chassis? The enhanced M.2 heatsink with an anti-drop screw design makes the sure installation process more easily.
Intelligent Cooling Design	PWM/DC Fan Support ASRock fan headers automatically detect whether fans are running in DC or PWM mode, allowing users to fine-tune the fan curve and achieve quieter operation. ① CPU Fan Connector ② AIO Pump Fan Connector ③ Chassis Fan Connectors ④ Water Pump Fan Connector Thermistor Header The thermistor cable and thermistor header provide an additional source for temperature monitoring, offering customized thermal management solutions based on workload. Thermal management settings can be easily configured via Fan-Tastic Tuning or UEFI. Fan-Tastic Tuning ASRock A-Tuning Fan-Tastic Tuning function enables users to auto-detect the minimum duty of each fan with a single click. Users can also easily adjust the fan curve via the visualized UI interface, meeting their system’s cooling performance and noise reduction requirements.
Wi-Fi 7	Wi-Fi 7 offers higher data throughput, lower latency, and Multi-link Operation. These features ensure a smooth and real-time interactive experience, making the VR/AR experience more immersive and connected. Latest WiFi 7 technology delivers extreme wireless internet speeds and low latency, with higher throughput and Multi-RU as well as puncturing technology. The new WiFi 7(802.11be) technology is able to accelerate cloud-based gaming, 8K video streaming, and video conferencing. Multi-link Operation (MLO) enables the simultaneous use of multiple bands and channels, boosting speed and throughput while reducing latency for a smoother, faster internet experience. The new Wi-Fi antenna design is ideal for high-bandwidth, low-latency applications and ensures a stable connection.
Enhanced USB4 Type-C	USB4 technology brings speed and versatility to the most advanced USB Type-C, offering a fast and simple level of connection for work or home. It enables lightning-fast 40Gbps data transfer bitrate.
Optimized 5 Gb/s LAN	ASRock’s 5Gb/s LAN Connector features an exclusive, patent-pending design, boasting superior electromagnetic interference resistance, ensuring high-speed stable performance and providing users with a better networking experience.
Front Panel USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C Header	The latest USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C delivers up to 20 Gbps data transfer rate which is 2x as fast as previous generation, providing a blazing fast data transfer interface with reversible USB Type-C design that fits the connector either way.
More than USB Transfer Speed	Aimed for die hard gamers and enthusiasts! Lightning Gaming Ports are sourced from two different controller interfaces that assist gamers in connecting the high speed mice/keyboard with the lower jitter and latency! Provides stable power and better sound experience! Ultra USB Power provides 5V power transformed from +12V power rail, whose voltage drop will be much lower than the +5V from the PSU under heavy loading, and prevents noise from other devices or RGB LED.
High Definition Sound Effects	ESS SABRE9219 DAC Embrace the stunning audio performance with ES9219 SABRE DAC! √ True Hi-Fi Audio. No distorted digital signal √ 130dB SNR √ 114dB THD+N and supports higher impedance up to 600 Ω headphone WIMA Audio Cap Optimized for high end audio applications! Deliver crystal and balanced sound to satisfy even the pickiest audiophile. Nahimic Audio Whether you are using headphones, a headset, external or internal speakers, via USB, Wi-Fi, analog output or even HDMI, Nahimic Audio offers you the most engaging listening experience, vibrant and rich with details. Enhance Communication Quality The Powerful algorithms to ensure the best noise-free conversation, giving a constant vocal level no matter the distance from your mic. The Nahimic audio engine dynamically clear the sound and remove interference noise and lower the voice variation. Result is a better comprehension and less fatigue. ●Static Noise Suppression ●Echo Cancellation ●Lateral Sound Cancellation ●Voice Stabilizer Ultimate Gaming Experience ●Sound Tracker The Sound Tracker is a visual indicator that points out the directions from which predominant sounds are coming. Each sound is properly positioned in 360° on a radar for a full immersion during the game. ●Works on any devices! Enjoy the vibrant and high-quality Surround Sound on all your favorite audio devices: Jack, USB, Bluetooth, HDMI, S/PDIF. Nahimic is compatible with all of your favorite audio tools and ensures the best sound with any of them. Nahimic measure and improve to optimize our technology and offer you the best experience.
POLYCHROME RGB	This motherboard features onboard RGB headers and addressable RGB headers that allow motherboard to be connected to compatible LED devices such as strip, CPU fans, coolers, chassis and so on. Users may also synchronize RGB LED devices across the Polychrome RGB Sync-certified accessories to create their own unique lighting effects. *The addressable RGB LED header supports WS2812B addressable RGB LED strip (5V/Data/GND), with a maximum power rating of 3A (5V), a max of 80 LEDs and length within 2 meters. *The RGB LED header supports standard 5050 RGB LED strip (12V/G/R/B), with a maximum power rating of 3A (12V) and length within 2 meters.
Deluxe Accessories	The ARGB Splitter Cable enables easy management of multiple ARGB devices through a single controller. With its splitting capability, it streamlines your lighting setup for a unified and dynamic aesthetic. The thermistor cable and thermistor header provide an additional source for temperature monitoring, offering customized thermal management solutions.
Reinforced Steel Slot [PCIe 5.0 Version]	The reinforced steel slot is capable of supporting PCI Express 5.0 standard. The various benefits include: ✔ Extra anchor points ✔ Stronger latch ✔ Ensure signal stability ✔ Make sure heavy graphics cards to be well-installed.
EZ Setting	Auto Driver Installer No need to worry about lack of disk drive! Asrock preinstall LAN driver to ensure that you are able to install all drivers needed in an easier way than using SCD. step1 : Install Auto Driver Installerstep2 : Update drivers neededstep3 : Done! BIOS Flashback Get the most convenient BIOS flashing with just a simple click. Users can easily achieve the latest BIOS support with a USB and power supply, No CPU, RAM or other components required. Flexible Integrated I/O Shield Unlike most so called pre-mounted I/O shield that is only decorated with fancy color schemes. We reserve more tolerance space and allow IO shield is adjustable when installing, thus fitting chassis perfectly without any mechanical issue.

The list of Key Features is also available on ASRock’s website.

The Taichi Lite is another high-series motherboard designed with enthusiasts and gamers in mind. Its long list of unique features shows it’s not much different from the Taichi. There are only a few insignificant differences for most users, like the mentioned toolless graphics card removal and RGB backlight. It keeps all the unique cooling, power delivery, storage, and communication features.

Retail Packaging and Accessories

The motherboard arrived in a retail package. The only difference is the lack of serial and product number labels on the side of the box. The package design and contents are the same as in stores.

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Inside the box is everything we need for the installation, including a WiFi antenna, SATA data cables, thermal sensor cables, a sticker/badge with the ASRock logo, a keyboard keycap, RGB extension/splitter cable, and a quick user’s guide (an extended version of the manual is available on the website). We won’t find M.2 screws as the motherboard supports mentioned toolless design, and they’re not required.

A Closer Look at the ASRock X870E Taichi Lite

The X870E Taichi Lite has a simpler design than the Taichi, but it’s still eye-catching, and for some users, it can be even more appealing. We still find toolless M.2 removal and anti-drop screws, but the main PCIe, so graphics card easy removal is not available. It’s a shame, as it’s not the easiest task because of the M.2 heatsink next to it, and it can be problematic, especially if we use a large air cooler for the CPU.

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The motherboard is in the EATX format, so we must consider picking the right PC case. Most modern gaming cases have enough space, but it’s not a rule, so better check twice.

The motherboard has eight fan headers, all of which can be controlled in the BIOS or ASRock software. The CPU fan header is rated 1A/12W, while others can handle 3A/36W. It’s not described, but it suggests that the CPU header is meant for a single CPU fan, while others may support a higher-power liquid cooling pump or multiple fans on a splitter. The motherboard can handle a huge PC setup with as many fans as we can put inside.

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The X870E Taichi Lite uses large heatsinks and high-performance thermal pads. Everything is well-cooled, and temperatures were far from overheating during tests. All M.2 heatsinks have thermal pads, while one has a fully toolless installation mechanism.

The Lite version of the Taichi doesn’t have an aluminum backplate. It’s not required, but we could see it on the Taichi motherboard.

The X870E chipset uses two Promontory 21 dies to support more PCIe lanes, while other chipsets have only one. It still feels like more PCIe lanes could be in use, but the competitive brands don’t use more.

Below are additional close-ups of the ICs on the motherboard. There are no surprises, except for the audio area and the 5Gbps Realtek LAN used. Most competitive motherboards use 2.5Gbps LAN, so it’s one more advantage of the Taichi series.

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UEFI BIOS and Software

BIOS/UEFI

The new motherboard series BIOS/UEFI is similar to the last generation, and it’s still user-friendly. The X870E Taichi Lite BIOS is kept in colors to match the motherboard design. The motherboard arrived with the latest (on the day of review) 3.08.AS01 version with the 1.2.0.2 AGESA, so there was no need for an upgrade. The version is the same as the official 3.08 on the product support page.

The BIOS has two modes: an easy mode for all those who are okay with basic settings and an advanced mode for those who like to adjust everything or need specific settings for their work.

Main – Easy Mode

Main – Advanced Mode

Advanced Mode – OC Tweaker

Advanced Mode – Advanced

Advanced Mode – Tool

Advanced Mode – H/W Monitor

Advanced Mode – Security

Advanced Mode – Boot

Advanced Mode – Exit

ASRock Software

ASRock adds its software, which includes RGB adjustment, fan control, overclocking and diagnostic options, and software/firmware updates. We wish to see it as one application, but ASRock designed it as at least three separate applications.

The RGB worked with the most popular RAM brands, like G.Skill and Kingston. Less popular, like KLEVV or V-Color, also worked fine.

As I already mentioned, fan control works without issues and can be easily managed by the software.
Most overclocking options, like the CPU ratio, won’t require a PC’s restart, which is rare in other motherboard brands.

Test Setup and Performance of the ASRock X870E Taichi Lite

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CPU and Memory Performance

Memory bandwidth and latency tests show that all ASRock motherboards offer similar performance. They’re pretty good for the XMP/EXPO profiles, but the lack of high bandwidth and low latency mode causes them to lose in synthetic tests to some of the competitive brands. Like in the X870E Taichi, the Lite version supports higher memory frequency than most competitive brands, and we can count on full support for available memory kits designed for AMD processors.
The Taichi Lite supports both XMP and EXPO profiles and has no problems with various memory kits. Because of the CPU we used, we couldn’t make it work at more than 8000MT/s, but it’s still a good result. The specifications show that the Ryzen 9000 is supposed to work at up to 8200MT/s, but I leave that to our readers, who may always share results on our forums.

AIDA64 CPU tests show that the X870E Taichi Lite performs as well as expected. All CPU and FPU results on the latest AMD chipsets are very close. We can be sure that the Taichi Lite delivers optimal performance in CPU calculations.

AIDA64 FPU tests suggest that all the X870 and X870E motherboards perform similarly. The Taichi Lite again looks good in these tests.

The Taichi Lite again performs well, making it slightly faster than most other motherboards in our comparison.

PCMark 10 also shows that the X870E Taichi Lite performs optimally. This benchmark is important because it simulates daily workloads, which are typical scenarios when we do not play games.

Gaming Performance

Gaming benchmarks show about the same results on all AM5 motherboards. Differences are close to the margin of error, so the user’s experience will be similar in all cases. The new chipset doesn’t change anything, but our tests confirm that the X870E Taichi Lite is well-designed and has no performance problems.

Popular games run as fast on the new chipset as on earlier chipsets. On average, the Taichi Lite is the fastest in our comparison with modern games. Even though it’s only about 1FPS faster, then it still counts.

Storage Performance

M.2 SSD

The M.2 performance has been tested using the Crucial T705 2TB NVMe PCIe 5.0 x4 SSD. It performs as high as expected, reaching 14.4GB/s sequential read and over 1.5M IOPS in random read and write.

USB

The native USB4 is one of the loudest, and sadly one of only a few, improvements of the new chipsets. Using the ADATA SE920 USB4 SSD, we see that the performance is slightly worse than that on Intel chipsets, where we could reach flat 3.8GB/s. It’s nothing significant, and we will observe how it looks after BIOS and driver updates in the future. The performance, in general, is still great, so there is nothing to complain about. Results are better than we can achieve on Thunderbolt 4 controllers.

Network Performance

LAN

The Taichi Lite uses Realtek 5Gbps LAN, which performs as expected. Since reaching or passing the maximum throughput is impossible, nearly 4800Mbps looks like an excellent result. We also had no problems with the connection stability during longer work.

WiFi

WiFi results depend heavily on the environment, and it’s hard to say that the building used for the test is perfect for that, so we focus on the internet bandwidth. The direct internet bandwidth is over 860Mbps on average, using a 1Gbps connection, which is pretty good.

Power Consumption

Above, you can see our results for the whole test rig. It’s a typical high-end PC. The Taichi Lite motherboard’s results are not much different than those of other X870/X870E models. Considering additional components, it’s a good result.

Overclocking with the ASRock X870E Taichi Lite

As on most other higher AM5 motherboards, we can choose fully manual, PBO, or mixed-mode overclocking. The first screenshot below shows how it looks when we set a maximum frequency for all cores. We could set the x0.5 ratio on the same processor higher than on the B650E or X670E motherboards, resulting in a flat 5.4GHz on all CPU cores. The overclocking result is the same as on the X870E Taichi, but both motherboards are also close in the power and cooling design, so at least on air or more standard liquid cooling, it was expected.

In the below screenshot, you can see how it looks when we play with PBO settings. The multi-threaded score is better in the first case, while the single-threaded score is better in the second case scenario. The PBO adjustment with the negative curve (typically between -10 and -30) gives better results in modern games and helps lower power usage.

The Taichi Lite also supports mixed mode and has a Blazing OC application, which can be downloaded from the ASRock product pages.

Regarding memory overclocking, the results are the same as those of the X870E Taichi, so it can easily make 6400MT/s at 1:1 and up to 8200MT/s+ at 1:2, IF:IMC ratio.
The motherboard works perfectly fine with low- and high-capacity RAM. Single-rank 16GB or 24GB modules would be optimal for overclocking, but if we need a higher capacity and can take advantage of dual-rank modules, then we can still keep them at 6400MT/s or push them over 7200MT/s.

The X870E Taichi Lite is not much different from the Taichi, and both are highly recommended for overclocking. Even though the Taichi has better cooling, both share an excellent power design and all the necessary features. You can’t go wrong with the Taichi series.

Conclusion

The X870E Taichi is slightly better than the Lite version, but it won’t make a difference for most users. If only the price difference weren’t so low, I could recommend the Lite version over the higher model. However, the X870E Taichi Lite costs $399 in stores like Newegg, while the higher version costs only $50 more. $50 is the difference, which covers the graphics card EZ release, a toolless second M.2 socket, a backplate, better VRM cooling, and an RGB backlight. Again, it still doesn’t make a significant difference to many users, but they must ask themselves if it’s worth it.

The Taichi Lite has a great design, power delivery, cooling, and stability. It’s also well-equipped with the latest controllers, USB4, Wi-Fi 7, fast M.2 socket, 5Gbps LAN, and various gaming and communication features. It also has the best audio solution for desktop motherboards, including a premium audio codec, capacitors, and DAC.

We had no problems with the Taichi Lite’s compatibility or stability with various memory kits or other devices. Everything works flawlessly. The overclocking potential is also pretty good, better than most tested motherboards. The X870E Taichi is a top option for overclocking, and I’m sure every overclocker will be satisfied with its offer. Even though the motherboard wasn’t tested with the latest CPU, it still could overclock higher than motherboards from the previous generation.

The X870E Taichi Lite is another excellent motherboard from ASRock. Even though I feel that the X870E Taichi is a slightly better option, the Taichi Lite is highly recommended and fully deserves our Approved Stamp!

Click the stamp for an explanation of what this means.

Bartosz Waluk – Woomack

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