ASRock X870E Taichi Motherboard Review

We had a longer break from ASRock products but are back with two motherboards based on the flagship AMD X870E chipset. In today’s review, we will look closer at the X870E Taichi, while the next one will be the X870E Taichi Lite. Both motherboards are well-equipped and support the latest technologies. However, Taichi is the best of the bunch, giving us premium features, so it seems to be the most exciting option for computer enthusiasts and overclockers.

Let’s begin with a long list of specifications and features, and I will describe those that are most important or refreshed in the new chipset series.

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

The X870E Taichi is, so far, the highest ASRock model from the latest generation. We don’t expect anything higher, but ASRock may surprise us. The Taichi is the best-equipped motherboard with unique features and toolless installation of critical components.

Key Features

AMD X870E Chipset Specifications

Chipset Comparison – Source: AMD

The X870E is the flagship chipset, so 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 quite 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 are below.

ASRock X870E Taichi Specifications

The specifications should satisfy most users, as the motherboard has everything a high-end AM5 motherboard should have and more. The most significant difference is premium audio. I’m sure not many readers expected me to say that. However, premium audio components are surprisingly rare on modern motherboards. Some competitive brands have stuck with the ALC1220 codec for three generations, while Taichi uses the Realtek ALC4082 codec, an ESS SABRE9219 DAC, and WIMA capacitors. The table with the motherboard’s features below describes more audio-specific features as the whole functionality is hard to describe only with the technical specification. The short conclusion is that this is the best audio you can find on desktop motherboards with AMD chipsets nowadays.

The motherboard supports all Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 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 offers four M.2 sockets. One, called Blazing, works up to PCIe 5.0 x4 mode (connected to the CPU), and three works 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.

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 offers two USB4 Type-C ports with Display Port support, which should be more than enough for most users.

Like all high-end motherboards, the Taichi has clear CMOS and BIOS flashback buttons on the back I/O. I was missing them in the last Gigabyte review, and obviously, CMOS is very handy in case of RAM overclocking. The Taichi automatically recovers from failed overclocking, but sometimes, it may get stuck.

ASRock X870E Taichi 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 It is featuring sturdy components and completely smooth power delivery to the CPU. Plus, it offers unmatched overclocking capabilities and enhanced performance at the lowest temperature for advanced gamers. SPS (Smart Power Stage) Dr.MOS design features the latest SPS (Smart Power Stage) technology. It’s optimized for monitoring the 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	ASRock redesigned the PCIe slot installation method to cater to user needs, allowing for hassle-free installation and effortless removal of the graphics card. 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	Aluminum Heatsink The first thing that catches the eye is the optimized Aluminum Heatsink Design. Heatsinks are crucial for efficient heat dissipation, especially during heavy workloads like gaming or productivity tasks. Motherboard that built with heatsinks can effectively manage thermal performance, hence ensure system stability and durability effortlessly. 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.
Composite VRM Heatsink	It is equipped with a composite VRM heatsink combining a cooling fan, bigger aluminum sink and heat pipe for maximum heat dissipation.
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 vibrant, high-quality Surround Sound on all your favorite audio devices: Jack, USB, Bluetooth, HDMI, and S/PDIF. Nahimic is compatible with all of your favorite audio tools and ensures the best sound with any of them. Nahimic measures and improves 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 is another high-series motherboard designed for toolless M.2 and graphics card removal. This is probably the biggest advantage for all those who test the hardware often and switch components. It doesn’t make a big difference for a typical user, and then the Taichi Lite can be a more interesting option as it also costs less. I will describe the Taichi Lite motherboard in our next review, and now, let’s focus on the X870E Taichi.

Let’s check what we get with the X870E Taichi and how the motherboard looks.

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

The X870E Taichi keeps the “gear” design but feels more chaotic than the previous generation. It still looks good, but the gold addition is unnecessary. Other than that, it’s hard to say anything is wrong here. ASRock used large heatsinks without interference with possible cooling options or other devices. Everything is easy to work with, and all toolless options work as intended. Replacing various components is quick and easy.

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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 uses large heatsinks and high-performance thermal pads. Even then, ASRock decided to use a fan under the largest VRM heatsink to lower the temperatures.

The motherboard also has an aluminum backplate with very thick thermal pads on the back of the VRM and chipset area. Although this is unnecessary, it definitely affects the temperatures under load and may improve overclocking results during extended high load.

All M.2 heatsinks have thermal pads, while two have a fully toolless installation mechanism. It would be better to see it on all heatsinks, but it’s still not bad, as most users won’t install more than two M.2 SSDs.

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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. I’m unsure when it becomes standard, but it’s an upgrade compared to the widely used 2.5Gbps NICs.

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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 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 fine with basic settings and an advanced mode for those who like to adjust everything or need specific settings for their work.

Easy Mode

Advanced Mode – OC Tweaker

Advanced Mode – Advanced

Advanced Mode – Tool

Advanced Mode – H/W Monitor

Advanced Mode – Security

Advanced Mode – Boot

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 sadly, it’s only available in three or even four if we count the Blazing OC Tuner, which is limited to top ASRock models.

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

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CPU and Memory Performance

Synthetic memory tests show that ASRock motherboards lack the high bandwidth/low latency mode, which we can enable in some competitive brands. On the other hand, ASRock overclocks RAM higher and supports higher frequencies out-of-the-box. These results do not affect our following tests.
Our results are typical for the 6400MT/s memory kit used, and the Taichi is slightly faster than other ASRock motherboards we used for the comparison. The Taichi also supports both XMP and EXPO profiles and has no problems with various memory kits.

AIDA64 CPU tests show that the X870E Taichi performs slightly better than other AM5 motherboards. The difference isn’t significant, but it confirms the motherboard works well and the CPU boosts up to expected frequencies.

AIDA64 FPU tests suggest that all the X870 and X870E motherboards perform similarly. The Taichi again looks slightly better, but it’s not significant.

The results of additional tests show no clear winner. However, one more time, the Taichi is faster by a hair than other models with the latest AMD chipsets.

PCMark 10 also shows the X870E Taichi is the fastest motherboard; again, the difference is barely visible compared to other models from the new generation.

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 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 is about 1FPS faster in modern games than most other AM5 motherboards.

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 even slightly better than declared, passing 14.5GB/s sequential read and reaching over 1.5M IOPS in random read and write.

USB

In USB performance tests, we focus on the most significant chipset improvement: the native USB4. 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 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 the test room is far from perfect: it has thick walls and multiple networks, which limit the bandwidth tested between two computers and the router on the way (above).

The direct internet bandwidth is over 900Mbps on average, using a 1Gbps connection, which is pretty good and better than on the Gigabyte motherboard reviewed in the previous weeks.

Power Consumption

Above, you can see our results for the whole test rig. It’s a typical high-end PC. The Taichi motherboard uses slightly more power than lower X870/X870E models. It’s nothing significant, and considering additional components, it’s still a surprisingly good result.

Overclocking with the ASRock X870E Taichi

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.

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

Regarding memory overclocking, we can count on 6400-6600MT/s at 1:1 and up to 8200MT/s+ at 1:2, IF:IMC ratio. However, anything above 8200MT/s can be limited to the 8000G APU series. The motherboard works perfectly fine with 2x48GB DDR5-6400 CL32 modules and boots at 6600MT/s CL32, but the memory controller can’t handle it at a 1:1 ratio. Single-rank modules can easily work at 8000MT/s, but the asynchronous IMC ratio causes lower-than-expected performance, close to what we can see on the 6400MT/s memory kits. If we spend enough time and have a good enough memory kit, we can make higher frequencies work faster, but it will take some time to adjust all sub-timings and test full stability.

The X870E Taichi is one of the best AM5 motherboards for overclocking. It has an excellent power design, improved cooling, and all the necessary features. It’s highly recommended if we expect to get the most out of our CPU.

ASRock X870E Taichi – Test Rig

ASRock X870E Taichi – Test Rig

ASRock X870E Taichi – Test Rig

Conclusion

The X870E Taichi is one of the best motherboards for AM5 processors. It meets high design, power delivery, cooling, and stability expectations. It’s hard to find any disadvantages of this motherboard.
The Taichi is well-equipped with the latest controllers, USB4, WiFi 7, fast M.2 socket, 5Gbps LAN, and other already popular features. It is worth mentioning that it is probably the best audio solution for the current generation of desktop motherboards. Barely any other motherboard has a premium audio codec, capacitors, and DAC.

The toolless installation of key components is a nice addition that definitely improves the user’s experience. Overclockers and enthusiasts who open the PC case often will appreciate it.

The motherboard has multiple RGB headers and a backlight, which is ideal for RGB enthusiasts. ASRock motherboards are fully compatible with most RGB devices, such as fans, LED strips, water cooling components, RAM modules, etc.

The X870E Taichi is a top option for overclocking and supports a wide range of RAM frequencies up to at least 8200MT/s. Even though the motherboard wasn’t tested with the latest CPU, it still could overclock higher than motherboards from the previous generation.

The ASRock X870E Taichi costs $429.99 with a Newegg rebate. Considering how expensive motherboards have become in the last few years, this is a very reasonable price for what we get and significantly cheaper than the competitive options from other brands. This is, after all, the highest ASRock X870E option that gives all the best the new generation of motherboards can provide.

ASRock X870E Taichi is an excellent motherboard and fully deserves our recommendation!

Click the stamp for an explanation of what this means.

Bartosz Waluk – Woomack

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