ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE Review (w/ Xeon 696X!)

Intel has launched their range of Xeon 600 Workstation processors along with a new W890 chipset so it's time for a review to see how the new technology performs. We put the ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE through its paces with an Engineering Sample of the 64-core Xeon 696X and discovered a few unexpected results.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro
00:46 Hardware
01:45 Xeon Platform details
04:50 ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE
07:55 Heatsinks removed
08:34 VRMs
09:12 Accessories
10:30 Cooling the processor / Other hardware
11:57 BIOS Setup
12:12 Stress Test / Cinebench
13:26 AMD Test Platform
14:00 Cinebench 2026/2024 Multi Core
14:44 Blender ClassRoom Render
15:31 Geekbench 6.6 Multi Core
15:55 HandBrake Conversion
17:07 7-Zip V26
17:33 Conclusion

 

Main features:

• Ready for Advanced AI PC: Designed for the future of AI computing, with the power and connectivity needed for demanding AI applications
• Intel LGA4710-2 Socket Supports up to 86-Core CPUs: Ready for Intel® Xeon® 600 Processors for Workstation.
• Ultrafast Connectivity: Four PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, 10Gb and 2.5Gb LAN ports, four M.2 slots, two rear USB4 40Gbps Type-C®, and SlimSAS NVMe support.
• CPU and Memory Overclocking: Support for up to 4TB ECC R-DIMM DDR5 memory modules (2DPC).
• Robust Power and Thermal Design: 12+2+2+1+2 power stages for the CPU and ready for dual-PSU operation, massive VRM, chipset and M.2 heatsinks with an active fan, M.2 backplate and thermal pad.
• Ready for Server-Grade IPMI Remote Management: hardware and software support for ASUS IPMI expansion card, plus ASUS Control Center Express software for real-time monitoring and management
• Trusted Stability: Validated for extensive compatibility with the latest technologies, an expansive QVL list, and tested for 24/7 operation.

Specification:

• CPU support: Intel Socket LGA4710-2 for Xeon 600 Series workstation processors
• Chipset: Intel W890
• VRMs: 12+2+2+1+2 phases using Infineon DrMOS;
  • Controller: Infineon XDPE192C4C;
  • VRMs: Infineon PMC41420
• Memory: 8x DDR5 DIMM slots, quad-channel architecture; supports ECC RDIMM, 3DS-RDIMM, MRDIMM with XMP
• Expansion slots: 4x PCIe 5.0 x16 (CPU, x16 mode), 1x PCIe 4.0 x16 (chipset, x4 mode)
• Storage: 4x M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4 (CPU), 2x SlimSAS PCIe 4.0 x4 (chipset, or up to 4 SATA via adapter), 4x SATA 6Gb/s (chipset)
• USB (rear): 2x USB4 Type-C (40Gbps), 6x USB 10Gbps Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
• USB (front): 1x USB 20Gbps Type-C, 1x USB 5Gbps header (2x Type-A), 2x USB 2.0 headers (4x Type-A)
• Audio: Realtek ALC1220P 7.1 HD audio codec
• Networking: 1x Realtek 10GbE, 1x Intel 2.5GbE, ASUS LANGuard
• Wireless: M.2 Key-E slot (CNVi/PCIe; Wi-Fi module sold separately)
• Fan headers: 8x PWM fan headers
• RGB headers: 2x ARGB headers
• BIOS: 64MB flash BIOS
• Form factor: CEB (12 x 11 inch / 30.5 x 28 cm)

Performance and Testing

Intel test system

• Processor: Intel Xeon 696X
• Memory: 128GB Kingston Fury Renegade Pro DDR5-5600 C36 RDIMM
• CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S DX-4677 with NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans

AMD test system

• Processors: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9970X and 9980X
• Memory: 128GB G.Skill T5 Neo DDR5-6400 C32 RDIMM
• CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U14S TR5-SP6 with NF-A14x25r G2 PWM fans

Common components

• Graphics card: MSI GeForce 4090 Ventus 3X 24GB
• Power supply: Antec Signature 2200W
• SSD: 4TB Kingston Fury Renegade M.2 NVMe
• OS: Windows 11

Cinebench 2026

In Cinebench 2026, the combination of Xeon 696X and ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE does a good job but is beaten by the more effective AMD Threadripper.

Blender 5.1 Classroom 

It is a similar story in Blender 5.1 when we run the Classroom render. The new Xeon and ASUS W890 SAGE do well but Threadripper 9980X does even better.

7-Zip v26 Decompressing

We see the same results in 7-Zip v26 Decompressing where the new Xeon performs well however it is comprehensively beaten by Threadripper 9980X.

Closing Thoughts

Intel has made a significant jump from Xeon Sapphire Rapids to the new Xeon 600. This brings a related move from the W790 chipset to W890 and a new family of supporting motherboards, including this ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE, which clearly builds on the previous ASUS Pro WS W790-ACE.

The hardware in this motherboard comprehensively supports the new Xeons and provides a solid foundation for your new workstation. In these times of monumentally expensive memory, SSDs and graphics cards it makes a welcome change to describe an £800 motherboard as a component that is good value for money.

We expect the ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE will sell for £800 inc VAT.

Pros:

• The ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE has a solid VRM and builds on the previous W790 ACE.
• Good support for multiple graphics cards and PCIe 5.0 devices
• Decent range of USB ports including USB4

Cons:

• You have to pay extra for IPMI and WiFi.
• Thunderbolt is not included.
• We have to reserve judgement on Xeon 600 until we see a full retail CPU.

KitGuru says: The ASUS Pro WS W890-SAGE works well with the new Xeon 600 and is a significant improvement over the previous generation.

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