Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE specifications and in-depth review

Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE

Manufacturer: Asus

The Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE is a professional-grade motherboard designed for high-performance computing. Featuring an ATX form factor, it offers robust expandability and durability. With support for up to 256GB of RAM and easy overclocking, this motherboard is built to meet the needs of demanding applications.

It is equipped with PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for advanced graphics and expansion capabilities. The motherboard also supports RAID configurations, including RAID 1, 5, and 10, ensuring reliable data management. Other key features include HDMI 2.1 output, dual RJ45 ports, and a TPM connector for added security.

Pros
  • Supports up to 256GB of memory, allowing for significant RAM capacity.
  • Offers PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, enabling high-speed data transfer for modern GPUs and other expansion cards.
  • Equipped with multiple RAID support options including RAID 1, 10, 5, and 0, providing flexibility for different storage configurations.
  • Includes a Thunderbolt 4 port for high-speed data and peripheral connectivity.
  • Has 7.1 audio channels, offering immersive sound for users needing high-quality audio output.
Cons
  • Does not support integrated graphics, requiring a separate GPU for display output.
  • Lacks built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, limiting wireless connectivity options out of the box.
  • No USB Type-C ports, which could limit compatibility with modern devices and accessories.
  • Does not support ECC memory, which might be a drawback for users requiring error-correcting capabilities.
  • Does not have S/PDIF out port for digital audio, which could be a limitation for some audio setups.
Who is this for?

The Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE motherboard is well-suited for users who require high-performance computing and robust expansion capabilities. With support for up to 256GB of memory and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, it is ideal for professionals who need powerful hardware for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or running demanding applications. The inclusion of multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, 10, 5, and 0, makes it a strong choice for users needing flexible and reliable storage setups.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard is not ideal for users seeking a fully integrated or wireless solution. The lack of integrated graphics and built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi means it is not suited for those who need an all-in-one, wireless setup without additional components. Additionally, the absence of USB Type-C ports may limit compatibility with some newer devices, and the lack of ECC memory support may be a downside for users in critical environments requiring high data integrity.

General info:

form factor ATX
release date June 2025
supports Wi-Fi
Has Bluetooth
HDMI version HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock
has RGB lighting
Easy to reset BIOS
Has dual BIOS
CPU sockets 1
Has integrated graphics
warranty period 3 years
height 244 mm
width 305 mm
Has integrated CPU

The Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE motherboard features an ATX form factor and is equipped with a range of practical tools for ease of use. It offers easy overclocking and a convenient clear CMOS function for resetting the BIOS. However, it does not support integrated graphics or built-in Bluetooth, and it does not have dual BIOS functionality. The motherboard also lacks support for Wi-Fi but includes an HDMI 2.1 output. It has a 3-year warranty period and is built with a height of 244 mm and width of 305 mm.

Memory:

maximum memory amount 256GB
RAM speed (max) 6400 MHz
overclocked RAM speed 9066 MHz
memory slots 4
DDR memory version 5
memory channels 2
Supports ECC memory

The Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE motherboard supports a maximum of 256GB of memory across 4 memory slots, offering DDR5 compatibility. It supports up to 6400 MHz RAM speed, with the option to overclock up to 9066 MHz for improved performance. The motherboard features 2 memory channels but does not support ECC memory for error correction.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A) 6
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C) 0
USB 2.0 ports 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports 1
USB 4 40Gbps ports 1
USB 4 20Gbps ports 0
Thunderbolt 4 ports 1
Thunderbolt 3 ports 0
has an HDMI output
DisplayPort outputs 0
RJ45 ports 2
Has USB Type-C
eSATA ports 0
DVI outputs 0
has a VGA connector
PS/2 ports 0

The Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE motherboard offers a diverse range of connectivity options, including 6 USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-A ports and 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port for high-speed data transfer. It also features a Thunderbolt 4 port and an HDMI output for video connectivity. For networking, there are 2 RJ45 ports, while a VGA connector is included for additional display options. However, it does not support USB Type-C or DisplayPort outputs.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion) 2
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion) 0
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports (through expansion) 1
USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports (through expansion) 0
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion) 4
SATA 3 connectors 8
fan headers 7
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion) 2
M.2 sockets 4
Has TPM connector
U.2 sockets 0
Has mSATA connector
SATA 2 connectors 0

The Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE motherboard offers a variety of expansion options, including 4 SATA 3 connectors and 4 M.2 sockets for flexible storage configurations. It also features 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 connectors and 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connector for additional USB ports. Additionally, the motherboard includes 7 fan headers for cooling, a TPM connector for enhanced security, and 4 USB 2.0 ports through expansion. However, it does not have an mSATA connector or U.2 sockets.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots 1
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots 2
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x1 slots 0
PCI slots 0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots 0
PCIe x4 slots 0
PCIe x8 slots 0

The Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE motherboard is equipped with 2 PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, offering high-speed expansion options for graphics cards and other add-ons. It does not support PCIe 3.0 or PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, nor does it include PCIe x1, x4, or x8 slots, focusing on faster PCIe 5.0 connectivity for performance-heavy tasks.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC) 120 dB
audio channels 7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port
audio connectors 2

The Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE motherboard delivers high-quality audio with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio (DAC) and 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound. It provides 2 audio connectors for flexible audio output but does not support an S/PDIF out port for digital audio transmission.

Storage:

Supports RAID 1
Supports RAID 10 (1+0)
Supports RAID 5
Supports RAID 0
Supports RAID 0+1

The Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE motherboard supports multiple RAID configurations, including RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5, and RAID 0 for flexible storage setups. However, it does not support RAID 0+1 for mirrored striped configurations, offering instead robust options for redundancy and performance.

Final Verdict

The Asus Pro WS W880-Ace SE motherboard is a powerful and versatile option for professional users, offering robust features such as support for up to 256GB of memory and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for high-end expansion. It excels in environments that demand reliable storage with multiple RAID options, including RAID 1, 10, 5, and 0. However, its lack of integrated graphics, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi means it's not ideal for those seeking a fully integrated or wireless solution. Overall, this motherboard is a solid choice for power users and professionals who require extensive customization and performance from their build.

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