ASRock X399 Taichi Threadripper TR4 Motherboard Review (Page 11)

Here are key points about the ASRock X399-Taichi.

What's Hot

VRM Quality: VRM quality and cooling are a grave concern on the X399 platform, just like they are on Intel's X299 platform. ASRock's use of 60A power stages, digital PWM controller, and 60A inductors are top of the line products. The POSCAPs on the back are also plentiful (like they should be when you go from solid polymers to tantalum), so ripple should be a little bit lower. While tantalums last long, the rest of the motherboard uses 12K solid polymers. VRM cooling is also very well, and the heat sink has a lot of mass to it, so it can absorb that heat. There is also a MOS_PROCHOT switch, which I assume disable over temperature protection for extreme overclocking, so ASRock obviously has a lot of faith in its VRM design on the X399 Taichi.

OC Features: Got to have that POST code on a motherboard that costs over $300, that's something I care a lot about, and the Taichi delivers. It also offers power, reset, and clear CMOS buttons onboard. The motherboard does offer BIOS recovery through a USB stick; their BIOS Flashback feature is easy to use with a button on the IO panel. They also have some OC features in the UEFI, as well as a switch on the board to disable PROCHOT for the MOSFETs, so they can go to higher temperatures, but that is only for extreme overclocking scenarios.

Simple Aesthetics: So, while many X399 motherboards are targeted at gamers, the X399 platform isn't really a gaming platform, and I believe ASRock did a good thing by making solid looking motherboards without too many frills. The X399 Taichi has a simple and easy on the eyes look, which resembles more of a workstation board rather than one targeted at gamers. The motherboard is definitely more about business than pleasure but could play either role with ease since it has two RGB LED headers.

Relatively Affordable: I do believe that the X399 Taichi is the most cost effective X399 motherboard, meaning there isn't anything less expensive. While it's still over $300, it offers all the platform's features as well as some unique ASRock features and isn't overpriced.

What's Not

1x1 WIFI Adapter: ASRock is using the same 1x1 433Mbps wireless AC controller as they do on their X299 Taichi, and I am not sure why ASRock doesn't use a 2x2 867 Mbps controller. If you need WIFI, then the controller will get it done, but most wireless AC cards on motherboards are 2x2 867Mbps and can offer more throughput.

Final Thoughts

The ASRock X399 Taichi might be the least expensive X399 motherboard, but that doesn't mean you are missing out on quality, features, or performance. It overclocks Threadripper with ease and even has overclocking features, including a few for extreme overclocking. The VRM's component quality is top notch, and cooling for the VRM is solid.

The motherboard's simple and plain aesthetics are pretty much perfect for a X399 workstation build, but you do have the ability to spice things up since the motherboard has two RGB LED headers, and you aren't getting charged for RGB LED hardware you might not use.

ASRock has done an excellent job with this X399 motherboard, and it's definitely worth a look if you need a high quality, yet affordable, X399 motherboard.