ASUS Rog Zenith Extreme Alpha Motherboard

Asus Rog Zenith Extreme Alpha Motherboard

Features

AMD X399 EATX gaming motherboard for AMD Ryzenâ„¢ Threadripperâ„¢ processors, with ROG DIMM.2, DDR4 3600MHz , onboard 802.11ac Wi-Fi, 10Gbps LAN, USB 3.1 Gen 2, SATA, Triple M.2 and Aura Sync RGB lighting

• AMD TR4 socket: Ready for 1st and 2nd Gen AMD Ryzenâ„¢ Threadripperâ„¢ processor series to maximize connectivity and speed with up to three M.2 drives and USB 3.1 Gen 2.
• Comprehensive thermal design: Active heatsink with integrated VRM fan, PCIe-zone M.2 aluminum heatsink and dual backplates.
• High-performance networking: Onboard Aquantia® 10Gbps LAN, 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO support, and Intel gigabit LAN with ASUS LANGuard and GameFirst V technologies.
• 5-Way Optimization: Automated system-wide tuning, providing overclocking and cooling profiles that are tailor made for your rig.
• SafeSlot technology: Firmly-anchored PCIe slots fortified with metal to support heavyweight graphics cards.
• Unmatched personalization: LiveDash OLED and ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting, including two RGB headers and addressable headers.
• Industry-leading ROG audio: SupremeFX S1220 and ESS® SABRE9018Q2C for enthusiast-grade audio performance driven by Japanese capacitors.

Overview

THE ALPHA

Built to take command , ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha releases the full might of the 32-core AMD Threadripper processor, while keeping thermals under control with intelligent cooling and an SOC heatsink designed especially for the CPU's monstrous power. For high-end gamers and overclockers who equip themselves with ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha , there will be no doubts about who is leader of the pack.

COOLING

To ensure 32-core processing beasts stay cool, even at stock speeds. The Alpha is fully armed to provide the best foundation for extreme PC systems, enabling higher performance at lower temperatures.

COOLING HEATSINKS

ACTIVE HEATSINK

Fans located within the heatsink kick on after 60°C and allow the Zenith Extreme Alpha to handle sustained power draw of over 500W.

ALUMINUM I/O COVER

Connects to the primary heatsink via an embedded heat-pipe,increasing mass and surface area.

SOC HEATSINK

Designed to cool vital motherboard power delivery areas to enhance the overclocking potential of 2ndGen Threadripper WX Series Processers.

ALUMINUM HEATSINK COVER

The cover is crafted from pure aluminum to efficiently cool the Alpha only 1 onboard M.2 Drive.

DUAL BACKPLATES

Add rigidity and additional functionality to the oversized board. One adds additional mass to siphon heat from the VRM, while the other adds additional RGB lighting effects.

PCH HEATSINK

The PCH heatsink blends seamlessly with the Aluminum Heatsink cover and prominently features the ROG logo.

COOLER BY DESIGN

ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha features the most comprehensive cooling options ever, configurable via Fan Xpert 4 or the UEFI BIOS.

Multiple temperature sources

Each header can be set to monitor and react to three user-configurable thermal sensors, for workload based cooling. All easily managed by Fan Xpert 4 or UEFI.

Water pump+

A dedicated header that can supply over 3A to high-performance PWM or DC water pumps.

4-pin PWM/DC fan

Every onboard header supports auto-detection of PWM or DC fans.

Bundled Fan Extension Card II

Includes six additional DC or PWM fan headers, plus three thermal-probe headers.

Heatsink Fan

A dedicated header for onboard heatsink fan.

Water in/out

Allows for monitoring of temperature at the input/out of any component.

Water flow

Allows for constant monitoring of the flow rate of entire loop

Water-block-Sensor

A special connector that lets water blocks designed for the ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha provide flow, temperature and leakage data.

ROG WATER-COOLING ZONE

ROG Water-Cooling Zone's dual water-temperature headers and flow-rate header feed information straight into the AI Suite utility, so you can keep track of coolant temperatures, and the flow rate of the entire loop.

W_FLOW TACHOMETER

Enables constant monitoring of flow rate of the entire loop.

W_IN/OUT T-SENSOR

Enables monitoring of temperatures at the input/output of any component.

FAN EXTENSION CARD II

ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha includes our new Fan Extension Card II, which adds six headers that are controllable via FanXpert 4. The card has three temperature-sensor headers to complement the one available onboard and, more importantly, it comes with three thermistors that you can affix to different components. In addition to supplying extra headers for cooling, it has three primed for RGB LED strips.

• Screw holes allow you to mount the card to 2.5-inch bay on your chassis
• ASUS Node connector allows you to connect additional compatible PSU or accessories

PERFORMANCE

We've refined every aspect of Alpha to provide the solid foundation needed to create an extreme gaming and workstation system that delivers the highest performance.

POWER DESIGN THAT BUCKS TRENDS

The monstrous compute power of high core count processors necessitates a power circuit that rapidly responds to massive current swings. And those demands increase exponentially when the CPU is overclocked. Featuring an array of 16 strategically paired power stages, the Alpha's VRM is geared for any workload and all operating conditions.

Robust power delivery starts at the component level. Every aspect of the Alpha VRM is generously over-specified for the task.

DUAL 8-PIN PROCOOL POWER CONNECTORS

Two ProCool connectors ensure a snug and reliable connection to the EPS 12V power lines.

POWLRSTAGE® MOSFETS

The Alpha VRM is comprised of 16 IR3555 PowIRstages, each rated to handle 60 amps

MICROFINE ALLOY CHOKES

Each PowIRstage is accompanied by a high-permeability alloy-core choke rated to handle 45 amps.

10K JAPANESE-MADE BLACK METALLIC CAPACITORS

Input and output filtering is provided by solid-polymer capacitors rated to last thousands of hours at high operating temperatures.

POWER ARCHITECTURE

Overclocked multi-core processors place incredible loads on the VRM when transitioning between load states. However, conventional motherboard design practices place primary focus on component specs without implementing circuit topologies that provide optimal transient response. The Alpha bucks industry trends by utilising teamed PowIRstages to double the burst current of each phase and rapidly respond to load changes.

The Alpha's VRM reacts quickly to load changes and suffers from less overshoot and undershoot than alternative power solutions, allowing the processor to remain stable at lower average core voltages.

DDR4 3600MHZ (O.C.)

With support for DDR4 memory you're able to drive memory frequencies to 3600MHz, ASUS-exclusive circuit design, provides superb memory-overclocking potential, minimizing coupling noise and signal reflection to unleash the full power of DDR4. With innovative equidistant memory channels, the ROG design delivers the most balanced control and incredibly powerful overclocking capability. And that's not all: ROG works with almost every DDR4 memory vendor, ensuring the best compatibility.

OPTIMIZATION

The Alpha is packed with intuitive and flexible tools that let you optimize every aspect of your system to deliver the performance you want. Take advantage of 5-Way Optimization for intelligent, automatic overclocking or enjoy full manual control via comprehensive UEFI BIOS settings.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL UP

AI Suite 3's dashboard-style control panel lets you fine-tune almost every aspect of your Zenith Extreme Alpha system. Get the best balance between performance, cooling, stability, and efficiency via one simple and intuitive interface.

CPU-performance boost

The TurboV Processing Unit (TPU) is an intelligent onboard micro-controller that provides an array of system-tuning features, including the ability to fine-tune voltages, monitor system stats and adjust overclocking parameters.

All-around energy efficiency

With the Energy Processing Unit (EPU) you'll enjoy system-wide power savings. The EPU automatically optimizes power consumption and maximizes savings with Away mode — a smart setting that creates an extreme energy-saving scenario by shutting down unused I/O controllers.

Flexible cooling controls for air or liquid

Enjoy comprehensive control over fans and water pumps, via either Fan Expert 4 or our UEFI. Whether you're cooling with air or water, Auto-Tuning mode intelligently configures all parameters with a single click. There's also an Extreme Quiet mode, which reduces all fan speeds to below the default minimum — keeping your system whisper-quiet when performing light tasks.

Precise digital power control

The Digi+ voltage-regulator module (VRM) delivers real-time control over voltage droop, switching frequency and power-efficiency settings, allowing you to fine-tune CPU voltage regulation for ultimate stability and performance.

Turbo Core App

Intel's processors feature per-core tuning, and the ASUS Turbo app makes use of this feature by letting you assign applications to specific processor cores, prioritizing computing power where it's needed most.

EASY-TO-USE UEFI BIOS

The UEFI BIOS is an early waypoint on any PC-building journey, and Zenith Extreme Alpha offers one of the best in the business.

When you're ready for a deeper dive, delve into the UEFI's Advanced mode and take complete control. Advanced mode enables full control over every aspect of the motherboard, and a built-in search function helps you quickly find the setting you need.

ADVANCED MODE

My Favorites

Quickly find tuning options and add preferred tools to the list.

EZ Flash 3

Flash the latest BIOS via the internet from within the BIOS.

SMART

Check your storage device Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology logs to gauge reliability and identify potential failures.

GPU POST

Automatically detect selected ASUS graphics cards to view detailed information.

Secure Erase

Restore your SSDs and NVMe storage to factory settings.

Last Modified Log

Track the last change and save preferred profiles to a USB drive.

SATA Port Renaming

Rename SATA ports for easy identification.

User Profile

Port configuration settings between different BIOS versions or share them with friends

Q-Fan Control

Configure the fan's operating speed manually or use pre-configured fan profiles to quickly select Standard, Silent, Turbo or Full Speed modes. By default, system fans will automatically switch to full speed if the temperature reaches 75°C.

EZ MODE

EZ tuning wizard

Streamline your RAID configuration for faster data retrieval and backups.

Intuitive graphical fan controls

Fine-tune individual fans simply by dragging a curve with the mouse.

SATA information

View SATA port details for easy device recognition.

Fast and easy clock adjustment

Use the mouse to quickly change time and date settings.

Aura On/Off mode (Stealth)

Easily enable or disable Aura RGB lighting or every onboard LED, for a more subdued aesthetic.

CONNECTIVITY

Together with customizable audio profiles and tools to optimize storage and networking performance, the Alpha provides the ability to create an expertly tuned machine with minimal effort.

AMD STOREMI

• ROG DIMM.2 heatsink
• ROG DIMM.2 dual M.2 expansion card

AMD StoreMI technology is a software utility that accelerates any drive for better system responsiveness with reduced startup and software load times. It combines SSD performance with the affordability and capacity of an HDD by automatically moving frequently accessed data to dedicated SSD storage.

CPU RAID

Wired directly to the processor, the lower onboard M.2 slot can be used in chipset-based RAID configurations to improve storage performance or provide a layer of redundancy.

INTEL INTEGRATED ULTRA WI-FI SUPPORT

ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha features Intel Wireless AC-9260 Wi-Fi (802.11ac) with 2x2 MU-MIMO and wide 160MHz channel, for wireless speeds of up to 1.73Gbps.* In fact, the integrated adapter pushes wireless data up to 2X faster than other Wi-Fi solutions — so you'll get fast, smooth transfers, even when your rig is further away from the router. Intel Wireless-AC 9260 also offers Bluetooth 5.0 for connections that are up to 2X faster than ever before, and with up to 4X the range. * Actual speed varies, and depends on networking conditions.

10GBPS ONBOARD LAN

Designed for the demanding requirements of power users and content creators who push the envelope, 10Gbps onboard LAN plugs you into a new era of home networking. With up to 10X the bandwidth of standard gigabit Ethernet, you'll enjoy streaming uncompressed 4K UHD videos, and backups and file transfers that are faster than ever before. And there's also support for intermediate 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps connectivity, allowing you to step up to faster networks for maximum flexibility. Choose the bandwidth that meets your needs and enjoy ultra-low latency at any speed.

*Minimum Category 6 network cables required for 10Gbps operation. Category 5e cables support up to 5Gbps.

INTEL ETHERNET

ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha features the latest Intel® Ethernet (I211-AT) for faster, smoother gaming. This Intel controller has a natural synergy with Intel processors and chipsets, reducing CPU overhead and offering exceptionally high TCP and UDP throughput – so there's more power for games and other tasks.

SupremeFX

ROG is renowned for superior onboard audio, and ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha is no exception. The front-panel headphone output features a SABRE9018Q2C integrated DAC/amp capable of reaching -115dB THD+N to provide playback that convey all the subtlety and nuances of the audio track. The improved resolution derived from the ESS Hyperstreamâ„¢ DAC architecture expands the soundstage to give a better sense of positioning. Beyond resolution, the 121dB DNR provides an extremely low noise-floor, further accentuating dynamics and punch. And, when you want to shift priority to musicality, our Sonic Studio software provides an array of EQ options, allowing the sound signature to be tweaked to suit your cans.

LED-ILLUMINATED AUDIO JACKS

Backlit audio jacks save you from fumbling around in the dark

ESS® SABRE9018Q2C DAC/AMP

Creates a perfect balance for top-tier audio clarity capable of –115dB THD

S1220 CODEC

10 DAC channels, simultaneous 7.1-channel playback, independent 2.0-channel, multiple-stream stereo to front-panel outputs

SWITCHING MOSFETS

Unique design allows the codec's impedance-sensing function to be ported with either the front or rear headphone outputs

NICHICON® CAPS

Fine-quality Japanese-made components that produce a warmer, natural sound with exceptional clarity and fidelity

PERSONALIZED FOR YOU

In addition to extraordinary performance, Zenith Extreme Alpha provides extensive styling and customization options to let you build a system that truly stands apart.

GROW YOUR GAMING WORLD

Gear up with ROG components, from graphics and monitors to mice and keyboards, and up your game with complementary aesthetics, control and compatibility. The ROG ecosystem is more extensive than any competing brand, so enjoy greater choice as your system expands.

ROG FIRST

Interface directly with a ROG router and automatically configure QoS to prioritize network bandwidth to games.

SMART MODE

Automatically caches all your storage devices to maximize your system's resources

SONIC STUDIO LINK

The new Sonic Studio Link now allows you to apply Sonic Studio effects on all playback devices. Simply press the Sonic Studio Link button to enjoy the effect on any playback devices.

HARDWARE MONITORING

During the power-on, self-test (POST) phase, LiveDash shows key progress stats, in simple language and via traditional POST codes. Then, during normal operation, the vibrant panel shows a choice of CPU frequency, device temperatures, fan speeds or information from the Water Cooling Zone.

ARMOURY CRATE

The brand-new Armoury Crate portal keeps you updated with the latest drivers and BIOS releases. Its easy-to-use UI can be configured to show a variety of information, including security updates, bug patches, the latest ROG news, gaming events and special offers.

TOOLS

View, manage, and download the latest drivers, utilities and user manual.

• Static
• Breathing
• Strobing
• Rainbow
• Color cycle
• Comet
• Flash and dash
• Wave
• Glowing Yo-Yo
• Starry Night
• Music Effect
• Smart

THE POWER OF AMD

Ready for AMD SocketTR4 Ryzen Threadripper

The ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha motherboard supports the latest 2nd Gen AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ and AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ processors. Based on the innovative Zen core architecture, the high-performance Threadripper CPUs boast up to 32 cores. AMD SocketTR4 processors feature quad-channel DDR4 memory, 64 lanes of PCI Express® 3.0 and native 5Gbps USB 3.0 for superb performance.

AMD X399 chipset

The AMD X399 chipset delivers outstanding overclocking capabilities for the latest AMD SocketTR4 Ryzenâ„¢ Threadripperâ„¢ processors. It's optimized for multiple GPU configurations, including NVDIA SLITM and AMD CrossFireXTM. It also provides two 10Gbps USB 3.1 ports and eight 6Gbps SATA ports for faster data retrieval.

Specifications