ASUS has come a long way from when it was founded way back in 1989. Today, it is not only the biggest motherboard maker in the world, but also leading the way in laptops and gaming gear.
To celebrate 30 years of making motherboards, the limited edition ASUS Prime X299 Edition 30 motherboard was conceived. It features a VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) tailored for overclocking, next-gen connectivity, and extensive customisation.
The Prime X299 Edition 30’s LGA2066 socket supports the latest Intel Core X-series desktop processors with up to 18 cores. It also features a new 16-stage power solution with enhanced cooling that enables overclocking of the latest multi-core processors to their fullest potential. Two M.2 slots with passive heat sinks enable ultrafast, unthrottled data transfers. The dual Thunderbolt 3 ports and accompanying DisplayPort inputs give content creators an easy way to connect chains of external storage and displays.
The Prime X299 Edition 30 comes packed with upgraded networking for both wired and wireless networks. Its Intel Gigabit Ethernet contoller has a built-in Aquantia 5G chip for speed throughput on compatible networks. As for wireless connectivity, it supports the latest Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 that can peak at a theoretical bandwith of up to 2.4Gbps!
The Prime X299 Edition 30 also features a 2-inch LiveDash OLED that displays vital system stats, such as clock speeds, temperatures and voltages for easy performance monitoring. It is also capable of displaying custom messages, images and even animated GIFs for maxmimum customisation.
As if one LiveDash isn’t enough, there is even a second LiveDash display included in the new Smart Control Console. This is achieved with an external HD IR 720P webcam module that connects via USB and comes with a stand that sits atop the monitor. In addition to displaying system information, the Smart Control Console even offers voice input and hand-gesture control.
Specifications
Model |
Prime X299 Edition 30 |
|
CPU |
Intel® Socket 2066 for Intel® Core™ X-Series Processors |
|
Chipset |
Intel® X299 |
|
Form Factor |
ATX |
|
Memory |
Memory Slots / |
8 / 128GB DDR4 |
Multi-GPU Support |
3-Way SLI & 3-Way CFX |
|
PCIe 3.0 x16 Slots |
44-Lane CPU |
3 x PCIe 3.0/2.0 x16 (single x16 or dual x16/x16 or triple x16/x16/x8) |
28-Lane CPU |
2 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (single@x16, dual@x16/x8 mode) |
|
1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slots (PCIEX16_3 max. at x2 mode) |
||
Storage & Connectivity |
SATA 6Gb/s |
8 |
Thunderbolt 3 |
Yes (Onboard) |
|
M.2 |
2 x M.2 2242-22110 (PCIE 3.0 x4 mode) |
|
1 x M.2 2242-22110 Vertical (SATA & PCIE 3.0 x 4 mode) |
||
USB 3.2 Gen 2 front panel connector |
1 |
|
USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
2 X Type-C™ from Thunderbolt™ 3 |
|
USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
8 (4 @ back, 4 @ front) |
|
LAN |
Gigabit Ethernet |
Intel® I219-V |
Aquantia® AQC-111C 5G LAN |
||
Wireless / Bluetooth |
Intel® Wi-Fi 6 AX200 |
|
Bluetooth v5.0 |
||
Audio |
Audio Codec |
Realtek® ALC S1220A |
Audio Effects |
DTS: X® Ultra |
|
Cooling |
PWM/DC Fan Headers |
7 |
Node Support |
Yes |
|
AIO Pump Header |
Yes |
|
Water Pump+ Header |
Yes |
|
M.2 cooling solution |
2 X M.2 Heatsink |
|
Personalization |
AURA Lighting Control |
Yes |
4-Pin RGB Header |
2 |
|
Addressable RGB Gen 2 Header |
2 |
|
LiveDash OLED |
Yes (2") |
|
Availability and pricing for the ASUS Prime X299 Edition 30 motherboard will be announced at a later date.
ASUS Prime Utopia (prototype)
ASUS also unveiled an early prototype of their vision and aspirations for future high-end desktop motherboards. The Prime Utopia has a host of innovations that will take customisation and control to the next level.
One of the standout features is the convention-breaking placement of the PCIe slots at the back of the board for improved thermal management. This layout change frees up much needed prime estate on the front of the board for more expansion cards and M.2 drives, which enables optimized heat management.
Front view of the Prime Utopia 
Back view of the Prime Utopia
The Prime Utopia also features an integrated water cooling system, via a proprietary, patent-pending Hydra Cortex Fan Header that keeps the CPU cool with custom water-cooling loops.
Users will also get to choose their preferred ports and connectivity thanks to the innovative new modular rear I/O setup. There is even a whopping 7-inch full-colour OLED touchscreen panel for users to modify BIOS settings, control fans speeds, power the system on/off, and monitor real-time system stats.
The question now is, when can we get our geeky hands on it?
Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.
Si Jia
