If you're planning to build a powerful system around an Intel Core i7 processor for the LGA2011 socket, the ASUS P9X79 motherboard family remains a clear benchmark within the X79 ecosystem. While they are no longer recent models, their combination of raw performance, expansion options, and build quality keeps them a very serious contender for workstations and enthusiast PCs.
Throughout this article, we'll calmly break down the features, specifications, and prices of the ASUS P9X79 in its most interesting variants (P9X79, P9X79 PRO, P9X79 Deluxe, and P9X79-E WS), taking advantage of all available technical information and explaining it in clear, accessible language. The goal is that, by the end of this article, you'll have a crystal-clear understanding of what each model offers, what you can expect in terms of performance and connectivity, and whether they can still meet your intended use.
Overview of the ASUS P9X79 series and its X79 chipset
The P9X79 series is based on the Intel X79 Express chipset , a high-end chipset originally aimed at users who needed significant processing power: content creators, semi-professional workstations, and overclocking enthusiasts. This chipset was designed for Intel Core i7 processors for the LGA2011 socket, which at the time represented Intel's top-of-the-line mainstream processors.
One of the most striking features of these motherboards is their quad-channel memory support . Compared to the dual-channel typical of lower-end models, quad-channel offers significantly higher memory bandwidth, ideal for applications that handle large amounts of data, such as 3D rendering, video editing, or simulations.
The motherboards come in a standard ATX form factor (305 x 244 mm) , ensuring compatibility with a wide range of PC cases and open-frame PC builds . The PCB features a classic ASUS color scheme for this generation: predominantly black, combined with light and dark blues and white accents on the connectors and heatsinks, resulting in a sophisticated yet gamer-friendly look.
In terms of design philosophy, ASUS opted for proprietary technologies in this series, such as DIGI+ VRM and EPU, for voltage and power management. DIGI+ allows for very fine-tuned control of the processor and memory power supply, which is crucial for maintaining stability under demanding loads or in overclocking scenarios. Meanwhile, EPU helps optimize power consumption when the system's full power isn't needed.
In summary, the P9X79 motherboards were born as high-end motherboards designed to combine great raw performance, ample expandability and a robust construction , while maintaining a good range of connectivity options updated for their time (USB 3.0, SATA 6 Gbps, etc.).
LGA2011 socket and compatible processors
These motherboards are based on the LGA2011 socket (also known as Socket R) . This socket is designed to accommodate enthusiast-level Intel Core i7 processors, which offer more cores, more PCI Express lanes, and more cache than the conventional LGA1155/1150 series of that time.
The LGA2011's locking mechanism is quite unique: it uses a double metal locking system that increases the processor's security. It's not the typical single arm found on other sockets, but rather a solution with two latches that ensure even pressure on the CPU, which is crucial when working with heavy heatsinks or advanced cooling systems.
These motherboards are designed to work with a single processor (a single socket), so they are not dual CPU or multi-SMP boards. However, the installed processor has a large number of PCIe lanes, which translates into multiple expansion slots capable of operating at high speeds simultaneously.
In terms of compatibility, the documentation specifically refers to the Intel Core i7 family for LGA2011; if you have any doubts, you can consult how to find out how to check CPU compatibility with motherboard to verify specific models.
The BIOS used is of the UEFI type , with a size of 64 MB and support for ACPI 2.0a, and includes management functionalities such as WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, PXE remote boot or remote power on and wake functions (WOL and WOR by PME), designed for both advanced users and professional or semi-professional environments.
Memory subsystem: capacity, types and performance
One of the strengths of the ASUS P9X79 series is its memory configuration. All motherboards in this series offer eight DDR3 DIMM slots , four on each side of the processor socket, following the LGA2011 socket physical layout standard.
The maximum supported capacity is 64 GB of DDR3-SDRAM memory , operating in quad-channel mode. This translates to very high memory bandwidth, ideal for intensive tasks such as virtual machines, high-resolution video editing, or complex CAD/CAE projects.
Regarding compatible memory frequencies, the motherboards support modules with speeds of 1066, 1333, 1600, 1866, 2133, and up to 2400 MHz . Intel XMP profile support makes it easy to adjust these frequencies from the BIOS, without having to manually adjust all the latency parameters.
The supported memory type is non-ECC , meaning there is no compatibility with ECC error-correcting memory modules typical of dedicated servers. This reinforces the idea that, although these are very powerful motherboards, they are still primarily aimed at the enthusiast consumer segment and advanced workstations rather than mission-critical servers.
This eight-slot, quad-channel design allows for highly flexible configurations: from modest systems with four modules to systems loaded with eight DIMMs to fully utilize the 64GB limit. The presence of multiple fan headers in the CPU and RAM area also helps maintain controlled temperatures even with all slots occupied.
Physical design, cooling, and component distribution
The design of the CPU and memory area follows the guidelines of the X79 chipset motherboards: the processor socket is in the center and the eight RAM slots are distributed on both sides , while the heatsinks are mainly located in the half furthest from the edge of the PCIe slots.
In models like the P9X79 Deluxe, the four passive heatsinks are particularly noteworthy . The largest one cools the main chip of the X79 chipset and is connected via a heatpipe to another heatsink located next to the socket (which doesn't cover a specific component but rather provides thermal support). Additionally, there are two other heatsinks, also connected by heatpipes, responsible for extracting the heat generated by the VRM power phases.
The shape of these heatsinks is grooved and angular, improving the surface area in contact with the air and facilitating more efficient heat dissipation . In practice, this allows the motherboard to maintain reasonable temperatures even when the processor is under heavy load; furthermore, it's advisable to monitor your hardware's temperature to adjust ventilation and cooling profiles.
The rear of the I/O panel is well populated with connectors, but also with elements designed for the advanced user, such as the physical Clear CMOS button , which allows you to reset the BIOS directly in case of an overly aggressive overclocking configuration or a boot problem.
Being based on the ATX format, the distribution of the PCI Express slots, socket, RAM and 24-pin ATX and 8-pin EPS power connectors conforms to standards, simplifying assembly in most chassis and facilitating good cable management.
PCI Express expansion slots and multi-GPU support
One of the areas where the P9X79 family particularly excels is in the number and configuration of its PCI Express slots . Taking the P9X79 PRO as a reference, we find a set consisting of four PCIe x16 slots and two PCIe x1 slots, all under the PCI Express 3.0 specification for the x16 slots.
On the P9X79 PRO, two of the x16 slots can operate at either x16 or x8 depending on how many cards are installed, while the fourth x16 slot is limited to x8. When using three graphics cards, for example, the typical configuration is x16, x8, and x8. ASUS has completely forgone conventional PCI slots, opting instead for a design entirely focused on PCIe.
Things get even more extreme in the P9X79-E WS model , clearly aimed at workstations. Here we find no fewer than seven PCI Express x16 3.0 slots , designed for massive configurations of single-slot graphics cards or GPGPU accelerators. This motherboard allows, for example, the installation of up to seven compute GPUs, something very uncommon even today.
In SLI or CrossFire scenarios with up to four cards, the P9X79-E WS is able to keep all four PCIe ports running at x16 simultaneously , which is impressive when compared to many other motherboards where, when adding multiple cards, several of the ports reduce their bandwidth to x8 or even x4.
Regarding supported multi-GPU technologies, the P9X79 series is compatible with a wide range: 2-Way SLI, 3-Way SLI, Quad-GPU SLI, CrossFireX, Quad-GPU CrossFireX, Hybrid CrossFireX, and hybrid variants of SLI and CrossFireX. This makes it an ideal foundation for both high-end gaming rigs and parallel computing machines.
Storage: SATA ports, RAID and SSD caching
In terms of storage, the P9X79 motherboards combine SATA 6 Gbps (SATA III) and SATA 3 Gbps (SATA II) connectors . The P9X79 PRO, in particular, has four SATA 3 (6 Gbps) ports and four SATA 2 (3 Gbps) ports, for a total of eight internal connectors for hard drives and SSDs.
The integrated RAID capabilities allow you to configure arrays in RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 , providing the flexibility to create configurations focused on performance, data security, or a balance between both. The supported disk interfaces are Serial ATA II and Serial ATA III, so older drives can be seamlessly combined with newer SSDs.
The P9X79-E WS motherboard includes support for ASUS SSD Caching II technology . This feature allows you to use an SSD as an accelerator cache for one or more mechanical hard drives, combining the speed of an SSD with the storage capacity of traditional HDDs, without needing to manually manage which data goes on each drive.
Parallel PATA/IDE connectors are not included, so the focus is entirely on modern SATA-based storage. This simplifies internal cabling and improves overall case ventilation by reducing bulky cables.
On the rear panel, some variants of the series also offer an eSATA port combined with USB, a useful option if you work with high-capacity external drives that work better with a dedicated storage interface than with a simple USB 2.0.
Rear connectivity: USB, network and integrated audio
The rear I/O panel of the P9X79 is very well populated. Taking the P9X79 PRO as a reference, it includes 10 USB ports on the back , of which six are USB 2.0 and four are USB 3.0. In addition, there are internal connectors on the motherboard: three USB 2.0 headers and one USB 3.0 header for the front of the chassis.
In terms of networking, most models include at least one Gigabit Ethernet port based on the Intel 82579V controller, supporting 10/100/1000 Mbit/s. The P9X79-E WS offers even more power, with dual Ethernet ports managed by Intel i210 chips, enabling redundant network configurations, NIC teaming, or traffic separation in more professional environments.
In terms of audio, the series features the Realtek ALC898 chipset , capable of handling high-definition sound in a 7.1 configuration. The rear panel offers the six standard audio jacks for multichannel systems, as well as an S/PDIF optical digital audio output. There is also an onboard S/PDIF-out connector for those who wish to integrate it with dedicated audio equipment.
Other common connections on the rear panel include a combined eSATA and USB connector, and on some models, a physical BIOS reset button (Clear CMOS) accessible from outside the chassis. Video ports such as HDMI, DVI, or VGA are not included, nor is there a PS/2 port for a mouse or keyboard, reinforcing the modern nature of the motherboard and its focus on USB peripherals and dedicated graphics cards.
For equipment integrated into legacy environments, the board adds an internal COM connector , allowing a serial port to be added via an optional bracket, which can still be useful in certain industrial or laboratory environments.
Internal connectors, ventilation, and assembly extras
In addition to the externally visible connections, the ASUS P9X79 motherboards feature a good number of internal connectors for fans and chassis peripherals . The P9X79 PRO includes five chassis fan headers, plus a dedicated CPU fan header, providing ample space for well-distributed cooling.
The classic 24-pin ATX main power connector is present , as well as the 8-pin EPS connector for processor power, essential to ensure a stable supply when working with high TDP CPUs and multiple expansion cards.
Among the front connectors we find HD audio headers for the front panel , USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 connectors for the front bays of the case, as well as the chassis intrusion connector, which allows detection if the case is opened when the system is off, something that can be relevant in business environments.
The motherboard includes physical support for an internal speaker (beeper), as well as the standard power, reset, and status LED pins. ASUS typically includes a quick installation guide and drivers with these models, making assembly much easier, even for non-expert users.
The externally accessible Clear CMOS button, along with advanced UEFI options, makes fine-tuning settings and overclocking more convenient, allowing you to recover a stable configuration in seconds if any extreme parameter test goes wrong.
Wireless connectivity and additional technologies
Some models in the P9X79 series feature integrated Bluetooth connectivity , supporting version 2.1+EDR. This allows you to pair devices such as headphones, keyboards, mice, or smartphones without needing additional USB dongles, which is convenient for keeping the number of connected peripherals to a minimum.
The management functionalities (WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, PXE, WOL, WOR) are designed to facilitate remote control and system administration , especially in semi-professional environments where it is important to be able to turn machines on, off or reinstall them centrally.
DIGI+ VRM technology allows for highly precise adjustment of the power phase behavior , balancing efficiency and performance according to needs. Combined with EPU, the system can reduce power consumption at idle or under light loads, without sacrificing full power when required.
In the advanced storage environment, the aforementioned ASUS SSD Caching II of the P9X79-E WS offers intelligent management of SSD drives as cache memory, significantly improving application loading times and system boot times without the need to completely reorganize storage.
The absence of integrated graphics forces the use of a dedicated graphics card , something that for the target audience of these motherboards is not usually a drawback, but rather an advantage, since it leaves the entire budget and design focused on offering the maximum power of CPU, memory and PCIe.
Manual, support and documentation available
For those who need more in-depth information on the configuration or have specific questions, a complete ASUS P9X79 manual is available online in the motherboard category. This manual, currently only available in English, has received positive ratings from several users (8,4 out of 10), indicating that it is quite useful and clear.
The manual details both the motherboard specifications and the BIOS/UEFI options , the exact layout of the connectors, quad-channel memory installation recommendations, and possible RAID configurations. It is especially recommended for those building an X79 platform for the first time, as there are specific requirements (such as the correct placement of memory modules to enable quad-channel) that should be followed.
Should you have specific questions about the operation of the ASUS P9X79 or need additional help with the product, some specialized websites offer contact forms or question sections where other users and experts can provide solutions or clarifications.
ASUS driver support includes chipset, network, audio, and motherboard-specific utility drivers; it is recommended to check for updated drivers on the official website to maintain compatibility.
Regarding additional documentation, many technical reviews have analyzed in detail models such as the P9X79 Deluxe or the P9X79-E WS, highlighting the stability, the quality of the components (long-life solid capacitors) and the ability to maintain high workloads without temperature problems or performance drops.
Indicative prices and positioning of each model
When they were released, the ASUS P9X79 motherboards were clearly positioned in the high-end range , which was reflected in their price. Specifically, the P9X79-E WS, designed for workstations with seven PCIe x16 slots, was expected to cost over €300 and could potentially reach around €400 , which is reasonable given its professional focus.
The P9X79 PRO, somewhat more restrained but equally powerful, moved in a high range within the ATX motherboards for LGA2011, offering a very interesting relationship between performance (four PCIe x16, 64 GB of RAM in quad-channel, SATA 6 Gbps ports, USB 3.0, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, etc.) and cost.
Models like the P9X79 Deluxe added even more features and an even more refined design , with a carefully planned arrangement of heatsinks, additional physical buttons, and an even more comprehensive rear panel. All of this contributed to a higher price, but also to a more complete experience for hardware enthusiasts.
Today, as it's an older platform, the prices of these motherboards on the used market can vary considerably depending on their condition, availability, and demand. Even so, their performance profile remains attractive for those who need many PCIe lanes, ample RAM, and a robust system without upgrading to more modern and expensive platforms.
Specialty stores also commonly offered price tracking services and forms for reporting lower prices . While it wasn't always possible to match every competitor's offer, these tools helped keep prices competitive for the end user.
To clarify any doubts about availability, compatibility, or even to assess whether it's worth investing in this platform compared to current alternatives, it's always advisable to rely on hardware communities and experienced writers and analysts, who usually share their impressions and performance tests in detail.
After thoroughly reviewing all the information, it's clear that the ASUS P9X79 family offers a very powerful combination of support for Intel Core i7 LGA2011 processors, up to 64 GB of DDR3 memory in quad-channel mode, abundant PCIe slots (reaching seven x16 slots in the P9X79-E WS), modern connectivity with USB 3.0, SATA 6 Gbps, advanced RAID, and proprietary technologies such as DIGI+ VRM, EPU, and SSD Caching II. Added to this is a robust design with multiple heatsinks and long-lasting components, a rear panel packed with ports, Realtek ALC898 7.1 audio, Intel Gigabit Ethernet, and features designed for enthusiasts (Clear CMOS, full UEFI, multi-GPU SLI and CrossFireX support), making them still very capable motherboards for building high-performance systems or demanding workstations, provided the budget and availability align with the user's current needs.
