The recommended ASUS board for the 10940x is the 10940X-BLUE.
The recommended ASUS board for the 10940x is the 10940X-BLUE.
You’re evaluating options for your build and need to balance performance, budget, and future needs. The ASUS Deluxe II fits your size and color preferences but has a 460W overclock limit, which may not suffice for sustained heavy workloads or long-term use. The ASUS Edition 30 offers higher power support but exceeds your price range. For a 460W board, consider checking newer models like the ASUS B550 or B650 series, which often provide better reliability and support for overclocking at that power level. If you want to stay within budget, look into mid-range boards such as the MSI MAG B550 or Gigabyte B460 with robust cooling solutions. Always verify current TDP ratings and warranty options before committing.
I commented on the CPU suggestion discussion and appreciate your decision. 1. If you're comfortable, could you explain why you picked Intel instead of AMD? I remember recommending the Threadripper, but I also own a Cascade Lake X. My choice comes from the fact that AMD doesn't integrate well with certain systems. 2. Is it necessary to use an Asus board? Right now I hold the top overclock record in CPU-Z for the 10940X, and I achieved it using an Aorus X299 Gaming 9. For that setup, I'd recommend that exact board. Lowering to Gaming 7 or below won't yield the same results—opt for the Aorus X299 Gaming 9 if you decide to go that route. 3. Try to steer clear of none Rampage Asus X299 boards; they don't perform well.
I decided to go with Intel and the 10940x because of several factors. The main reason was my desire for more PCIe lanes than a typical desktop setup allows. While I don’t expect to exceed 40 lanes, around 24 seems too high for today’s systems, which ruled out Ryzen. My budget also played a role; I aim to stay under $1000 for a CPU, and the Threadripper is at $1400, which exceeds my limit. Additionally, Intel offers better audio latency, something important for music production, and it keeps the door open for running MacOS later if needed.
For the second point, I’m not obligated to buy an ASUS board. I’ve been exploring ASUS options because I already use one and know its BIOS well. When you mentioned the AORUS X299 gaming 9, I noticed some minor problems but found it mostly functional. However, it’s currently out of stock. One concern is that with three 16GB cards, it would run at lower voltages (8V), which might disappoint if I don’t use it. I have several questions about this board since you’re familiar with it.
Would you mind clarifying a few things? First, if I manage to acquire one, I’d want to confirm it’s in VRM mode. How many stages does it actually use? I noticed it supports double 8-pin connectors like most boards, but I’m curious about its overclocking performance compared to the ASUS 30 (16 stages) and the MSI Creator X299 (triple 8-pin).
Second, what’s the BIOS experience like? Is it user-friendly? Third, how does the RGB control work—does it feel intuitive and offer good customization options?
Fourth, I see EKWB offering a mono block for this board. Would that still be worth purchasing if I choose to go with it?
Fifth, has Gigabyte released updated X299X boards to replace their previous models? If so, would you recommend considering those instead?
Lastly, regarding your note about non-rampage ASUS boards, could you explain why they’re generally considered less reliable? Thank you for your guidance!
Thanks, I mainly relied on custom loops but added ice to keep temperatures below freezing. The Ice wasn't regular water ice—it was a coolant type. The Aorus X299 Gaming 9 features a 12 true phase VRM and is considered one of the top VRM MOSFETs. Many believe it ranks among the best for the X299, possibly within the top three options. This isn't just an Asus issue; high-end boards from all manufacturers use quality power stages and MOSFETs. Be prepared for significant heat when using the 10940X. It was my first experience with a multi-core CPU, and the heat output was quite unexpected but interesting.
coolant ice sounds interesting but hasn't been heard of before. I'm planning to build a website similar to intelspaceheater.com. For a single CPU and an overclocked 10940x, dual 360mm radiators should work fine. I'm leaning toward the flagship X299 board from that brand. I also found out the AORUS X299 gaming 9 uses an EATX case, but I'm aiming for an ATX if possible.
It's worth noting unless you're targeting 5GHz OC, high-end VRM isn't essential. The X299 boards perform adequately for most users. I only recommended top-tier options, but anything should suffice for the majority. "Coolant ice" refers to freezing the coolant, which stays colder than water and helps with OC. (Modern issues need modern fixes...) Aorus X299 Gaming 9 is ATX, not E-ATX. My personal preference leans away from Asrock boards—they often cause problems. I'd prefer one of the major brands like Asus, ROG, Gigabyte or Aorus. Edit: This aligns well and offers practical advice! source:
Thanks for the chart. It looks like the ASUS deluxe II didn’t make it onto the list. If my case fits an EATX board with the distribution plate I purchased, I’ll likely switch to an MSI MEG creator. It offers great audio, triple 8-pin support for the CPU, and impressive VRM performance—around $500. If I can only use an ATX, I’m still a bit uncertain. For some reason, every site I checked had the AORUS Gaming 9 out of stock, and most claimed it was EATX. Except for that one, there don’t seem to be other boards in the S range. Should I consider Workstation options instead? If I end up with an ATX, I’m still unsure which model to pick...