Xeron, a relatively new PC component brand, has announced the launch of its Nex C53 and NEX C33 PC cases. Featuring dual tempered glass panels and BTF motherboard support for compact form factors, both models are available in black and white.

Both models feature seamless front and side tempered glass panels alongside a front-mounted PSU layout. Xeron ships each case with four pre-installed daisy-chained ARGB fans, including three bottom intake fans and a single rear exhaust fan. Hardware clearance across both cases accommodates graphics cards up to 425mm in length, CPU air coolers up to 180mm tall, and top-mounted 360mm radiators. Front I/O connectivity includes a USB-C Gen 2×2 20Gbps port and two USB 3.0 ports.

Designed for ATX and mATX BTF motherboards, the Nex C53 measures 435x235x435mm and supports up to seven 120mm fans. It also incorporates an adjustable bottom fan bracket featuring a 12° tilt to direct airflow toward the GPU. Meanwhile, the smaller Nex C33 measures 435x235x355mm and focuses strictly on mATX BTF systems while offering identical GPU, CPU cooler, and radiator clearances. Additional shared hardware includes an integrated GPU support bracket and a hidden side-panel handle.

Xeron sets suggested retail pricing for the Nex C33 at $59.99 in black and $64.99 in white. The larger Nex C53 retails for $64.99 in black and $69.99 in white.

KitGuru says: Xeron's new Nex cases offer budget-friendly entry points for builders looking to make the jump to a BTF motherboard. 

The post Xeron unveils Nex C53 and C33 cases with BTF motherboard support first appeared on KitGuru.

Building a gaming PC in 2026 has become considerably more expensive than it was only a year or so ago, and graphics cards are not solely responsible this time. The ongoing memory shortage has driven up the cost of all DRAM and NAND flash-based products, such as memory kits, SSDs, and graphics cards. For that reason, we consider approximately $1,000 to be the realistic starting point for a decent new gaming PC in July 2026. Even then, some compromises are unavoidable. Moving up to higher pricing tiers allows progressively stronger CPUs and GPUs, not to mention higher system memory and […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/best-pc-parts-deals-and-gaming-builds-of-july-2026/

It's been three years since the AMD AM5 motherboard platform and the 600-series motherboards launched. Since its launch, the platform has seen the launch of several CPUs in the Ryzen 7000, Ryzen 8000, and Ryzen 9000 families. While the 600-series motherboards provide great features & compatibility with newer Zen 5 CPUs, motherboard makers are always looking to enhance user experiences through the latest technologies, so AMD has introduced a new chipset line called the 800-series. AMD also introduced both X870 and B850 series chipsets for high-end and mainstream AM5 motherboards. Both of these chips provide brand-new designs and brand-new features […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/asrock-x870e-taichi-white-motherboard-review-the-most-beautiful-fully-decked-out-taichi-for-enthusiasts-under-500/

In Win has introduced the L50 Breeze, a new PC chassis featuring a reeded glass front panel and back-connect motherboard support. The enclosure moves away from traditional ARGB illumination by adopting the company's new AWWA PureTone ambient lighting system, which uses addressable WWA LEDs to switch between cool white, warm white, and amber tones.

The L50 Breeze has a tinted tempered glass side panel alongside tool-free removable exterior panels to simplify system maintenance. In Win includes 15 built-in lighting effects with motherboard synchronisation, alongside two illumination modes. These include a 25-minute Pomodoro Technique mode and a Meditation mode modelled after the 4-7-8 breathing method.

Hardware compatibility includes E-ATX motherboards up to 305x277mm, as well as ATX and mATX back-connect form factors. Builders can install graphics cards up to 435mm in length and CPU coolers up to 175mm tall. Dedicated routing channels for GPU cables and support bracket mounting points are also integrated into the interior frame.

Cooling configurations accommodate up to nine 120mm fans. In Win ships the enclosure with four pre-installed Lumia 120 fans, comprising three LM120-RB reverse-blade models and a single LM120 rear fan. Liquid cooling setups can utilise radiators up to 360mm on both the top and side mounting locations.

KitGuru says: For those tired of the gaming aesthetics that have flooded the market for over a decade, cases such as the L50 Breeze, with their home décor-inspired styling, are a good-looking alternative.

The post In Win launches L50 Breeze case featuring back-connect motherboard support first appeared on KitGuru.

PC combos are an excellent way to help you pocket some savings when building your gaming rig, and in the midst of the DRAM crisis, we'd argue that this has become a necessity. Thanks to Micro Center's bundles hopping over on Amazon, you can grab yourself a Ryzen 7 9800X3D paired with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and add them to an ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi motherboard, all for $1,066.26 while saving $92.72. Considering that the RAM is almost half the price of the entire bundle, this is a rock-solid deal With the Ryzen 7 9800X3D, you're already off to […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/ryzen-9800x3d-bundle-with-32gb-ddr5-ram-and-asus-motherboard-92-72-off-on-amazon/

Asus and MSI have released new BIOS updates based on AGESA ComboAM5 1.3.0.1b, bringing AMD EXPO Ultra Low Latency (ULL) support to older 600-series AM5 motherboards.

As noted by VideoCardz, the feature is currently available on selected Asus X670E motherboards, including the ROG Crosshair X670E Hero, Gene, and Extreme. Download links for BIOS 3803 are also live for the ROG Strix X670E-A, X670E-E, X670E-F, and ProArt X670E Creator WiFi. Other models like the ROG Strix X670E-I Gaming WiFi, TUF Gaming X670E-Plus, and TUF Gaming X670E-Plus WiFi currently show placeholder “38XX” names, indicating their builds are not yet available.

This update introduces three new DRAM timing controls to Ai Tweaker and DRAM Timing Control: “TccdL”, “TccdL_WR”, and “TccdL_WR2”. These releases are still in beta, meaning users with stable configurations might want to wait for the final versions.

MSI is also rolling out AGESA PI-1.3.0.1b updates with an “Optimized with AMD EXPO Technology: Featuring Ultra Low Latency” note for its own AM5 lineup. AMD states that its EXPO Ultra Low Latency feature targets tighter DDR5 sub-timings to reduce latency. The chipmaker claims this offers up to 4% higher average FPS than standard EXPO and up to 13% higher than JEDEC DDR5 when tested on a Ryzen 7 9700X system.

KitGuru says: It is nice to see motherboard vendors backward-porting features like EXPO ULL to older AM5 boards, saving users from needing an immediate upgrade.

The post AMD EXPO Ultra Low Latency support expands to older AM5 motherboards first appeared on KitGuru.

Jonsbo has introduced the D34, a new compact desktop case designed for Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX systems. Like many modern PC cases, this one does natively support back-connector motherboards, allowing users to keep cables hidden at the back of the case. 

The Jonsbo D34 prioritises ventilation via metal-mesh sections on the top and side panels. The case also features an integrated monitoring display built into the front panel, using a nickel-plated, semi-transparent reflective coating that shows real-time system status information and component temperatures.

Despite the small footprint, you can fit plenty of hardware into the case, including graphics cards up to 333mm long, ATX power supplies up to 180mm long, and CPU air coolers up to 165mm in height. A height-adjustable graphics card support bracket is included to support heavier GPUs. Internal storage support consists of two 3.5-inch drive bays and a single 2.5-inch mount, although you can convert one of the 3.5″ bays to hold two 2.5″ drives.

Cooling support allows for up to five fans. The top and bottom sections each support dual 120mm or 140mm fans, while the rear panel accommodates a single 120mm exhaust fan. Liquid cooling compatibility includes top-mounted radiators in 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, and 280mm sizes. Front I/O connectivity includes one USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, and split audio and microphone jacks.

KitGuru says: Integrated displays appear to be the next frontier for PC cases. Do you like this new trend? 

The post Jonsbo details D34 case with semi-transparent system status display first appeared on KitGuru.

Gamdias has launched its new flagship PC case – the Atlas P6 CG. This one is for PC gamers who want their build to be the centrepiece of their set-up, with panoramic views of the internals, and even a dedicated platforms for displaying figurines. 

The Atlas P6 CG has a curved glass panel that wraps from the front to the right hand side, giving a multi-angle view of your internal components. A dedicated figure display platform with an omni‑directional spotlight allows users to present collectibles alongside hardware, while a tool‑free side‑panel clasp provides quick access for swapping components or display items.

As you may expect, this case also supports back-connect, connector-hidden (BTF) motherboards, so you can keep all of your motherboard power connectors in the rear-side of the case and reduce clutter in the front. There are plenty of Velcro tie points and 90mm of depth to keep everything tidy at the back as well.

Cooling is handled via a chimney-style ventilation design that draws cold air from the lower section and expels heat through the upper and rear panels. The case comes equipped with four pre-installed 120mm Notus M1 PWM ARGB fans arranged as three slanted bottom intakes directed toward the graphics card and one rear exhaust. An included 8-port PWM ARGB fan hub manages lighting and speed synchronisation, while dual integrated ARGB light strips provide additional illumination.

Motherboard compatibility includes ATX, microATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. There's also space for graphics cards up to 425mm in length, CPU coolers up to 165mm in height, power supplies up to 200mm deep, and liquid cooling radiators up to 360mm on the top panel. The front I/O configuration includes a USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 port (20Gbps), two USB-A 3.0 ports, dedicated LED control, a spotlight toggle switch, and HD audio. Removable magnetic dust filters are fitted to the top, side, and bottom panels.

The Gamdias Atlas P6 CG has launched with an MSRP of $139.99.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Would you like to build a system inside one of these? 

The post Gamdias unveils new flagship Atlas P6 CG PC case first appeared on KitGuru.

COLORFUL has officially introduced the new iGame B850M ULTRA Series motherboards for AMD Ryzen desktop platforms. The new lineup includes the iGame B850M ULTRA-S and iGame B850M ULTRA-OC, both designed for gamers, creators, and PC enthusiasts looking for strong performance in a compact microATX form factor.

The new motherboards feature a clean all-black design with matte cooling covers that match the latest iGame GeForce RTX 50 Series ULTRA graphics cards. The design focuses on modern looks while also offering the hardware needed for gaming, content creation, and overclocking.

Both models support the latest AMD Ryzen desktop processors, including Ryzen 9000 Series X3D chips. The boards also come with WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, PCIe 5.0 support, and high-speed DDR5 memory with AMD EXPO compatibility.

The iGame B850M ULTRA-S is aimed at mainstream gamers and heavy workloads. It uses a 14+2+1 phase 80A DrMOS power design with dual 8-pin CPU power connectors for stable performance under full load. The motherboard supports up to 256GB DDR5 memory with speeds reaching DDR5-8400 through overclocking.

For storage, the ULTRA-S includes three M.2 slots, including two PCIe 5.0 x4 slots and one PCIe 4.0 x4 slot. The board also includes quick-release heatsinks for easier installation. Rear connectivity includes USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, multiple USB Type-A ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and WiFi 7.

The iGame B850M ULTRA-OC is built for enthusiasts who want stronger overclocking support. It comes with a 10+2+1 phase 60A DrMOS power design and supports flagship processors such as the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 7 9850X3D.

Unlike the ULTRA-S, this model uses a dual-DIMM memory layout to improve memory overclocking performance. It supports DDR5-8400 AMD EXPO memory and manual overclocking speeds up to DDR5-8800.

The ULTRA-OC also increases storage support with four M.2 slots featuring both PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 interfaces. Networking is upgraded as well with 5Gb Ethernet alongside WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.

With PCIe 5.0 graphics support, fast storage options, and strong connectivity features, the new COLORFUL iGame B850M ULTRA Series looks like a solid option for users building next-generation AMD gaming PCs.

Colorful has introduced the iGame B850M Ultra series of motherboards for AMD Ryzen platforms, including two models – the iGame B850M Ultra-S and iGame B850M Ultra-OC. The new microATX motherboards feature an all-black design with matte-finish cooling plates, matching the company's iGame GeForce RTX 50 Series Ultra graphics cards.

Both models support AMD Ryzen 9000 Series X3D processors and include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, PCIe 5.0 expansion, and support for AMD EXPO DDR5 memory. The expansion layout provides a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot equipped with a VGA snap-fit quick release, alongside PCIe 5.0 M.2 storage slots utilising an M.2 Quick Latch mechanism. Rear connectivity across the series features high-speed USB Type-C interfaces.

The iGame B850M Ultra-S targets overclocking applications, featuring a 14+2+1-phase 80A DrMOS power delivery system with dual 8-pin CPU connectors. It houses four reinforced DDR5 DIMM slots supporting a total memory capacity of up to 256GB and overclocked speeds up to DDR5-8400. Storage configurations include three M.2 slots (two PCIe 5.0 x4 and one PCIe 4.0 x4) paired with quick-release heatsinks, while a 2.5Gb Ethernet controller and Wi-Fi 7 handle networking.

The iGame B850M Ultra-OC is configured for mainstream setups, with a 10+2+1-phase 60A DrMOS power design. It features a dual-DIMM memory layout to optimise signal integrity, supporting AMD EXPO profiles at DDR5-8400 and manual memory tuning up to DDR5-8800. Storage is expanded to four high-speed M.2 slots across PCIe 5.0 and PCIe 4.0 interfaces, while the wired network controller is upgraded to 5Gb Ethernet.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Of these two new Colorful iGame B850M Ultra series boards, which one would you choose for yourself?

The post Colorful launches iGame B850M Ultra micro-ATX motherboards first appeared on KitGuru.

ASUS Republic of Gamers has officially introduced the new ROG Crosshair 2006 motherboard to celebrate 20 years of the ROG brand. The new board mixes modern gaming technology with a retro-inspired design that takes fans back to the early days of PC gaming.

The ROG Crosshair 2006 is based on the Crosshair X870E Dark Hero, but it comes with a special look inspired by the very first ROG motherboard launched two decades ago. ASUS says the board is made for gamers who want powerful hardware while also enjoying a classic gaming style.

One of the biggest highlights is the built-in 2-inch OLED screen placed on the main M.2 slot. The screen can show live system details such as CPU speed, temperatures, and fan speeds. Users can also upload custom images and animations to give their setup a more personal touch.

The motherboard is built for Series processors and comes with a strong power setup that includes 20+2+2 power stages rated at 110A. ASUS has also added large heatsinks to help keep temperatures under control during heavy gaming and demanding workloads.

For memory support, ASUS added several upgrades aimed at improving DDR5 performance. Features like NitroPath DRAM Technology, PCB back drilling, and a server-grade ultra low-etch process are designed to help users get better stability and higher memory speeds.

Gamers looking for next-generation expansion options will find two PCIe 5.0 x16 slots for graphics cards and five M.2 slots for storage drives. Two of the M.2 slots support PCIe 5.0 SSDs for faster loading speeds. ASUS also included its latest tool-free installation features such as M.2 Q-Latch, M.2 Q-Release, and M.2 Q-Slide to make PC building easier.

Networking is another strong area for the new board. The ROG Crosshair 2006 supports WiFi 7 and includes both 10G and 5G Ethernet ports for fast wired internet connections.

On the connectivity side, users get dual USB4 ports and support for a front USB Type-C port with Quick Charge 4+ up to 60W. There are also three internal USB 2.0 headers for devices such as AIO liquid coolers.

ASUS has also added its AIO Q-Connector technology, which removes extra cable clutter when using supported liquid coolers. Compatible coolers can connect directly without visible wires between the radiator and motherboard.

With its mix of retro looks and modern high-end features, the ROG Crosshair 2006 stands out as a special anniversary motherboard for PC gamers and hardware fans.

ASUS teased a new 20th anniversary edition on its social media handles, taking us back to the 2000 era with the iconic copper heatsink. ASUS Brings Back 2006 ROG Crosshair Motherboard Memories by Dropping a Teaser for its Upcoming 20th Anniversary Edition The launch of the 2006 ROG Crosshair motherboard was the beginning of ASUS's enthusiast-grade ROG sub-brand, which has expanded to various hardware and peripheral categories. Interestingly, ASUS isn't just expanding its ROG lineup by introducing newer components, but also releasing hardware that bring resemblance to the iconic ROG hardware launched in the 2000s. ASUS recently dropped a teaser […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/asus-teases-rog-20th-anniversary-edition-motherboard/

Motherboard manufacturers are reportedly facing significant shipment corrections as weak demand and silicon shortages impact the consumer PC market. According to a recent report, some motherboard makers have lowered their 2026 targets, with internal projections falling by more than 25%. The decline is attributed to rising component costs and shifted production priorities toward AI data centers.

The DigiTimes report suggests that severe shortages of DRAM and CPUs have driven prices so high that DIY PC building is being suppressed. Memory kits now account for over 30% of total PC build costs, up from approximately 15% in previous years. Consumer reluctance to upgrade is further exacerbated by the high cost, limited availability, and price increases.

The report claims that the likes of Asus, MSI, Gigabyte and ASRock will all see fewer shipments this year compared to 2025.

Even AMD's CEO, Dr. Lisa Su, has stated that gaming demand is expected to decline in the second half of 2026 due to out-of-control component costs. However, companies will be able to offset these losses by pivoting towards more lucrative AI datacentre sales.

KitGuru says: We can only hope that supply chains are able to expand to serve both markets, but that takes a lot of time and money. 

The post Motherboard sales reportedly in decline first appeared on KitGuru.

Biostar is the first motherboard vendor to confirm that next-gen AMD motherboards will be displayed at Computex, possibly made for Ryzen "Zen 6" CPUs. First AMD Ryzen "Zen 6" Motherboards Could Be Shown off at Computex, Or They Could Be A Further Refresh of Existing Designs Out of all the AMD motherboard vendors, it is Biostar that has decided to use the term "next-gen" for its upcoming products during Computex 2026. The company doesn't tell what it means by "Next-Gen" AMD Motherboards, but we can make a few guesses. First of all, we all know that AMD is working on […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/biostar-teases-next-gen-amd-motherboards-computex-2026-hinting-at-first-ryzen-zen-6-designs/

MSI has given its family of AMD 800-series motherboards an overhaul with a series of feature changes, named MAX. Some of these changes are cosmetic while others, such as the upgrade to the BIOS chip, offer support for future generations of AMD CPUs through Zen 6 and onwards to Zen 7.

Timestamps
00:00 Start
00:59 Max Series Overview
03:22 MPG X870E Carbon MAX WiFi
04:22 MEG X870E Ace MAX
06:00 MSI MAG X870E Tomahawk MAX WiFi PZ
07:06 MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi / II / MAG B850 Tomahawk WiFi
08:56 MAG B850 Gaming Plus MAX WiFi
10:40 Leo’s Thoughts

In our video we walk you through the changes that MSI has made with its MAX updates and in some instances, such as the MPG Carbon MAX WiFi, the updates are small but welcome. Other boards are entirely new models and this means the MEG X870E Ace MAX has arrived with the MAX features in place from day one.

The most impressive showcase for MSI MAX is the budget MAG B850 Gaming Plus MAX WiFi which gains the hardware updates and also receives a visual overhaul. The original B850 Gaming Plus looked a bit messy while the new MAX is clean and smart.

Closing Thoughts

MSI could have chosen to quietly update existing 800-series motherboards with new features such as a larger BIOS chip and the addition of an Overclocking engine, without any need for a series named MAX. In practice we doubt that would have worked well as AMD continues to bring out new CPUs for Socket AM5 which inevitably brings updates to BIOS files.

We are confident that certain models such as the original MPG X870E Carbon WiFi and MAG B850 Tomahawk WiFi will quietly disappear when stocks are sold. Other models – we're looking at you MAG X870E Tomahawk MAX WiFi PZ and MEG X870E Ace MAX – will doubtless have a long future through 2027 and perhaps into 2028.

KitGuru says: AMD's long term support for Socket AM5 is very welcome but it clearly gives motherboard manufacturers a significant headache, and MAX is the solution to that particular problem.

The post MSI AMD AM5 MAX Motherboard Showcase [2026] first appeared on KitGuru.

Gigabyte has officially launched its new Z890 PLUS series motherboards, built for the latest Intel Core Ultra 200S processors. This new lineup focuses on giving strong performance at a fair price, making it a good option for gamers and creators who want value without losing power.

The company says these Z890 PLUS boards are made for users who care about performance and budget at the same time. Models like the Z890 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 PLUS come with modern features and support for new CPUs. In its internal tests, Gigabyte claims up to 28% better gaming performance compared to Intel’s 14th Gen processors. It also reports up to 35% better performance in heavy work tasks like editing and rendering.

One of the main highlights of the Z890 PLUS motherboards is a new feature called Ultra Turbo Mode. This is a simple option inside the BIOS that can boost CPU performance with just one click. According to the company, it can increase performance by up to 40% and also supports DDR5 memory speeds up to 10266 MT/s. Users can choose between different modes depending on their needs, whether they want balanced use or maximum performance.

To celebrate the launch, Gigabyte has also introduced a special gift box campaign. Buyers who register their motherboard on the official AORUS website can get a limited-edition gift box. This includes items like a notebook, a mug, and a themed calendar. Some boxes will also have a golden ticket, which gives a chance to win premium hardware like a liquid cooler.

Alongside the PLUS series, Gigabyte also showed its high-end technology through models like the Z890 AORUS ELITE DUO X. This board uses a special design that allows up to 256 GB RAM using only two memory sticks, while keeping high speed and stability.

The Z890 PLUS series is now available through official retailers and online stores. With better performance, easy tuning features, and added launch offers, this series aims to attract both gamers and power users looking for a strong upgrade.

We saw the Sapphire Nitro+ X870EA PhantomLink motherboard along with its matching graphics card at Computex 2025, and it has taken almost a full year for review hardware to arrive. This is an implementation of the power system used in Asus BTF hidden connector graphics cards, except that here we have a Radeon 9070 XT rather than an RTX 5090. It might seem a bit odd but we have plenty to discuss…

Timestamps

00:00 Intro
00:44 Setting the scene – GPU power connectors
02:40 What is PhantomLink?
04:01 The motherboard package + specs
06:58 BIOS updates…
09:09 BIOS setup and options
10:08 RGB control in TriXX-M
11:00 Performance testing
11:53 Leo’s closing thoughts
14:29 Pros and cons

Specification:

• CPU support: AMD Socket AM5 for AMD Ryzen 9000 / 8000 / 7000 Series processors
• Chipset: AMD X870E
• VRMs: 16+2+1 phases, 90A Monolithic Power MPS2432; controller: Monolithic Power MPS2515
• Memory: DDR5 up to 8400 (O.C.), 4x DIMM slots up to 256GB; dual-channel, non-ECC unbuffered DIMMs
• Expansion slots: 1x PCIe 5.0 x16 (PhantomLink), 2x PCIe 4.0 x16 (x4 mode)
• Storage: 2x M.2 PCIe 5.0 x4, 2x M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4, 4x SATA 6Gb/s
• USB (rear): 2x USB4 Type-C (40Gbps), 4x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (10Gbps), 4x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (5Gbps), 2x USB 2.0 Type-A
• USB (front): 1x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (20Gbps, up to 30W PD), 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (5Gbps), 4x USB 2.0 Type-A
• Audio: Realtek ALC897 codec
• Ethernet: Realtek RTL8126 5GbE
• Wireless: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
• Fan headers: 5x PWM fan headers
• RGB headers: 3x ARGB headers, 2x RGB headers
• BIOS: 64MB flash BIOS
• PCB: 8-layer design
• Form factor: ATX, 305 x 244 mm

Testing and Performance

Test system:

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Memory: 32GB G.Skill Trident Z5 Royal Neo DDR5-6000
CPU Cooler: Phanteks Glacier One 360MPH
Graphics card: MSI GeForce 4090 Ventus 3X 24GB
Power supply: Antec Signature 2200
SSD: 1TB Samsung 9100 Pro M.2 NVMe
OS: Windows 11

Geekbench 6 Multi Core

In Geekbench 6 Multi Core the Sapphire Nitro+ X870EA PhantomLink does a decent job and closely tracks the ASRock X870E Taichi.

Geekbench 6 Single Core

It is a similar story in Geekbench 6 Single Core where the Sapphire again does well and again lags behind by one percent.

Cinebench 2026 Multi Core

The results are very close in Cinebench 2026 Multi Core, confirming that Sapphire has done a good job with this motherboard.

Closing Thoughts

This is a review of the Sapphire Nitro+ X870EA PhantomLink Polar Edition motherboard, however it is impossible to separate the motherboard from its matching PhantomLink graphics card. One without the other makes no sense, and when you put the two together you have a very satisfying package.

Sapphire has used a combination of technologies to offer the cleanest power connection for an RX 9070 XT graphics card that we can possibly imagine. Asus used the same hidden power approach with its BTF 2.5 ROG Astral RTX 5090 BTF and ROG Crosshair X870E Hero BTF and they cost plenty. By contrast these Sapphire products are very much the budget option, however the extra technology still adds a premium to the price.

Sapphire sent us the following MSRPs:

Sapphire Nitro+ X870EA PhantomLink Polar Edition for £319.99 inc VAT.
Sapphire Nitro+ RX 9070 XT PhantomLink Polar Edition £879.99 inc VAT.

Pros:

• The quality of the motherboard hardware is very sound.
• PhantomLink is clever (but somewhat pointless)
• Very user-friendly BIOS setup screen
• 5Gbit Ethernet and WiFi 7 networking

Cons:

• PhantomLink adds a hefty premium to both the motherboard and the graphics card
• Logically the connectors should be on the back of the board
• The accessory package is almost non-existent

KitGuru says: Sapphire PhantomLink is a clever idea that will likely appeal to a niche audience.

The post Sapphire Nitro+ X870EA PhantomLink Review first appeared on KitGuru.

ASRock has introduced its new flagship motherboard, the ASRock X870E Taichi White. This model stands out because of its clean white look, which is rare in high-end boards. It is designed for users who want both strong performance and a stylish PC build.

The company is clearly targeting people who like white-themed setups. Most flagship motherboards still follow dark or mixed colour designs. This one does not. It goes all-in on white, and that makes it different straight away.

The design of X870E Taichi White takes inspiration from a digital sci-fi style. It looks modern, clean, and a bit futuristic. But design alone is not enough. If the hardware was weak, this would just be a showpiece. That is not the case here.

On the performance side, the board comes with a strong power setup. It uses a 24+2+1 phase design with 110A power stages. In simple words, this means it can handle high-end processors without stability issues. It is built for heavy workloads and gaming.

This motherboard is made to work with the latest processor from AMD, especially the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition. That chip is expected to deliver very high performance, and this board is designed to support it fully.

For expansion, the X870E Taichi White board includes dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots. That means users can install the latest graphics cards and even run multi-GPU setups if needed. This is important for gamers and content creators who want maximum power.

Connectivity is also strong. It offers 10Gb Ethernet for fast wired internet and WiFi 7 for wireless use. Both are faster and more stable than older options. There are also dual USB4 Type-C ports with speeds up to 40 Gbps, which helps with fast data transfer and modern devices.

Another useful feature is the 64MB BIOS ROM. This gives better support for future updates and new processors. In simple terms, the board is built to last longer and stay useful even after new hardware releases.

The real focus here is balance. ASRock is trying to combine looks and performance without cutting corners. Many white-themed parts often sacrifice features, but that does not seem to be the case here.

Still, you should not ignore the obvious point. This X870E Taichi White board is clearly aimed at enthusiasts. If someone is building a basic PC, this is overkill. The price will likely match its premium features, so it is not for budget users.

For those building a high-end system, especially a white-themed setup, this motherboard makes a strong case. It offers top-level hardware, fast connectivity, and a unique clean design in one package.

In short, the X870E Taichi White is not just about looks. It backs that design with serious performance. That is what makes it worth attention.

ASRock has added a new flagship‑class option to its AM5 lineup with the X870E Taichi White, a pure‑white EATX motherboard built around AMD’s X870E chipset. The board introduces a new sci‑fi‑inspired aesthetic for the Taichi series while targeting high‑end Ryzen 9000‑series builds, including the recently launched Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition.

The X870E Taichi White uses a 24+2+1 phase, 110A SPS power design paired with an enlarged heatsink assembly, server‑grade low‑loss PCB materials, and long‑life conductive polymer capacitors. Expansion support includes dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots that operate in x16 or x8/x8 modes depending on the CPU.

Memory support covers four DDR5 DIMM slots with capacities up to 256GB and overclocked speeds beyond DDR5‑8200, with compatibility for both XMP and EXPO profiles. Storage options include a PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot connected to the CPU, three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots from the chipset, and three SATA ports, with NVMe RAID 0/1/10 available.

Connectivity features include 10GbE networking, Wi‑Fi 7, and dual USB4 Type‑C ports offering 40Gbps bandwidth and display output up to 8K30 when paired with CPUs featuring integrated graphics. The rear I/O also includes multiple USB 3.2 ports, HDMI 2.1, and dedicated buttons for BIOS Flashback and CMOS reset. Audio hardware consists of a Realtek ALC4082 codec, ESS SABRE9219 DAC, WIMA capacitors, and isolated PCB layers for left and right channels.

A 64MB BIOS ROM provides support for future AM5 processors, while onboard headers include multiple fan, pump, RGB, ARGB, and thermistor connectors for system monitoring and cooling control. The X870E Taichi White ships with SATA cables, thermistor leads, an ARGB splitter, and a Wi‑Fi antenna.

KitGuru Says: It's a high-end motherboard so expect a high-end price tag too.

The post ASRock launches X870E Taichi White motherboard with Ryzen Dual Edition support first appeared on KitGuru.