ASRock X870E Taichi Lite Motherboard Review

Overview

Taichi represents the philosophical state of undifferentiated absolute and infinite potential. A motherboard that fulfills every task – with style! Become like water. Shapeless, formless, versatile for any situation.

Taichi series flagship motherboard features top-tier hardware spec, robust power design, USB4 Type-C, and DIY-friendly functionality. It’s built for high-end gamers, offering luxury aesthetics and powerful performance.

Exclusive 20K Cap with 1000uF Capacitance

The upgraded 20K Black capacitor not only extends the lifespan to 20,000 hours but also increases the capacitance value from 560uF to 1000uF, bringing several benefits.

Hi-Density Power Connector

CPU overclocking requires higher current, ASRock Hi-Density Power connectors is able to withstand current higher traditional CPU 8-pin and ATX 24-pin connector, giving a more stable system as well as lowering the risk of fire under heavy overclocking.

Server Grade Low Loss PCB

The server grade low loss PCB improves signal integrity, allowing motherboard to support PCIe 5.0 for both graphics card and M.2 SSD, it also improves memory OC potential to deliver the most extreme memory performance.

2oz Copper PCB

2 ounce copper inner layers that provide stable signal traces and power shapes! Delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency for overclocking.

8 Layer PCB

The 8 Layer PCB provides stable signal traces and power shapes delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency, ensures a reliable and long-lasting system while delivering ultimate performance without any compromise.

Derived from the “built for stable and reliable” designing concept, ASRock does not compromise on any details. This motherboards is built with high quality materials, enthusiasts are able to enjoy the boost of DDR5 memory overclocking performance by enabling the pre-tested profiles. Make sure the memory modules are Intel^® XMP/AMD EXPO™ capable and overclocking can be made so affordable, satisfying and absolutely no sweat at all.

The reinforced steel slot is capable of supporting PCI Express 5.0 standard. The various benefits include:

✔ Extra anchor points
✔ Stronger latch
✔ Ensure signal stability
✔ Make sure heavy graphics cards to be well-installed.

PCIe Gen5 Blazing M.2

The Blazing M.2 accommodates the latest PCI Express 5.0 standard to perform twice the bandwidth compared to previous generation, with a breathtaking 128GB/s transfer speed, it is ready to unleash the full potential of future ultrafast SSDs.

Graphics Card EZ Release

ASRock redesigned the PCIe slot installation method to cater to user needs, allowing for hassle-free installation and removal of the graphics card effortlessly.

M.2 Heatsink Toolless Design

Besides the M.2 SSD toolless design on the motherboard, ASRock up a notch by introducing this industry first M.2 heatsink quick release mechanism on the motherboard. The user friendly toolless design helps installing M.2 SSD super easy & simple.

M.2 Bottom Heatsink

The M.2 bottom heatsink is able to dissipate heat of the M.2 SSD efficiently through the motherboard PCB, maximize performance while maintaining system stability.

Composite VRM Heatsink

It is equipped with a composite VRM heatsink combining a cooling fan, bigger aluminum sink and heat pipe for maximum heat dissipation.

New Wi-Fi Antenna Design

The new Wi-Fi antenna design is ideal for high-bandwidth, low-latency applications and ensures a stable connection.

USB4 technology brings speed and versatility to the most advanced USB Type-C, offering a fast and simple level of connection for work or home. It enables lightning-fast 40Gbps data transfer bitrate.

ASRock’s 5Gb/s LAN Connector features an exclusive, patent-pending design, boasting superior electromagnetic interference resistance, ensuring high-speed stable performance and providing users with a better networking experience.

Nahimic Audio

Whether you are using headphones, a headset, external or internal speakers, via USB, Wi-Fi, analog output or even HDMI, Nahimic Audio offers you the most engaging listening experience, vibrant and rich with details.

ESS SABRE9219 DAC 

Embrace the audio stunning performance with ES9219 SABRE DAC!

√ True Hi-Fi Audio. No distorted digital signal
√ 130dB SNR
√ 114dB THD+N and supports higher impedance up to 600 Ω headphone

WIMA Audio Cap

Optimized for high end audio applications! Deliver crystal and balanced sound to satisfy even the pickiest audiophile.

Polychrome RGB

This motherboard features onboard RGB headers and addressable RGB headers that allow motherboard to be connected to compatible LED devices such as strip, CPU fans, coolers, chassis and so on. Users may also synchronize RGB LED devices across the Polychrome RGB Sync-certified accessories to create their own unique lighting effects.

Features

• Supports AMD AM5 Socket Ryzen™ 9000, 8000 and 7000 Series Processors
• 24+2+1 Phase Power Design, 110A SPS
• 4 x DDR5 DIMMs
  Supports Dual Channel, up to 8200+ (OC)
• 2 PCIe 5.0 x16
• Graphics Output Options: 2 USB4 Type-C, 1 HDMI
• Realtek ALC4082 5.1 CH HD Audio Codec, ESS SABRE9219 DAC, WIMA Audio Caps, Nahimic Audio
• 1 Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5x4)
  3 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4)
  6 SATA3
• 2 USB4 Type-C (Rear),
  1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front),
  5 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear),
  7 USB 3.2 Gen1 (3 Rear, 4 Front)
• 5G LAN
• 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth
• Supports Toolless Multi-Layer M.2 Heatsink, M.2 Bottom Heatsink

Specifications

• Unique Feature
  Superb Productivity
  – PCIe Gen5 (Graphics, M.2)
  – Dual Channel DDR5
  – USB4 Type-C Ports (40 Gb/s)
  Rock-Solid Durability
  – Server-Grade Low-Loss PCB
  – 24+2+1 Power Phase, 110A SPS for VCore+SOC with Enlarged Heatsink Armor
  – Flexible Integrated I/O Shield
  – 20K Long-lasting Black Caps (high quality and conductive polymer capacitors)
  Ultrafast Connectivity
  – 5G LAN, 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 Module
  – ASRock Lightning Gaming Ports
  EZ Update
  – BIOS Flashback Button
  – ASRock Auto Driver Installer
• CPU
  – Supports AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen™ 9000, 8000 and 7000 Series Processors*
  – Supports ASRock Hyper BCLK Engine

  * The availability of expansion slots may vary by CPU. Please refer to PCIe/M.2 Bandwidth Table for details. (http://www.asrock.com/)
• Chipset
  – AMD X870E
• Memory
  – Dual Channel DDR5 Memory Technology
  – 4 x DDR5 DIMM Slots
  – Supports DDR5 ECC/non-ECC, un-buffered memory up to 8200+(OC)*
  – Max. capacity of system memory: 256GB
  – Supports Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) and EXTended Profiles for Overclocking (EXPO) memory modules*

  *Please refer to Memory Support List on ASRock’s website for more information.
• BIOS
  – 256Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
• Graphics
  Integrated AMD RDNA™ graphics (Actual support may vary by CPU)
  – 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS/FRL 8G Compatible, supports HDR, HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 4K 120Hz
  – 2 x USB4, support HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 8K 30Hz*

  * Only the CPU’s embedded graphics can be displayed through USB4 ports.
  If you want to display to a Type-C monitor, please use AM5 Ryzen™ 9000, 8000 and 7000 processors with embedded graphics.
• Audio
  – 5.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC4082 Audio Codec)
  – WIMA Audio Capacitors (For Rear Outputs)
  – ESS SABRE9219 DAC for Rear Panel Audio (130dB SNR)
  – Individual PCB Layers for R/L Audio Channel
  – Direct Drive Technology on Front headphone port (Supports up to 600 Ohm headsets)
  – Nahimic Audio
• LAN
  – 5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500/5000 Mb/s
  – Realtek RTL8126
• Wireless LAN
  – 802.11be 2×2 Wi-Fi 7 Module
  – Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/axe/be
  – Supports 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz* frequency band
  – Supports 160MHz channel bandwidth with 6GHz* frequency band
  – 1 antenna to support 2 (Transmit) x 2 (Receive) diversity technology
  – Supports Bluetooth 5.4
  – Supports MU-MIMO

  * Wi-Fi 7 (6GHz band) will be supported by Microsoft Windows^® 11. The availability will depend on the different regulation status of each country and region. It will be activated (for supported countries) through Windows^® Update and software updates once available.
• Slots
  CPU:
  – 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slots (PCIE1 and PCIE2), support x16 or x8/x8 modes*
  Chipset:
  – 1 x Vertical M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe WiFi module
  – Supports AMD CrossFire™

  * PCIE1 and PCIE2 will run at Gen5x16 with 9000 and 7000 series processors, Gen4x8 with 8000 (Phoenix 1) series processors and Gen4x4 with 8000 (Phoenix 2) series processors.
• Storage
  CPU:
  – 1 x Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*
  Chipset:
  – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
  – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_3, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
  – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_4, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
  – 6 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors

  * Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
  M2_1 is the first priority for M.2 installation.
  M2_1 will run at Gen5x4 with 9000 and 7000 series processors and Gen4x4 with 8000 (Phoenix 1 and Phoenix 2) series processors.
• RAID
  – Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 for SATA storage devices
  – Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 for M.2 NVMe storage devices
• USB
  CPU:
  – 2 x USB4 Type-C (Rear)
  – 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
  Chipset:
  – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front)
  – 3 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear)
  – 7 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (3 Rear, 4 Front)
  – 6 x USB 2.0 (2 Rear, 4 Front)

  * All USB ports support ESD Protection
• Connector
  – 3 x Thermistor Cable Headers
  – 1 x Power LED and Speaker Header
  – 1 x RGB LED Header*
  – 3 x Addressable LED Headers**
  – 2 x CPU Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
  – 4 x Chassis Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
  – 1 x AIO Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
  – 1 x Water Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
  – 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector)
  – 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connector)
  – 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector (15μ Gold Audio Connector)
  – 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
  – 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Headers (Support 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports)
  – 1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/s)
  – 1 x Dr. Debug with LED
  – 1 x Power Button with LED
  – 1 x Reset Button with LED

  * Supports in total up to 12V/3A, 36W LED Strip
  ** Support in total up to 5V/3A, 15W LED Strip
  *** CPU_FAN1 supports the fan power up to 1A (12W).
  CPU_FAN2, CHA_FAN1~4, AIO_PUMP and W_PUMP support the fan power up to 3A (36W).
  CPU_FAN2, CHA_FAN1~4, AIO_PUMP and W_PUMP can auto detect if 3-pin or 4-pin fan is in use.
• Rear Panel I/O
  – 2 x Antenna Ports
  – 1 x HDMI Port
  – 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
  – 2 x USB4 Type-C Ports (40 Gb/s)*
  – 5 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports (10 Gb/s) (USB32_12 are Lightning Gaming Ports.)
  – 3 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Ports (USB32_34 supports Ultra USB Power.)
  – 2 x USB 2.0 Ports
  – 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port
  – 1 x Clear CMOS Button
  – 1 x BIOS Flashback Button
  – 1 x Line Out Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
  – 1 x Microphone Input Jack (Gold Audio Jack)

  * Supports USB PD 3.0 up to 5V@3A (15W) charging
• Software and UEFI
  Software
  – ASRock Motherboard Utility (A-Tuning)
  – ASRock Polychrome SYNC
  – ASRock XFast LAN
  UEFI
  – ASRock EZ Mode
  – ASRock Full HD UEFI
  – ASRock Auto Driver Installer
  – ASRock Instant Flash

  *These utilities can be downloaded from ASRock Live Update & APP Shop.
• Accessories
  – 4 x SATA Data Cables
  – 1 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antenna
  – 1 x ARGB Splitter Cable
  – 3 x Thermistor Cables
• Form Factor
  – EATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 10.5-in, 30.5 cm x 26.7 cm
  – 8 Layer PCB
  – 2oz Copper PCB

More information on ASRock’s website.