The ASRock X870E Taichi Lite follows in the impressive technological footsteps of its more advanced sibling, the flagship X870E Taichi motherboard. Priced competitively at $399.99, Taichi Lite stands as a high-end contender within the midrange motherboard market. While the Lite version notably cuts back on certain aesthetic features such as onboard RGB lighting, it retains the robust hardware configuration and high functionality of its predecessor, offering an attractive balance of performance and price.
Design, CPU, and Memory: Classic Taichi, Subdued
The ASRock X870E Taichi Lite, constructed on an Extended-ATX (E-ATX) server-grade, low-loss eight-layer PCB, boasts large silver heatsinks over its power delivery components. The E-ATX layout is definitively large, which could pose limitations with regard to compatibility with some PC cases. However, ASRock’s commitment to robust build quality is evident, enabling it to efficiently handle flagship-class processors while sustaining impressive overclocking capabilities. The motherboard’s aesthetic design includes brushed aluminum finishes and distinct branding themes with gear/cog designs, albeit sans integrated RGB lighting—a feature many users look for but can be added through external devices compatible with the headers provided.
ASRock’s X870E Taichi Lite is designed for seamless compatibility with AMD’s latest high-end chipsets, the X870 and X870E, supporting AMD’s innovative “Zen 5” processors natively. There is no need for a BIOS flash to start up these processors, though updating to the latest BIOS version is recommended for optimal performance. Furthermore, compatibility is extended to encompass all “Zen 4” Ryzen 7000-series desktop processors and Ryzen 8000-series APUs, offering builders a versatile and future-proof platform.
Memory support is one of the crowning highlights of this platform, positioning Taichi Lite as a remarkable model. It can accommodate up to DDR5-8200+ (OC), one of the highest speeds available on AMD platforms. The motherboard contains four slots with locking mechanisms on both sides, supporting up to a total of 256GB—ample capacity for the most demanding applications. During testing, various memory kits, including the 32GB Kingston kit (two 16GB DDR5-6000), the Teamgroup DDR5-7200 kit, and even the unqualified vendor list (QVL) Klevv DDR5-8000 kit, were tested and ran flawlessly, underlining the board’s versatile and powerful capabilities.
Layout and Internal Connectors
The ASRock X870E Taichi Lite’s layout harmonizes high functionality with user-friendly design. Positioned at the top left, the motherboard houses two 8-pin EPS connectors (only one is required) for CPU power, complemented by large VRM heatsinks that aid in efficient power regulation. The motherboard is well-stocked with fan headers, numbering eight in total—the CPU_FAN1 header manages up to 1A/12W, while the remaining headers handle up to 3A/36W each, supporting both PWM and DC-controlled devices. This level of flexibility ensures that users can adeptly manage their cooling systems to maintain optimal temperatures and overall system performance.
The motherboard’s right corner incorporates the Dr. Debug display, a handy feature facilitating troubleshooting during POST (Power-On Self-Test) and displaying CPU temperatures when in Windows. Situated below are essential power and reset buttons. Additionally, this corner includes two 3-pin ARGB headers, the 24-pin ATX connector, and two front-panel USB headers (comprising a 19-pin USB 3.2 Gen 1 and a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C header). The strategic placement of one of the four M.2 sockets in this corner ensures easy access for users, contributing to the board’s intuitive and efficient design.
Audio, Expansion, Storage, and Rear I/O
The ASRock X870E Taichi Lite promises an exceptional audio experience, integrating the flagship Realtek ALC4082 7.1-channel audio codec, enhanced by dedicated WIMA audio capacitors and an ESS SABRE9219 DAC. This high-class audio configuration is sure to appeal to both audiophiles and gamers seeking premium sound performance, ensuring immersive audio for entertainment and professional applications alike.
The motherboard is equipped with two full-length PCI Express slots, reinforced with ASRock’s Steel Slot technology to provide added stability and durability. The primary slot can achieve PCIe 5.0 x16 speeds, whereas the secondary slot reaches up to PCIe 5.0 x8. Both slots share bandwidth, running at x8/x8 when both are in use, without compromising the bandwidth of the M.2 storage slots. This versatility in expansion slots facilitates a broad range of configurations, catering to the needs of diverse users.
Storage capacity and flexibility are further strengths of the Taichi Lite. Featuring a topmost PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 socket that connects directly to the CPU, along with three additional PCIe 4.0 x4 sockets, the board offers comprehensive storage options. Six SATA connectors along the edge support RAID modes 0, 1, and 10, presenting various storage solutions to accommodate the needs of different users. Though some might miss a second PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot, the current storage configuration remains robust and versatile for most demanding storage requirements.
The pre-installed I/O plate is well-structured, boasting 12 USB ports with color-coded differentiation. These include two USB4 (40Gbps with DisplayPort capability), five USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), three USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), and two USB 2.0 ports. Other features on the rear panel include Clear CMOS and BIOS Flashback buttons, Wi-Fi 7 antenna connections, and an HDMI port. In terms of audio connectivity, the panel has two 3.5mm jacks for microphone and line-out, an S/PDIF optical port, complete with a 5GbE Realtek LAN connection, providing impressive connectivity options suitable for varied user needs.
UEFI BIOS and Utilities
ASRock’s UEFI BIOS for the X870E maintains its user-friendly interface, providing both an Easy Mode for swift adjustments and an Advanced Mode for deeper configurations. Easy Mode is designed to accommodate quick tweaks to memory profiles, boot orders, and thermal throttling limits, allowing users to make necessary changes without delving too deeply into technical details. On the other hand, Advanced Mode opens up a broader range of customization options, neatly organized under categories like Favorites, Tweaker, Settings, System Info, and Boot.
The OC Tweaker section is geared towards overclocking enthusiasts, enabling fine-tuning of voltages, RAM speeds, timings, and CPU overclocking settings. Users with advanced knowledge can indulge in thorough customization of their systems to optimize performance. Meanwhile, the Advanced section offers further customization for CPU, PCIe, storage, and USB settings, ensuring extensive configurability to suit diverse user preferences.
The Tool section within the BIOS includes various utilities that enhance the motherboard’s usability. This comprises RGB control tools, SSD secure erase functions, and instant flash functionality for BIOS updates, simplifying the process of keeping the system up-to-date. An automatic driver installer further eases initial setup, helping users get their system operational swiftly. The Hardware Monitor section provides real-time readouts of multiple system temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds, and offers fan control options, empowering users with comprehensive monitoring and management of their system’s health.
ASRock Applications
ASRock’s suite of applications, designed to optimize user experience, includes A-Tuning software for performance tuning, manual overclocking, and fan control. Various performance modes and a dedicated section for OC Tweaker functions within this software allow users to tailor their system’s performance to their specific needs, ensuring both everyday stability and high-performance scenarios.
Fan-Tastic Tuning is another notable application, facilitating detailed fan control, including individualized settings and custom curves for each fan. An integrated fan test helps users determine the minimum and maximum speeds for their fans, ensuring optimal cooling performance while maintaining noise levels within acceptable limits. This level of control is particularly beneficial during intense computing tasks or extended gaming sessions.
Polychrome Sync manages RGB lighting across any devices connected to the platform’s headers, presenting 15 preset lighting modes with customizable speed and color options. Users can synchronize RGB settings across various components such as the motherboard, RAM, and graphics card, providing a cohesive visual appeal even without onboard RGB lighting.
ASRock’s App Shop offers a lightweight utility for managing driver updates and other system functions, complementing the automatic driver installation feature available in the BIOS. This utility ensures that users can keep their system up-to-date with the latest drivers and utilities, maintaining optimal performance over time.
The Taichi Lite Verdict
With a price tag of $399.99, it positions itself as a formidable option in the midrange motherboard market, offering high-end performance at a competitive cost.
While the Lite version trims down on some aesthetic features, notably doing away with the onboard RGB lighting, it doesn’t skimp on the essential aspects that matter most to users. It retains the robust hardware configuration that made the original X870E Taichi so appealing, ensuring that users still experience excellent performance.
For gamers or tech enthusiasts looking to build a powerful PC without breaking the bank, this motherboard hits the sweet spot. The omission of RGB lighting may even be a plus for those who prefer a more understated aesthetic.
Moreover, the ASRock X870E Taichi Lite’s efficient layout and high functionality make it an excellent foundation for any computing needs, whether for gaming, content creation, or other intensive tasks. This motherboard manages to deliver impressive performance while maintaining a user-friendly experience.