In 2006, ASUS launched its iconic ROG Crosshair series—a motherboard that set benchmarks for overclocking and design. Now, two decades later, the brand is revisiting that legacy with a modern twist: the Crosshair X870E, built around AMD’s AM5 socket and paired with an all-copper PCB to honor its roots while embracing the future.
The new board isn’t just a rebrand. It replaces the original’s aging 990FX chipset with the latest X870E, supporting Ryzen 7000-series CPUs, DDR5 memory, and PCIe 5.0 lanes. That’s the upside—here’s the catch: while it retains the retro ‘full copper’ aesthetic of its predecessor, the new model is priced at $499, positioning itself firmly in the enthusiast segment.
Key Details
- Chipset: X870E (AMD)
- Socket: AM5
- Memory: 4x DDR5 DIMM slots (up to 192GB)
- Expansion: PCIe 5.0 x16 (primary), PCIe 4.0 x16 (secondary), M.2 Gen4
- VRM: 18+3+1 phase with full copper PCB
- Cooling: ROG Aura RGB, dual M.2 heatsinks, active chipset cooler
The X870E’s VRM is where the retro-meets-modern narrative shines. ASUS has wrapped the power delivery in a full-copper PCB, evoking the original Crosshair’s design while addressing modern thermal demands. This isn’t just for show—it improves heat dissipation and stability under heavy loads, a critical factor for small businesses running 24/7 workloads.
Why It Matters
For small businesses investing in workstations, the X870E offers a compelling mix of performance and longevity. The AM5 socket ensures compatibility with future CPU upgrades, while the X870E chipset delivers robust connectivity for multi-GPU setups or high-speed storage. But availability remains a question mark—ASUS has yet to confirm global distribution timelines, leaving buyers in a holding pattern.
That said, the board’s $499 price tag is justified by its feature set: dual M.2 slots with heatsinks, Aura RGB lighting (a staple for brand identity), and a layout optimized for liquid cooling. It’s not just about specs—it’s about legacy. The retro design isn’t nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake; it’s a statement on durability and craftsmanship.
What to Watch Next
The X870E is expected to ship in Q4, but no firm dates have been set. What’s confirmed: support for Ryzen 9 7950X3D, DDR5-6000+ speeds, and PCIe 5.0. What’s still unconfirmed: whether the full copper PCB will translate to better thermals in real-world benchmarks—and how it stacks against competitors like MSI MEG X870E or Gigabyte Aorus X870E. For now, the Crosshair X870E stands as a bridge between past and future, but its true impact will depend on availability and performance under load.
