Asus Pro WS W680-ACE Workstation Motherboard

Designed for professional workloads, the Asus Pro WS W680-ACE Workstation Motherboard is purpose-built to accelerate AI training, deep learning, animation, 3D rendering, and media production. Built around the Intel W680 chipset and the LGA 1700 socket, this ATX motherboard delivers robust performance, expansive I/O, and industry-grade reliability that studios and engineering teams demand. With support for high-speed memory, extensive storage options, and Intel Optane memory readiness, the W680-ACE is engineered to handle the most demanding pipelines while remaining flexible for future upgrades. It’s the backbone of a professional-grade workstation, capable of powering render farms, ML inference, virtual production rigs, and data-heavy design work with confidence. ASUS has optimized this board for long render sessions and multi-application workloads, ensuring consistent throughput, predictable latency, and a stable platform for creative and technical professionals.

• Designed for professional workloads: Built to power AI training, deep learning, animation, 3D rendering, and media production with sustained performance during long-running tasks, ensuring stable throughput and reliable results across complex projects.
• Intel W680 chipset + LGA 1700 socket: Combines a workstation-optimized chipset with the modern LGA 1700 socket, providing robust connectivity, flexible PCIe lane distribution, and efficient power delivery for demanding software suites.
• Intel Optane Memory Ready: Ready to deploy Intel Optane memory to accelerate caching, reduce boot and load times, and speed up large datasets essential for iterative workflows and quick project iteration.
• Massive expandability and storage options: Supports multiple PCIe expansion cards, M.2 NVMe drives, SATA connections, and USB interfaces to accommodate multi-GPU configurations, fast scratch disks, and dense media libraries for creative pipelines.
• Professional-grade reliability and compatibility: Engineered for steady operation in busy studios, with robust build quality, comprehensive BIOS options, and certified compatibility with major professional software suites used in creative and engineering fields.

Technical Details of Asus Pro WS W680-ACE Workstation Motherboard

• Form Factor: ATX
• CPU Socket: LGA 1700
• Chipset: Intel W680
• Intel Optane Memory Ready: Yes
• Expansion & Connectivity: PCIe slots for graphics and accelerators, multiple M.2 NVMe slots, SATA ports, USB ports, and networking options to support high-performance workstations

how to install Asus Pro WS W680-ACE

• Prepare your workspace: Work on a clean, static-safe surface. Ground yourself with an anti-static wrist strap and keep components in anti-static bags until ready for installation.
• Install the CPU: Open the LGA 1700 socket retention mechanism, align the CPU correctly, place it gently into the socket, and secure the lever. Apply an appropriate amount of thermal paste if your cooling solution requires it, and attach the CPU cooler securely.
• Install memory modules: Insert RAM into the recommended DIMM slots as outlined in the motherboard manual. Ensure the modules are fully seated and the locking latches click into place for proper contact.
• Mount the motherboard in the chassis: Align the I/O shield with the case cutouts, position the motherboard so screw holes align with the standoffs, and secure it with screws. Do not overtighten to avoid bending the board.
• Connect power and essential cables: Attach the 24-pin main power connector and the 8-pin (or 4+4) CPU power connector to the motherboard. Connect PCIe power to any installed GPUs or expansion cards as required by your configuration.
• Install storage and expansion cards: Insert M.2 NVMe drives into the supported slots and secure them. Install any PCIe expansion cards (graphics cards, accelerators) into the appropriate slots, tightening the screws to secure them.
• Connect drives and peripherals: Connect SATA data and power cables to drives if used. Attach USB front-panel connectors, audio headers, fans, and other case peripherals as specified in the motherboard manual.
• Power on and configure BIOS: Power on the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI. Enable XMP/DOCP profiles for memory as needed, set boot priority, configure storage RAID if desired, and check for BIOS updates recommended by ASUS to ensure optimal compatibility with your OS and software.
• Install the operating system: With the hardware installed, proceed to install your preferred workstation OS. Install essential drivers from the ASUS support site and the manufacturers of your GPU(s) and storage devices to ensure optimal performance and stability.

Frequently asked questions

• Is the Asus Pro WS W680-ACE suitable for AI and deep learning workloads? Yes. It is designed for professional AI training, deep learning, and other compute-intensive tasks, with a workstation-grade chipset and expansion options to support accelerators, large data sets, and fast storage.
• What CPU socket and chipset does this motherboard use? It uses the LGA 1700 socket and the Intel W680 chipset, combining modern processor support with workstation-focused features for reliability and performance.
• Does it support Intel Optane memory? Yes. The board is Intel Optane Memory Ready, enabling cache acceleration for large projects and datasets to improve responsiveness and workflow efficiency.
• How many expansion slots and storage options does it offer? The motherboard provides multiple PCIe expansion slots for GPUs and accelerators, several M.2 NVMe slots for fast storage, plus SATA ports and USB interfaces to support expansive workstations and data-heavy pipelines.
• What is the form factor of the board? The Asus Pro WS W680-ACE is an ATX motherboard, suitable for mid- to full-tower workstations with ample space for cooling and expansion.
• Is this motherboard compatible with 12th/13th Gen Intel processors? The LGA 1700 socket supports contemporary Intel processors in this family; always verify CPU compatibility and BIOS version on ASUS’s official compatibility list for your exact processor model.
• Are drivers and software certifications available for professional software? Yes. ASUS Pro Workstation boards are designed with certified drivers and broad software compatibility, and you should check for the latest BIOS and driver updates on the ASUS support site to ensure optimal performance with your professional toolchain.