Asus PRO WS W680M-ACE SE Desktop Motherboard - Intel W680 Chipset - Socket LGA-1700 - Micro ATX

The Asus PRO WS W680M-ACE SE is a premium workstation motherboard purpose-built for professionals who demand relentless performance, unwavering reliability, and expansive expandability. Designed to power AI training, deep learning, animation, and 3D rendering workflows, this Micro ATX board pairs the Intel W680 chipset with robust power delivery and a rich set of I/O options. Whether you’re assembling a compact yet capable AI workstation or a compact render farm node, the W680M-ACE SE delivers the stability, storage, and connectivity that serious creators rely on every day.

• Targeted at professional workflows: Engineered to support demanding AI training, deep learning, animation, and high-end media production, the PRO WS W680M-ACE SE prioritizes reliability, precision, and efficiency. Its design focuses on sustained performance under heavy workloads, ensuring consistent results during long render sessions and data-intensive tasks. This motherboard is built for creators who require workstation-grade reliability and a platform that won’t bottleneck their most important projects.
• Expandability for graphics, storage, and I/O: With space for multiple PCIe expansion cards and generous M.2/NVMe storage options, this board supports complex workstation setups—from multi-GPU configurations to fast local caching with Optane-ready storage. The combination of PCIe lanes and high-speed storage slots gives you the headroom to scale your workflow as projects grow, whether you’re rendering high-resolution scenes or training deep learning models.
• Connectivity designed for teams and studios: The motherboard offers extensive connectivity to keep your workstation in sync with peripherals, networks, and storage arrays. Expect a broad selection of USB ports, robust network options, and abundant SATA/integrated storage interfaces. This level of connectivity minimizes bottlenecks when working with large datasets, external accelerators, or shared storage within a studio environment.
• Intel Optane Memory readiness for accelerated storage: Intel Optane Memory readiness helps accelerate boot times, working datasets, and caching workloads. This feature is especially valuable in professional environments where fast access to frequently used data translates into measurable productivity gains. The W680M-ACE SE makes it straightforward to unlock faster responsiveness without sacrificing stability, enabling smoother editing, rendering, and data analysis.
• Optimized for professional-grade memory and stability: Built to support high-performance DDR5 memory modules, the PRO WS W680M-ACE SE prioritizes memory integrity and consistent timing. Whether you’re keeping large asset libraries in memory for quick access or running memory-intensive simulations, this motherboard is designed to deliver stable performance with mission-critical workloads, even under prolonged heavy use.

Technical Details of Asus PRO WS W680M-ACE SE

Chipset: Intel W680
Form Factor: Micro ATX
CPU Socket: LGA 1700
Memory: Supports DDR5 memory modules (designed for workstation use and high reliability)
Storage: Multiple M.2 NVMe slots and SATA connections for expansive local storage
PCIe: PCIe expansion slots configurable for high-bandwidth graphics and add-on cards
Networking: Enterprise-grade connectivity options to suit studio workflows
Optane: Intel Optane Memory Ready for accelerated caching and responsiveness
Expansion: Robust support for professional graphics, storage, and I/O cards to scale with complex projects
Reliability: Pro-grade components and design aimed at long, uninterrupted workloads

How to install Asus PRO WS W680M-ACE SE

Preparing your workstation with the Asus PRO WS W680M-ACE SE is straightforward when you follow a methodical build and setup process. Start by laying out your workspace, gather your components, and ensure you have the necessary screwdrivers and static-safe equipment. Before you begin, consult your chassis documentation to confirm mounting hole alignment and IO shield placement for best compatibility with this Micro ATX motherboard.

1) Prepare the chassis and I/O shield: Remove the side panel, install the I/O shield into the chassis, and align the motherboard mounting points with the standoffs. Ensure the shield is securely seated to prevent any interference with expansion cards or connectors.

2) Install the processor and memory: Lift the CPU socket lever, insert a compatible LGA 1700 processor, and lock the socket. Apply thermal paste if your cooler requires it, then attach the heatsink or cooler according to its mounting system. Insert DDR5 memory modules into the designated DIMM slots, ensuring they click into place with even pressure.

3) Attach storage and PCIe devices: Install M.2 NVMe drives into the available slots, using heatsinks if provided or required by your cooler configuration. Insert any PCIe graphics cards or other expansion cards into their respective slots, carefully securing them with screws where needed.

4) Connect power and peripherals: Attach the power supply connectors to the motherboard (24-pin, and CPU power). Connect fans, case buttons, USB headers, and any additional case I/O as outlined in the motherboard manual. If you’re configuring Optane memory caching, connect appropriate storage devices and BIOS settings will guide you through enabling caching features.

5) BIOS setup and software: Power on and enter the BIOS/UEFI to verify component recognition, memory timing, and boot sequence. Update to the latest firmware if available, then configure storage modes (AHCI/RAID if needed), enable Optane caching, and tailor fan profiles for your environment. Install your preferred OS and workstation software, then restore data and libraries to your storage array or NVMe cache as required.

6) Post-install validation: Boot into the operating system and verify all components—CPU, memory, storage, and PCIe devices—are detected. Run a few stress tests or benchmark suites to confirm stability under load. If you’re running AI frameworks or rendering engines, validate GPU visibility and motherboard I/O performance to ensure your professional workflows proceed without interruptions.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What processors are supported by the Intel W680 chipset on this motherboard?
A: The Asus PRO WS W680M-ACE SE is designed for compatible Intel LGA 1700 processors. It supports workstation-class CPUs and is suitable for AI workloads, rendering, and professional applications. For exact CPU compatibility, refer to ASUS official support resources and the CPU compatibility list for the W680 platform.

Q: Does the motherboard support DDR5 memory?
A: Yes. The board is designed to work with DDR5 memory modules, delivering higher bandwidth and efficiency for professional workloads. When building a workstation, pairing high-quality DDR5 modules with appropriate timings can help maximize performance for memory-intensive tasks.

Q: Can I use Intel Optane Memory with this motherboard?
A: The PRO WS W680M-ACE SE is Intel Optane Memory Ready, enabling caching configurations to accelerate workflows that involve large data sets and frequent access to hot data. Enabling Optane caching typically requires configuring BIOS and aligning storage devices to your caching strategy.

Q: How many storage drives can I install?
A: The motherboard provides multiple M.2 NVMe slots in addition to SATA connections for a comprehensive storage setup. This enables fast OS/app drives as well as large capacity datasets and project assets for professional workloads. Consult the motherboard manual for exact slot and port counts in your chosen configuration.

Q: Is this motherboard suitable for multi-GPU setups?
A: The W680M-ACE SE is designed with expandability in mind, including PCIe slots for graphics cards and other add‑on cards. It’s suitable for professional-grade workstations that require robust PCIe expansion. For multi-GPU configurations, verify slot spacing, power delivery, and thermals to ensure stable operation under peak loads.