ASUS Pro WS B850M-ACE SE: A Versatile AMD AM5 MicroATX Motherboard for Workstations and Servers
ASUS has unveiled the Pro WS B850M-ACE SE, a microATX motherboard designed for AMD Socket AM5 platforms. Engineered with a server-grade layout, this motherboard is tailored for a wide spectrum of users, from home and small business servers to professional workstations requiring robust storage capabilities.
Comprehensive Processor and Memory Support
The Pro WS B850M-ACE SE is compatible with the full lineup of AMD Ryzen 7000 and Ryzen 9000 series desktop processors, including both consumer and Ryzen PRO commercial models. Additionally, it supports the EPYC 4005 series server processors in the AM5 package, making it a flexible choice for various computing environments.
Memory support is equally impressive, with four DIMM slots accommodating up to 256 GB of dual-channel (4 sub-channel) DDR5-5600 ECC unbuffered memory. This ensures high reliability and performance for demanding workloads.
Advanced Connectivity and Storage Options
Designed for storage-intensive applications, the motherboard features a range of high-speed storage interfaces. Users benefit from two M.2-2280 slots with PCIe 5.0 x4 connectivity, a PCIe Gen 4 MCIO NVMe interface, a U.2 Gen 3 port, and four SATA 6 Gbps ports. An internal microSD slot is also available for secure software key storage.
Server-Grade Management and Networking
The Pro WS B850M-ACE SE integrates IPMI support, powered by the ASPEED AST2600 management controller, and comes with ASUS Control Center Express for streamlined IT management. Networking is robust, featuring three wired LAN ports: a 10 GbE port via Realtek RTL8127 PHY, a 2.5 GbE port with Intel i225 controller, and a dedicated 1 GbE port for IPMI management.
Comprehensive I/O and Display Outputs
The motherboard offers extensive USB connectivity, including two 10 Gbps USB-C ports on the rear panel, a 20 Gbps USB-C header, three 10 Gbps USB Type-A ports, an internal Type-A port, and additional 5 Gbps ports via headers. For display output, users have access to HDMI and DisplayPort from the integrated GPU, as well as a D-Sub port managed by the IPMI controller.
Power delivery is handled by a combination of 24-pin ATX and 8+4 pin EPS connectors, ensuring stable operation even under heavy workloads. The ASUS Pro WS B850M-ACE SE is expected to be priced around $400, offering a compelling solution for professionals seeking a reliable and feature-rich AM5 motherboard for workstation or server use.
