High-end DIY desktops enter the next generation with all-new ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha and Rampage VI Extreme Omega motherboards. Nearly identical twins based on AMD X399 and Intel X299 platforms, these EATX monsters are loaded with PCIe slots for multi-GPU configs and NVMe slots for SSD RAID arrays.
The AMD X399 and Intel X299 chipsets harness the copious cores and bandwidth available in high-end desktop processors to provide next-level performance to power users, content creators, and prosumers who want the very best in their builds. They both refreshed around the same time to add faster Threadripper and Core X-series CPUs along with updated motherboards capable of keeping up with the new chips.
Although these platforms are derived from workstation-grade silicon with professional pedigree, we’ve deployed them on a pair of ROG motherboards aimed at the most discerning gamers, enthusiasts, and overclockers. The AMD-based Zenith Extreme Alpha and Intel-based Rampage VI Extreme Omega are two sides of the same coin, bringing the same cutting-edge features and distinctive aesthetics to competing platforms.
Each side has its own strengths augmented by shared ROG DNA. Sales were similar for the previous generation of Zenith and Rampage boards, indicating a strong appetite for both, so we designed the new models as a complementary pair. The obvious question is are you an Alpha or an Omega?
Both boards can run dual triple-slot graphics cards with a full 16 lanes of bandwidth each, and they have integrated heatsinks for at least three M.2 SSDs. The rest of the specs are as stacked as you’d imagine, with support for up to 128GB of memory across eight slots, loads of USB connectivity, and both Gigabit and 10G Ethernet built in. Each board also features premium extras like a LiveDash OLED display, exquisite aluminum armour, and our new Node connector for external devices. The Fan Extension Card II included with each board uses the Node interface to further expand the already generous assortment of cooling and lighting headers on the PCB.
display, and we’re working on adding support for exciting new capabilities.
| ROG Zenith Extreme Alpha | ROG Rampage VI Extreme Omega | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Socket | AMD Socket TR4 | Intel LGA 2066 |
| Chipset | AMD X399 | Intel X299 |
| Form factor | EATX | EATX |
| Memory | 8 x DDR4 (Max 128GB) Up to DDR4-3600+ (OC) |
8 x DDR4 (Max 128GB) Up to DDR4-4266+ (OC) |
| Multi-GPU | 3-way SLI/3-way CFX | 3-way SLI/3-way CFX |
| PCIe slots | 4 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16/x8/x16/x8) 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4) |
3 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x16/x16, x16/x8/x8) *44-lane CPU 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (x4) |
| SATA 6Gbps | 8 | 6 |
| M.2 | 2 x M.2 2242~22110 (PCIe and SATA) 1 x M.2 2242-2280 (PCIe) |
3 x M.2 2242~22110 (PCIe) 1 x M.2 2242-2280 (PCIe) |
| USB 3.1 Gen 2 | 1 x front 1 x Type-C 3 x Type-A |
1 x front 1 x Type-C 1 x Type-A |
| USB 3.1 Gen 1 | 12 | 14 |
| Networking | Intel I211-AT 1G Ethernet Aquantia AQC-107 10G Ethernet |
Intel I211-AT 1G Ethernet Aquantia AQC-107 10G Ethernet |
The Alpha and Omega draw inspiration from the ROG Dominus Extreme, which takes high-end desktop motherboards to a whole ‘nother level for 28-core Skylake-X processors. Its massive 14” x 14” EEB form factor is populated with 12 memory slots with support for up to 192GB of DDR4 RAM, dual DIMM.2 modules with room for two NVMe SSDs each, dual U.2 ports for additional SSDs, and quad PCIe x16 slots spaced for a stack of dual-slot cards. More impressive than the sheer number of components is how they’re laid out, with connectors neatly clustered and lined up along the edges to help you create a clean-looking build. That includes the astonishing nine EATX power connectors, plus the 32 power stages arranged along the top edge. The Dominus Extreme is on display at CES 2019 inside a beautiful build guaranteed to turn heads.
