
Expert Analysis: Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula Motherboard with Top-Tier Cooling & Premium Components

US Launch: Affordable Longsheng (Loongson) CPU-Based Motherboards & Systems Starting at Just $373 - Get the Ultimate Value Deal
Two new motherboards for theChinese-made Loongson 3A6000 CPU are now available on AliExpress. These motherboards are available in various configurations ranging from a barebones motherboard with CPU through a complete prebuilt computer that also includes RAM, a hard drive, and a discrete graphics card.
AliExpress has two motherboard models featuring the Longsoon 3A6000 that are now beginning to ship worldwide. The first, theLoongson 3A6000 7A2000 main board , sells for $372.91 without memory, a storage device, or a discrete graphics card. It includes the Loongson 3A6000 processor with a maximum clock speed of 2.5 GHz.
The 7A2000 main board offers modest expansion possibilities, with a total of three PCIe slots, two DDR4 memory sockets, and support for both NVMe SSD and SATA drives. It also includes HDMI as well as VGA graphics output, plus HDAaudio interfaces.
The second motherboard,the XC-LS3A6M , costs a little more at $389.93 and offers slightly more by the way of expansion possibilities. It provides the same PCIe expansion slots as the 7A2000 but also includes an extra Ethernet port and a header for a front Type-C USB 3.2 port.
LATEST VIDEOS FROM tomshardware Tom’s Hardware
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell - Column 0 | Loongson 3A6000 7A2000 | Loongson 3A6000 XC-LS3A6M |
---|---|---|
Pricing | Starting at $372.91 | Starting at $389.93 |
CPU | 1 Loongsoon 3A6000 with 2.5GHz max | 2 Loongsoon 3A6000 with 2.5GHz max |
Memory | 2 DDR4 | 2 DDR4 |
M.2 NVMe | 2 (1 x Key-M, 1 x Key-E) | 2 (1 x Key-M (type 2280 only), 1 x Key-E) |
SATA 3.0 interfaces | 4 | 4 |
PCIe 3.0 x16 Slots | 1 | 1 |
PCIe 3.0 x8 Slots | 1 | 1 |
PCIe 3.0 x4 slots | 1 | 1 |
Mini PCIe interfaces | 1 | 1 |
Ethernet | 1 x 1Gb Ethernet port | 2 x 1Gb Ethernet ports |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports | 2 | 3 |
USB 2.0 ports | 2 | 2 |
Front USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector (Type-C) | None | 1 |
Front USB Interfaces | 2 x 3.0, 2 x 2.0 | 2 x 3.2 |
Form Factor | DTX (244mm x 204mm) | mATX (244mm x 200mm) |
Other available bundles for both boards allow consumers to add memory and storage, or purchase the motherboards preinstalled as a complete PC, with or without a discrete GPU installed.
Due to the lack of any further specifications for the Loongson 3A6000, we assume these motherboards only support PCIe 3.0 and nothing newer. This does go along with Loongson’s comparison of its CPU with the Intel 10th Gen and AMD Zen3 CPUs, both of which are rather long in the tooth. Anearlier release of a mini PC featuring the Loongson 3A6000 also advertised performance on par with those older CPUs.
The fact is, Loongson has developed its own CPU just a few generations behind Intel and AMD. Considering the Chinese firm has to work around U.S. sanctions and claims to insist on doing everything based on its own IP, the performance could actually be considered impressive.
Stay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom’s Hardware Newsletter
Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors
By submitting your information you agree to theTerms & Conditions andPrivacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
With the wider availability of these Loongson processors / motherboards, due to the reach of AliExpress, we hope will will see some reviews by western media, with clear comparisons against AMD and Intel solutions.
Also read:
- [New] How To Make Your LinkedIn Profile Professional
- [New] In 2024, Earthy Editing Free Screen Templates that Elevate Video Creation Skills
- 1. Unveiling the Ultimate $299 Windows Laptop: Your Top Choice for Savvy Saving Shoppers | ZDNET
- 2024'S Elite Security Key Picks, Professionally Assessed
- Eradicating Windows Server Slips: Fixing Microsoft Store Issues
- How to Fake GPS on Android without Mock Location For your Infinix Hot 40 | Dr.fone
- In 2024, Does Realme V30T Have Find My Friends? | Dr.fone
- In 2024, The 10 Best Tools to Bypass iCloud Activation Lock From Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max You Should Try Out
- New How to Edit Videos with QuickTime on Mac Step-by-Step Guide
- Notable Top 5 Lightweight Action Recording Units for 2024
- Prank Your Friends! Easy Ways to Fake and Share Google Maps Location On Motorola Moto G04 | Dr.fone
- Snag the Best VR Bargain of October with Meta's Quest 3 512GB Offer - Exclusive Prime Day Deal !
- The Real Deal on the Docooler USB 2.0 12 Megapixel DSLR - An In-Depth Camera Review
- The Ultimate Guide to Apple's Newest Powerhouse: MacBook Pro (M3 Max) with Advanced AI Features | Expert Analysis
- Ultimate Price Cuts Pre-Black Friday: Discover the Best Buy Deals | Exclusive Insights
- Unlocking Performance: How Dell's Premium $3,000 Laptop Defies Expectations with Cutting-Edge Specs | PCMag
- Unmissable Deal Alert: Snag the ASUS Laptop at Just $99 During Best Buy's Flash Sale - Insider Tips !
- Unveiling HP OmniBook: A Leap Beyond Past Models - Insider Review
- Why This Asus Notebook Surpasses the MacBook in Key Areas: A Detailed Review
- Title: Expert Analysis: Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Formula Motherboard with Top-Tier Cooling & Premium Components
- Author: George
- Created at : 2025-01-29 18:51:32
- Updated at : 2025-02-01 20:36:09
- Link: https://hardware-tips.techidaily.com/expert-analysis-asus-rog-maximus-z790-formula-motherboard-with-top-tier-cooling-and-premium-components/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.