With AMD's latest Ryzen Threadripper 3990X 64-core behemoth to be releases on the 7th of February, ASUS has unveiled an updated version of its flagship ROG Zenith II Extreme motherboard. The new ASUS ROG Zenith II Extreme Alpha model is designed to make the most of the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X processor with a newly updated power delivery while keeping the same ROG aesthetic and feature set of the previous model.

At the launch of AMD's TRX40 chipset for the third generation of Ryzen Threadripper 3000 processors, we reviewed the ASUS ROG Zenith II Extreme motherboard which supports the Threadripper 3990X out of the box, and delivers a high-quality feature set and competitive performance, for an $850 price tag. The ASUS ROG Zenith II Extreme Alpha retains the same aesthetics, the same feature set, and one would struggle to see the differences on the surface between both models.

The major difference comes on the power delivery, with a solid 16-phase configuration for the CPU with sixteen Infineon TDA21490 90 A power stages. This replaces the previous Infineon TDA21472 power stages which are rated for 70 A, albeit still very high end in the grand scheme of things. It is likely that ASUS is retaining its ASP1405I PWM controller, which is virtually identical to the Infineon IR35201 in terms of specifications. 

The inclusion of 90 A power stages over a 70 A variation is likely to allow more current to be deployed, which should help with overclocking. Although this is mainly something extreme overclockers will be interested in, the original ASUS ROG Zenith II Extreme model is more than capable of handling the 64-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X processor out of the box. We've also heard some crazy overclocking power numbers on the 3990X, which we're looking forward to verifying.

While the ASUS ROG Zenith II Extreme Alpha is likely to be released around the same time as the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X 64-core processor on February 7th, the official release date for this model is unknown. The original ROG Zenith II Extreme has an MSRP of $850, and we expect the new Alpha version to cost slightly more, but no pricing information has been made available at this time.

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  • PeachNCream - Monday, January 27, 2020 - link

    Self-proclaimed alpha male computer nerds everywhere are rejoicing that they too can now enjoy unicorn rainbow glitter motherboards festooned with a single, abstract sqinting eyeball in order to enhance their digital wang-fu. Thank you for this gift, Asus! What would the world be without an imaginary republic of unwashed basement dwellers gawking at their illuminated computer components through the glass side of a metal box?
  • jordanclock - Monday, January 27, 2020 - link

    Have you ever been happy?
  • osteopathic1 - Monday, January 27, 2020 - link

    Best comment ever. I mean really to the OP, why come here, read the article and take the time just to sh1t on something. Did mommy not love you enough?
  • PeachNCream - Monday, January 27, 2020 - link

    I'm just having fun with an awful product. I apologize for hitting so close to home while razzing ASUS' latest glitter bomb.
  • jordanclock - Monday, January 27, 2020 - link

    I don't think I've ever seen you post a single positive remark about a product in an article or press release on Anandtech. All you do is crap on how nothing is catering to your exact demands, with a particular emphasis against RGB like it is a personal affront to your very existence.
  • PeachNCream - Monday, January 27, 2020 - link

    Your cybersleuthing(stalking) skills need a bit of work. I know you're infatuated with me, but it seems like your attention is pretty selective and centered around subject matter with which you can use to get yourself riled up for no good reason. Calm down and enjoy life a little instead of looking for ways to get offended and things may go better.
  • David613 - Monday, January 27, 2020 - link

    I hate RGB too and I too would wish they made a professional board for this ultra cpu. I will buy it though, even if I have to buy a board with RGB on. Good news is, it's possible to turn off the RGB as well as the unnecessary wifi and audio on most boards by setting some jumpers. That said, your initial comment is clownish.
  • soresu - Monday, January 27, 2020 - link

    All my thoughts rolled into one tidy reply, thankyou sir!
  • AshlayW - Monday, January 27, 2020 - link

    No, you complain too much. Every single bloody article you post some complaint and how you just use a mobile device or something, whatever.
    You, hon, are the one getting rules up and your Jimmies rustled on every article. Just shut up. I don't comment a lot here but I needed to say that.
  • PeachNCream - Tuesday, January 28, 2020 - link

    I don't mean to be rude, but it seems odd to get wrapped up on what sort of device someone else uses to play video games and then tell them to shut up over something like that. I mean I get it, the Internet has all sorts on it, but a choice of gaming platforms is a pretty trivial matter.

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