ASUS is set to expand its Republic of Gamers motherboard lineup at CES 2026 with the debut of the ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme Glacial. This model represents the first time ASUS has brought a white PCB and matching color theme to its Crosshair-series flagship AMD motherboards, a line traditionally known for darker designs and aggressive styling.
The ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme Glacial is based on the same platform as the ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme that ASUS launched in 2025. According to available information, the two boards are functionally identical, sharing the same AMD X870E chipset and overall feature set. The main difference lies in the visual presentation, which has been reworked to appeal to builders looking for lighter-themed or all-white PC builds.
ASUS has redesigned nearly every visible element of the board. The PCB itself is white, complemented by silvery-white shrouds and matte-white anodized aluminum heatsinks. These heatsinks cover the power delivery components, chipset, and M.2 storage areas. Chrome accents and glossy textures have been added in select areas, including the large combined heatsink that spans the chipset and multiple M.2 slots, giving the board a more refined appearance without altering its layout.
Early renders also suggest that a traditional PCI-Express 5.0 x16 slot is not immediately visible, which is an unexpected detail for a flagship motherboard targeting enthusiasts. Rather than indicating a removed feature, this likely points to a different layout strategy. The PCIe Gen 5 x16 slot may be rotated and mounted at a 90-degree angle, facing downward, with support for a compatible riser cable. This kind of placement would support a cleaner internal layout, improve cable routing, and align with alternative chassis designs that prioritize aesthetics and airflow over conventional expansion slot positioning.
There is also speculation that ASUS may be using a concealed slot design or a unique add-on card ejection mechanism. These elements could explain why the standard PCIe slot is not immediately visible. Notably, the ROG Crosshair X870E Extreme Glacial has reportedly received a CES Innovation Award, suggesting that the board includes a design or engineering feature that sets it apart from existing models.
ASUS is expected to showcase the motherboard on the show floor in Las Vegas, where hands-on inspection should clarify these design choices. More details about the PCIe configuration and internal layout are likely to emerge during CES 2026 as ASUS provides additional information.
