The X570 motherboard guide: Ryzen™ to victory with PCI Express® 4.0

Everyone can be a winner with ROG Strix

ROG Crosshair motherboards include the most exotic features for demanding builders creating complicated rigs that push the limits. Gamers don’t always need that level of luxury, so the Strix series retains ROG’s style, performance, and overclocking cred while avoiding niche features that might go unused. For the latest Ryzen platform, we have two full-size ATX boards—the ROG Strix X570-E and X570-F Gaming—along with a Mini-ITX tiny terror in the Strix X570-I Gaming.

The Strix X570-E and X570-F Gaming are two ministers in the Republic of Gamers

The first thing you’ll probably notice about the ROG Strix X570-E and X570-F is their dazzling looks. The I/O cover and PCH heatsink are styled with an ROG cyber-text motif that works in tandem with Aura Sync accents to create a high-tech look.

To get a Ryzen CPU overclocked to top speed, the X570-E relies on a Digi+ VRM with 12+4 power stages similar to the higher-end Crosshair models, while the X570-F follows closely behind with 12+2 power stages. In both cases, 8-mm copper heatpipes distribute thermal energy across the VRM heatsinks to improve dissipation.

Memory kits with speeds well in excess of 3000 MT/s are commonplace these days, and Ryzen processors benefit from being paired with faster RAM. OptiMem tech on both boards offers improved signaling for added stability and higher performance when tweaking RAM, letting you take advantage of every drop of performance on tap. Cooling fast systems requires a steady flow of liquid or air, and the Strix boards offer two chassis hybrid fan headers along with AIO and custom pump headers for that endeavor.

ProCool-reinforced eight-pin connectors ease current into the power stages feeding the CPU. The two PCIe 4.0 x16 connectors employ our SafeSlot reinforcements for better holding heavier graphics cards that tend to push down hard on the slot. The x1 slots also enjoy PCIe 4.0 connectivity, as do the two M.2 slots sitting under heatsinks that cool faster NVMe SSDs. From SLI or CrossFireX multi-GPU setups to blazing-fast SSD RAID arrays, the X570-E and X570-F can do it all.

Although these boards don’t sit in the upper echelons of the ROG family, they nevertheless share most of the high-end features, both practical and aesthetic. Both offer FlexKey reset key reassignment and a USB port with BIOS Flashback support if something goes wrong during a firmware update. The I/O shields are pre-mounted for ease of installation and dashing good looks, and the Strix X570-E Gaming has a Q-Code diagnostic LED display to help with troubleshooting. The Aura Sync-enabled array of Gen2 addressable and standard RGB strip headers makes it easy to create any kind of lighting design, from moody ambience to blazing animated effects. A bidirectional Node connector lets other components talk to the board and exchange system info and control signals.

Pinpoint-accurate sound is key to competitive gaming, and the SupremeFX S1220A codec on this Strix pair cleanly identifies enemies in 3D space. Its 120 dB output signal-to-noise ratio is on par with audiophile equipment for perfect sonic accuracy, while the 113 dB-SNR microphone input lets your teammates hear you clearly. The quality of Gigabit Ethernet implementations can vary, but these boards use reliable Intel controllers protected by LANGuard reinforcement and electrical shielding. The X570-E has same upgraded networking loadout as the Crosshair Hero, with a 2.5G Ethernet controller and Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 adapter, while the X570-F sticks to 1G Ethernet. It also reduces the number of USB ports to keep costs down for more modest rigs that lack loads of peripherals.

The Strix X570-E Gaming is the one to pick for overclocking prowess and faster networking. Stay tuned for information on pricing and release date.

Strix X570-I Gaming is proof that the best things do come in small packages

If you think the ROG Crosshair VIII Impact is an interesting board, what if you could get most of its equipment and overclocking prowess in a more reasonably priced package with an even smaller form factor? Enter the Strix X570-I Gaming.

This model is slightly more compact than the Impact and fits the tried-and-true Mini-ITX form factor. The digital VRM comprising 8+2 power stages is exceedingly powerful for such a small motherboard, and resides under a heatsink with its own fan and an attached metal backplate that ensures heat gets pulled away from the ICs more effectively. This cooling arrangement lets you push voltages up while keeping temperatures down. As an added bonus, the VRM fan prevents overheating in compact cases with limited airflow, even if overclocking isn’t in the cards. Meanwhile, the second heatsink that goes across the X570 chipset has copper heatpipes to increase heat dissipation area and is topped by an independent fan. While tiny systems don’t usually offer a ton of cooling, the X570-I still offers an AIO pump header alongside the hybrid fan header. Should an aggressive overclocking attempt go awry, the diagnostic LEDs will tell you what went wrong during the POST process.

We make the most of every available square inch of PCB area and even turn some limitations into benefits. Along with OptiMem enhancements, the presence of only two memory slots that sit closer to the CPU allows much shorter circuit traces than full-sized boards, helping the X570-I more easily overclock. The PCIe x16 SafeSlot and dual M.2 slots are wired for extra bandwidth with support for next-gen PCIe 4.0 graphics cards and NVMe SSDs.

Small-form-factor systems often serve as home-theater PCs or couch gaming machines, so for maximum flexibility we spec the Strix-I with built-in HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs, along with the same Intel Wi-Fi 6 adapter with Bluetooth 5.0 support as the bigger members of the ROG family. Gigabit Ethernet is included, as well, powered by an Intel adapter, protected by LANGuard, and with packets prioritized by GameFirst V. All the cooling-related headers sit flush with the top of the board to simplify cable routing. Gen2 addressable and standard RGB strip headers allow additional Aura Sync lighting to complement the illuminated heatsink and glowing right edge of the board.

Whether you want to build a speedy HTPC, a compact gaming machine that can run circles around any console, or a compact desktop that can sit easily on a desk or shelf, the Strix X570-I Gaming fits the bill. Look for information on a release date and prices soon.

The TUF Gaming X570-PLUS (Wi-Fi) marries a distinct look to battle-forged reliability

We started TUF Gaming to create affordable products with essential gaming features, a distinctive look, and proven reliability. While we make ASUS components under this banner, you can also pick up compatible parts from members of the TUF Gaming Alliance. Matching TUF Gaming memory, coolers, power supplies, and even entire cases are available from our partners. We’re constantly expanding the Alliance with carefully-chosen partners and working out new ways to extend the TUF concept to upcoming hardware.

For X570, we have a single motherboard in two variations: the TUF Gaming X570-PLUS and its Wi-Fi equipped twin. At first glance, they look like simplified versions of our Prime models coupled with a different aesthetic, but there’s more than meets the eye. The digital VRM uses 12+2 efficient DrMOS power stages. TUF chokes ensure the CPU gets a good supply of clean, rock-steady power, while TUF capacitors with 20% higher heat tolerance than standard alternatives keep the circuitry in line. Elaborate cooling arrangements can make use of four fan headers as well as an additional connector for an AIO cooler. The Gigabit Ethernet port is protected by TUF LANGuard, which helps it survive lightning strikes and static electricity.

The X570-PLUS’s PCIe x16 slots employ the same SafeSlot reinforcement as our other boards, providing 60% more retention force and 80% more resistance against shearing than standard slots. PCIe 4.0 connectivity powers the main slot, priming it for the next generation of graphics cards, and CrossFireX support lets you run dual Radeons in parallel. You can also equip dual M.2 SSDs, both able to enjoy PCIe 4.0 connectivity. One of them sits under a heatsink for added thermal control.

While the TUF Gaming X570-PLUS may not have the dizzying array of onboard lighting options that pricier boards enjoy, you can still personalize your build via headers for standard and addressable RGB strips. The Realtek S1200A audio is enhanced with DTS Custom surround sound virtualization. Pick a sonic preset tailored to the type of game you’re playing (like an FPS or MOBA), and let the DTS algorithm optimize the soundscape so no enemy escapes your notice.

For connectivity, the X570-PLUS has seven USB ports in its back panel, including USB 3.2 Gen2 ports in both Type-A and Type-C formats. The ASUS-exclusive Realtek L8200A Gigabit Ethernet controller prioritizes networking traffic with TurboLAN software. The TUF Gaming X570-PLUS (Wi-Fi) variation includes an Intel Wireless-AC 9260 adapter with 802.11ac Wi-Fi capable of maximum bandwidth up to 1.7Gbps, along with Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting wireless peripherals.

The TUF Gaming X570-PLUS is a solid motherboard that focuses on essentials and won’t fail in the heat of the action. Pricing and release date will be announced as the boards reach general availability.