ASUS AM5 Motherboards: Refined Upgrades for Every PC Build
▼ Summary
– ASUS has launched a refreshed lineup of AM5 motherboards across ROG Crosshair, ROG Strix, TUF Gaming, and ProArt series, covering X870E, X870, and B850 chipsets.
– The new motherboards feature optimized PCIe lane layouts, allowing for multiple high-speed M.2 SSDs and full-bandwidth graphics cards simultaneously, with select models supporting multi-GPU configurations.
– They offer enhanced DDR5 memory support through PCB design optimizations, including server-grade processes and technologies like NitroPath DRAM, for wider compatibility and higher frequencies.
– A new, user-friendly UEFI BIOS interface with EZ Mode and a doubled 64MB ROM capacity (for out-of-the-box CPU support and pre-installed WiFi drivers) aim to simplify setup and optimization.
– Numerous build-streamlining features are introduced, such as a wire-free AIO cooler connector, tool-free M.2 and add-in card installation, enhanced graphics card release mechanisms, and high-wattage USB charging ports.
The latest generation of ASUS AM5 motherboards arrives with a suite of refined upgrades designed to enhance every aspect of your PC build. Spanning the ROG Crosshair, ROG Strix, TUF Gaming, and ProArt series, these new boards for the X870E, X870, and B850 chipsets deliver optimized performance, smarter connectivity, and features that simplify the building process. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a creative professional, or someone building a reliable daily system, this refreshed lineup has a motherboard tailored to your needs.
A key focus for these new boards is an optimized PCIe lane layout. Every motherboard operates within the lane limitations of the CPU platform, but how those lanes are allocated makes a significant difference. ASUS has engineered its latest AM5 designs to provide a smoother experience when installing multiple high-speed devices. For mainstream gamers, a board like the ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi7 Neo allows the installation of two PCIe 5.0 and three PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs while the primary graphics card still operates in full PCIe 5.0 x16 mode. This is achieved by intelligently sharing bandwidth between the USB4 ports and a secondary M.2 slot.
For more advanced configurations, options like the ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial offer exceptional versatility. It supports the full bandwidth of the primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and two PCIe 5.0 M.2 drives, while still allowing a second PCIe slot to run for a capture card. It can even support up to seven M.2 SSDs using included add-in cards. For multi-GPU workstations geared toward creative and AI tasks, models like the ProArt B850-Creator WiFi Neo and high-end Crosshair boards provide PCIe x16 slots that operate in an x8/x8 configuration.
Memory performance takes a substantial leap forward with this generation. Through meticulous PCB design optimizations, these motherboards offer wider compatibility with high-end DDR5 memory kits. Flagship models like the ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial and Dark Hero benefit from server-grade manufacturing techniques, including an ultra-low-etch process and PCB back drilling. These enhancements improve signal integrity, reduce noise, and ensure stable performance. Features like NitroPath DRAM Technology rework the traditional memory slot for cleaner signal transmission, while AEMP profiles and DIMM Fit tools make overclocking more accessible, even with modules lacking XMP or EXPO profiles.
The result is practical and powerful: broader support for high-capacity, high-frequency DDR5 memory. ASUS is also collaborating with partners like G.SKILL and ADATA to pioneer support for 4-rank memory configurations, which promise exceptional performance for data-intensive AI and content creation workloads.
Navigating the UEFI BIOS is now more intuitive than ever. A newly refined interface introduces a modern EZ Mode that aligns with familiar Windows tuning applications, placing system monitoring and common functions front and center. An Essential Mode provides first-time builders with quick access to key information and basic overclocking without navigating complex menus, while Advanced Mode remains for granular control. Furthermore, BIOS ROM capacity has been doubled from 32MB to 64MB. This extra space allows for out-of-the-box support for the latest AMD CPUs and includes pre-installed WiFi drivers for a more streamlined operating system installation.
Building a PC is simpler with thoughtful design innovations. A new wire-free AIO Q-Connector works with compatible all-in-one liquid coolers, like the new ROG Strix LC IV series, to drastically reduce cable clutter. Upgraded PCIe Slot Q-Release mechanisms make removing large graphics cards effortless. Cooling is enhanced with a 3D VC M.2 Heatsink that uses a vapor chamber for superior SSD thermal management, and the ROG Memory Q-Fan magnetically attaches to cool high-performance RAM.
Tool-free installation is a major theme, extending to ROG Q-DIMM.2 and Hyper M.2 cards, M.2 Q-Latch drive mounts, and M.2 Q-Release heatsinks. Connectivity is also boosted, with options for front-panel USB Type-C ports supporting up to 60W Quick Charge 4+ and more boards offering three USB 2.0 headers for extra flexibility. The MLO Wizard in Armoury Crate helps users optimize new WiFi 7 Multi-Link Operation connections.
The ROG Crosshair series celebrates two decades by pushing boundaries anew. The flagship ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial features a stunning white-and-silver design with magnetic armor, a 5-inch customizable LCD, a robust 24+2+2 power solution, dual 10G Ethernet, WiFi 7, and USB4. Its counterpart, the ROG Crosshair X870E Dark Hero, offers a powerful black aesthetic with Polymo Lighting II, a bolstered power design, and the same high-performance connectivity and cooling features.
For gaming enthusiasts, the ROG Strix Neo series sets a high standard. The ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi7 Neo delivers a premium experience with its five-M.2 capability and AIO Q-Connector, available in black or a pristine white variant (the X870E-A). The ROG Strix B850-F and B850-A Gaming WiFi7 Neo models bring tool-free installation, easy graphics card removal, and abundant USB connectivity to the B-series segment, in classic black or white finishes.
TUF Gaming Neo motherboards provide essential performance with rock-solid reliability. The TUF Gaming X870-Pro WiFi7 W Neo (in white) offers a refined PCIe layout, a 5G Ethernet port, USB4, and NitroPath DRAM technology. The TUF Gaming B850-Pro WiFi7 W Neo brings similar value with an 8-layer PCB and tool-free M.2 heatsinks. Notably, both TUF Neo models introduce Asynchronous Clock support for more flexible overclocking.
For creators and developers, the ProArt B850-Creator WiFi Neo is a purpose-built tool. It supports multi-GPU setups with its dual PCIe 5.0 x16 slots (x8/x8), features dual 5G Ethernet ports, and includes a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode. Its minimalist, professional aesthetic completes the package for workflow-focused builds.
Choosing a motherboard is a foundational decision for any PC. The latest ASUS AM5 motherboards are engineered to fully harness modern AMD Ryzen processors and high-performance components. With versatile connectivity, abundant high-speed storage options, and intelligent features that simplify building and tuning, they provide a robust platform for whatever you plan to accomplish next.
(Source: Edge Up – Asus)
