ASUS Prime H770-PLUS D4 motherboard: features, specs and who it suits

The ASUS Prime H770-PLUS D4 is an ATX motherboard for 12th and 13th Generation Intel Core processors. It uses the LGA 1700 socket and DDR4 memory, and it adds PCIe 5.0, fast storage slots and 2.5Gb Ethernet. It is meant for PC builders who want a current Intel platform and the option to reuse DDR4 memory.

Socket and chipset

LGA 1700 is the socket shared by Intel's 12th and 13th Generation desktop processors, and ASUS lists both as supported. The board uses the H770 chipset, which is a mainstream tier rather than the enthusiast one. Typically, that means fewer overclocking options than top-end chipsets, but plenty of connectivity. Check ASUS's CPU support list and the BIOS version needed for your exact processor before buying.

DDR4 memory

The "D4" in the name means the board takes DDR4 memory, not the newer DDR5. DDR4 and DDR5 modules are not interchangeable, and a board only accepts one type. ASUS also describes OptiMem, careful routing of traces and vias intended to improve memory stability by preserving signal integrity.

What PCIe 5.0 and three M.2 slots mean

PCIe is the connection used by graphics cards and fast SSDs, and each generation roughly doubles the bandwidth of the one before. ASUS lists PCIe 5.0 on this board, most relevant for the main graphics slot. It also lists three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, which hold compact NVMe SSDs directly on the board without cables, so you can run several fast drives at once. Slot lanes and bandwidth are often shared between ports, so check the manual's table of which ports are disabled when others are used.

Networking and USB

The board has Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet, faster than the standard 1Gb wired connection if your router and cabling support it. For USB, ASUS lists a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and header support for Thunderbolt (USB4). A header means the board provides the connector, but you need a separate add-in card to use it.

Cooling and lighting

ASUS lists heatsinks over the voltage regulators (VRM), the M.2 slots and the chipset, plus hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert 2plus software for tuning fan curves. For lighting, there are addressable Gen 2 headers and Aura RGB headers for LED strips, which sync with Aura Sync-capable hardware.

Who it suits

It suits builders putting together an Intel 12th or 13th Gen desktop, particularly those who want to keep or buy DDR4, use several NVMe drives and have a fast wired network. The listing notes it is not a Wi-Fi board, so you would need an adapter for wireless.

What to check before you buy

• Processor: confirm it is a supported LGA 1700 chip, and check the BIOS requirement.
• Memory type: the board takes DDR4 only.
• Case size: ATX boards need an ATX-compatible case.
• Storage: check which M.2 slots share bandwidth with other ports.
• Thunderbolt: you need an add-in card to use the header.
• Cooler and power: make sure your cooler and power supply connectors match.

The short version

• An ATX motherboard, ASUS Prime H770-PLUS D4, on the LGA 1700 socket.
• Supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel processors with DDR4 memory.
• PCIe 5.0, three PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and 2.5Gb Ethernet.
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and a Thunderbolt (USB4) header.
• VRM, M.2 and chipset heatsinks, plus Aura Sync RGB headers.

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