ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS WiFi: AM4 microATX motherboard explained

The ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS WiFi is a microATX motherboard for AMD's AM4 socket. It brings together Wi-Fi, an M.2 slot for an SSD, three video outputs and cooling for the power components, in the compact board size used in small and mid-sized PC cases. Here is what its main features mean for someone planning a build.

The AM4 socket and processor support

AM4 is the socket used for several generations of AMD Ryzen desktop processors. ASUS lists this board as ready for Ryzen 5000 Series, 4000 G-Series and 3000 Series desktop processors. The A520 chipset is AMD's entry-level tier for these processors, and it generally offers fewer high-speed lanes and fewer overclocking options than the higher-numbered chipsets. Before buying, check the ASUS CPU support list for your exact processor, since some chips need a specific BIOS version.

That is where the BIOS FlashBack button comes in. It lets you update the BIOS from a USB drive, typically without a processor installed, which is useful when a board's shipped firmware is older than the processor you are fitting.

Cooling and power delivery

ASUS describes military-grade components, an upgraded power solution, a large heatsink over the VRM (the voltage regulators that feed the processor) and a separate heatsink on the chipset. Better VRM cooling matters most under long, heavy loads. Fan Xpert 2+ is ASUS's software and firmware tool for setting fan curves for the case fans connected to the board.

Storage and ports

The listing gives 32Gb/s M.2 onboard, which means an NVMe M.2 slot with PCIe 3.0 x4 speeds, as well as SATA 6Gb/s ports for conventional drives. USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports provide 5Gb/s speeds. For display, the board has DisplayPort, HDMI and D-Sub (VGA) outputs. Those outputs work only with a processor that has integrated graphics, such as Ryzen G-Series chips. With a processor without integrated graphics, you would connect your monitor to a separate graphics card.

Networking

The board includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, also known as Wi-Fi 5. ASUS also lists TUF LANGuard and TurboLAN technology for the wired network connection, which it positions as aimed at online gaming.

Lighting

Aura Sync RGB lighting is supported by RGB headers and a Gen 2 addressable RGB header. These let you connect compatible light strips and fans and sync them through ASUS software. If you prefer a plain look, you can leave them unconnected.

Size and fit

The board is a microATX form factor. It fits microATX cases and also the larger ATX cases, but not the smallest mini-ITX cases. Check the case specification and the clearance for your CPU cooler.

What to check before you buy

• Processor: confirm that your chosen Ryzen processor is on the supported list and what BIOS it needs.
• Memory: check the supported memory type, speeds and the maximum capacity in the specifications.
• Storage: confirm the number of M.2 and SATA connectors against the drives you plan to use.
• Display: use the motherboard outputs only with a processor that has integrated graphics.
• Case: make sure the case supports microATX.
• Wi-Fi: it is 802.11ac, so check that this suits your router.

The short version

• A microATX motherboard for the AMD AM4 socket, for Ryzen 3000, 4000 G-Series and 5000 processors.
• A VRM heatsink, a chipset heatsink and Fan Xpert 2+ fan control.
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi, M.2, SATA 6Gb/s and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A.
• DisplayPort, HDMI and D-Sub outputs for processors with integrated graphics.
• BIOS FlashBack for firmware updates, plus RGB and addressable RGB headers.

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