ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) Motherboard: features, specs and fit

The ASUS TUF Gaming X570-Plus (Wi-Fi) is an ATX motherboard for AMD Ryzen processors that use the AM4 socket. It is the board that everything else in a desktop PC plugs into, and this model pairs the X570 chipset with PCIe 4.0 storage, built-in wireless networking and extra cooling. This guide explains what the main specs mean and what to confirm before building around it.

The AM4 socket and which processors fit

AM4 is the processor socket used across several generations of Ryzen chips. ASUS lists this board as ready for 2nd and 3rd Gen Ryzen processors, and the title also names Ryzen 5000 series (Zen 3). The listing adds an important note: to use a Ryzen 5000 CPU you may need to update the BIOS first. The BIOS is the board's built-in firmware, and older versions may not recognise newer processors. ASUS points buyers to the Support page for the board's model name to download the latest version.

Dual M.2 and PCIe 4.0

The board has two M.2 slots, the small connector used by compact solid-state drives. ASUS describes them as PCIe 4.0. PCIe 4.0 roughly doubles the data rate of PCIe 3.0 per lane, so a compatible PCIe 4.0 drive can typically reach higher sequential speeds, which helps with large file transfers and loading big projects. Everyday tasks often feel similar on either generation. A board with two slots also lets you keep a system drive and a separate fast storage drive.

Other storage features named in the listing are USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (Type-A and Type-C) and AMD StoreMI, a tool for combining drives of different speeds.

Power delivery and cooling

The voltage regulator module (VRM) takes power from the supply and turns it into the steady voltage the processor needs. ASUS lists a 12+2 design with Dr. MOS power stages and Digi+ control, and says the board uses "military-grade" TUF components. A stronger VRM is typically useful for higher-core-count processors or when you plan to overclock.

For cooling, the listing mentions:

• an active heatsink on the chipset (PCH);
• a VRM heatsink;
• an M.2 heatsink;
• hybrid fan headers and the Fan Xpert tuning tool.

Networking

The board has a Realtek L8200A Gigabit Ethernet port with ASUS's TUF LANGuard, plus Intel 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO and Bluetooth 5.0. Having wireless on the board means no separate adapter is needed. 802.11ac is an earlier Wi-Fi generation than the newest, but it works for most home setups. If your router is nearby, wired Ethernet is usually the steadier choice.

Lighting

ASUS also mentions AURA Sync lighting, which lets you coordinate lighting effects with other compatible parts.

Size and who it suits

It is a standard ATX board, so it needs a case that supports ATX. The listing gives a package weight of 2.6 lb (about 1.2 kg). It suits people building or upgrading an AM4 desktop who want PCIe 4.0 storage, two M.2 slots and built-in Wi-Fi.

What to check before you buy

• Processor and BIOS: confirm your CPU is supported and whether a BIOS update is needed first. Some people do this with an older supported CPU.
• Memory: check the board's supported memory type and speeds on the maker's page.
• Case: make sure the case takes ATX boards.
• Storage: confirm that your drive uses the M.2 connector and which slot supports which drive type.
• Cooler: check that your CPU cooler fits the AM4 mounting.
• Software offers: any bundled subscription offer in the listing had an end date in the past, so don't count on it.

The short version

• An ATX AM4 motherboard with the X570 chipset for Ryzen 2nd, 3rd and, with a BIOS update, 5000 series CPUs.
• Two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.
• 12+2 power design with several heatsinks and fan headers.
• Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 built in.

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