Big price tag, small featureset
I have a number of ASUS products including an awesome router, various components, and an amazing monitor. I needed a replacement after accidentally damaging my MSI motherboard, so I decided this looked like a really good option. I will admit that part of my disappointment was due to me not reading the box before purchasing. The rest of my disappointment was from the following.The lack of more than one ARGB header required me to basically daisy chain all RGB onto one plug if I wanted them all to light up (which is a BAD idea so I had to unplug a few lights).The lack of a USB Type-C front panel connector.The iffy ASUS armoury software, which detected everything being up to date, despite a newer BIOS version being available.The old BIOS being unable to run my ... MoreI have a number of ASUS products including an awesome router, various components, and an amazing monitor. I needed a replacement after accidentally damaging my MSI motherboard, so I decided this looked like a really good option. I will admit that part of my disappointment was due to me not reading the box before purchasing. The rest of my disappointment was from the following.The lack of more than one ARGB header required me to basically daisy chain all RGB onto one plug if I wanted them all to light up (which is a BAD idea so I had to unplug a few lights).The lack of a USB Type-C front panel connector.The iffy ASUS armoury software, which detected everything being up to date, despite a newer BIOS version being available.The old BIOS being unable to run my RAM at 3600mHz after enabling D.O.C.P. without tweaking of voltages prior to updating.The price for this ASUS board is MORE than my previous board, despite my previous board having everything this one seems to be missing.To be completely fair and honest, after updating my bios and doing a second fresh Windows installation, most of my software and compatibility issues were resolved. It has been working quite well since the day of my purchase. All in all, it is a decent board that technically fit my needs, but unfortunately did not meet my wants, and was quite expensive ($210 at the time of my purchase).No, I do not recommend this product.... Show more
Eric B
originally posted on microcenter.com
Decent but finicky
For the price I expected an easier installation. With many boards before it was just a simple case of "install it and go" but not this one. I thought I could simply put it in, update the BIOS and be done with it like my last one but yikes. First of all, when I installed it the board had issues recognizing all of my SSDs and M.2s. I had Windows ready to go too but no matter the boot sequence I was always sent back to the BIOS without fail. I messed around with the settings and turns out the CSM needs to be enabled. Then when I could finally boot in, the Ethernet port didn't work. At all. Windows didn't even see it. Not only that but it wouldn't even recognize basic USB flash drives, so for me who wanted to install a Windows ISO on it so I could get my m.2 as the main ... MoreFor the price I expected an easier installation. With many boards before it was just a simple case of "install it and go" but not this one. I thought I could simply put it in, update the BIOS and be done with it like my last one but yikes. First of all, when I installed it the board had issues recognizing all of my SSDs and M.2s. I had Windows ready to go too but no matter the boot sequence I was always sent back to the BIOS without fail. I messed around with the settings and turns out the CSM needs to be enabled. Then when I could finally boot in, the Ethernet port didn't work. At all. Windows didn't even see it. Not only that but it wouldn't even recognize basic USB flash drives, so for me who wanted to install a Windows ISO on it so I could get my m.2 as the main boot well it was impossible. I solved that issue by going through the process with my laptop, since the Drivers on the official website don't work from what I tried. Nevertheless for now it seems to work, but it took me way too long to fix. I just hoped it would solve itself by using Windows update (optional updates) and it did, so praise the Omnissiah. As for the m.2 installation it didn't even recognize I had one and refused to boot on it until I forcefully removed all my other SSDs, to which I was surprised to see windows can't install on an NFTS even when I formatted it through DiskPart. I just powershelled it to the format Windows wanted during the install process for new boot drives (you know the one). At that point I had removed the CSM from the BIOS to get a "clean slate" since I was told installing with CSM on locks it? Not sure. After that it was fine. For now it's "stable" but due to my inexperience on the last part, it soured my experience slightly. I still have some issues with apps not installing correctly but nothing major. TL;DR Not bad, but with the driver issues, Ethernet not working, CSM and SSDs not getting recognized, not good either, just average. Just use this review as a "What to do when X happens" I suppose and that'll save you some pain.... Show more
F. B.
originally posted on newegg.com
Decent features and style, support was disappointi
Great feature set with some style, but more than one thing annoyed me: RMA process was inconsistent with claiming advance RMA was available, RAM QVL was not available for Ryzen 5000 series at launch then was more limited than 3000 series, and insufficent notes on EATX12V connectors.I would only get this mobo if you like the feature set compared to other mobos - Otherwise get something different and cheaper.Features go beyond what I need like a thunderbolt header, 2.5 gbps Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 1 header, built in I/O shroud, and the all important BIOS flashback with USB for my 5600X worked great. SATA data cables are unfortunately right behind where the main GPU goes, requiring case's rear panel to be removed to disconnect SATA cables. Slots 1, 3, 5 are closest to ... MoreGreat feature set with some style, but more than one thing annoyed me: RMA process was inconsistent with claiming advance RMA was available, RAM QVL was not available for Ryzen 5000 series at launch then was more limited than 3000 series, and insufficent notes on EATX12V connectors.I would only get this mobo if you like the feature set compared to other mobos - Otherwise get something different and cheaper.Features go beyond what I need like a thunderbolt header, 2.5 gbps Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 1 header, built in I/O shroud, and the all important BIOS flashback with USB for my 5600X worked great. SATA data cables are unfortunately right behind where the main GPU goes, requiring case's rear panel to be removed to disconnect SATA cables. Slots 1, 3, 5 are closest to the GPU while 2, 4, 6 are one port away. I couldn't get SATA cable to release even with thin tools. Optical audio port fits looser than any other mobo or audio device I've used, as easily slips out if small to moderate tension exists. Armory Crate software has been mostly good for updating drivers & BIOS plus basic RGB/AURA effects, though one Armory Crate update for "Device Kits" failed until I did a restart. Auto OC is awesome if you have an aftermarket cooler, but resulted in Deus Ex Mankind Divided being unstable, crashing about once per hour.RMA was the only way I could confirm whether I had a mobo or CPU issue in handling RAM. Turned out it was CPU, not this mobo.... Show more
Brady
originally posted on bestbuy.com
Decent Motherboard but beware of some software
I got this as a combo deal in the NewEgg shuffle paired with an RTX 3080 TUF OC. Running with a 5900x also. Not my first choice for a motherboard, for the money probably go with an X570, however overall the motherboard is decent hardware-wise and seems to be performing about as expected. The Armoury Crate software is OK enough by itself (installs automatically unless you set it to NO in the BIOS), but you really should add the AI Suite Software as it allows you to set better fan/cooling profiles. Adding it makes Armoury Crate much better. * And then the problem lies with the Realtek Software, specifically the Sonic Suite programs that allow profiles and EQ adjustments etc. It's buggy and would sometimes crash various media players or cause them to bug out a bit. ... MoreI got this as a combo deal in the NewEgg shuffle paired with an RTX 3080 TUF OC. Running with a 5900x also. Not my first choice for a motherboard, for the money probably go with an X570, however overall the motherboard is decent hardware-wise and seems to be performing about as expected. The Armoury Crate software is OK enough by itself (installs automatically unless you set it to NO in the BIOS), but you really should add the AI Suite Software as it allows you to set better fan/cooling profiles. Adding it makes Armoury Crate much better. * And then the problem lies with the Realtek Software, specifically the Sonic Suite programs that allow profiles and EQ adjustments etc. It's buggy and would sometimes crash various media players or cause them to bug out a bit. Several times it was actually running ALL 12 Cores of my 5900x 10-20% GPU Usage (as much as running CyberPunk 2077 does) until I killed the program. I tried, I really tried working with it and even reinstalling, but it was just annoying and I ended up putting in an older HT Omega sound card that, despite it's ancient looking UI, put the Realtek sound to shame.... Show more
Charles P.
originally posted on newegg.com
Excellent Budget Build
I bought two of these motherboards for bot of my sons to replace aging FX series/socket AM3 motherboards. Doing a fresh build with them was a rewarding experience and brought back memories of working on old cars with my father. Times have changed! I wouldn't dare work on my own cars nowadays, but it was a rewarding experience watching my sons complete their new builds with my supervision. The motherboards are rock solid and feature rich with a decent upgrade path for them: they can upgrade their processors (currently Ryzen 5 5600X), add more RAM (currently 16 GB), and upgrade to NVME SSDs in the future for even more performance. As it is now, all modern games run well with this motherboard and everything worked without a hitch right out of the box, no need to update ... MoreI bought two of these motherboards for bot of my sons to replace aging FX series/socket AM3 motherboards. Doing a fresh build with them was a rewarding experience and brought back memories of working on old cars with my father. Times have changed! I wouldn't dare work on my own cars nowadays, but it was a rewarding experience watching my sons complete their new builds with my supervision. The motherboards are rock solid and feature rich with a decent upgrade path for them: they can upgrade their processors (currently Ryzen 5 5600X), add more RAM (currently 16 GB), and upgrade to NVME SSDs in the future for even more performance. As it is now, all modern games run well with this motherboard and everything worked without a hitch right out of the box, no need to update BIOS yet. Very happy with this product. Asus has yet to let me down - great products!... Show more
waterwalker1998
originally posted on asus.com
Excellent performance and layout
I've been using this board for about two months now and it's been performing really well. But, during installation, I was impressed by all of the little quality of life choices designers made to improve little elements and make things a bit easier down the line. For instance, the I/O shielding is built in, which meant I didn't have to fiddle with those intolerable little aluminum plates to get my board into place. Wiring my case's front panel into this board felt easy, like I had enough room to maneuver around the connectors, and, all in all, it's just been a joy to use.There are only two issues I'd mention: first, if you're using a large heat sink, you may run into some issues with your RAM. I'm using a Noctua DH-15, and I had to remove one of my fans to keep it ... MoreI've been using this board for about two months now and it's been performing really well. But, during installation, I was impressed by all of the little quality of life choices designers made to improve little elements and make things a bit easier down the line. For instance, the I/O shielding is built in, which meant I didn't have to fiddle with those intolerable little aluminum plates to get my board into place. Wiring my case's front panel into this board felt easy, like I had enough room to maneuver around the connectors, and, all in all, it's just been a joy to use.There are only two issues I'd mention: first, if you're using a large heat sink, you may run into some issues with your RAM. I'm using a Noctua DH-15, and I had to remove one of my fans to keep it from colliding with the closest RAM module. And, because of the Wifi receives "priority" over the Ethernet port, I had to install the driver set included with the board before the system would recognize its own Ethernet port. Neither of those issues are deal-breakers (and I wouldn't even consider the first one the board's fault) but it is something to bear in mind when you're building a system with this board.... Show more
Omega_Chervil
originally posted on microcenter.com
Powering a Ryzen 5950x and a Asus RTX 3080!
Solid motherboard, currently swapped this in a prebuilt Asus system that I bought from Best Buy. Added a 5950x and 64GB of ram and I have truly a beastly machine that will last me a very very long time. The bios is easy enough to work with, and having owned so many Asus products over the years, whether it be laptops, motherboards, or graphics cards....the quality has always been top notch. I went with the B550 motherboard because the chipset on this does not require a fan like an x570 motherboard. That means no annoying loud small noisy fan. The heat sinks on this motherboard are impressive, something you'd see on a more premium level board. Haven't really had any hiccups on this board at all.The only negatives is that with the Dark Rock TF2 cooler I can only use ... MoreSolid motherboard, currently swapped this in a prebuilt Asus system that I bought from Best Buy. Added a 5950x and 64GB of ram and I have truly a beastly machine that will last me a very very long time. The bios is easy enough to work with, and having owned so many Asus products over the years, whether it be laptops, motherboards, or graphics cards....the quality has always been top notch. I went with the B550 motherboard because the chipset on this does not require a fan like an x570 motherboard. That means no annoying loud small noisy fan. The heat sinks on this motherboard are impressive, something you'd see on a more premium level board. Haven't really had any hiccups on this board at all.The only negatives is that with the Dark Rock TF2 cooler I can only use two ram slots. the case that I use has limited height which is why I went with a cooler that was massive but a bit more low profile. Which is fine for now as I use 2 x 32GB. Do if you want to use all ram slots definitely do your research and find the solution that works best for your needs.Another issue is the lack of built in wifi and bluetooth. Of course you can easily find an external solution, or use one of the pcie slots and get an internal one. Since I have a RTX 3080 on this board, I doubt I will install any kind of pcie device under the gpu as it would inhibit airflow.I've had zero issues with this and I bought this motherboard for about 5 months. I'd highly recommend it over an x570 motherboard, if you do not need built in bluetooth and wifi.... Show more
Jason
originally posted on bestbuy.com
unstable, tried running with four different PSUs, same result
- I got this motherboard together with AMD 5800X and DDR4 as upgrade for my old system: Asus Z-97E + Intel I5-4590 + 16Gb RAM + NVIDIA GTX 1070TI + SSD + 7200RPM SATA drive + Cooler Master G650M 650W 80+Bronze (circa 2015) Unfortunately, after I assembled everything, system would randomly reboot, mostly when watching some videos online in the browser (i.e Netflix). After disabling ASUS performance optimizations in the BIOS the system became more stable, would reboot once every two three days. I originally attributed this to my old PSU, and ordered a new one Seasonic FOCUS PX 850. Unfortunately, it made system even less stable. I also tried with yet another PSU - Corsair RM750, with the same result. I disassembled everything and assembled it back, and tried yet ... More- I got this motherboard together with AMD 5800X and DDR4 as upgrade for my old system: Asus Z-97E + Intel I5-4590 + 16Gb RAM + NVIDIA GTX 1070TI + SSD + 7200RPM SATA drive + Cooler Master G650M 650W 80+Bronze (circa 2015) Unfortunately, after I assembled everything, system would randomly reboot, mostly when watching some videos online in the browser (i.e Netflix). After disabling ASUS performance optimizations in the BIOS the system became more stable, would reboot once every two three days. I originally attributed this to my old PSU, and ordered a new one Seasonic FOCUS PX 850. Unfortunately, it made system even less stable. I also tried with yet another PSU - Corsair RM750, with the same result. I disassembled everything and assembled it back, and tried yet another PSU from my other home computer ( Rosewill - BRONZE Series - 1000-Watt 80+ Bronze) that one works a little better, but I am still getting about one random reboot per day. The last one watching the new year show. Strangely enough, running CPU stress tests (stress-ng) for hours or memory tests with memtes86 does not find any errors, and doesn't trigger reboot. So, I am going to return this motherboard.... Show more
Vladimir F.
originally posted on neweggbusiness.com
Wont Boot. F2 and Del unresponsive
The board I received did not even allow me into the BIOS reliably. The system freezes on the ASUS splash screen prompting me to press f2 or del to enter the BIOS. I can reset the loop with Ctrl+Alt+Del so the system is registering the keyboard. I do have about a 5% chance of getting into the BIOS by spam pressing f2 and del so it is possible to get into. Once into the BIOS, If I select to boot from my windows 10 install USB the system once again hangs and freezes. I've searched far and wide and attempted many solutions found online to no avail. This motherboard appears to be DOA. Cannot recommend at this time! I have tried: Updating the BIOS to version 2604 Unplugging All USB devices apart from my keyboard Used 1 only RAM stick in slot 2 Tried using just 1 SSD, also ... MoreThe board I received did not even allow me into the BIOS reliably. The system freezes on the ASUS splash screen prompting me to press f2 or del to enter the BIOS. I can reset the loop with Ctrl+Alt+Del so the system is registering the keyboard. I do have about a 5% chance of getting into the BIOS by spam pressing f2 and del so it is possible to get into. Once into the BIOS, If I select to boot from my windows 10 install USB the system once again hangs and freezes. I've searched far and wide and attempted many solutions found online to no avail. This motherboard appears to be DOA. Cannot recommend at this time! I have tried: Updating the BIOS to version 2604 Unplugging All USB devices apart from my keyboard Used 1 only RAM stick in slot 2 Tried using just 1 SSD, also tried just 1 M.2 drive Clear CMOS - removing battery and holding power button Used multiple keyboards Let the system run and be stuck for an hour before resetting Disabled Fast Boot in BIOS System Specs: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X GIGABYTE Radeon RX 6900 XT GAMING OC Video Card CORSAIR RM850 CP-9020235-NA Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (2X16GB) DDR4 3200... Show more
Matt
originally posted on newegg.com
You get what you pay for. Side note: good customer service from Newegg
I originally bought a Phantom Gaming 4 but returned it and in the middle of shipping transit I decided to upgrade it to the ROG Strix. The main reason was the BIOS flashback feature as I had an AMD 5600X for it. It seems it was a newer stock item so it already had the updated BIOS. I still tried the BIOS flashback feature to upgrade to the newest BIOS and liked it. Overall it's a great motherboard. I only put 4 stars because of two things. One it lacks an ARGB header on the top of the motherboard so all routing has to go to the bottom and daisy chain from there. Another is not really the motherboard but ASUS AURA RGB software. It kept reverting to red, which is the default color. After a quick online search I found you have to change an XML file on the Aura folder ... MoreI originally bought a Phantom Gaming 4 but returned it and in the middle of shipping transit I decided to upgrade it to the ROG Strix. The main reason was the BIOS flashback feature as I had an AMD 5600X for it. It seems it was a newer stock item so it already had the updated BIOS. I still tried the BIOS flashback feature to upgrade to the newest BIOS and liked it. Overall it's a great motherboard. I only put 4 stars because of two things. One it lacks an ARGB header on the top of the motherboard so all routing has to go to the bottom and daisy chain from there. Another is not really the motherboard but ASUS AURA RGB software. It kept reverting to red, which is the default color. After a quick online search I found you have to change an XML file on the Aura folder to Read-Only as a workaround. I don't like that I had to do that as if I want to change I want to remove the Read-Only attribute, change to the new setting, and then set again to Read-Only. On the plus side, I liked their fan control software as it detected the fans and set the AIO pump automatically to 100%, versus the Asrock software on the Phantom Gaming 4 (I have another one on a different system which is why I initially bought another and then decided to try a different model). However, you need to do an additional download of the AI software suite after you install the Armory Crate for the ASUS Fan control software to be available. A cool feature is the "eye" logo on the board that stays on even after you turn off the computer. This feature lets you know if you have the Power Supply switch on or off, that is, if the motherboard is still receiving power or not. Also I noticed that as I did some troubleshooting and swapped components around my two computers, the same hardware stayed way cooler, around 10-15 degrees less on the ASUS ROG versus the Asrock Phantom. I also liked some other nice touches that are bit more high-end on the ROG like the thermal pads and covers on the M.2 slots, but of course the ROG is a more expensive board so you expect more high-end features. One final comment is that the VRM covers on the top of the motherboard conflicted a bit with the screws of the 240mm AIO I installed so I had to fiddle around that. The AIO fans went into the top PWM headers so I also have very little clearance for the wires to avoid hitting the fans. You could say this is an issue with the case height but on the Asrock this was not the case as the headers were located differently and I had the same AIO.... Show more
originally posted on neweggbusiness.com