The ASUS TUF Gaming X870-Pro WiFi7 W NEO is a powerful and feature-rich motherboard that offers a range of benefits for users building high-spec PCs. With a competitive price point of $349, it provides excellent value for money, especially considering its robust connectivity options and high-performance capabilities. The board supports AMD AM5 Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series CPUs, ensuring compatibility with the latest processors. It boasts four DDR5 DIMM slots, allowing for up to 256GB of memory at speeds of 9600 MT/s or higher. The X870-Pro NEO also features a robust VRM with 80A stages, ensuring stable power delivery to the CPU, and a 64MB BIOS ROM for future processor support.
One of the standout features is its connectivity, including 5G LAN, WiFi 7, dual USB4, and dual PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots. The board provides a total of six USB 2.0 ports, two USB 5Gbps ports, and a single Type-C 20Gbps port, ensuring ample high-speed connectivity options. The inclusion of a 30W USB PD fast charging port on the front Type-C header is a welcome addition for charging wireless devices.
In terms of storage, the X870-Pro NEO supports up to four M.2 SSDs, with two supporting PCIe 5.0 and two supporting PCIe 4.0. The primary M.2 slot, cooled by a dedicated heatsink, offers PCIe 5.0 x4 performance, while the other three slots are cooled by a single large plate. The board also features two SATA ports for traditional storage needs.
The motherboard's aesthetics are impressive, with a white/silver design that will appeal to users seeking a clean and modern look. It features a well-designed toolless primary M.2 heatsink with a Q-latch locking mechanism, making it easy to install and maintain. The board also includes a PCIe quick-release mechanism and a one-click WiFi antenna, further enhancing its DIY-friendliness.
Under the hood, the X870-Pro NEO is equipped with a solid 16+2+1-phase VRM with 80A stages, providing stable power delivery to the CPU. The VRM heatsinks offer a significant surface area, ensuring efficient cooling even under heavy loads. The board's UEFI interface has been refined, offering an intuitive Essential Mode that bridges the gap between novice-friendly EZ mode and the advanced settings.
In terms of performance, the X870-Pro NEO excels in various benchmarks. It delivers strong results in rendering and encoding tasks, with Cinebench 2024 scoring 2,299 in the nT test and 141 in the 1T test. The board also performs well in file compression and memory latency tests, showcasing its ability to handle demanding tasks efficiently.
Overall, the ASUS TUF Gaming X870-Pro WiFi7 W NEO is a solid choice for users seeking a high-performance motherboard with excellent connectivity and a competitive price. Its robust feature set, combined with a sleek design, makes it a compelling option for building powerful PCs without breaking the bank.
