The AMD X570 Motherboard Overview: Over 35+ Motherboards Analyzed
by Gavin Bonshor on July 9, 2019 8:00 AM ESTASRock X570 Aqua
Starting off alphabetically with ASRock, we open our X570 chipset overview with one of the most impressive and talked about models displayed at Computex, the ASRock X570 Aqua. ASRock's product stack is well varied with models focused on gaming, content creators, professional, and enthusiasts, the X570 Aqua certainly positions itself as high-end with a solid feature set, an elegant aesthetic which resembles that of Robocop's armor, and offers users an element of exclusivity due to that fact ASRock will only make 999 pieces of the X570 Aqua available to consumers.
The first thing that stands out about the ASRock X570 Aqua is the full-cover PCB armor covering the vast majority of the PCB and the large CPU water block. The ASRock X570 Aqua is an E-ATX board which has a large water block which is designed to keep the CPU cooled, and also extends to cool the X570 chipset. The armor, and the backplate on the rear makes the board much heavier than other premium models we've come to see in recent times.
The feature set underneath the aesthetics is equally premium with an Aquantia AQC107 10 G LAN port, with an additional Intel Gigabit port included. Its Wi-Fi 6 capabilities come due to a Killer AX1650 802.11ax interface which also adds support for BT 5. A Realtek ALC1220 HD audio codec provides the onboard audio, while the rear panel also uses two Thunderbolt 3 Type-C ports. This limits the boards other USB 3.1 G2 capabilities and as a result, the X570 Aqua has six rear-panel USB 3.1 G1 type-A ports, but users can add an additional four with two USB 3.1 G1 headers, and four USB 2.0 ports with a pairing of USB 2.0 headers.
One of the main features of X570 is PCIe 4.0, and the ASRock X570 Aqua makes use of three full-length PCIe 4.0 slots which run at x16 x8/x8 and x8/x8/x4; also present is three PCIe 4.0 x1 slots. Storage includes two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots and a total of eight SATA ports. ASRock gives the X570 Aqua some impeccable memory support which is listed as DDR4-4666.
The ASRock X570 Aqua is currently ASRock's flagship X570 motherboard in terms of features, and aesthetics. We know that the ASRock X570 Aqua will be limited to just 999 pieces worldwide, making its exclusivity one of its attracting features. The Aqua moniker signifies the targeted consumer of this board, in that only users looking to run a custom water cooled system with high-end components, will likely consider this model. This is likely to be a favorable model for case modders, or perhaps users looking to create an elegant water-cooled system with a form of exclusivity and individuality.
With an element of exclusivity, the ASRock X570 Aqua has an MSRP of $1000. This makes it the most expensive X570 model at launch, but this is expected due to the limited nature as it is limited to just 999 pieces worldwide. A heavy-set construction, the PCB covering armor and coupled with a top quality feature set make this a top option for modders, and water cooling enthusiasts.
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Death666Angel - Wednesday, July 10, 2019 - link
There is a "print this article" function. And the easiest way to browse for specifically what you need are price comparison websites. In Europe, that would be "geizhals.eu" (English skinflint.co.uk) . I'm sure other regions have one as well. I don't think having a table with over 35 motherboards would give you the insight you are looking for. Browser for the 2 or 3 motherboards that suite your need and then compare those.konakcc - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
What I find disturbing is that they still put the x4 slots directly next ot the x16 slots. Most modern graphics cards are double wide meaning you can't use those slots so why include them? Think about how the slots will be used and lay them out appropriately.Dark42 - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Thanks for the overview, there seem to be a number of typos / errors though:Asrock Pro4: has only 3 3.5 mm audio jacks(picture), where the text says 5.
Asrock Steel Legend: only 1 USB 3.1 G2 Type-A (picture), text says 2.
Asrock Creator: picture looks like 2 USB 3.1 G2 Type-A + 4 G1, text says 6 G1.
APS: May I suggest a table (or several ones) with the connectivity information? Its not nice having to click through ~40 pages, parse the text and remember to find out how many M.2 slots, Sata ports, etc. the motherboards have.
Death666Angel - Wednesday, July 10, 2019 - link
There is a "print this article" function. And the easiest way to browse for specifically what you need are price comparison websites. In Europe, that would be "geizhals.eu" (English skinflint.co.uk) . I'm sure other regions have one as well.supremeMilo - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Where are you seeing that the ASUS ROG Strix X570-I Gaming has a S/PDIF output? I might get this board over the AsRock if this is true.eva02langley - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Hey Gavin, could you make a special table for Displayport 2.0, HDMI 2.0 and SPDIF?Also, which of these board offer the best audio technology.
Thanks
gavbon - Wednesday, July 10, 2019 - link
I will try and find some time to quickly knock one up. Just going through the comments now (just finished the Ryzen 3000 CPU re-testing)Kurosaki - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Sad that only the 700usd version from gigabyte was passively cooled. Let's just wait and see if any cheaper models with heatpipes comes by...PeachNCream - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Wait a generation if you aren't starved badly for performance with your current hardware. Given the outcry over chipset fans, this is probably a significant point of improvement on the next-gen chipset agenda.zzing123 - Tuesday, July 9, 2019 - link
Given that Ryzen is a brilliant replacement for edge server computing, I'd like to see workstation boards have an option card using the PCIe x1 slot to accommodate an IPMI solution for proper headless server duty. Donany vendors have plans for this?