ASRock X870 Pro RS

Name: ASRock X870 Pro RS
Brand: ASRock
SKU: 91652

Manufacturer: ASRock

The ASRock X870 Pro RS is an ATX form factor motherboard built around the AM5 socket and X870 chipset, targeting users who need a capable platform for current-generation AMD processors. It carries a 3-year warranty and supports RGB lighting, along with easy overclocking functionality. The board measures 305 mm by 244 mm and accommodates a wide range of build configurations within a standard ATX chassis.

On the memory side, the board provides four DDR5 slots across two channels, supporting up to 256 GB at a rated maximum of 4000 MHz, or up to 8000 MHz with overclocking. Expansion is handled through one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and one PCIe 4.0 x16 slot, while storage options include three M.2 sockets, four SATA 3 connectors, and RAID support for levels 0, 1, and 10. The rear I/O includes two USB 4 40Gbps ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, six USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI 2.1 output, and a single RJ45 ethernet port. Audio is handled by a 7.1-channel solution with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio and an S/PDIF output. Notably, the board does not include integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Pros

Includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports and two USB 4 40Gbps ports, offering high-bandwidth connectivity options on the rear I/O
Three M.2 sockets provide ample room for fast storage expansion without occupying SATA ports
DDR5 memory support with overclocked speeds up to 8000 MHz allows for significant memory performance headroom
Seven fan headers give builders considerable flexibility when planning cooling layouts
Supports RAID 0, 1, and 10, enabling basic redundancy or performance storage configurations
Onboard audio delivers 7.1-channel output with a 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio and includes an S/PDIF output

Cons

No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth included, requiring a separate adapter for wireless connectivity
Easy CMOS reset is not supported, making BIOS recovery less straightforward
No dual BIOS feature means there is no automatic fallback if a firmware update fails
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports are absent from the rear I/O, with only Gen 1 Type-A ports available at that speed
ECC memory is not supported, limiting use in environments where memory error correction is needed

Who is this for?

This board is well-suited for users building a capable AM5 desktop system who need strong high-speed connectivity, particularly those who rely on Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4 devices such as external NVMe enclosures or docking stations. The three M.2 sockets and RAID support make it a practical fit for those managing multi-drive storage setups, while seven fan headers accommodate builds with elaborate cooling configurations. The DDR5 support with overclocked speeds up to 8000 MHz also serves users who want meaningful headroom for memory-intensive workloads.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who require wireless connectivity out of the box will find this board lacking, as neither Wi-Fi nor Bluetooth is included, necessitating an add-in solution. It is also not well-suited for environments where firmware resilience matters, since the absence of dual BIOS and a straightforward CMOS reset function adds risk during BIOS updates. Additionally, workstation or server-oriented users who depend on ECC memory for data integrity will need to look elsewhere, as that capability is not supported.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	X870
form factor	ATX
supports Wi-Fi	✕
Has Bluetooth	✕
HDMI version	HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock	✓
has RGB lighting	✓
Easy to reset BIOS	✕
Has dual BIOS	✕
CPU sockets	1
Has integrated graphics	✕
warranty period	3 years
height	244 mm
width	305 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The ASRock X870 Pro RS uses the AM5 socket paired with the X870 chipset and follows the standard ATX form factor, measuring 305 mm wide by 244 mm tall. It supports a single CPU and does not include an integrated processor or integrated graphics. The board supports easy overclocking and features RGB lighting, though it lacks built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a dual BIOS setup, and a one-step CMOS reset function. Video output is available via an HDMI 2.1 connection. The board carries a 3-year warranty and does not have an integrated CPU.

Memory:

maximum memory amount	256GB
RAM speed (max)	4000 MHz
overclocked RAM speed	8000 MHz
memory slots	4
DDR memory version	5
memory channels	2
Supports ECC memory	✕

The board features four DDR5 memory slots arranged across two channels, supporting a maximum installed capacity of 256 GB. The rated maximum RAM speed is 4000 MHz, which can be pushed to 8000 MHz through overclocking. ECC memory is not supported.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A)	0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A)	4
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 2.0 ports	6
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports	0
USB 4 40Gbps ports	2
USB 4 20Gbps ports	0
Thunderbolt 4 ports	2
Thunderbolt 3 ports	0
has an HDMI output	✓
DisplayPort outputs	0
RJ45 ports	1
Has USB Type-C	✓
eSATA ports	0
DVI outputs	0
has a VGA connector	✕
PS/2 ports	0

The rear I/O offers a varied USB selection, including two USB 4 40Gbps ports and two Thunderbolt 4 ports, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and six USB 2.0 ports. USB Type-C connectivity is present, while USB 3.2 Gen 2, Gen 2x2, USB 4 20Gbps, and Thunderbolt 3 ports are absent. For display output, there is one HDMI port, with no DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA outputs available. A single RJ45 ethernet port handles wired networking, and there are no eSATA or PS/2 ports included.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion)	2
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion)	3
SATA 3 connectors	4
fan headers	7
USB 3.0 ports (through expansion)	2
M.2 sockets	3
Has TPM connector	✕
U.2 sockets	0
Has mSATA connector	✕
SATA 2 connectors	0

Internal connectivity includes three M.2 sockets and four SATA 3 connectors for storage, with no SATA 2, U.2, or mSATA connectors present. For USB expansion, there are two USB 3.2 Gen 1 headers, two USB 3.0 headers, and three USB 2.0 headers available for front-panel or add-in connections. The board provides seven fan headers to accommodate cooling setups, and does not include a TPM connector.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots	1
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots	1
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe x1 slots	0
PCI slots	0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe x4 slots	0
PCIe x8 slots	0

The board provides two full-length PCIe slots: one PCIe 5.0 x16 and one PCIe 4.0 x16, covering the primary expansion needs for modern add-in cards. There are no PCIe 3.0, 2.0, x8, x4, or x1 slots, and no legacy PCI slots are present.

Audio:

Signal-to-Noise ratio (DAC)	120 dB
audio channels	7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port	✓
audio connectors	2

The onboard audio solution supports 7.1-channel output and delivers a DAC signal-to-noise ratio of 120 dB. Two audio connectors are available on the board, and an S/PDIF output port is included for digital audio passthrough.

Storage:

Supports RAID 1	✓
Supports RAID 10 (1+0)	✓
Supports RAID 5	✕
Supports RAID 0	✓
Supports RAID 0+1	✕

The board supports RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 configurations for storage array setups, while RAID 5 and RAID 0+1 are not supported.

Final Verdict

The ASRock X870 Pro RS is a well-specified ATX motherboard for the AM5 platform that covers the practical needs of most desktop builders, with particular strengths in high-speed connectivity and storage flexibility. The inclusion of two Thunderbolt 4 and two USB 4 40Gbps ports, three M.2 sockets, and DDR5 support with substantial overclocking headroom gives it a capable foundation for demanding workloads. Those who can work around its lack of integrated wireless and its absence of dual BIOS protection will find it a well-rounded board that handles connectivity, expansion, and cooling management with competence.