Asus X870 AYW Gaming Wi-Fi W

Name: Asus X870 AYW Gaming Wi-Fi W
Brand: Asus
SKU: 1395

Manufacturer: Asus

The Asus X870 AYW Gaming Wi-Fi W motherboard is a robust choice for gaming and performance-focused builds. It supports an AM5 CPU socket and comes with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, and RGB lighting for a dynamic look.

Technically, it offers up to 256GB of DDR5 memory, overclocking capabilities up to 8000 MHz, and supports multiple RAID configurations like RAID 1, 10, and 5. With dual BIOS and a range of expansion slots, this motherboard ensures flexibility for high-performance setups.

Pros

Supports multiple high-speed RAID configurations including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0) for flexible storage management.
Includes 7.1 audio channels and 3 audio connectors for a comprehensive audio setup.
Provides a wide range of expansion options with 2 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for future-proof upgrades.
Equipped with USB Type-C support, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and USB 4 40Gbps ports for fast data transfer and connectivity.
Has a dual BIOS feature for added stability and system protection.

Cons

Lacks support for RAID 0+1, limiting certain RAID configurations.
No S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output, which may be a limitation for high-end audio setups.
Does not support mSATA connectors, which could be restrictive for users needing that legacy option.

Who is this for?

The Asus X870 AYW Gaming Wi-Fi W motherboard is well-suited for users who require high-performance and flexibility in gaming and workstations. Its support for multiple high-speed PCIe slots, including PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0 x16 slots, makes it ideal for users looking to upgrade or build a future-proof system with powerful GPUs and other expansion cards. Additionally, the inclusion of RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 configurations provides versatility in storage management, catering to those who need fast, reliable storage for demanding tasks like gaming or data-heavy applications.

Who is this NOT for?

This motherboard may not be ideal for users who need legacy connections or specific low-level connectivity options. The absence of an S/PDIF Out port and mSATA connectors may be limiting for users requiring advanced audio setups or older storage solutions. Additionally, with no integrated graphics, it is not suitable for users who prefer a system without a dedicated GPU, or for those looking for a more basic, cost-effective build with integrated graphics support.

General info:

CPU socket	AM5
chipset	X870
form factor	ATX
release date	January 2025
supports Wi-Fi	✓
Wi-Fi version	Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Has Bluetooth	✓
Bluetooth version	5.2
HDMI version	HDMI 2.1
Easy to overclock	✓
has RGB lighting	✓
Easy to reset BIOS	✕
Has dual BIOS	✓
has aptX	✕
CPU sockets	1
Has integrated graphics	✕
warranty period	3 years
height	244 mm
width	305 mm
Has integrated CPU	✕

The Asus X870 AYW Gaming Wi-Fi W motherboard is designed with an AM5 CPU socket and supports the X870 chipset, offering a reliable foundation for high-performance systems. It features Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2, and RGB lighting for a visually dynamic and connected experience. The board also includes a convenient dual BIOS setup, enhancing system stability, and is built in an ATX form factor, providing ample space for expansion.

Memory:

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

The Asus X870 AYW Gaming Wi-Fi W motherboard supports a maximum memory size of 256GB and is compatible with DDR5 RAM, offering up to 8000 MHz speeds when overclocked. It features 4 memory slots and utilizes dual memory channels for efficient data processing, though it does not support ECC memory.

Ports:

USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-A)	1
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-A)	3
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (USB-C)	0
USB 2.0 ports	4
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 Asus X870 AYW Gaming Wi-Fi W motherboard offers a variety of port options, including USB 4 40Gbps and Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer. It also features 1 HDMI output, 1 RJ45 port for network connectivity, and USB Type-C support, while lacking legacy connections like VGA and PS/2 ports. Additionally, there are multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 and 2 ports in both USB-A and USB-C formats.

Connectors:

USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (through expansion)	2
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports (through expansion)	1
USB 2.0 ports (through expansion)	4
SATA 3 connectors	4
fan headers	6
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

The Asus X870 AYW Gaming Wi-Fi W motherboard provides a wide array of connectors, including 3 M.2 sockets for high-speed storage, and 4 SATA 3 connectors for additional drive options. It also includes 6 fan headers to support effective cooling. Additionally, there are multiple expansion options with USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, and USB 2.0 connectors, alongside a TPM connector for enhanced security.

Expansion slots:

PCIe 4.0 x16 slots	2
PCIe 5.0 x16 slots	1
PCIe 3.0 x16 slots	1
PCIe x1 slots	0
PCI slots	0
PCIe 2.0 x16 slots	0
PCIe x4 slots	0
PCIe x8 slots	0

The Asus X870 AYW Gaming Wi-Fi W motherboard offers a variety of expansion slots, including 2 PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for high-speed components, and a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot for next-gen devices. It also includes a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot for additional expansion options. There are no PCIe x1, PCIe x4, or PCIe x8 slots, nor are there any legacy PCI or PCIe 2.0 slots.

Audio:

audio channels	7.1
Has S/PDIF Out port	✕
audio connectors	3

The Asus X870 AYW Gaming Wi-Fi W motherboard supports 7.1 audio channels for immersive sound experiences, with 3 audio connectors for connecting external audio devices. However, it does not include an S/PDIF Out port for digital audio output.

Storage:

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

The Asus X870 AYW Gaming Wi-Fi W motherboard supports a variety of RAID configurations, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 (1+0) for flexible storage management and performance optimization. However, it does not support RAID 0+1.

Final Verdict

The Asus X870 AYW Gaming Wi-Fi W motherboard is a robust choice for users seeking a high-performance platform with modern connectivity and expansion capabilities. With its PCIe 5.0 x16 slots and support for multiple RAID configurations, it is especially suited for demanding gaming setups and professional workstations that require powerful storage and expansion options. While it lacks integrated graphics and older connectors like S/PDIF or mSATA, its strengths make it a solid foundation for users building advanced systems. Overall, it's a great option for those looking to build a future-proof, high-performance machine.