. When I read that ASUS had somehow integrated their Armory Crate utility into new W10 installs on ROG boards, I was a bit skeptical about the motherboard software bloat. I still don't understand how they did it. But it actually made my life incredibly easy when I launched this new box. On first launch I was prompted to press a key to install Armory Crate and the LAN driver directly from a repository on the mobo itself. On the second launch, I was presented with a list of all the other drivers and utilities that I would otherwise have to look for on the ASUS website or download in advance. I guess there's no need to dig through the horrible manufacturer web portals anymore. It just worked and it didn't take long to get the basic installs up and running. The pay itself is also reasonable. It has plenty of VRM heatsink power and enough USB options. I think the two m.2 slots match the B550 and the m.2 heatsinks are pretty good. The lack of a built-in chipset fan is a plus. Wi-Fi picked up a signal from my network even before I screwed on the antenna. The built-in back panel is very solid and has proven itself as a handle when installing the circuit board. I wish there was another case fan header (there are only 3 for the case, everything else for the pumps and processor) but I guess that's not a big deal since you're not buying a B550 board for 9- . fan cover. And if you'll likely come with a fan controller anyway. The software is fine. AI Suite is as always. I don't like the Realtek software or the included virtual mixer, but it sounds good enough for onboard audio. Armory Crate is the star of the show and that alone is worth the 5th star.
Zalman Performa Performance Powerful Included
172 Review
๐ช AMD FD6300WMHKBOX FX-6300 Black Edition: 6-Core Processor with Unparalleled Performance
134 Review
Deepcool GAMMAXX 300 CPU cooler, silver/black/blue
166 Review
AMD Phenom II X4 940 ๐ป Black Edition 3.0GHz AM2+ Processor - Retail
96 Review
๐ง Premium Repair Replacement Screws & Tools for MacBook Pro Retina 15"/13" - Complete Bottom Case Set
10 Review
๐ฅ๏ธ Helifouner 450-Piece Computer Standoffs Spacer Screws Kit: Ideal for Hard Drive, Motherboard, Fan, Power Graphics & Computer Cases
10 Review
uxcell 3.5" HDD Screw Black 200pcs for Computer PC Case - Flat Phillips Head - 6#-32 - Hard Drive Fasteners
10 Review
M.2 Screw Kit: Easy Mounting for NVMe SSDs on ASUS Motherboards
19 Review