ASRock X870 Steel Legend WiFi Motherboard Review

Overview

Steel Legend represents the philosophical state of rock-solid durability and irresistible aesthetics. Built around most demanding specs and features, the Steel Legend series aims at daily users and mainstream enthusiasts! Providing a strong array of materials/components to ensure a stable and reliable performance.

Exclusive 20K Cap with 1000uF Capacitance

The upgraded 20K Black capacitor not only extends the lifespan to 20,000 hours but also increases the capacitance value from 560uF to 1000uF, bringing several benefits.

14+2+1 Power Phase Design

Featuring sturdy components and completely smooth power delivery to the CPU. Plus, it offers unmatched overclocking capabilities and enhanced performance with the lowest temperature for advanced gamers as well.

Dr. MOS

Dr.MOS is the integrated power stage solution which is optimized for synchronous buck-set down voltage applications! Compared to traditional discrete MOSFETs, it intelligently delivers higher current for each phase, thus providing improved thermal result and superior performance.

Hi-Density Power Connector

CPU overclocking requires higher current, ASRock Hi-Density Power connectors is able to withstand current higher traditional CPU 8-pin and ATX 24-pin connector, giving a more stable system as well as lowering the risk of fire under heavy overclocking.

8 Layer PCB design

The 8 Layer PCB provides stable signal traces and power shapes delivering lower temperature and higher energy efficiency, ensures a reliable and long-lasting system while delivering ultimate performance without any compromise.

Derived from the “built for stable and reliable” designing concept, ASRock does not compromise on any details. This motherboards is built with high quality materials, enthusiasts are able to enjoy the boost of DDR5 memory overclocking performance by enabling the pre-tested profiles. Make sure the memory modules are Intel^® XMP/AMD EXPO™ capable and overclocking can be made so affordable, satisfying and absolutely no sweat at all.

The reinforced steel slot is capable of supporting PCI Express 5.0 standard. The various benefits include:

✔ Extra anchor points
✔ Stronger latch
✔ Ensure signal stability
✔ Make sure heavy graphics cards to be well-installed.

PCIe Gen5 Blazing M.2

The Blazing M.2 accommodates the latest PCI Express 5.0 standard to perform twice the bandwidth compared to previous generation, with a breathtaking 128GB/s transfer speed, it is ready to unleash the full potential of future ultrafast SSDs.

M.2 Heatsink Toolless Design

Besides the M.2 SSD toolless design on the motherboard, ASRock up a notch by introducing this industry first M.2 heatsink quick release mechanism on the motherboard. The user friendly toolless design helps installing M.2 SSD super easy & simple

M.2 Bottom Heatsink

The M.2 bottom heatsink is able to dissipate heat of the M.2 SSD efficiently through the motherboard PCB, maximize performance while maintaining system stability.

XXL M.2 Heatsink

The extra large aluminum alloy M.2 heatsink effectively improves heat dissipation to keep those high speed M.2 SSDs as cool as possible, it is able to give better stability while maintaining top performance.

Intelligent Cooling Design

The first thing that catches the eye is the optimized Aluminum Heatsink Design. Heatsinks are crucial for efficient heat dissipation, especially during heavy workloads like gaming or productivity tasks. Motherboard that built with heatsinks can effectively manage thermal performance, hence ensure system stability and durability effortlessly.

Wi-Fi 7 802.11be

Latest WiFi 7 technology delivers extreme wireless internet speeds and low latency, with higher throughput and Multi-RU as well as puncturing technology. The new WiFi 7(802.11be) technology is able to accelerate cloud-based gaming, 8K video streaming, and video conferencing.

USB4 technology brings speed and versatility to the most advanced USB Type-C, offering a fast and simple level of connection for work or home. It enables lightning-fast 40Gbps data transfer bitrate.

Dragon 2.5 Gb/s LAN

The intelligent 2.5Gb/s LAN platform is built for maximum networking performance for the demanding requirements of home networking, content creators, online gamers and high-quality streaming media. Boost networking performance up to 2.5X the bandwidth compared to the standard gigabit Ethernet, you’ll enjoy the faster and uncompromised connectivity experience for gaming, file transfers and backups.

The latest USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C delivers up to 20 Gbps data transfer rate which is 2x as fast as previous generation, providing a blazing fast data transfer interface with reversible USB Type-C design that fits the connector either way.

Lightning Gaming Ports

Aimed for die hard gamers and enthusiasts! Lightning Gaming Ports are sourced from two different controller interfaces that assist gamers in connecting the high speed mice/keyboard with the lower jitter and latency!

Ultra USB Power

Provides stable power and better sound experience! Ultra USB Power provides 5V power transformed from +12V power rail, whose voltage drop will be much lower than the +5V from the PSU under heavy loading, and prevents noise from other devices or RGB LED.

Nahimic Audio

Whether you are using headphones, a headset, external or internal speakers, via USB, Wi-Fi, analog output or even HDMI, Nahimic Audio offers you the most engaging listening experience, vibrant and rich with details.

Polychrome RGB

This motherboard features onboard RGB headers and addressable RGB headers that allow motherboard to be connected to compatible LED devices such as strip, CPU fans, coolers, chassis and so on. Users may also synchronize RGB LED devices across the Polychrome RGB Sync-certified accessories to create their own unique lighting effects.

Features

• Supports AMD Ryzen™ 9000, 8000 and 7000 Series Processors
• 14+2+1 Phase Power Design, 80A Dr.MOS for VCore+SOC
• 4 x DDR5 DIMMs
  Supports Dual Channel, up to 8000+ (OC)
• 1 PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 PCIe 4.0 x16
• Graphics Output Options: 2 USB4 Type-C, 1 HDMI
• Realtek ALC4082 7.1 CH HD Audio Codec, Nahimic Audio
• 1 Blazing M.2 (PCIe Gen5x4)
  2 Hyper M.2 (PCIe Gen4x4)
  4 SATA3
• 2 USB4 Type-C (Rear),
  1 USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front),
  2 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear),
  7 USB 3.2 Gen1 (3 Rear, 4 Front)
  8 USB 2.0 (4 Rear, 4 Front)
• Realtek 2.5G LAN
• 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth
• Supports Toolless Multi-Layer M.2 Heatsink, M.2 Bottom Heatsink

Specifications

• Unique Feature
  Superb Productivity
  – PCIe Gen5 (Graphics, M.2)
  – Dual Channel DDR5
  – USB4 Type-C Ports (40 Gb/s)
  Rock-Solid Durability
  – 14+2+1 Power Phase, 80A Dr.MOS for VCore+SOC with Enlarged Heatsink Armor
  – Flexible Integrated I/O Shield
  – 20K Long-lasting Black Caps (high quality and conductive polymer capacitors)
  Ultrafast Connectivity
  – 2.5G LAN, 802.11be Wi-Fi 7 Module
  – ASRock Lightning Gaming Ports
  EZ Update
  – BIOS Flashback Button
  – ASRock Auto Driver Installer
  EZ Troubleshooter
  – ASRock Post Status Checker
• CPU

  – Supports AMD Socket AM5 Ryzen™ 9000, 8000 and 7000 Series Processors*

  * The availability of expansion slots may vary by CPU. Please refer to PCIe/M.2 Bandwidth Table for details. (http://www.asrock.com/)
• Chipset
  – AMD X870
• Memory
  – Dual Channel DDR5 Memory Technology
  – 4 x DDR5 DIMM Slots
  – Supports DDR5 ECC/non-ECC, un-buffered memory up to 8000+(OC)*
  – Max. capacity of system memory: 256GB
  – Supports Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) and EXTended Profiles for Overclocking (EXPO) memory modules*

  * Please refer to Memory Support List on ASRock’s website for more information.
• BIOS
  – 256Mb AMI UEFI Legal BIOS with GUI support
• Graphics
  Integrated AMD RDNA™ graphics (Actual support may vary by CPU)
  – 1 x HDMI 2.1 TMDS/FRL 8G Compatible, supports HDR, HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 4K 120Hz
  – 2 x USB4, support HDCP 2.3 and max. resolution up to 8K 30Hz*

  * Only the CPU’s embedded graphics can be displayed through USB4 ports. If you want to display to a Type-C monitor, please use AM5 Ryzen™ 9000, 8000 and 7000 processors with embedded graphics.
• Audio
  – 7.1 CH HD Audio with Content Protection (Realtek ALC4082 Audio Codec)
  – Individual PCB Layers for R/L Audio Channel
  – Direct Drive Technology on Front headphone port (Supports up to 600 Ohm headsets)
  – Nahimic Audio
• LAN
  – 2.5 Gigabit LAN 10/100/1000/2500 Mb/s
  – Dragon RTL8125BG
  – Supports Dragon 2.5G LAN Software
  – Smart Auto Adjust Bandwidth Control
  – Visual User Friendly UI
  – Visual Network Usage Statistics
  – Optimized Default Setting for Game, Browser, and Streaming Modes
  – User Customized Priority Control
• Wireless LAN
  – 802.11be 2×2 Wi-Fi 7 Module
  – Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/axe/be
  – Supports 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz* frequency band
  – Supports 160MHz channel bandwidth with 6GHz* frequency band
  – 1 antenna to support 2 (Transmit) x 2 (Receive) diversity technology
  – Supports Bluetooth 5.4
  – Supports MU-MIMO

  * Wi-Fi 7 (6GHz band) will be supported by Microsoft^® Windows^® 11. The availability will depend on the different regulation status of each country and region. It will be activated (for supported countries) through Windows^® Update and software updates once available.
• Slots
  CPU:
  – 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 Slot (PCIE1), supports x16 mode*
  – 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot (PCIE2), supports x4 mode*
  Chipset:
  – 1 x Vertical M.2 Socket (Key E), supports type 2230 WiFi/BT PCIe WiFi module
  – Supports AMD CrossFire™
  – 15μ Gold Contact in VGA PCIe Slot (PCIE1)

  * PCIE1 will run at Gen5x16 with 9000 and 7000 series processors, Gen4x8 with 8000 (Phoenix 1) series processors and Gen4x4 with 8000 (Phoenix 2) series processors.
  Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
• Storage
  CPU:
  – 1 x Blazing M.2 Socket (M2_1, Key M), supports type 2280 PCIe Gen5x4 (128 Gb/s) mode*
  Chipset:
  – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_2, Key M), supports type 2230/2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
  – 1 x Hyper M.2 Socket (M2_3, Key M), supports type 2260/2280 PCIe Gen4x4 (64 Gb/s) mode*
  ASMedia ASM1061:
  – 4 x SATA3 6.0 Gb/s Connectors

  * Supports NVMe SSD as boot disks
  M2_1 is the first priority for M.2 installation.
  M2_1 will run at Gen5x4 with 9000 and 7000 series processors and Gen4x4 with 8000 (Phoenix 1 and Phoenix 2) series processors.
  If M2_3 is occupied, PCIE2 will be disabled.
• RAID

  – Supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 for M.2 NVMe storage devices*

  * Requires additional M.2 NVMe expansion cards to support RAID 10
• USB
  CPU:
  – 2 x USB4 Type-C (Rear)
  – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear (USB32_3))
  – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (Rear (USB32_1))
  Chipset:
  – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Type-C (Front)
  – 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (Rear (USB32_4))
  – 6 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A (2 Rear (USB32_2 and USB32_5), 4 Front)
  – 8 x USB 2.0 (4 Rear, 4 Front)

  * All USB ports support ESD Protection
• Connector
  – 1 x Thermistor Cable Header
  – 1 x Power LED and Speaker Header
  – 1 x RGB LED Header*
  – 3 x Addressable LED Headers**
  – 2 x CPU Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
  – 3 x Chassis Fan Connectors (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
  – 1 x AIO Pump Fan Connector (4-pin) (Smart Fan Speed Control)***
  – 1 x 24 pin ATX Power Connector (Hi-Density Power Connector)
  – 2 x 8 pin 12V Power Connectors (Hi-Density Power Connector)
  – 1 x Front Panel Audio Connector
  – 2 x USB 2.0 Headers (Support 4 USB 2.0 ports)
  – 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Headers (Support 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 ports)
  – 1 x Front Panel Type C USB 3.2 Gen2x2 Header (20 Gb/s)

  * Supports in total up to 12V/3A, 36W LED Strip
  ** Support in total up to 5V/3A, 15W LED Strip
  *** CPU_FAN1 supports the fan power up to 1A (12W).
  CPU_FAN2, CHA_FAN1~3 and AIO_PUMP support the fan power up to 3A (36W).
  CPU_FAN2, CHA_FAN1~3 and AIO_PUMP can auto detect if 3-pin or 4-pin fan is in use.
• Rear Panel I/O
  – 2 x Antenna Ports
  – 1 x HDMI Port
  – 1 x Optical SPDIF Out Port
  – 2 x USB4 Type-C Ports (40 Gb/s)*
  – 3 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A Ports (USB32_12 are Lightning Gaming Ports.)
  – 2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A Ports (10 Gb/s) (USB32_34 supports Ultra USB Power.)
  – 4 x USB 2.0 Ports
  – 1 x RJ-45 LAN Port
  – 1 x BIOS Flashback Button
  – 1 x Line Out Jack (Gold Audio Jack)
  – 1 x Microphone Input Jack (Gold Audio Jack)

  * Supports USB PD 3.0 up to 5V@3A (15W) charging
• Software and UEFI
  Software
  – ASRock Motherboard Utility (A-Tuning)
  – ASRock Dragon 2.5G LAN Software
  – ASRock Polychrome SYNC*
  UEFI
  – ASRock EZ Mode
  – ASRock Full HD UEFI
  – ASRock Auto Driver Installer
  – ASRock Instant Flash

  *These utilities can be downloaded from ASRock Live Update & APP Shop.
• Accessories
  – 2 x SATA Data Cables
  – 2 x ASRock WiFi 2.4/5/6 GHz Antennas
  – 1 x Thermistor Cable
• Form Factor
  – ATX Form Factor: 12.0-in x 9.6-in, 30.5 cm x 24.4 cm
  – 8 Layer PCB

More information on ASRock/s website.