ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS WiFi Motherboard Review for AMD Ryzen Builders

Description

Battle-Ready Design and Durability

I was immediately drawn to the ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS (WiFi) motherboard because of its military-grade components. The build quality feels incredibly sturdy, giving me confidence in its longevity. The large VRM heatsink, combined with the PCH heatsink, ensures effective heat dissipation, even during intense gaming sessions. It’s clear that ASUS’s TUF series is built for resilience, and this motherboard holds true to that legacy. I particularly appreciated the compact microATX form factor, making it ideal for smaller builds without compromising on performance.

Gaming Performance and Features

As someone who loves gaming, I tested this motherboard with a Ryzen 5000 Series processor, and the performance was rock solid. The 802.11ac Wi-Fi worked seamlessly, providing a stable connection during multiplayer matches. I also noticed the TurboLAN technology, which significantly reduced latency, a crucial feature for any gamer. The M.2 support and SATA 6Gb/s ports made loading times noticeably faster, and the inclusion of USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports was a great addition for external peripherals.

Key Benefits

• Robust Cooling System: The combination of VRM and PCH heatsinks kept temperatures in check.
• Customizable RGB Lighting: ASUS Aura Sync allowed me to personalize the lighting to match my setup’s theme.
• Seamless Connectivity: The BIOS FlashBack button and multiple display output options (DisplayPort, HDMI, D-Sub) enhanced compatibility.

Integration and Setup

Setting up the motherboard was straightforward, though I did find the BIOS interface slightly overwhelming at first. Once I got the hang of it, tweaking settings became a breeze. Fan Xpert 2+ was a standout feature for controlling fan speeds, ensuring optimal cooling without unnecessary noise. I also appreciated the TUF LANGuard, which offered an extra layer of protection against power surges.

Areas of Concern

While testing, a few aspects stood out as less favorable:

• Limited PCIe 3.0 Slots: Those planning for multiple GPUs might find this restrictive.
• No Built-In Bluetooth: This was a surprising omission for a motherboard at this price point.
• Basic Aesthetic Design: While functional, the design feels a bit too utilitarian for enthusiasts seeking a more premium look.

Competitive Options

I compared this motherboard to MSI B450 Tomahawk MAX and Gigabyte B550M AORUS PRO, and there are clear differences. The MSI model offers a slightly more user-friendly BIOS interface, while the Gigabyte option includes PCIe 4.0 support, which might be a dealbreaker for some. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming A520M-PLUS shines with its Wi-Fi capability, robust cooling system, and durability, making it an excellent choice for gamers on a budget.

Quality for Price

This motherboard strikes a balance between performance and affordability. It may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end models, but for its price-to-quality ratio, it delivers exceptional value. If you’re looking for a reliable and durable motherboard with gaming-oriented features, this one is worth considering.

Additional information