ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 Review

Introduction:

The ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 is a premium gaming motherboard that offers top-of-the-line performance and features for gamers who demand the best. It is based on the Intel Z590 chipset and supports the latest 11th Gen Intel Core processors, including the Core i9, i7, i5, and i3 CPUs. In this review, we will provide a detailed examination of the motherboard’s specifications and features, as well as evaluate its performance.

CPU Support and Socket:

• LGA1700 socket supports 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors.
• B760 Chipset with Asus ThunderboltEX 4 add-on card support.

The ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 is designed for use with the LGA1700 socket and is compatible with both 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors. However, it is specifically tailored to work with the 13th Gen Intel Core processors, also known as Raptor Lake, which provide a hybrid architecture consisting of high-performance and high-efficiency cores, improved processing power for demanding applications, integrated graphics, and PCIe 5.0 support.

Although the B760 chipset may not be as feature-rich as some of Intel’s higher-end chipsets, it does support 20 PCIe 5.0 lanes, which delivers comparable performance to that of the Z790 chipset, especially if it is not overclocked.

ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 VRM:

• Advanced power solution including 12+1+2 power stages
• Alloy chock
• Digital VRM
• Six-layer PCB

The VRM setup of the ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 features a 12+1+2 power stage design. This design includes 12 power stages to power the vCore, 1 for VCCGT, and 2 for VCCAUX. For the vCore, ASUS used 12 groups of power stages consisting of SiC623 DrMOS as the Mosfet and Digi+ EPU ASP2100R PWM controller. Each power stage delivers 55A worth of power, so in total, the vCore delivers up to 660A, which is higher than the ProArt B760 Creator B4. Asus also used its own Teamed structure for the vCore, which delivers higher burst current per phase while maintaining the thermal performance of phase-doubled designs.

The 2 power stages for VCCAUX handle the power going towards the integrated memory controller as well as the PCI-E controller. They utilize the OnSemi NCP81270C PWM controller with 2 groups of MOSFET, with 4C10C as High MOSFET and 4C06C as LOW MOSFET.

The VRM setup is very similar to that of the ASUS ProArt B760 Creator D4, and the general VRM design is capable of handling all Intel 13th Gen K and non-K processors. While we recommended getting the K variant of the processor for maximum performance in the ProArt review, with this board we believe that sticking with the non-K variant is more than enough to run your game.

RAM:

• 4 DIMM slots supporting up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM
• Asus OptiMem II technology.​

The ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 supports DDR4 memory with up to 5333+ MT/s via OC. It has a maximum support capacity of up to 128GB (32GB x 4) and features dual channel memory architecture. Additionally, the motherboard utilizes ASUS OptiMem II technology, which optimizes trace routing between the CPU and memory to reduce crosstalk and improve stability.

Expansion Slots:

• 1 x PCIe 5 x16 slots
• 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (max at x4 mode)
• 2 x PCIe 3.0 x1 slot

The ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 features one PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, one PCIe 3.0 x4 slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. The primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot draws the lane directly from the CPU, providing users with the potential to use PCIe 5.0 when it becomes more readily available. These slots are also reinforced with ASUS SafeSlot technology, which protects them from damage caused by heavy graphics cards.

One unique feature to point out is the PCIe slot Q-release button. This is a new design that replaces the traditional release lever. Unlike conventional solutions that use a larger lever surface, the Q-release button is a simple button that is out of the way of the PCIe slot.

However, the remaining three slots are a bit of a mess in our opinion, as they all share four PCIe 3.0 lanes from the B760 chipset. If both PCIe 3.0 x1 slots are in use, the PCIe 3.0 x16 slot will drop from x4 lane availability to only x2 mode.

ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 Storage Ports:

• 1 x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot (CPU)
• 1 x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 slot (Chipset)
• 1 x PCIe 3.0 x4 M.2 slot (Chipset)
• 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports

The ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 features total of 2 M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 2280, 1 longer M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 22110, and 4 SATA 6Gbps.

Made available by the CPU and the B760 chipset, all of the M.2 slots have utilized PCIe 4.0 with 4 lane made available to it. This is one feature that should really stand out as user would be able to enjoy full speed on all of their M.2 slots, making it idea to install all of the slot with NVME 4.0 drive.

Another noteworthy feature is that ROG has outfitted all of the M.2 slots with M.2 Q-latches, which allows screwless installation. Which I do appreciate the Q-latches, it is worth to point out user still need to user screw to unscrew the M.2 heatsink off.

ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 Cooling Features:

• 2 x VRM heatsink
• 2 x M.2 heatsink
• 1 x Chipset heatsink
• 7 x Fan header

The ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 has a comprehensive cooling solution, including an integrated VRM heatsink, heatsink for all M.2 slots, AIO Pump Header, 4 additional fan headers, and chipset heatsink.

The 2 block of VRM cooler block is big but the primary block is wide too, covering most part of the  about as substantial as they go. ROG has made a few diagonal cut on the VRM cooler block, effectively increase the surface area, plus scoring a few stylish point for the board.

All of the M.2 slots also received heatsinks. This comes as a pleasant surprise to us as normally board at this price point would offer heatsink only to its primary or secondary M.2 drives. Although the second heat sink is shared between the 2^nd and 3^rd M.2 slots, it would still effectively cool down the m.2 drives.

The motherboard offers a complete set of AIO cooler headers, as well as four PWM fan headers, which allows users to connect AIO coolers without borrowing headers from the case, and gain full control over multiple fans for optimal cooling. Furthermore user can create fan profile with the help of ROG Ai Suite 3, which other than tuning fan speed, can also tweak setting for VRM such as load-line calibration, switching frequency and others.  

ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 Networking Components:

• 1 x Intel i226-V 2.5Gb Ethernet port
• 1 x Intel AX211NGW WiFi 6E with Bluetooth v5.3.

The ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 we have received features the Intel AX211NGW WiFi chip, which provides high-speed Wi-Fi 6E with Bluetooth v5.3 connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connectivity for online gaming and other activities.

It also includes a 2.5G Ethernet port powered by the relatively new Intel i226-V chipset, which was launched about 8 months ago as a replacement for the i225-V chip. To ensure stable and reliable wired networking, ROG has included ASUS LANGuard for surge protection and GameFirst VI software for network management and optimization.

ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 Audio Solutions:

• ROG SupremeFX 7.1 Surround Sound High Definition Audio CODEC ALC4080
• Savitech SV3H712 AMP

The ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 features perhaps the most complete high-quality audio components + solution we have seen in a single motherboard in the past year. On the hardware side, we see a ROG SupremeFX7.1 with ALC4080 codec, amplified by Savitech SV3H712 AMP, with the sound processed by premium Nichicon capacitors.

This Codec + Amp package is something ROG has used multiple times on their Strix boards, and from what we have read, reviews on it are mostly positive. The ALC4080 codec is capable of 32-bit with 384 kHz audio, with 120 dB SNR ratio and 113 dB SNR recording. The Savitech SV3H712 AMP, categorized as a Hi-Fi AMP, is capable of pumping out 120mW worth of power to headphones, giving users a more detailed and immersive audio experience.

The motherboard is packed with audio software, featuring Sonic Studio III, Sonic Studio Virtual Mixer, Sonic Suite Companion, Sonic Radar III, DTS Sound Unbound, and Two-Way AI Noise Cancelation software. Sonic Studio III in general gives users the tools needed for high-quality audio production, making it perfectly suitable for users to set up this system for live streaming without an additional audio interface.I/O:

Back I/O:

• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port (1 x USB Type-C)
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (1 x Type-A)
• 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (2 x Type-A, 1 x USB Type-C)
• 4 x USB 2.0 ports (4 x Type-A)
• 1 x DisplayPort
• 1 x HDMI® port
• 1 x Wi-Fi Module
• 1 x Intel® 2.5Gb Ethernet port
• 5 x Audio jacks
• 1 x BIOS FlashBack button

The ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 features a comprehensive range of back I/O ports. In addition to the generous seven USB Type-A ports with various speeds, the board includes two Type-C ports: one Gen 2×2 and one Gen 1, fulfilling many future expansion needs, including external storage extension or VR headset connectivity. It also features a BIOS Flashback button for easy and secure BIOS updates.

Internal I/O

USB

• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 connector (supports USB Type-C® )
• 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header supports 2 additional USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
• 1 x USB 2.0 header
• 1 x USB 2.0 5-1 pin header support 3 additional USB 2.0 ports

Miscellaneous

• 3 x Addressable Gen 2 headers
• 1 x Aura RGB header
• 1 x Clear CMOS header
• 1 x Front Panel Audio header (AAFP)
• 1 x S/PDIF Out header
• 1 x 20-5 pin System Panel header
• 1 x Thunderbolt™ (USB4®) header

Being a gaming board, the ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 cannot be taken seriously if support for RGB is missing, and missing it is not. With a total of 3 ARGB headers and 1 AuraSync RGB header, it will give this board the potential to blink more than an Ah Beng Proton Wira.

Finally, ROG also included a Q-Code LED display for easy troubleshooting, and when things get nasty, a clear CMOS header.

ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 Conclusion:

Priced at RM1199 on the market, the ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 is packed with a wealth of features and capabilities for gamers and enthusiasts alike. With its comprehensive cooling solution, high-quality audio components, and fast networking options, this board is well-suited to handle demanding tasks such as gaming and content creation.

One standout feature of this motherboard is its M.2 slots, all of which support PCIe 4.0 with 4 lanes available to each slot. Additionally, the M.2 slots are outfitted with M.2 Q-latches for easy and screwless installation, making it a breeze to add NVMe 4.0 drives for lightning-fast storage performance.

The high-quality audio components on this board are also impressive, featuring the ROG SupremeFX 7.1 with ALC4080 codec and Savitech SV3H712 AMP, along with an extensive audio software suite. This makes the PC suitable for game streaming without the need for external audio interfaces.

Overall, the ASUS ROG STRIX B760-A Gaming WiFi D4 is a premium motherboard that packs in a wide range of features and capabilities to meet the demands of gaming.