Asrock X570 Taichi

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Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Taiwan, Asrock (full legal name ASRock Incorporation) has become one of the major global players in the motherboard industry over the last two decades. The company was spun off from the largest Taiwan-based motherboard maker, Asus, to target newer market segments outside of Asus’s core focus. Since then, Asrock has steadily expanded its motherboard product portfolio across desktop, server, workstation, and even cryptocurrency mining segments.

Asrock offers a wide range of Intel and AMD based motherboards at competitive price points, from budget-friendly essentials to high-end enthusiast-grade models. Their motherboard lineup covers standards like ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX form factors for building all types of systems. Asrock boards have gained popularity for providing decent quality and plenty of features at relatively affordable costs. Their high-end X570, X399 and X299 flagship motherboards compete directly with top-tier offerings from brands like Asus and MSI.

Beyond motherboards, Asrock also manufactures graphics cards, industrial computing solutions, networking devices, and other computer components and peripherals. However, motherboards remain the company’s primary focus, representing the lion’s share of Asrock’s revenues and reputation. With continued product innovation, Asrock has cemented itself as one of the preferred motherboard brands globally.

X570 Introduction

AMD’s revolutionary Ryzen 3000 series processors built on the advanced 7nm Zen 2 architecture marked a new era for desktop computing when they launched in 2019. To enable these cutting-edge CPUs to achieve their full performance potential required a new generation of motherboards. AMD introduced the X570 chipset to pair with Ryzen 3000, the first desktop chipset with native PCIe 4.0 support which doubled bandwidth for GPUs, storage and more compared to PCIe 3.0.

Leading manufacturers like Asrock raced to develop X570 motherboards that could truly unlock the power of Ryzen 3000. Asrock built on the success of their popular X470 Taichi board to deliver the new X570 Taichi, a feature-packed, high-end model ready for the PCIe 4.0 future. With robust power design, comprehensive cooling, WiFi 6 and a slew of upgrades, the X570 Taichi exemplifies Asrock’s engineering efforts to make AMD’s technology shine. Let’s examine this impressive board in detail and see why it is a flagship for premium AMD Ryzen builds.

Here is a list of competitors:

Asus – Asus has a full lineup of X570 boards including the high-end ROG Crosshair VIII models, as well as the TUF Gaming and Prime series for more affordable options.
Gigabyte – Gigabyte’s X570 lineup includes the Aorus flagship models with excellent VRMs, along with the Designare, Auros Pro, Elite, and Gaming series.
MSI – MSI offers a range of X570 boards like the MEG X570 models catering to enthusiasts, and more accessible options with the MPG Gaming series.
Biostar – Biostar has some budget oriented X570 motherboard options like the Racing X570GT8 at lower price points.
ASRock – In addition to the Taichi, ASRock has the Pro, Steel Legend, Extreme4, and Phantom Gaming X models.
EVGA – EVGA also offers a few uniquely designed options like the X570 Dark providing a high-end board specialized for overclocking.
Supermicro – For workstations, Supermicro has X570 boards like the X12SCZ-TLN4F focused on professional use cases.

The main options come from Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, and Asrock. Biostar provides some cheaper alternatives. Asus and Gigabyte tend to lead in overall X570 sales and popularity.

The The Asrock X570 Taichi is jam-packed with cutting-edge features to provide a rock-solid AMD platform that can fully exploit the capabilities of the latest Ryzen 3000 series. This starts with full support for PCIe 4.0 across multiple slots, M.2 connectors and chipset lanes, enabling blistering transfer speeds up to 64GB/s compared to 32GB/s on PCIe 3.0. To feed these bandwidth-hungry components, it can host up to 128GB of overclockable DDR4 RAM. Multi-GPU setups are possible using up to three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for AMD CrossFireX or Nvidia SLI. There is extensive storage connectivity with eight SATA ports plus three M.2 sockets compatible with the fastest PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs. For user experience, there is high-end 7.1 audio powered by Realtek ALC1220 codec, Intel Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 6 wireless, USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, and addressable RGB headers that sync lighting effects across the whole system. The Taichi delivers everything AMD fans need to construct a no-compromise Ryzen 3000 gaming, streaming or content creation rig.

Supports the latest AMD Ryzen 3000, 4000, and 5000 series processors using the AM4 socket, with support for PCIe 4.0.
Comes with an Intel WiFi 6 wireless adapter that provides fast AX200 WiFi speeds up to 2.4Gbps and Bluetooth 5.2.
Has four DDR4 RAM slots with overclocked speeds supported up to DDR4-4666. Up to 128GB capacity.
Three PCIe 4.0 x16 slots for multi-GPU support like AMD CrossFireX and Nvidia NVLink SLI. One PCIe 4.0 x1 slot.
High-end 7.1 channel audio powered by a Realtek ALC1220 audio codec. Audio enhancements like Purity Sound 4 and DTS:Connect.
Extensive storage with 8 SATA III ports, three ultra-fast M.2 slots that are PCIe Gen4 x4 compatible.
Multiple USB 3.2 Gen1 and Gen2 ports on the rear I/O and front header. Type-A and Type-C variety.
Intel Gigabit Ethernet LAN provides reliable wired networking.
ASRock Polychrome RGB lighting can be synced across compatible components.

Armored Aesthetics: Backplate, Lighting, and Heatsinks

Metal Backplate:

The X570 Taichi features a stylish black metal backplate covering the rear of the board. This backplate doesn’t just add an extra touch of class and stability to the board’s appearance – it also aids in protecting and reinforcing the board against warping or flexing when installed in a case. The solid steel construction prevents PCB bending while also helping with heat dissipation across the backside of the board’s surface area.

Polychrome Sync Lighting:

ASRock’s Polychrome Sync technology provides integrated RGB lighting with impressive customization options. There are multiple RGB LED zones located throughout the board which can be configured individually or synced up. Using the Polychrome Sync software, owners can choose colors, effects, and LED behaviors down to minute details. Syncing the lighting with other Polychrome-compatible components helps build a themed, uniform look. This lighting flexibility lets users rule their own lighting aesthetics.

Heatsink Armor:

The X570 Taichi gets its name from the prominent heatsink armor that spans across the top half of the board. This rugged aluminum cover not only makes a bold visual statement, but provides substantial cooling for the board’s power delivery system. It utilizes a passive cooling design with aluminum fins to dissipate heat without any fan noise. This solid armor embodies the board’s durability while giving builders plenty of space to showcase the chassis interior. The industrial styling strikes the right balance between an armored tank and sleek machine.

Intuitive and Innovative: Handy Design Features of the X570 Taichi

Flexible I/O Shield:

Installing the motherboard is made easier with the X570 Taichi’s pre-mounted Flexible I/O Shield. This integrated shield contours perfectly to the rear I/O ports and smooths out the installation process. The flexible flap design helps prevent the common issues and frustrations that can come from trying to line up traditional integrated I/O shields.

BIOS Flashback:

Updating the BIOS is hassle-free with the handy BIOS Flashback feature. Users can update to a new BIOS version without needing a CPU or memory installed – the board only needs power from the 24-pin connector. Just insert a USB drive with the BIOS file, hold down the dedicated button, and the BIOS is automatically updated and ready in minutes.

WiFi 6 (802.11ax):

Onboard WiFi 6 wireless support brings next-gen speed to the table, with theoretical throughout up to 2.4Gbps. That is nearly 3 times faster than WiFi 5. Bluetooth 5.2 is also supported. This gives users a future-proof wireless solution.

Purity Sound 4:

ASRock specially tunes the audio components to provide cleaner and distortion-free sound quality. The ALC1220 audio codec is further enhanced by technologies like Purity Sound 4 for superb audio when gaming, listening to music, or creating content.

Quality Foundation: Durable Components for Reliability

Hi-Density Power Connector:

The motherboard is equipped with a 8-pin plus 4-pin 12V Hi-Density Power Connector to provide plenty of power to the CPU for stable operation, overclocking, or running multiple GPUs. This robust power design can handle the demands of power-hungry components.

Digi Power with Dr. MOS:

Asrock utilizes high-quality Dr. MOS power modules rated for 40A with low Rds(on) and power consumption. Combined with premium alloy chokes and durable capacitors, this Digi Power design delivers reliable, clean power to the CPU.

15μ Gold Contact PCIe/DIMM Slots:

The PCI Express x16 slots and DIMM memory slots use premium gold contacts that resist corrosion and enhance signal transfer. This 15 microinch gold-plating allows for better overclocking capabilities and system stability.

XXL Aluminum Alloy Heatsink:

A gigantic aluminum alloy heatsink spans the MOSFETs and chipset heatsink to dissipate heat efficiently. The integrated heatpipe design leverages both active and passive cooling to keep temperatures lower even when overclocking or running GPU-intensive applications.

Build Friendly Design: AM4 Socket, Buttons, Headers and More

Supports AMD AM4 Socket:

The AM4 socket allows compatibility with AMD’s entire line of Ryzen 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 series desktop processors. This gives users flexibility to use modern high-core count chips to build a powerful system.

Nichicon 12K Black Caps:

Nichicon 12K black metallic polymer capacitors offer 20% better lifespan and enhanced temperature tolerance for steady power delivery even in hot conditions.

3X Steel Reinforced PCIe Slots:

The three PCIe x16 slots use a steel reinforcement that prevents sheering and increases durability for multiple heavy graphics cards.

Addressable & RGB LED Headers:

For customized lighting, there is both a standard RGB LED header and an Addressable RGB LED header to connect and control LED strips, light bars, or other accessories.

Dual Channel DDR4 Memory:

Four DIMM slots are provided to install up to 128GB of dual channel DDR4 memory. Speeds up to DDR4-4666 are supported when overclocked to get maximum bandwidth for Ryzen CPUs.

3X Ultra M.2 Sockets:

Three M.2 sockets support 110mm length drives and leverage PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth up to 64Gb/s for the fastest NVMe SSD speeds.

Reset and Power Buttons:

Handy onboard power and reset buttons make building and troubleshooting easier. No need to hunt for the case power button when testing outside a case.

AMD, Ryzen, and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. PCI-Express and PCIe are registered trademarks of PCI-SIG. Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi logo are registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Realtek and ALC1220 are trademarks of Realtek Semiconductor Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This article contains the author’s independent review and opinions about the Asrock X570 Taichi motherboard which were not reviewed or endorsed by Asrock, AMD, Intel, or any other company. All product photography, illustrations and branding remain the intellectual property of Asrock Incorporation where applicable.