In 2026, ASUS introduced its newest lineup of AMD 800 Series motherboards alongside the next-generation ROG Strix LC IV Series AIO coolers. Designed for AMD’s latest Zen 5 Ryzen™ 9000 Series processors, the expanded portfolio spans ROG, ROG Strix, TUF Gaming, and ProArt families, covering X870E, X870, and B850 chipsets.
The refreshed AM5 lineup delivers major upgrades across performance, AI-powered system tuning, memory and storage support, and DIY-friendly design. Highlights include advanced DDR5 optimisation technologies, smarter PCIe lane layouts, AI acceleration for modern workloads, and a dramatically simplified building experience.
Smarter AI, Faster Performance, Easier Builds
ASUS continues to push AI-driven PC optimisation with a comprehensive suite of intelligent features. AI Cache Boost accelerates large language model (LLM) workloads, while ASUS AI Advisor acts as a natural-language assistant that helps users troubleshoot, configure, and optimise their systems in real time. Meanwhile, AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, and AI Networking II dynamically tune performance, thermals, and connectivity for optimal efficiency.
Connectivity also gets a major boost, with support for USB4®, WiFi 7, and enhanced EZ PC DIY features such as AIO Q-Connector, PCIe Slot Q-Release Switch, M.2 Q-Latch, M.2 Q-Release, M.2 Q-Slide, Q-Antenna, Q-Dashboard, Q-Code, and Q-LED, making installation and upgrades faster and more intuitive than ever.
Revamped BIOS and Seamless Setup
The refreshed AM5 motherboards feature a newly upgraded 64MB UEFI BIOS, enabling a richer interface and extended compatibility with current and future AM5 processors. To streamline first-time setup, ASUS now pre-installs WiFi drivers directly on supported models, allowing users to connect to the internet during Windows installation without needing a USB flash drive.
For wireless optimisation, the new ASUS MLO Wizard analyses the user’s network environment to determine Multi-Link Operation compatibility across devices, routers, and operating systems, while also visualising traffic capacity across different frequency bands.
Optimised PCIe Lane Layouts for Gaming, Streaming, and Creation
With PCIe lanes limited by the CPU platform, ASUS has re-engineered lane layouts on select AM5 models to unlock greater flexibility without compromising performance.
For example, the ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi 7 Neo supports two PCIe 5.0 M.2 SSDs and three PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSDs, all while maintaining full PCIe 5.0 x16 bandwidth for the graphics card, made possible by intelligently sharing bandwidth between USB4 ports and the second M.2 slot.
High-end users benefit even more. The award-winning ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial, recipient of a 2026 CES Innovation Award, delivers full bandwidth to the primary PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and two PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, while still enabling a secondary PCIe slot at PCIe 3.0 x4, ideal for capture cards in streaming setups.
For creative professionals and AI workstations, boards like the ProArt B850-Creator WiFi Neo and ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial support dual PCIe x16 slots running in x8/x8 configurations, enabling smooth multi-GPU workflows.
A Major Leap Forward in DDR5 Memory Performance
ASUS has made substantial manufacturing enhancements to push DDR5 performance further than ever. Select AM5 motherboards now feature a server-grade PCB design, utilising an ultra-low-etch manufacturing process to improve material uniformity, grounding, and signal alignment. This results in reduced electrical interference, improved stability, and greater overclocking potential.
Additional refinements include PCB back drilling, 2-ounce copper power planes, and an 8-layer PCB design, ensuring clean signal transmission for DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 devices. Together, these improvements expand DDR5 compatibility, supporting higher frequencies and larger-capacity memory kits.
NitroPath DRAM technology further enhances performance by shortening gold finger pins and optimising signal pathways between memory modules and the CPU. The result is faster data transfer, improved stability, and increased overclocking headroom, along with enhanced slot durability for frequent upgraders.
To fine-tune memory behaviour, ASUS offers DIMM Fit, an exclusive BIOS feature thatanalysess individual memory modules for optimal performance and diagnostics. DIMM Fit Pro, available on select models, adds deeper customisation options for enthusiasts.
ASUS has also partnered closely with G.SKILL to introduce 4-rank UDIMM memory support on the X870E platform. With boards like the ROG Crosshair X870E Apex 4-RANK, users can leverage higher per-DIMM capacities, ideal for AI workloads, engineering applications, and content creation that demand high throughput and low latency under heavy multitasking.
A Cleaner, Smarter DIY Experience
As PC components grow larger and more complex, ASUS continues to focus on builder-friendly innovation. Select AM5 motherboards support the new wire-free AIO Q-Connector, eliminating the need to manually connect pump, fan, and LCD cables when paired with compatible ASUS AIO liquid coolers, significantly reducing cable clutter.
Graphics card installation is also easier than ever. The ROG Crosshair X870E Glacial introduces an all-new PCIe Q-Release Switch, allowing users to unlock either expansion slot with a simple lever mechanism. Updated ROG Q-DIMM.2 and ROG Hyper M.2 add-in cards now feature screw-less designs and support up to seven M.2 SSDs on a single motherboard.
Additional quality-of-life features include M.2 Q-Release heatsinks, M.2 Q-Latch tool-free installation, and M.2 Q-Slide. To manage thermals, ASUS debuts a 3D vapour chamber M.2 heatsink with tool-free installation, while the ROG Memory Q-Fan, which snaps into place magnetically, keeps high-performance DDR5 memory cool without tiny screws.
Several models also support front-panel USB Type-C ports with up to 60W Quick Charge 4+, catering to modern peripherals and fast device charging.
ROG Strix LC IV AIO Coolers: Performance Meets Wireless Innovation
Alongside the motherboard launch, ASUS revealed the ROG Strix LC IV Series all-in-one liquid coolers. Featuring a striking 5.08-inchfull-colourr display, the new AIOs are engineered to deliver strong cooling performance while maintaining low acoustic levels.
Available in both standard- and short-tubing variants, the lineup caters to a wide range of case sizes and build styles. The standout feature, however, is the debut of AIO Q-Connector technology. When paired with a compatible ASUS motherboard, the cooler transmits pump, fan, and display control signals wirelessly through the connector, removing the need for traditional cables and making installation cleaner and faster than ever before.
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