The ASUS TUF GAMING X570-PLUS has two M.2 sockets—M.2_1 and M.2_2—and eight SATA 6 Gb/s connectors. Both M.2 sockets accept SATA or PCIe storage modules, but the PCIe generation available in M.2_1 depends on the processor. The board supports NVMe SSDs; the M.2 form factor by itself does not mean a drive uses NVMe.
What M.2 SSDs fit this motherboard?
ASUS documents both sockets for M-key storage modules in four lengths: 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110. The number indicates the module’s width and length in millimeters: for example, 2280 is 22 mm wide and 80 mm long. Check the SSD’s interface and length before buying; fitting the M.2 connector physically is not enough to confirm that a drive’s protocol is supported.
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ASUS states in the TUF GAMING X570-PLUS user manual, “The M.2 SSD module is purchased separately.” The manual also lists an M.2 screw package among the accessories. ASUS’s product overview identifies an M.2 heatsink.
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How do M.2_1 and M.2_2 differ?
The key difference is their connection and, for M.2_1, the processor-dependent PCIe generation. Both sockets support SATA and PCIe storage modes. ASUS’s manual specifies the following:
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- AMD AM4 socket: Ready for 2nd and 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors to maximize connectivity and speed with up to two M.2 Drives, USB 3.2 Gen2 and AMD StoreMI.Manageability : WOL by PME, PXE. Supports dual band frequency 2.4/5 GHz.
- Enhanced power solution: Military-grade TUF components, Pro Cool socket and Digi plus VRM for maximum durability
- Comprehensive Cooling: Active PCH heatsink, VRM heatsink, M.2 heatsink, hybrid fan headers and Fan Xpert
- Next-Gen connectivity: Dual PCIe 4.0 m.2 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A/Type-C
- Gaming Networking: Exclusive Realtek L8200A Gigabit Ethernet, Intel 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO support, Bluetooth 5.0, TUF LANGuard and technology
| Socket | Connection and PCIe mode | Supported module lengths |
|---|---|---|
| M.2_1 | CPU-associated. PCIe 4.0 x4 with third-generation Ryzen processors; PCIe 3.0 x4 with the processor groups specified in the manual. | 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 |
| M.2_2 | X570-chipset-associated; PCIe 4.0 x4. | 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110 |
These are the documented interface capabilities, not a promise that any particular SSD will reach its advertised benchmark speed. ASUS notes on its product overview that actual transfer speeds are below theoretical maximums. The available mode in M.2_1 also depends on the installed processor.
Does the TUF X570-Plus support NVMe?
Yes. The board supports PCIe storage in both M.2 sockets, which allows compatible PCIe/NVMe SSDs. ASUS also lists NVMe SSD RAID support on its product overview. That capability does not establish the performance of a particular drive or RAID setup.
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- AMD AM4 Socket and PCIe 4.0: The perfect pairing for 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen CPUs.Bluetooth v5.2
- Robust Power Design: 8+2 DrMOS power stages with high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors to provide reliable power for the last AMD high-count-core CPUs
- Optimized Thermal Solution: Fanless VRM and PCH heatsink, multiple hybrid fan headers and fan speed management with Fan Xpert 4 or the UEFI Q-Fan Control utility
- High-performance Gaming Networking: WiFi 6 (802.11ax), 2.5 Gb LAN with ASUS LANGuard
- Best Gaming Connectivity: Supports HDMI 2.1 (4K@60HZ) and DisplayPort 1.2 output, featuring dual M.2 slots (NVMe SSD)—one with PCIe 4.0 x4 connectivity, front panel USB 3.2 Gen 1 connector, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C & Type-A ports and Thunderbolt 3 header, 1 x SPI TPM header
SATA M.2 drives are documented too. “M.2” describes a drive’s physical form factor and connector, not its storage protocol. Before purchasing, verify that the SSD is SATA or PCIe/NVMe as supported, and that its length matches a supported size.
How many SATA ports are available, and do M.2 drives disable them?
In addition to the two M.2 sockets, the board has eight SATA 6 Gb/s connectors, as listed in the ASUS USA specifications and user manual. The documentation reviewed here does not establish that installing an M.2 SSD disables any particular SATA connector. Check the manual for your exact board revision before relying on a specific SATA-port sharing rule.
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- AMD Socket AM5: AMD Ryzen 7 7th Gen, AMD Ryzen 9 7th Generation
- PC ATX AMD B650 7.1 channels
- DDR5-SDRAM 4 DIMM ECC Non-ECC Maximum Internal Memory: 128GB
- HDD & SSD M.2, SATA III RAID supports Supported Storage Devices: 7
- BIOS Type: UEFI AMI 256 Mbit, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Bluetooth 5.2
Which socket should you use?
- For a PCIe 4.0 SSD: M.2_2 is documented for PCIe 4.0 x4 through the X570 chipset. M.2_1 supports PCIe 4.0 x4 with third-generation Ryzen processors; the processor groups specified in the manual use PCIe 3.0 x4 there.
- For a SATA M.2 SSD: Both sockets support SATA storage mode, according to the manual.
- For an SSD of a particular size: Confirm it is M-key and one of the supported lengths—2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110.
For exact processor compatibility, consult the M.2 section of the ASUS user manual and match it to the CPU installed in your system. The specifications here refer to the TUF GAMING X570-PLUS; do not assume the same slot details apply to a Wi-Fi or Pro variant without checking that model’s documentation.
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