Verdict: The ASRock X570S PG Riptide remains a capable, quiet AM4 motherboard, but its value is entirely price-dependent in 2026. It delivers PCIe 4.0, two M.2 sockets, six SATA ports, 2.5Gb Ethernet and useful BIOS Flashback at a budget-oriented price. It gives up integrated Wi-Fi, premium analog audio, extensive high-speed USB and an upgrade path beyond Ryzen 5000. It was compelling at its original $185 launch price in 2021; today, buy it only when a verified listing is substantially cheaper than a comparable AM5 setup or a better-equipped used AM4 board.
What the X570S PG Riptide is
The X570S PG Riptide is an ATX motherboard for AMD’s AM4 socket, built around the fanless AMD X570S chipset. X570S is not a new CPU platform: it retains X570’s PCIe 4.0 capability while eliminating the small actively cooled chipset fan used on many original X570 boards.
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ASRock lists support for Ryzen 2000, 3000, 4000 G-Series, 5000 and 5000 G-Series desktop processors, subject to the processor’s requirements and the installed BIOS. Verify the exact CPU support list before buying, especially when purchasing old stock or a used board. The official product page is the authority for current compatibility information.
Who should consider it?
- Existing AM4 owners replacing an older board or adding storage and faster wired networking.
- Builders using processors such as the Ryzen 5 5600/5600X, Ryzen 7 5700X, 5800X or 5800X3D, and Ryzen 9 5900X or 5950X, provided the price is low and airflow is sensible.
- Users who need two PCIe 4.0 M.2 drives, six SATA ports or several chipset-connected expansion cards.
- Gamers who use Ethernet and prefer a silent, fanless chipset.
It is a poor match for a new system when AM5 is affordable, for anyone expecting built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, for demanding analog-audio users, or for workstations requiring USB4/Thunderbolt-class connectivity and multiple high-bandwidth cards.
#1 Best Overall
- Supports AMD AM4 Socket Ryzen 3000, 4000 G-Series and 5000 Series Desktop Processors
- 8 Phase, Digi Power, Dr. MOS
- Supports DDR4 4733+ (OC)
- 1 PCIe 4.0 x16 Slot, 1 PCIe 3.0 x16 Slots, 1 PCIe 3.0 x1 Slot, 1 M.2 Key E for Wi-Fi
- Graphics Outputs: 1 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort
Specifications at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Form factor | ATX, 30.5 × 24.4cm |
| Socket/chipset | AMD AM4 / X570S |
| CPU support | Ryzen 2000, 3000, 4000 G-Series, 5000 and 5000 G-Series, subject to BIOS and CPU limitations |
| Memory | Four DDR4 DIMM slots, up to 128GB reported by AnandTech; ASRock advertises DDR4-5000+ overclocking |
| Graphics | One CPU-connected PCIe 4.0 x16 slot; HDMI 2.1 output for compatible integrated-graphics processors |
| Other expansion | PCIe 4.0 x4 and x2 full-length slots, three PCIe 4.0 x1 slots, Key-E M.2 socket |
| Storage | Two M.2 sockets and six SATA 6Gbps ports; PCIe M2_2 disables SATA3_5 and SATA3_6 |
| Networking | Killer E3100G 2.5Gb Ethernet; no integrated wireless |
| Audio | Realtek ALC897 7.1-channel codec, optical S/PDIF and Nahimic support |
| Rear USB | One USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and two USB 2.0 |
| Firmware recovery | Rear BIOS Flashback button and ASRock Instant Flash |
| Original MSRP | $185 in 2021 |
Specifications are compiled from ASRock’s product page, the AnandTech specification and layout analysis and the PC Gamer review.
Layout, build and expansion
The black-and-silver PCB uses restrained styling and little RGB lighting. M.2 and chipset heatsinks are functional rather than oversized, and the rear-I/O shroud is modest. ASRock includes a graphics-card support bracket. The ATX layout provides seven four-pin fan headers according to AnandTech.
The upper full-length slot is the important one: it is CPU-connected and runs at PCIe 4.0 x16 with a compatible Ryzen processor. The two lower full-length slots are electrically PCIe 4.0 x4 and x2, not additional x16 graphics slots. They suit capture cards, storage adapters, sound cards and networking cards, but their lane limits matter. Two-way NVIDIA SLI is not supported, and multi-GPU gaming was already uncommon when the board launched. See the detailed lane map in AnandTech’s review.
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Four DDR4 slots support up to 128GB in AnandTech’s specification table. ASRock’s DDR4-5000+ figure is an overclocking ceiling, not a guaranteed operating speed. The achievable result depends on the Ryzen memory controller, DIMM arrangement, kit quality and BIOS. For Ryzen 5000, a validated two-DIMM DDR4-3200 to DDR4-3600 kit is generally a more practical target than chasing the headline maximum.
BIOS Flashback is valuable when installing a processor that needs newer firmware. Use the exact X570S PG Riptide support page, not firmware for the similarly named X570 PG Riptide. A safe update sequence is:
Rank #2
- Supports 13th Gen & 12th Gen and next gen Intel Core Processors (LGA1700)
- 14+1+1 Power Phase
- Supports DDR5 7200MHz (OC)
- 1 PCIe 4.0 x16, 1 PCIe 4.0 x1
- Graphics Output Options: HDMI, DisplayPort
- Download the BIOS for the exact model and read its release notes and CPU instructions.
- Format a USB drive as FAT32. Rename the file only when ASRock’s instructions require it.
- Connect the required motherboard power cables and place the drive in the designated Flashback USB port.
- Press the Flashback button and wait until the indicator stops; do not remove power.
- Afterward, load optimized defaults, then restore memory settings, boot order, fan curves and CPU tuning.
For current firmware, use ASRock’s support information rather than relying on community posts or an old “latest BIOS” number.
Storage: excellent capacity, one important conflict
M2_1 accepts a PCIe Gen4 x4 drive with compatible Ryzen CPUs. M2_2 accepts either a PCIe Gen4 x4 drive or a SATA M.2 device. The board also provides six SATA 6Gbps ports and AMD RAID 0, 1 and 10 support.
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Critical limitation: installing a PCIe-based SSD in M2_2 disables SATA3_5 and SATA3_6. Put the primary NVMe boot drive in M2_1, consult the manual before adding a second drive, and do not assume all six SATA connectors remain active with two PCIe M.2 drives installed.
Rear I/O, networking and wireless
The rear panel has one 10Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A port, one Gen 2 Type-C port, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 ports, 2.5Gb Ethernet, HDMI 2.1, PS/2, optical S/PDIF, analog audio jacks and BIOS Flashback. ASRock’s larger USB total includes internal headers; it should not be read as the number of rear connectors. There is no rear USB 20Gbps port.
HDMI works only when the installed Ryzen processor has integrated graphics, such as a supported APU. A conventional Ryzen CPU without an iGPU cannot produce video through the motherboard’s HDMI output.
Rank #3
- Replacement: this motherboard delivers exceptional durability and reliability, making it the ideal choice for your replacement needs
- Advanced Connectivity Options: Equipped with diverse connectivity solutions, it supports a wide range of devices and peripherals, comprehensively enhancing your user experience and productivity
- Simple and Quick Installation: The motherboard enables rapid installation, getting your system up and running swiftly
- Compatibility: Suitable for your device
- Easy to install: Easy to install, convenient for DIY enthusiasts to repair without professional assistance
The Killer E3100G controller provides 2.5Gb Ethernet. That speed matters only when the switch, cabling, storage and internet service can use it. Wireless is not included. The Key-E M.2 socket can accept an add-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module, while a PCIe adapter is another option. Out of the box, this is an Ethernet-first board.
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Audio: functional, clearly budget-oriented
Realtek’s ALC897 codec supplies 7.1-channel audio, Nahimic software support, gold-plated analog connectors and optical output. It is adequate for ordinary gaming headsets, speakers and line-level use. PC Gamer called the codec dated even at launch, and AnandTech regarded it as a notable compromise versus some similarly priced boards; see PC Gamer’s assessment and AnandTech’s conclusion. Users with demanding headphones or recording equipment may prefer USB audio or optical output, which avoids relying on the board’s analog stage.
VRM design, thermals and tuning
ASRock markets a 10-phase design with Dr.MOS components and 60A chokes. AnandTech’s closer analysis describes an eight-phase CPU Vcore section and two-phase SoC section using Vishay SIC654 stages and PWM doublers. The heatsinks are basic and do not cover every power stage equally.
Results are test-specific, not universal operating limits. AnandTech measured approximately 63°C with a K-type thermocouple and 57.7°C at the hottest CPU-socket-area reading in its test; the board lacks an integrated VRM temperature sensor. PC Gamer recorded a 53°C peak with a Ryzen 7 5800X and PBO enabled. The source measurements are documented in AnandTech’s thermal analysis and PC Gamer’s testing.
These figures indicate adequate headroom for mainstream Ryzen chips and reasonable Precision Boost Overdrive use, not an extreme-overclocking showcase. A Ryzen 9 under sustained all-core loads benefits from direct case airflow over the socket area.
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- Compatible with ASRock X570S PG Riptide Motherboard
- Capacity: 8GB, Speed: DDR4 PC4-25600 3200MHz, Form Factor: 288 pin NON ECC Unbuffered DIMM, Voltage: 1.2v
- System Specific Memory backed by parts-quick Lifetime Warranty and Toll Free Technical Support
- ROHS: HALOGEN FREE
Performance and overclocking
AnandTech found gaming and compute performance competitive with more expensive AM4 boards. Its sample showed good VDroop control while testing all-core clocks from 3.8GHz through 4.4GHz and reached a stable 4.3GHz manual overclock on a Ryzen 7 3700X. That is one sample’s result, not a guaranteed frequency; silicon quality, cooling, voltage, BIOS and workload all change the outcome.
The UEFI was considered intuitive. You can tune manually in firmware, use Precision Boost Overdrive and Curve Optimizer where the CPU and BIOS support them, or use Ryzen Master in Windows. AnandTech also reported weaker-than-ideal DPC latency for audio workloads, so users recording or monitoring real-time audio should test their complete system rather than assume motherboard specifications predict latency.
What the board gives up to reach its price
- Wireless: no installed Wi-Fi or Bluetooth hardware.
- Audio: ALC897 is serviceable but not a premium codec implementation.
- USB expansion: no onboard 20Gbps USB connection and a relatively ordinary rear-port complement.
- Power delivery: adequate cooling, but less substantial heatsinking than enthusiast-focused X570 boards.
- Platform longevity: AM4 ends with Ryzen 5000-class processors and offers PCIe 4.0 rather than PCIe 5.0.
How it compares with the alternatives
| Choice | When it makes more sense | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Cheaper B550 board | One graphics card, one or two NVMe drives and no need for X570’s additional chipset lanes | Fewer chipset-connected PCIe resources |
| Better-equipped X570/X570S | Integrated Wi-Fi, stronger audio, more USB or heavier VRM cooling is important | Higher cost and little practical gaming benefit |
| AM5 motherboard | New build where future CPU upgrades and PCIe 5.0 matter | Requires an AM5 processor and DDR5 memory |
| Used AM4 motherboard | A verified board with better features is available at a lower total cost | Condition, warranty, BIOS state and missing accessories must be checked |
Buying advice in 2026
The $185 figure belongs to the 2021 launch reviews, not to a verified August 2026 street price. ASRock’s current page says availability varies by region and directs buyers to local dealers: ASRock X570S PG Riptide. Treat any current listing independently and check whether it is new or used, who the seller is, the return policy, warranty coverage, and whether the I/O shield, M.2 screws and graphics-card support bracket are included.
Buy when: the board is materially discounted, you already own compatible AM4 parts, its two Gen4 M.2 sockets and six SATA ports are useful, and wired networking is acceptable.
Be cautious when: the asking price approaches the original MSRP or a better-equipped used X570 board is close in price.
Avoid when: it costs near an AM5 motherboard, built-in Wi-Fi is mandatory, premium analog audio or USB4-class connectivity is required, or you expect a future CPU generation beyond Ryzen 5000.
Quick Recap
Installation checks and common failure points
- A PCIe SSD in M2_2 disables SATA3_5 and SATA3_6.
- The HDMI output requires a Ryzen processor with integrated graphics.
- DDR4-5000 is an overclocked specification, not a plug-and-play guarantee.
- The Key-E socket is provision for wireless hardware, not integrated Wi-Fi.
- Select the exact X570S PG Riptide BIOS model before flashing.
- On the used market, inspect the AM4 socket, Flashback function, M.2 screws, I/O shield, bracket and warranty status.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
