Overview
The ASUS TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS WIFI is a micro-ATX motherboard built around the AMD A520 chipset and AM4 socket. It supports selected AMD Ryzen 5000 Series, Ryzen 4000 G-Series, and Ryzen 3000 Series desktop processors, subject to ASUS's CPU support list and the installed BIOS version.
The board provides four DDR4 DIMM slots with dual-channel memory support and a maximum capacity of 128 GB. Supported memory speeds depend on the processor and configuration, with overclocked memory frequencies listed up to 4866 MHz. Storage connectivity includes one M.2 Key M slot supporting PCIe 3.0 x4 or SATA mode, plus four SATA 6 Gb/s ports.
For networking, the motherboard integrates Realtek Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.0, along with a Realtek Gigabit Ethernet controller. Expansion includes one PCIe 3.0 x16 slot and two PCIe 3.0 x1 slots. Rear display outputs include HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.2, and D-Sub, with video output dependent on a compatible processor with integrated graphics.
ASUS TUF features include a VRM heatsink, TUF LANGuard, ESD protection, BIOS FlashBack, and Aura Sync RGB headers. This platform is suited to mainstream gaming and general-purpose desktop builds that do not require newer PCIe generations or Wi-Fi 6/7 connectivity.
Key Features
AM4 socket supports selected AMD Ryzen desktop processors
Four DDR4 DIMM slots support up to 128 GB of memory
M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4/SATA slot and four SATA 6 Gb/s ports
Integrated Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 and Gigabit Ethernet
BIOS FlashBack, TUF protection and Aura Sync RGB headers
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Brand | ASUS |
| Part Number | TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS WIFI |
| Product Type | Micro-ATX gaming motherboard |
| Chipset | AMD A520 |
| CPU Socket | AMD AM4 |
| Processor Compatibility | Selected Ryzen 5000, Ryzen 4000 G-Series and Ryzen 3000 desktop CPUs; check CPU support list |
| Memory Type | DDR4 unbuffered DIMM |
| Memory Slots | 4 × DIMM |
| Maximum Memory Capacity | 128 GB |
| Memory Architecture | Dual-channel |
| Maximum Listed Memory Speed | Up to DDR4-4866 (OC); CPU-dependent |
| Primary Expansion Slot | 1 × PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Additional Expansion Slots | 2 × PCIe 3.0 x1 |
| M.2 Storage | 1 × Key M, 2242/2260/2280; PCIe 3.0 x4 or SATA mode |
| SATA Storage | 4 × SATA 6 Gb/s |
| RAID Support | RAID 0, 1 and 10 |
| Wireless Networking | Realtek Wi-Fi 5 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4/5 GHz, 1×1 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Wired Networking | 1 × Realtek Gigabit Ethernet |
| Rear USB Ports | 4 × USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A; 2 × USB 2.0 Type-A |
| Display Outputs | 1 × HDMI 2.1, 1 × DisplayPort 1.2, 1 × D-Sub |
| Audio | Realtek ALC887/897, 7.1-channel HD audio |
| Internal RGB Headers | 2 × Aura RGB; 2 × Addressable Gen 2 RGB |
| Firmware Features | UEFI BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 3, CrashFree BIOS 3, BIOS FlashBack |
| Form Factor | Micro-ATX |
| Operating System | ASUS lists Windows 10 64-bit in the published specifications; check current OS and driver support |
| Package Contents | Motherboard, I/O shield, 2 × SATA cables, Wi-Fi antenna, M.2 screw package, documentation and listed accessories |
Product Note
This motherboard uses the AMD AM4 platform, DDR4 memory, and PCIe 3.0 connectivity; it is not compatible with AM5 processors or DDR5 memory. Processor support depends on the exact CPU model and BIOS revision. The M.2 slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 or SATA mode, not PCIe 4.0 or 5.0. The rear display outputs require a compatible processor with integrated graphics. Confirm current CPU support, regional Wi-Fi configuration, and included accessories before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which processors are compatible with this motherboard?
It supports selected AMD Ryzen 5000 Series, Ryzen 4000 G-Series, and Ryzen 3000 Series desktop processors. Check ASUS's CPU support list for the exact model and required BIOS version.
How much RAM can the motherboard support?
It has four DDR4 DIMM slots and supports up to 128 GB of memory in a dual-channel configuration. Maximum operating frequency depends on the processor and memory configuration.
Does the motherboard support NVMe SSDs?
Yes. Its M.2 Key M slot supports PCIe 3.0 x4 storage devices, including compatible NVMe SSDs, as well as M.2 SATA drives.
Does it include wireless networking?
Yes. It includes Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet. Wi-Fi 5 is an older standard than Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7.
Can it output video without a dedicated graphics card?
Only when the installed processor has integrated graphics and supports the required display output. A processor without integrated graphics requires a separate graphics card for video output.
Is this motherboard suitable for a gaming PC?
It can suit a budget or mainstream gaming PC using a compatible AM4 processor, DDR4 memory, and PCIe 3.0 components. It is not intended for builds that require AM5, DDR5, PCIe 4.0/5.0 platform support, or newer integrated wireless standards.
