Asus Strix Neo AM5 Motherboards Get Smarter Storage
Asus is quietly making life easier for PC builders and upgraders with its new Strix Neo AM5 motherboards. These boards now include a much larger 64 MB ROM, and that extra space is already being put to clever use.
On the surface this sounds like a small technical change, but it has real benefits for anyone planning to build a new gaming PC or upgrade to future AMD Ryzen processors on the AM5 platform.
Why a 64 MB ROM Matters for Ryzen on AM5
The ROM on a motherboard is where the firmware lives. This includes the BIOS or UEFI that lets your system boot, detect hardware, and expose features like memory tuning and CPU support. As CPUs become more complex and platforms like AM5 support more processor generations, the firmware needs more space.
By moving to a roomy 64 MB ROM on its Strix Neo AM5 boards, Asus is giving itself headroom for future Ryzen releases. That means:
- Better long term CPU support without needing to cut older processor support to make room for new microcode.
- More features and improvements in the UEFI without constantly running into storage limits.
- A smoother upgrade path for gamers who want to drop in a newer Ryzen chip later without swapping motherboards.
This is especially important on platforms like AM5, where AMD has a history of extending support over multiple CPU generations. A larger ROM helps board makers keep that promise in a practical way.
Built In Wi Fi Driver for Easier Windows 11 Installs
Asus is not just reserving that extra ROM capacity for the future. It is already using it to store an integrated Wi Fi driver directly on the motherboard. This is a quality of life upgrade that many builders will appreciate the first time they install Windows 11.
On modern systems, especially on compact builds or boards with no wired network nearby, you often rely on Wi Fi for your first connection. But fresh Windows installs do not always include the correct Wi Fi driver out of the box. That usually means:
- Hunting down a USB stick with drivers.
- Using another PC to download the wireless driver.
- Or running a temporary Ethernet cable just to get online.
With the new Strix Neo AM5 design, the motherboard can provide the Wi Fi driver directly during setup. That makes it easier to:
- Install Windows 11 on a brand new build with no extra USB drives.
- Get online quickly to download updates and other drivers.
- Avoid common headaches for beginners who are building their first gaming PC.
For anyone building a modern Windows 11 gaming rig with wireless networking, this small touch makes the whole experience smoother.
What This Means for PC Gamers and Builders
While a 64 MB ROM and built in Wi Fi driver may sound like minor details compared to specs like core counts or GPU power, they actually reflect a trend toward more user friendly PC hardware.
For gamers and enthusiasts, these changes mean:
- Better upgrade potential for future Ryzen processors on AM5.
- Less chance of running into BIOS size limits when new CPU generations launch.
- Fewer hassles during Windows 11 installation, especially on Wi Fi only setups.
If you are planning a new build around an AMD Ryzen CPU and care about both performance and long term support, motherboards like the Asus Strix Neo AM5 with a larger ROM can be a smart foundation. They combine future readiness for new processors with practical features that make setting up your system faster and easier from day one.
Original article and image: https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/motherboards/asus-adds-64mb-rom-to-strix-neo-am5-motherboards-following-gigabyte-capacity-large-enough-to-fit-pre-installed-wi-fi-drivers
