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The ASRock X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3 is worth considering when an AMD Mini-ITX build specifically needs onboard Thunderbolt 3. It delivers capable AM4 power and connectivity in a 17 × 17 cm board, but its single M.2 socket, limited rear USB selection, chipset-fan noise, and restrictive cooler clearances make it a specialist choice rather than a universal recommendation.
What makes this Mini-ITX board different?
Thunderbolt 3 is the defining feature. ASRock lists one rear USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C connector supporting up to 40 Gb/s in Thunderbolt protocol and 10 Gb/s in USB 3.2 protocol. That gives a compact AMD system access to Thunderbolt storage, docks, displays and other peripherals without relying on a separate expansion card.
ASRock describes the product as its “First Thunderbolt™ Equipped AMD Motherboard!”—a vendor marketing statement, not an independently verified market-wide superlative.
Display routing requires a graphics card cable
The DisplayPort 1.4 connector is an input, not an independent display output. To send a discrete graphics card’s signal to a USB-C monitor through Thunderbolt, connect the graphics card’s DisplayPort output to the motherboard’s DisplayPort input with a DisplayPort cable. Integrated Radeon Vega graphics are available only when the installed Ryzen processor is a supported APU, and display support still depends on the CPU and system configuration.
#1 Best Overall
- this motherboards come with upgraded power design, high grade storage standards, and outstanding connectivity that enables you to optimize your performance.
- This Computer motherboard delivers unbeatable durability and performance for serious gamers. enhanced power delivery, and advanced cooling, it maximizes the potential of the latest Intel processors.
- Dominate marathon gaming sessions with stability, speed, and seamless connectivity—all in a rugged, battle-tested design.
Core specifications
| Feature | ASRock specification |
|---|---|
| Form factor | Mini-ITX, 17.0 × 17.0 cm (6.7 × 6.7 inches) |
| Socket and chipset | AM4 with AMD X570 |
| Memory | Two DDR4 DIMM slots, dual channel, up to 64 GB; DDR4 4533+ is an overclocked headline rate, not a guaranteed stock speed |
| Expansion | One PCIe x16 slot; PCIe 4.0 with Vermeer/Matisse, PCIe 3.0 with Cezanne/Renoir/Pinnacle Ridge, and x8 mode with Picasso |
| Storage | One rear-mounted Hyper M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 socket and four SATA3 ports |
| Networking | Intel Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2 and Intel I211AT Gigabit LAN |
| Audio | Realtek ALC1220 |
| Rear USB | Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and one Thunderbolt 3 Type-C port |
| Video connectors | HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 input for discrete-GPU signal routing |
CPU and BIOS compatibility
ASRock lists desktop support for Ryzen 2000, 3000, 4000 G-series, 5000 and 5000 G-series processors. That family-level list does not guarantee that every individual CPU works with every shipped BIOS revision. Check the exact processor in ASRock’s CPU support list and identify the required BIOS before buying, especially for a used board or an older retail unit.
PCIe behavior also varies by processor generation, as shown in the specification table. Memory support, including ECC or non-ECC operation, likewise depends on the CPU family and the specific memory kit.
Storage and expansion limits
One M.2 socket
The board has a single rear-mounted PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 socket. AnandTech also highlighted this limitation. It is fast and neatly placed on the back of the PCB, but builders planning multiple NVMe drives will need SATA storage, a PCIe adapter (which competes with the only x16 slot), or an external enclosure.
Rank #2
- this motherboards come with upgraded power design, high grade storage standards, and outstanding connectivity that enables you to optimize your performance.
Four SATA ports and one expansion slot
Four SATA3 ports cover a modest collection of 2.5-inch SSDs or hard drives. Because this is Mini-ITX, there is only one PCIe x16 slot, so a graphics card, storage adapter and other expansion devices cannot all be accommodated internally at once.
Cooler and case compatibility
Check the exact cooler against ASRock’s compatibility list before purchase. AnandTech reported that heatsink geometry can interfere with some coolers, while the board’s Intel-style mounting pattern may improve compatibility with certain models. Socket-area heatsinks, RAM clearance, cooler orientation and the case’s height limit all matter; a cooler that fits another AM4 board may not fit this one.
The compact layout also means that the chosen case’s airflow path and graphics-card clearance should be checked alongside the CPU cooler, rather than treating motherboard compatibility as a separate decision.
Rank #3
- Supports AMD AM4 Socket Ryzen 2000 and 3000 Series processors
- 10 Power Phase Design; Supports DDR4 4066+ (OC); 2 Pie 4. 0 x16, 2 Pie 4. 0 x1, 1 M. 2(Key E) For WIFI
- AMD Quad Crossfire. and Crossfire. Graphics Output Options: HDMI, DisplayPort
- 7. 1 CH HD Audio (Relate ALC1200 Audio Codec), ELNA Audio Caps
- 8 SATA3, 1 Hyper M. 2 (Pie Gen4 x4 & SATA3), 1 Hyper M. 2 (Pie Gen4 x4)
What independent reviews found
Tom’s Hardware: capable performance, dated evidence
In a review published on 26 August 2019, Tom’s Hardware reported good stock and overclocking performance, called the VRM robust, and gave the board an Editor’s Choice designation for that historical test. The outlet also described the rear USB complement as limited and said the X570 chipset fan was audible at stock settings.
In its benchmark and final-analysis coverage, Tom’s Hardware reported that the VRM stayed cool while a Ryzen 7 3700X ran at 4.25 GHz all-core. That is a result from the reviewer’s particular processor, BIOS, test bench and airflow arrangement—not a guaranteed temperature or overclock for every CPU, enclosure or current BIOS.
AnandTech: practical fit and layout trade-offs
AnandTech’s 9 October 2019 review emphasized the single rear M.2 socket and the possibility of heatsink interference with some CPU coolers. Those observations remain important when planning a compact build, but they do not replace checking the current compatibility list for the precise cooler and case.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Noise, I/O and day-to-day trade-offs
- Chipset noise: Tom’s Hardware heard the X570 chipset fan at stock settings. Actual noise depends on fan control, case airflow, ambient temperature and workload.
- Rear connectivity: The board provides two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and one Thunderbolt 3 Type-C port. Users with many permanently attached peripherals may need a hub.
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and Gigabit Ethernet cover common home and workstation connections, but there is no faster wired LAN listed.
- Memory capacity: Two slots and a 64 GB maximum are adequate for many gaming and general-purpose systems, while larger workstation builds may prefer a platform with more DIMM capacity.
Who should buy it?
Good fit
- You are building an AM4 Mini-ITX system and require onboard Thunderbolt 3.
- Your storage plan fits one NVMe drive plus up to four SATA devices.
- You have confirmed the CPU, BIOS, cooler, RAM and case combination.
- You accept possible chipset-fan noise and limited rear USB expansion.
Look elsewhere when
- You need two or more internal M.2 drives without adapters.
- You need abundant rear USB ports or faster-than-Gigabit wired networking.
- You want unrestricted cooler choice in a small case.
- Thunderbolt is optional and another AM4 Mini-ITX board offers a better storage or I/O layout for less total cost.
Buying checklist
- Confirm the exact Ryzen model and BIOS requirement in ASRock’s CPU support list.
- Verify the cooler model in ASRock’s compatibility list, then check its height and orientation in the target case.
- Plan for one rear M.2 drive, four SATA ports and only one PCIe x16 slot.
- Decide whether the rear USB count meets your peripherals; budget for a hub if necessary.
- If using USB-C video, ensure the graphics card has a DisplayPort output and connect it to the motherboard’s DisplayPort input.
- Check regional stock, seller condition and the current total cost, since launch-era prices and availability do not establish a current deal.
Verdict
The X570 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3 remains a credible choice for one specific brief: a compact AMD AM4 computer with onboard Thunderbolt 3. Its documented specifications and 2019 reviews support solid CPU and VRM capability, but the single M.2 slot, small rear-I/O complement, chipset fan and cooler-clearance constraints are fundamental compromises. Buy it when Thunderbolt is central and the complete component list has been validated; otherwise, compare newer or differently equipped AM4 Mini-ITX options on storage, fit, noise, BIOS support and total current cost.
Quick Recap
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.
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