AMD on Thursday I took a sneak peek (opens in new tab) Announced next generation high-end platform for Ryzen 7000 series (Raphael) Zen 4 processors in AM5 form factor with motherboard partners. AMD’s X670 and X670E platforms are enthusiast-oriented, so they’re packed with the most innovative features and offer advanced overclocking capabilities.
AMD’s X670 and X670E Platforms
First and foremost, AMD has confirmed that its high-end AM5 motherboards for its next-generation processors will utilize the company’s X670 and X670E chipsets. The X670 supports overclocking and will satisfy “regular” enthusiasts. In contrast, the X670E (dual-chip design) features “unrivaled” expandability, extreme overclocking, PCIe 5.0 connectivity for up to two graphics cards, and M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs.
AMD itself has outlined some key features of the AM5 platform that will differentiate it from previous generation motherboards. It includes a TDP of up to 170W, up to 16 Zen 4 cores, up to 24 PCIe 5.0 lanes (x16 (x16 for graphics card, x4 for SSD and x4 for connection to chipset), dual channel DDR5 memory support, up to 4 DisplayPort 2 or HDMI 2.1 outputs (make sure you have an AM5 processor with integrated graphics), up to 14 USB ports (including multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 ports and USB-C) , and Wi-Fi 6E support on some motherboards.
Motherboard makers have traditionally tried to differentiate themselves from their competitors, so an enhanced CPU voltage regulation module that can deliver hundreds of watts of power to AMD’s new processors for even greater overclocking potential Provides AMD X670/X670E platform with (VRM). What’s a bit surprising is that neither AMD nor its partners have mentioned what DDR5 speeds will be supported on his upcoming AM5 platform.
Select AMD X670/X670E mainboards also come with an M.2-25110 slot for upcoming high-performance SSDs with PCIe 5.0 x4 interfaces that require more sophisticated cooling. Motherboard makers have pretty sophisticated cooling solutions to ensure consistent performance for next-generation drives.
In terms of connectivity, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 is not a widespread standard, so a USB4 or Thunderbolt 3/4 port supported by Thunderbolt 3/4 or a next generation external controller (not sure which one). There is a motherboard with USB 4 device. Also, some mainboards come with 2.5GbE ports enabled by Intel controllers, while the most advanced platforms come with 10GbE ports enabled by Marvell’s AQtion silicon. .
As for Wi-Fi 6E, some AMD X670/X670E motherboards use AMD’s RZ616 Wi-Fi 6E controller developed by MediaTek to support the latest WLAN connectivity, while Intel’s Wi-Fi Some use a 6E solution.
So let’s see what Asus, ASRock, Biostar, Gigabyte, and MSI have in store for AM5 early adopters.
Asus
The world’s largest motherboard maker has two platforms ready to support AMD’s AM5 rollout: ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme and ROG Crosshair X670E Hero, with more coming. The mainboard features a VRM based on an Infineon ASP2205 Power Management IC (PMIC) and a Vishay SIC850 110A smart power stage. Additionally, the Extreme model features a 20+2 stage power delivery while the Hero has his VRM at 18+2 stages.
Of course, Asustek’s ROG Crosshair X670E Extreme and ROG Crosshair X670E Hero come with premium connectivity such as two USB4 ports, 2.5GbE/10GbE connectors, an advanced audio subsystem, and a Wi-Fi 6E (Intel AX210) adapter. increase.
ASRock
ASRock’s first AM5 lineup will consist of five motherboards including two flagship X670E Taichi Carrara and X670E Taichi platforms, X670E Steel Legend, X670E Pro RS and X670E PG Lightning.
These motherboards use an 8-layer printed circuit board (not the maximum number of layers possible, so to speak), a high-performance active cooler for M.2 SSDs, and a USB 4 Type-C connector.
biostar
Biostar, a relatively new entrant to the enthusiast motherboard market, has one X670E motherboard ready for the AM5 launch — the X670E Valkyrie.
The platform features a 22-phase VRM with 105A Dr.MOS stage, two PCIe Gen5 x16 (running in x8 or x16 mode), one PCIe Gen4 x16 slot (running in x4 mode), four M.2-2280 It has a /22110 slot. PCIe Gen4/5 with advanced heat spreader, 2.5GbE connector, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 port and two display outputs (DP 1.4, HDMI 2.1).
gigabyte
Gigabyte will prepare four high-end AMD X670E/X670 motherboards including X670E Aorus Xtreme, X670E Aorus Master, X670 Aorus Pro AX and X670 Aorus Elite AX. The flagship X670E Aorus Xtreme is a 18+2+2 power delivery design based on Renesas RAA229628 PMIC, 18 Renesas RAA2201054 SPS 105A V-core power stage, 2 ON NCP303160 SPS 60A SoC power stages, 2 Renesas ISL99390 SPS 90A power supplies is equipped with step. Other platforms in the lineup use 16+2+2 VRMs with different PMICs and MOSFETs (see table in gallery below).
The most exciting part about Gigabyte’s AMD X670E and X670 motherboards is that only the former will support a PCIe 5.0 interface, while the latter will only feature PCIe 5.0 for SSDs. Meanwhile, all Aorus AM5 mainboards from Gigabyte have at least one M.2-25110 slot for next-generation SSDS, a 2.5GbE/10GbE port, a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 connector, one or two display outputs, and a lightning strike .
MSI
MSI is working on four high-end AM5 motherboards: the X670E-based MEG X670E Godlike, MEG X670E Ace, MPG X670E Carbon Wi-Fi, and the X670-powered Pro X670-P Wi-Fi. The flagship MEG X670E Godlike platform features 24+2+1 phase power delivery (105A power phase for V core), while the less advanced MEG X670E Ace has 22+2+1 VRM ( 90A) is included. V core power phase). Speaking of MSI’s VRMs, the company’s motherboards use an all-new VRM cooling system with direct touch heat pipes and MOSFET baseplates.
All four MSI AM5 motherboards come with M.2 Shield Frozr cooler for next-generation SSDs with PCIe 5.0 x4 interface, 2.5GbE connector and Wi-Fi 6E adapter. In addition, the flagship MEG X670E Godlike and MEG X670E Ace come with MSI’s M.2 Xpander-Z Gen5 dual adapter to accommodate two M.2-25110 drives with PCIe 5.0 x4 interface. I’m here.
Overview
AMD is set to release its Ryzen 7000 series ‘Raphael’ processors and AM5 desktop platform this September. The new platform brings many innovations including support for DDR5, PCIe 5.0, USB 3.2 Gen2x2 and Wi-Fi 6E. So far, the five leading motherboard manufacturers for the DIY market have launched 16 motherboards based on AMD’s X670 and X670E chipsets with a wide range of features and a wide range of price points.
