As AMD pushes forward with its advanced generation of processors, motherboard chipsets play an increasingly pivotal role in extracting the best performance from your CPU. If you’re planning your next Ryzen-based build or considering an upgrade, two chipsets you’ll likely encounter are the X870E and the X670E. Though both are part of AMD’s enthusiast-class offerings, they serve slightly different purposes and bring distinct capabilities to the table. But what sets them apart, and which one should you go for in 2024?
TL;DR
If you’re torn between the X870E and X670E chipsets, here’s a quick summary: the X870E is AMD’s newer and slightly more feature-rich platform, designed to better support advanced technologies like PCIe 5.0 and USB4. It’s particularly suited for future-proofing and high-end builds. The X670E is still an extremely capable chipset and is likely a better value choice for most users, offering close-to-identical performance for current-gen Ryzen CPUs. Your decision should hinge on whether you want bleeding-edge connectivity or excellent overall performance at potentially lower prices.
What Are the AMD X870E and X670E Chipsets?
Both the X870E and X670E are part of AMD’s high-end motherboard chipset lineup. The “E” suffix in both models stands for “Extreme,” meaning they support PCIe Gen 5 for both the GPU slot and primary M.2 storage out of the box. These chipsets are recommended for power users, gamers, and creators looking to tap into the maximum capabilities of Ryzen 7000 (and upcoming 8000 series) processors.
However, the X870E is a next-gen refinement over the X670E, launching alongside future rollouts of AMD’s Zen 5-based architecture and next-generation Ryzen chips. As such, it brings various under-the-hood improvements, especially in terms of I/O and support for newer standards.
Key Differences Between X870E and X670E
1. PCIe and USB Capabilities
The standout improvement in the X870E comes in the form of upgraded interconnectivity:
- X870E: Includes native support for PCIe 5.0 x16 graphics and PCIe 5.0 x4 for NVMe storage, along with integrated support for USB4.
- X670E: Also supports full PCIe 5.0 for GPU and primary storage, but lacks integrated USB4, leaving it up to motherboard vendors to include an optional controller for this feature.
While PCIe 5.0 hasn’t saturated the market with compatible components yet, future graphics cards and SSDs are expected to take advantage of this high-speed interface. If you want to stay ahead of the curve without needing a future motherboard upgrade, the X870E may make more sense.
2. USB4 and Connectivity
One of the hallmark additions in the X870E chipset is native USB4 support. This means that USB4 ports are not only more widespread on X870E motherboards but are often faster and more reliable due to native chipset-level integration.
- USB4 (on X870E): Up to 40Gbps transfer speeds, backwards compatibility with USB 3.2, and support for Thunderbolt 3 accessories.
- On X670E: USB4 support may be present but often depends on third-party implementations, which can vary in quality.
If you regularly transfer large files, connect high-resolution displays, or work with Thunderbolt peripherals, the X870E may offer a more professional-grade experience overall.
3. Chipset Architecture Differences
AMD’s X670E chipset utilizes a dual-chipset configuration, where two Promontory 21 chips are combined to offer additional bandwidth and capabilities. On the other hand, the newer X870E is rumored to embrace a simplified, higher-integration model, reducing power consumption and improving latency between CPU and chipset-connected devices.
- X670E: Dual chipset design often translates to larger physical motherboard layouts.
- X870E: More efficient single-chip architecture, allowing more compact and power-efficient motherboard designs.
This might not make an obvious difference to average users, but enthusiasts and mini-ITX builders value the newer efficiency gains that the X870E brings.
Compatibility with Ryzen CPUs
Both chipsets are based on AMD’s AM5 socket, which supports DDR5 memory exclusively. That means you’re looking at compatible CPUs ranging from Ryzen 7000 series all the way to future Ryzen 8000 and possibly beyond.
X670E: Fully compatible with Ryzen 7000 chips and upcoming Zen 5 CPUs with a BIOS update.
X870E: Designed with future Ryzen generations in mind, including out-of-the-box support for Zen 5 and beyond.
If you’re buying a new CPU in 2024, it’s worth noting that some of the upcoming Ryzen chips will likely show performance or feature-related advantages on X870E motherboards due to better support or firmware tuning.
Overclocking and Enthusiast Features
As “E” chipsets, both the X670E and X870E offer advanced overclocking support, including:
- Unlocked CPU overclocking support
- Precision Boost Overdrive (PBO)
- Advanced memory profiles for DDR5
- Fine-grain voltage controls
At this level, the difference between both chipsets mainly lies in thermals and power delivery, which is more dependent on specific motherboard designs than the chipsets themselves. If you’re going to overclock, look for robust VRM designs, active cooling, and BIOS features rather than focusing solely on chipset tags.
Price & Market Position
As with any technology, newer generally means pricier. The X870E motherboards hit the market at slightly higher price points compared to their X670E counterparts, although that gap is expected to narrow over time.
- Mid-2024 X870E Board Range: $250 – $600+
- X670E Board Range: $200 – $550
Pricing can vary based on brand, form factor, and extras like Wi-Fi, RGB, and additional M.2 slots. For most gamers and power users, a mid-tier X670E board still offers fantastic value and will handle nearly everything a top-tier X870E board can.
Use Cases: Which Is Right for You?
Let’s break down which chipset might suit your needs better based on your intended use:
- Gamers: Unless you demand absolute peak performance and future-proofing, the X670E will serve you well. It’s a great match for Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 CPUs and paired with a PCIe 4.0/5.0 GPU, there’s virtually no bottleneck.
- Content Creators: Consider X870E if your workflow involves frequent data transfers, Thunderbolt displays, and high storage bandwidth. Native USB4 can make a big difference.
- Enthusiasts and Overclockers: Both chipsets are overkill-ready, but the newer architecture of the X870E might offer subtle efficiency and connectivity perks.
- Future-Proof Builders: Choose the X870E to ensure compatibility with newer Ryzen chips and technologies emerging over the next few years.
Final Thoughts
The X870E and X670E chipsets represent AMD’s best offerings for enthusiasts in the AM5 ecosystem. While their core functionalities are similar, subtle distinctions in architecture and connectivity give the X870E an edge for those aspiring to build a system with longevity and maximal port bandwidth.
If you’re looking to get into PC building or upgrading for the Ryzen 8000 series and beyond, the X870E might be the motherboard platform worth investing in. However, those with a Ryzen 7000 CPU today won’t lose much—if anything—by sticking with a more mature and often more affordable X670E board.
In the end, the right choice comes down to your budget, your upgrade cycle, and how much value you place on having cutting-edge features vs rock-solid performance at a great price.
