X670 Chipset

The X670 chipset, released alongside the Ryzen 7000 processors, targets high-end users seeking top-tier performance compared to the mainstream B650 chipset. It features PCIe 5.0, 44 PCIe lanes, multiple SATA and USB 10 Gbps ports, and robust VRMs for enhanced power delivery. Although initially launched with the Ryzen 7000 series, X670 motherboards fully support the latest Ryzen 9000 processors through BIOS updates, making them a solid option for both current and future AM5 CPUs.

X870 Chipset

Announced with the Ryzen 9000 series, the X870 chipset was delayed a few months but is set to release in late September. It includes all the features of the X670 chipset, with notable upgrades such as:

• USB 4.0 standard on all motherboards
• PCIe Gen5 support for both graphics and NVMe M.2 (previously available on select X670E and B650E boards)
• Higher EXPO memory clock support, allowing faster RAM speeds

These enhancements make the X870 a future-proof option for high-performance systems.

Here’s a comparison between the X670 and X870 chipsets for AM5 socket motherboards:

• Socket: Both X670 and X870 use the AM5 socket.
• Overclockable: Yes, for all variants.
• RAM Type: All support DDR5 memory.
• PCIe Gen 5 Lanes: X870 offers 24 lanes, while X670 typically has 8 lanes.
• USB Support: X870 has more 10Gbps and 20Gbps ports, with USB 4.0 as standard (optional on X670).
• Memory Clock: X870 supports higher EXPO memory speeds (up to 8400 MHz).

X870 offers better connectivity and higher RAM speeds, making it more future-proof.

X670 vs X870 – Which is Best?

Choosing between the X670 and X870 depends on your needs. If you already own an X670/X670E motherboard, upgrading to X870 may not be necessary unless you need USB 4.0 or higher EXPO memory speeds. For new builds, waiting for X870 could offer better future-proofing, especially with its additional features like USB 4.0 as a standard. However, if both are available at similar prices, X870’s extra connectivity options make it a compelling choice.