Motherboard Review: Arrival of USB 4.0 on the MSI X870E Carbon WIFI
In the realm of high-performance computing, AMD has unveiled its latest motherboard series, X870 and X670, designed to accommodate the new Zen 5 processors. These boards represent a significant leap in terms of features, performance, and price, catering to different segments of the market.
Performance & Features -----------------------
The X870 motherboards, positioned as the premium option, boast a host of advanced features. They support USB 4.0, a technology not found in X670 boards, and offer enhanced overclocking capabilities with faster dual-channel DDR5 memory support. The X870 boards also feature PCIe 5.0 support for both graphics and NVMe storage, with more PCIe Gen 5 lanes or slots available compared to X670.
Premium cooling solutions, such as heat pipes and thermal pads, and high-quality VRM designs like direct 18+2+2 phases digital VRM are common on X870 boards, contrasting with the typically strong but slightly lower-tier VRMs on X670 boards. Furthermore, X870 motherboards often come equipped with more advanced onboard wireless options, such as Wi-Fi 7, which is not prevalent in X670 models.
On the other hand, X670 motherboards still offer strong performance. They feature PCIe 5.0 support, albeit with more limited slot or lane count compared to X870. X670 boards also offer robust VRM setups, such as twin 16+2+2 phases digital VRM, suitable for Ryzen 7000 to 9000 series CPUs. They provide dual-channel DDR5 memory with AMD EXPO and Intel XMP support, and their pricing is more budget-friendly relative to X870, offering a balance between price and cutting-edge tech.
Examples ---------
Gigabyte's X670 models, like the X670 AORUS ELITE AX, feature twin 16+2+2 phases VRM and 4 PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 slots. MSI's X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI, on the other hand, has a higher price but adds premium features, such as dual PCIe Gen 5 slots, four M.2 slots (two Gen 5, two Gen 4), top-tier cooling, and Wi-Fi 7 support, delivering capabilities beyond typical X670 boards.
Summary Table -------------
| Aspect | X870 Motherboards | X670 Motherboards | |----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | PCIe 5.0 support | Dual PCIe Gen 5 slots (graphics + NVMe) | PCIe 5.0, often fewer slots/lane count| | USB Support | USB 4.0 included | Typically USB 3.x (not USB 4.0) | | Memory Support | Faster DDR5 with AMD EXPO & Intel XMP | DDR5 with EXPO & XMP, sometimes limited speeds | | VRM Design | High-end, robust, e.g., 18+2+2 phases | Strong VRM, e.g., twin 16+2+2 phases | | Cooling & Features | Advanced cooling solutions, Wi-Fi 7 | Good cooling, Wi-Fi 6/6E common | | Price Tier | Premium, higher cost | More affordable, mid to high-end |
In essence, the X870 series is designed for enthusiasts and those demanding the absolute fastest connectivity and overclocking headroom, while the X670 series targets users seeking high performance at a somewhat lower price point without significant compromise on essential features.
Notable Features ----------------
The MSI X870E Carbon WIFI motherboard, for instance, integrates all headers of an ARGB cooling solution in one connector (EZ-Connector), offers several exposed headers, including additional USB ports, RGB headers, power/reset buttons, and more. It has a partial audio section with a Realtek ALC4080 codec, four M.2 sockets (two PCIe 5.0 x4 and two PCIe 4.0 x4), and four Type-C USB ports, two of which are USB 4.0 40 Gbps ports.
The top PCIe slot on the MSI X870E Carbon WIFI motherboard has a new locking mechanism, EZ PCIe Release. The two PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 sockets support up to 80mm modules, while the PCIe 4.0 sockets handle up to 110mm devices. The motherboard also features four SATA 6 Gbps ports and supports RAID 0/1/10.
The X870 motherboards, including the X870E, have the same number of PCIe lanes available (44) as the X870E, but also feature baked-in USB 4.0 (40 Gbps) ports and PCIe 5.0 pathing on both graphics and NVMe.
In conclusion, AMD's X870 and X670 motherboards offer a wide range of options for PC builders, catering to different budgets and performance requirements. Whether you're a hardcore enthusiast or a budget-conscious gamer, there's a board in this lineup to suit your needs.
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The X870 motherboards, with their inclusion of USB 4.0 and support for faster DDR5 memory, showcase the integration of advanced technology compared to the X670 series. Despite the X670 motherboards offering strong performance with PCIe 5.0 support and robust VRM setups, the X870 series caters to those seeking the fastest connectivity and overclocking headroom at a higher cost.
