AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D + Motherboard: Are X870 Boards Worth It Over X670/B650?
Posted by midnightarauder99@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 103 comments
Hello Everyone
I just bought a Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, and with Black Friday deals going on, I’m considering upgrading my motherboard. I’ve been looking at the X870E and X870 boards, but I’m wondering—do these motherboards provide any tangible performance advantages over the X670, X670E, or B650 boards?
Are the differences mainly about newer features like additional PCIe lanes, USB standards, or connectivity, or will I see any noticeable improvements in gaming performance, thermals, or overall stability with my setup?
Also, if you have any specific motherboards (preferably a white board) recommendation I’d love to hear them
Thanks
-UserRemoved-@reddit
Motherboards in general do not change performance, the differences are connectivity and features.
The same goes with chipset differences, it comes down to connectivity (stuff like PCIe generation, USB gen, # of slots, etc).
Here is a breakdown of the differences between the chipsets: https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/amd-x870e-vs-x870-vs-x670e-vs-x670-vs-b650e-vs-b650/
If you don't know if you need a X870/X870E, chances are you don't and you would be fine with a B650. Given the differences are connectivity, we can't really advise on the best motherboard for you since we don't have context to your needs.
jimmy8973@reddit
Looking at getting a 9800x3d. Will have 2 nmve and one sata. Would anything happen like disabling sata ports. Heard they disable them when using 2 nvme. Cheers
Radium@reddit
One example here. I'm running the 9800X3D on the cheapest X870 mobo (AsRock X870 Pro RS) with 64GB of 6000MT/s CL30-40-40-96 1.40V G.SKILL (F5-6000J3040G32GX2-FX5)
PassMark CPU score: 40,481 beating the median score (https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=AMD+Ryzen+7+9800X3D&id=6344)
The biggest caveat with these cheaper boards is shared pcie lanes between m.2 and PCI slots.
Ed_EDD_n_Eddy@reddit
sorry im kinda confused and i would like u to choose my motherboard for me, im planning on running maybe 2 nvem ssd and 1 sata ssd and hdd,
Can i do that with Asrock B650 pro rs ?
how does that compare to x870 pro rs ?
Im planning on getting 9800x3d
DoughnutPi@reddit
Thanks for posting this. I bought this board and the 9800x3d as a Christmas gift for my son to upgrade his PC. Can I ask, if you had it to do over, would you still go with this board or is there another mobo you'd consider? And did you run into any issues during your build? I ask because I am hoping to minimize problems during his build.
Mind-Game@reddit
Yesterday I built almost the exact same setup as that guy and had no problems at all. It was the smoothest PC build I've ever done.
For absolute simplicity, the only thing I would recommend is getting AMD Expo tuned RAM so you don't have to mess with ram settings yourself in bios. When you first boot the PC up the ram will default to an extremely conservative speed, but you just need to click one button to load the expo profile and it should work great. I didn't bother pushing mine at all but no normal person should really worry about pushing their ram past 6000 MTs imo.
Also fwiw I went with a cheap air cooler for the CPU (thermal right peerless assassin), and the thermals are great even under modest over clocks. If you're using a dual radiator cooler design like that you'll have to mount the fans a little higher on the radiator if you don't get low profile ram (which is no problem).
DoughnutPi@reddit
Thanks for the response and glad to hear there were no problems with your build. I've been reading about RAM issues on different MoBos and was hoping to avoid that. I definitely plan to go with EXPO Ram, just not sure which one yet. What RAM did you go with? Did you do an all white/silver build or did you mix it up? I'm torn on going all white or a mix of black and white.
How are the decibels on the AIO? My son currently has a 360mm Corsair cooler plus six LL120 fans but that's almost 5 years old, so I thought I'd replace the cooler and was thinking about the 360mm Lian Li Galahad LCD-SL Infinity, it's overkill, I know, but some of this is about aesthetics.
In the past I've always gone with Aorus, so this is my first time buying something different. I was a little surprised when I opened the ASRock box and it only contained the MB and Antennas. Seems like they would at least include standoffs.
Mind-Game@reddit
Built the exact same PC yesterday down to the ram timings haha.
No problems at all getting it working, couldn't be happier with the performance, and can't imagine ever running up against the limits of the mobo.
wiseude@reddit
Il never understand why they put the higher end m.2 slot inbetween the gpu and the cpu...The 2 hottest thing in the whole computer.Granted you could put it on one of the lower m.2 ports then then you wont have access to gen 5x4 for your SSD.
Radium@reddit
I think the only reason is minimizing distance from the CPU for maximum speed. PCIE 5+ NVME are FAST
Ecstatic_Job_3467@reddit
Interesting. I just scored a 41,859 with my 5900X.
Radium@reddit
Median for a 5900x is 39,114, most get \~40260, but the 5900x is better multicore. 9800X3D shines in games, Find Prime Numbers, Physics, MOps/Sec
Gaming Score 5900X: 5,036
Gaming Score 9800X3D: 12,205
Ecstatic_Job_3467@reddit
That will probably be my progression path in a couple years. Currently having the 5900x in my main rig and demoted the 3800x to my server. 1700 is in my backup rig lol.
I don’t game anymore, but the 5900x lets me have a hundred Chrome tabs open.
Radium@reddit
Yeah for sure, the 5900x is great, I wouldn't have upgraded for another year or two if the server hadn't crapped out. Lol
leshmaltezo@reddit
Pc noob here, what happens if i run 3 nvme ssd + gpu on top slot? Does that mean my gpu will have less performance?
Radium@reddit
No, the GPU slot and the M.3 NVME slots are independent.
AeonUK@reddit
So just to clarify, the GPU is not included in this example when you are explaining PCIe lanes?
Im going to be in the same boat as the OP soon if I can get my hands on a 9800x3D but I dont need to run more than 2 M.2 drives.
Radium@reddit
Correct. It’s just the lower pci express slot that shares with one of the m.2 slots on this board
VikingFuneral-@reddit
Would OP not have to upgrade their BIOS for 9000 series support?
Super63Mario@reddit
Most AM5 boards come with some form of built in BIOS flashing feature without any CPU installed, if push comes to shove they could also ask their retailer if they could borrow a cheap AM5 CPU to do the BIOS update.
VikingFuneral-@reddit
That is awesome to know
Mind-Game@reddit
FYI that feature is usually called "bios flashback".
Time_Rooster1990@reddit
quick learning:
b650 = simple
b650e = x670
x670e = b850(e)
or something like this lol
i've studied this stuff to build a pc before the 800 dropped. Came to the conclusion that you just need a b650e and solve all problems you might encounter, but this was for gaming purposes, nothing else. So if this helps you, keep reading, if not, just don't read it.
At the time i filtered a bit of information about different models, and concluded that i was going to buy b650e riptide, after comparing with b650e rog strix, x670e steel legend and x670e pg lightning. The b650e riptide had everything i needed, including vrm, the price was right, enough connections and ssd pci-e speed for whatever i needed in the future, if needed.
If i was to choose a white board, i would choose between steel legend and pro rs (b650e or x670(e), whichever us cheaper). Between the 2 i would choose the steel legend because it should be compatible with more devices and should have extra connections. You can also find x870 pro rs white, if you interested.
there is also x670e NZXT white, with some black, but it looks cool, but it's more expensive. Hope i helped you a bit
Nice_Knee_1538@reddit
I want the MSI MEG X870e GODLIKE motherboard with my Ryzen 7 9800X3D and S Skill Ultra Low Latency cl28-36-36 6000MHz 2x16gb I already have the Asus RTX 4090.
Moscato359@reddit
The primary benefit of x870 is it tends to have better high frequency memory handling, newer vrms, newer wifi, and newer audio chipset compared to b650e, or x670e
It's not just the chipset
laffer1@reddit
But the WiFi is mediatek so you have to change it anyway
Mind-Game@reddit
What's wrong with mediatek wifi cards?
laffer1@reddit
I have found them to be less reliable and more picky about WiFi access points and routers.
More importantly, they have limited driver support across operating systems.
Mind-Game@reddit
Good to know, thanks!
Moscato359@reddit
The asrock rs pro series has wifi card slot, so you can use any wifi you want
laffer1@reddit
That’s true of most motherboards. My point is that it shouldn’t be a sales pitch for a higher end motherboard because it’s a 30 dollar part to get working wifi anyway.
Moscato359@reddit
Also, most motherboards do no have a slot. Can confirm from the master motherboard spreadsheet.
laffer1@reddit
All of the motherboard I have in the house have slots that shipped with wifi. That includes multiple Asus, asrock, msi and gigabyte boards.
Moscato359@reddit
Here is the am5 list.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NQHkDEcgDPm34Mns3C93K6SJoBnua-x9O-y_6hv8sPs/edit#gid=0
Many of them have wifi on the motherboard, instead of a slot in card.
Only 2 models of x870(e), across all brands, have a slot, and both are asrock.
4 models of x670(e)
And several b series boards have wifi boards
Basically, as you go up in quality, the less likely it's swappable
3_Three_3@reddit
Curator of the sheet here; I'd like to clarify what is meant by that particular column.
Pretty much all motherboards nowadays have "slot-in" cards in the form of M.2 E-key Wi-Fi cards; they're not soldered in.
They're swappable, all right - it's just a question of how accessible this slot is. With the difficult-to-access ones, the situation involves a vertically mounted slot encased by a metal shroud where the antenna connectors are. Removing this usually requires removing the VRM heatsink if it's overhanging the I/O area (which is usually the case), in addition to unscrewing some tiny screws on the back of the PCB that hold said shroud. These are the ones that I have marked as "not easily accessible" in the sheet. This particular board shows how the card is mounted vertically.)
All in all, "not easily accessible" doesn't mean you can't replace the Wi-Fi card - it's simply more involved and necessitates removing the motherboard from the case if it is installed in one.
Moscato359@reddit
Oh wow, thanks for responding
That certainly would be a pain to remove the vrm heatsink
Moscato359@reddit
Non mediatek options exist anyways
Its just most reasonably priced b650e boards are just worse than similarly priced x870 boards
KilraneXangor@reddit
You got evidence for that?
HB have repeatedly said that X870/E is nothing but rebranded X670 but with USB4 mandatory instead of optional.
Moscato359@reddit
Sure do!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NQHkDEcgDPm34Mns3C93K6SJoBnua-x9O-y_6hv8sPs/edit?usp=drivesdk
Typical b650(e) motherboard, or x670(e) board memory capability is no higher than 6600, while x870 is typically closer to 8000
Typical b650 vrm amperage is 60, while x870 is 80
Typical b650(e)/x670(e) board has wifi 6, while x870(e) has wifi 7
Typical b650(e) board is ALC897 audio, while most x870(e) is either ALC4080 or ALC1220
KilraneXangor@reddit
WTF? A civil and very informative response to being challenged? On reddit? I'm going to have to lie down for a while.... :)
Thanks for that spreadsheet - very useful when I build new box in the new year.
Moscato359@reddit
Lol, I try to be civil.
It just goes to tell you can't trust reviewers empirically, because they might not have the same concerns as you do.
KilraneXangor@reddit
Yeah, I try to confirm / combine analsyes from different sources, although HB + GN are generally spot on IME for YT sauces.
P.S. Do you have any strong opinions on mobo manufacturers? My last few builds have been ASUS for no particular reason. The ASRock Taichi looks nice to match the 9800X3D? I particularly like the audio on that board.
Moscato359@reddit
Asus was everyone's darling, except for the 7000 series where they were killing CPUs. Also, they have terribly warranty support.
I have heard these days asrock is surprisingly good, but I have no experience with them. I don't own any am5 board yet, I'm still on am4 so my experience is dated.
The taichi is so expensive you probably would be better off using a usb dac+amp for headphones. I don't use onboard audio at all, and disable it in the bios.
I wasn't suggesting you go for a high end board, simply that there are differences people don't talk about.
As for the 9800x3d, it's a 120w chip, so anything over 80 amps is just excessive waste. For reference, the 9950x is 170w out of the box. You really don't need an amazing board with the 9800x3d.
KilraneXangor@reddit
I had considered a separate DAC / amp. Will take another look as part of the new build.
Good tips on the mobo. I'll add it to my thinking.
Cheers!
patrickrk44@reddit
Makes me curious for boot time comparisons between the 2
SilverKnightOfMagic@reddit
Simply rules with mobos. If you don't know what the more expensive mobo will do. You do not need it.
New-Development-1242@reddit
you may need the expensive mobo in the future if u cpu ugrade, so you are giving bad advice right there!
Mind-Game@reddit
Is that a thing? Have CPUs in the past not supported or been significantly limited by older chipsets with the same CPU slot?
Jonas_Venture_Sr@reddit
But what if I have more money than sense?
SilverKnightOfMagic@reddit
You send me the money :) or buy that mobo
Elias_1337@reddit
This.
coolylame@reddit
Save some money, get the Asrock B650 steel legend wifi.
Beanbag_Ninja@reddit
Question - there are X670E boards available for less that the Steel Legend, such as the "MSI X670E GAMING PLUS".
Is there any reason to buy the Steel Legend over a newer, cheaper board like the MSI?
fancy_bubble_tea@reddit
Not if its more expensive. I’m surprised X670E motherboards are cheaper though. The Asrock B650 Steel Legend Wi-Fi is sold on Amazon by ASRock USA for $179.99. But it sells out very quickly so you may have to check the website around 10/11 PM ET to see if the listing refreshes with new inventory.
Beanbag_Ninja@reddit
To be fair, the X670E Steel Legend is a little more expensive than the MSI, but that's what I mean - Is it better to get an older B650 over a newer X670E for the same money i.e. is the X670E lower quality 🤷
And so is it worth going even higher to the X670E Steel Legend???? 🤷
fancy_bubble_tea@reddit
I don't think the MSI X670E Gaming Plus is lower quality. If you can get it for less than $180, you should go for it. I see it on Amazon for $240.
Beanbag_Ninja@reddit
The MSI X650E wifi is £210 here, vs £226 for the B650 Steel Legend wifi.
Emosaa@reddit
Everyone's simping Asrock right now because they're slightly better boards feature set wise and the other manufacturers have had some issues on certain mobos. But AFAIK those issues have mostly been corrected with updates. So Asrock mobos are sold out or commanding a premium and there's deals to be had on the others.
Sciencebitchs@reddit
Why this board?
fancy_bubble_tea@reddit
The Asrock B650 Steel Legend Wi-Fi offers features often found on more expensive motherboards (>$200).
https://www.techspot.com/review/2861-amd-b650-motherboards-part-3/
larsskynyrd79@reddit
How can one purchase this? Always out of stock
fancy_bubble_tea@reddit
I bought one and then canceled my order. A few days later I regretted canceling the order and decided to buy it again but there was no more inventory at $179.99. Other sellers were selling it for around $200. I check the website everyday and a few days later inventory re-appeared at $179.99 (sold by ASRock USA). The Amazon listing refreshed with more inventory around 10/11 PM ET.
larsskynyrd79@reddit
How can one purchase this? Always out of stock
zaken@reddit
If you already have an AM5 motherboard, don't bother upgrading.
If you need one in white though, this is the one to get: https://www.asrock.com/MB/AMD/B650%20Steel%20Legend%20WiFi/index.asp
larsskynyrd79@reddit
How can one purchase this? Always out of stock
zaken@reddit
It was in stock a few weeks ago, Amazon had it for $180. I expect they'll replenish stock soon.
larsskynyrd79@reddit
Thank you! Any idea how I could get notified when a restock happens? I frequent r/buildapcsales but I don't think it'd pop up there since it wouldn't be on sale, just in stock
zaken@reddit
You might be able to use camel camel camel: https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B0CXPXBF2M
Set a price watch for 180. I'm not 100% sure if it'll work for out of stock items but worth a shot.
Kid_that_u_fear@reddit
I would day no. X670 is better than x870. Here is why
Cheaper
Same class x670e will usually have 8 layers vs 6 layers.
Also take care when getting a b motherboard. Make sure it has pcie5 for the gpu since a good am5 build can last 10 years before u need a new mobo
bearsbarely@reddit
SOUNDS LIKE ANOTHER CHALLENGE FOR THE GLORIUS STEEL LEGEND B650 WI-FI. THE GREATEST B650 BOARD TO GRACE AM5!
Sciencebitchs@reddit
Whats so great about it?
bearsbarely@reddit
$179.99 price, very good integrated wifi, very good integrated sound card, pcie gen 5, bios flashbacking, cosmetically very nice (white board). It's basically a very good b650e but at the price of a b650.
link270@reddit
I’ve been looking for a mobo and have been keeping my eye out for this one. It’s just oos everywhere, so hopefully they’ll come back at some point.
360WindmillInTraffic@reddit
If only it was available anywhere
bearsbarely@reddit
Amazon had a refill last week
mariustugulan@reddit
First AM5 motherboards had and still has issues with XMP profile, or more exactly with overclocking the RAM at their specific frequency. On a B650 I overclocked them but just by a little and I also had problems like freezes sometimes. After a few bios updates, it is better, but still not overclockable to their max frequency so I would not recommend older motherboards. And also a more expensive motherboard is higher quality. I always go for a more expensive, more premium motherboard because that is the main thing that connects everything and make everything work and also because a more expensive one is an ATX and I like bigger motherboards: more slots and easier to work with when you have room to move your hands
Alauzhen@reddit
If you OC a lot, the only mini itx boards with a physical clear cmos button is on X870-I (Gigabyte & Asus), it's a literal nightmare to clear cmos on a board jumper in a sff build with zero wiggle room. If you don't tweak your ram at all and don't play VR tethered USB4.0, get a b650E for pci-e 5.0 x16 and pci-e 5.0 to one m.2 slot.
ideoidiom@reddit
B650i edge msi has one
Alauzhen@reddit
That's good to know! At least there's one more option.
deadnova@reddit
Is PCIE5 worth paying the premium for? Or by the time it matters the motherboard will be obsolete anyways?
lichtspieler@reddit
Not for the GPU, but the main benefit with AM5 / ZEN4/5 CPUs is their 28x PCIE 5.0 lanes of bandwith, so you can use 2x CPU_M.2 with no bifurcation and with X670E another 2x M.2 over the PCH with 4x PCIE 5.0 (shared bandwith with everything else) without touchting the 16x GPU lanes.
The X870(E) boards HAVE TO take away 4x PCIE 5.0 lanes of bandwith for the REQUIRED USB4 ports and its usually taken away from the CPU_M.2 and if you use 2+ M.2 its cutting into the GPU lanes with most boards.
So its not really about PCIE 5.0 lanes, its more about the bifurcation choices you get from it. Outside of X870(E) boards AMD and the board manufacturers made most boards to allow usable 16x GPU lanes with 2x CPU_M.2's available at the same time, so great for gaming.
X870 boards with their forced USB4 feature, have rather strange bifurcation and cut very quickly into the GPU lanes if you use more than just 2x M.2 and on some boards even just using 2x M,2 will half the GPU lanes, so it gets a bit stupid with the X870 boards when it comes to a "gaming system".
_windfish_@reddit
For me, it made sense to get an X870E board on Newegg that was $340 because it came with a free $100 kit of DDR5 6000. I was upgrading mobo and RAM at the same time so this was a win-win.
But otherwise, there's almost no good reason to pay the extra $100+ to jump from x670 to x870e, unless you need the specific features of the higher chipset (and if you did, you wouldn't need to ask this question.)
Here's the deal on Newegg, it's still active for now.
secretreddname@reddit
Isn’t CL36 really high for AMD?
SkySix@reddit
CL36 at 6400mhz is comparable to CL32 at 6000mhz just FYI. CL30 at 6000mhz is generally regarded as the "sweet spot" for AMD, but in reality the difference is tiny, especially on an X3D chip.
Aggressive_Ask89144@reddit
Yup, it's splitting hairs at that point tbh. I got the same board and it's absolutely beautiful while getting a pretty killer feature set.
I've never had a board...so heavy 💀. The 870E is absolutely massive heatsink wise. I've only used my old Z90 Primes before lmao
anomoyusXboxfan1@reddit
Cl30 is optimal.
raydialseeker@reddit
Te cheapest b650e/x670e/x870 board you can find
kyronami@reddit
no they arent worth it, and x670e is better if you are going to have a lot of nvme drives in it anyway
AnonymousM00S3@reddit
I went with a x670e for that exact reason with my 9800x3d. I went with a white ASUS x670e-a board though. I bought a white Gigabyte Aorus pro x870e in case the x670e didn’t live up to what I wanted but I’m sending it back.
Prohawins@reddit
Dumb question what did the E mean?
MetaruGiaSoriddo@reddit
EXTREEEEEEMEEE
Prohawins@reddit
So the E is better than the non E?
Acrobatic-Writer-816@reddit
No
Ben_leGentil@reddit
2.5G lan and USB4 ports (+ wifi 7 /6e) are worth it imo
_dharwin@reddit
Lazily reposting part of a comment I made before:
m4tic@reddit
Standard B650 does include PCIe 5.0 in some instances. e.g. I have a TUF B650-E (standard B650 non E chipset) with PCIE 5.0 primary M.2 slot,
PCIe 5.0 is optional all around, just becomes mandatory as per standards as chipset number go up.. which really muddies the comparisons.
Lokfar@reddit
For a white motherboard, you’ll want the Asrock B650M Pro RS or Asrock X870 Pro RS. Pick based on price, rear I/O ports you need, and preferred aesthetics.
Accomplished_Emu_658@reddit
If you need usb c the 870’s typically have more usb c on the lower end than 670 boards do. You really won’t have noticeable performance differences in motherboards unless you go from cheapest board to higher end boards that can overclock and maybe have better ram speed compatibility
MakimaGOAT@reddit
No, not really.
Plenty-Industries@reddit
No. Its just a basic refresh of X670. There's nothing particularly beneficial. Not even USB4 and you'd have to have a very specific use-case to justify even getting such a board for USB4.
KoldPurchase@reddit
If you already have a motherboard that support the 9800X3D and it suits your needs, keep it, this would be my recommendation.
If however you found yourself lacking in feature, than find one affordable board that has the features you need/want and good VRMs, so usually, a middle of the range motherboard. Not the cheapest one, not the most expensive one. This is a rule of thumb that has served me well in the past.
Comfortable-Mine3904@reddit
No tangible improvements Get one with the ports you need should be priority 1
GUNN4EVER@reddit
Yes, premium boards like the Asrock Nova will give you better features and stability. As for performance, a X870E/X670E paired with a 9800X3D will be a great overclock platform, providing better performance. Even the Auto overclock will boost your performance.
Doesnt mean the cheaper boards are complete garbo, just bare minimum of everything to make them viable with X3D chips, for most people on budget thats enough.
Here in canada a X670E is as expensive as a X870E, so its a no brainer for that more stable chipset and USB 4.0