Buying Guide
The Best X670E Motherboards
Six X670E boards compared on power stages, M.2 slots, USB4 and size, for builders buying the previous AM5 flagship chipset.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
X670E was AMD's first flagship AM5 chipset. It keeps PCIe 5.0 graphics and M.2 lanes but uses Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
We compared six X670E boards. This is a research-based comparison built from maker specifications and retailer listings; we did not test these parts ourselves.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Strongest Power
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming WiFi
An 18+2 layout with four heatsinked M.2 slots.
Best for: Ryzen 9 builds.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-A Gaming WiFi
The Strix X670E-A pairs a 16+2 layout and four heatsinked M.2 slots with a white finish.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix X670E-A Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Best Value X670E
MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi
The lowest X670E snapshot price here with a 14+2+1 layout.
Best for: Builders who want X670E lanes for less.
Our take Check price for MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Best for USB4
ASUS Prime X670E-PRO WiFi
The only board here that offers USB4.
Best for: USB4 drives and docks.
Our take Check price for ASUS Prime X670E-PRO WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Well-Rounded Choice
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-F Gaming WiFi
The Strix X670E-F shares the X670E-E's 18+2 layout and four heatsinked M.2 slots.
Best for: Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix X670E-F Gaming WiFi (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
MSI MEG X670E ACE
The MEG X670E ACE is MSI's flagship E-ATX board.
Best for: Buyers who want msi's flagship meg styling.
Our take Check price for MSI MEG X670E ACE (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Strongest Power1 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Strix X670E-E offers an 18+2 layout and four M.2 slots with heatsinks.
Best for
- Ryzen 9 builds.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It is the stronger-powered of the Strix X670E boards here. It shares 18+2 power stages with the Strix X670E-F; the X670E Gaming Plus goes with 14+2+1 power stages. It also offers a rear USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port and AI Cooling II fan tuning.
It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. Its price falls between the Strix X670E-A and the Strix X670E-F, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 18+2
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X670E
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 18+2 power stage layout
- Heatsinks on all four M.2 slots
- Rear USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the X670E Gaming Plus at the time of writing
Worth Considering2 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-A Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Strix X670E-A pairs a 16+2 layout and four heatsinked M.2 slots with a white finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It costs less than the X670E-E for a similar feature set. You get 16+2 power stages here, which sets it apart from the X670E Gaming Plus and its 14+2+1 power stages. It also comes with AI Cooling II fan tuning.
It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper Prime X670E-PRO and the pricier Strix X670E-E, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its wired network speed; if that figure matters, the Strix X670E-E offers 2.5Gbps.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 16+2
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X670E
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 16+2 power stage layout
- Heatsinks on all four M.2 slots
- White and silver finish
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- No published wired network speed
- Costs more than the X670E Gaming Plus at the time of writing
Best Value X670E3 of 6
MSI X670E Gaming Plus WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The X670E Gaming Plus WiFi is the lowest-priced X670E board here by a wide margin, with a 14+2+1 layout, Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gbps LAN.
Best for
- Builders who want X670E lanes for less.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi is a problem.
Why we like it
It trades extras for the X670E chipset's PCIe 5.0 lanes. 14+2+1 power stages is unique to it among these picks, while the Strix X670E-E uses 18+2 power stages. It also offers Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E.
It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Prime X670E-PRO was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed M.2 slot count should compare it with the Strix X670E-E, which offers 4.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 14+2+1
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X670E
Pros
- 14+2+1 power stage layout
- PCIe 5.0 support from the X670E chipset
- Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E
- The lowest X670E snapshot price here with a 14+2+1 layout
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- No published M.2 slot count
Best for USB44 of 6
ASUS Prime X670E-PRO WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Prime X670E-PRO is the only X670E board here that offers USB4, alongside four M.2 slots.
Best for
- USB4 drives and docks.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
Its plain silver look suits a quiet build. You also get a rear USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port and an understated silver finish. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.
Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. When we checked, only the X670E Gaming Plus cost less, and the Strix X670E-A cost more. Wired network speed is its weakest area, and the Strix X670E-E covers it better at 2.5Gbps.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wired LAN: 2.5Gbps
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- USB4: Yes
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X670E
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- USB4 ports on the rear panel
- Rear USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port
- Understated silver finish
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- Costs more than the X670E Gaming Plus at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice5 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix X670E-F Gaming WiFi on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Strix X670E-F shares the X670E-E's 18+2 layout and four heatsinked M.2 slots.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4 m.2 slots for ssd expansion.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It is the black-finish alternative at the same price. Like the Strix X670E-E, it has 18+2 power stages, while the Strix X670E-A uses 16+2 power stages. It also comes with AI Cooling II fan tuning.
It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback. Check the manual for which M.2 slots share lanes with SATA ports or the second PCIe slot before filling them all. It gives ground on M.2 slot count, where the Strix X670E-E offers 4.
Key dimensions & specs
- M.2 slots: 4
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Power stages: 18+2
- Form factor: ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X670E
Pros
- 4 M.2 slots for SSD expansion
- 18+2 power stage layout
- Heatsinks on all four M.2 slots
- AI Cooling II fan tuning
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- No published wired network speed
- Costs more than the X670E Gaming Plus at the time of writing
Solid Alternative6 of 6
MSI MEG X670E ACE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MEG X670E ACE is MSI's flagship E-ATX board.
Best for
- Buyers who want msi's flagship meg styling.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7.
Why we like it
It needs a case that lists E-ATX support. It also comes with Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E and PCIe 5.0 lanes from the X670E chipset. It uses AMD's AM5 socket, so it takes Ryzen 7000, 8000 and 9000 chips; a board built before a CPU's launch may need a BIOS update first, so check whether it supports BIOS Flashback.
Confirm your case offers E-ATX support; many mid-towers stop at ATX. Only the Strix X670E-F came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks. There is no published M.2 slot count figure, whereas the Strix X670E-E offers 4.
Key dimensions & specs
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E
- Form factor: E-ATX
- Socket: AM5
- Chipset: X670E
Pros
- MSI's flagship MEG styling
- Bluetooth 5.3 alongside Wi-Fi 6E
- PCIe 5.0 lanes from the X670E chipset
Cons
- Wi-Fi 6E rather than Wi-Fi 7
- E-ATX size needs a case that lists E-ATX support
- No published M.2 slot count
How We Chose These X670E Motherboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Power delivery
- We noted power stage layouts where the maker lists them.
- Storage
- We counted listed M.2 slots and PCIe 5.0 support.
- Platform
- We checked socket, chipset and form factor from each listing.
- Connectivity
- We compared Wi-Fi, wired LAN speed and USB4.
What to Look for in an X670E Motherboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Match the chipset to your plans
On AM5, B850 covers most gaming builds with PCIe 5.0 for at least one slot. X870E adds more PCIe 5.0 lanes and USB4 for heavy expansion.
Features, not frame rates, separate the chipsets.
Power delivery for high-end CPUs
Boards with more and stronger power stages run hot 16-core chips more comfortably. For eight-core gaming CPUs, most current boards are enough.
Networking matters for daily use
Wi-Fi 7 and 5Gbps Ethernet help only if your router supports them, but built-in Wi-Fi saves a PCIe card.
Count M.2 slots
Most games now install to NVMe drives. Count how many M.2 slots you need now and later, and check which ones share lanes with other ports.
Check BIOS support and Flashback
A board may need a BIOS update before it runs a newer CPU. BIOS Flashback lets you update without a working CPU installed.
Check the rear and front I/O
Count USB ports you use every day and confirm a front USB-C header if your case has a USB-C port.
How to Choose an X670E Motherboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 9 builds | Strix X670E-E | An 18+2 layout with four heatsinked M.2 slots |
| Builders who want X670E lanes for less | X670E Gaming Plus | The lowest X670E snapshot price here with a 14+2+1 layout |
| USB4 drives and docks | Prime X670E-PRO | The only board here that offers USB4 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Board | M.2 slots | Wired LAN | Wi-Fi | Power stages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strix X670E-E | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 18+2 |
| Strix X670E-A | 4 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 6E | 16+2 |
| X670E Gaming Plus | Not listed | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | 14+2+1 |
| Prime X670E-PRO | 4 | 2.5Gbps | Wi-Fi 6E | Not listed |
| Strix X670E-F | 4 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 6E | 18+2 |
| X670E ACE | Not listed | Not listed | Wi-Fi 6E | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Boards |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | X670E Gaming Plus |
| About $250 to $500 | Prime X670E-PRO, Strix X670E-A, Strix X670E-E, Strix X670E-F, X670E ACE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need PCIe 5.0?
Current graphics cards barely benefit. PCIe 5.0 matters more for the fastest SSDs.
Will a new board work with my CPU out of the box?
Usually, but check the board's CPU support list. If your chip needs a newer BIOS, BIOS Flashback updates it from a USB drive.
Do I need X870E for gaming?
No. A B850 board runs the same CPUs at the same speed; X870E adds more PCIe 5.0 lanes, USB4 and expansion.
What size motherboard should I buy?
ATX fits most mid-towers and has the most slots. Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX suit smaller cases with fewer expansion needs.
Is built-in Wi-Fi worth it?
Yes if you cannot run a cable. Otherwise wired Ethernet is more consistent.
Should I fill all four memory slots?
Two sticks usually run faster and more reliably on DDR5. Buy a two-stick kit with the capacity you need.
Bottom Line
The Strix X670E-E has the strongest power delivery here, while the X670E Gaming Plus costs far less. At current prices, compare against X870E boards before buying.