AMD X670

AMD X670. It is a high-performance chipset designed by Advanced Micro Devices for its Zen 4-based Ryzen desktop processors, codenamed Raphael. The platform, launched in September 2022, introduced support for the new Socket AM5 and represented a major architectural shift for AMD's mainstream desktop lineup. It is positioned as the flagship chipset for enthusiasts, offering extensive connectivity and overclocking capabilities for the new generation of CPUs.

Overview

The introduction of this platform marked the end of the long-running Socket AM4 era, transitioning to a new Land Grid Array socket and bringing support for DDR5 memory and PCI Express 5.0. Developed in partnership with ASMedia, the design utilizes a dual-chipset configuration to maximize feature availability. Its launch was a central part of AMD's strategy to compete with Intel's contemporaneous Alder Lake and Raptor Lake platforms. The platform is often paired with high-end motherboards from partners like ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and ASRock.

Features

Key advancements include native support for PCIe 5.0 for both graphics slots and NVMe storage devices, a first for an AMD consumer platform. It provides extensive connectivity with up to twelve USB 10 Gbps ports and two USB 20 Gbps ports. The chipset fully supports AMD EXPO technology for optimized DDR5 memory overclocking profiles. For networking, it integrates support for Wi-Fi 6E and the latest 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet controllers. Storage options are expanded with support for SATA and numerous PCIe lanes for M.2 drives.

Chipset design

Unlike its predecessor, this architecture employs a unique dual-chiplet design, where two identical Promontory 21 chipsets are linked via a PCIe 4.0 x4 connection. This design effectively doubles the available downstream PCIe lanes and USB connectivity compared to a single-chip solution. The primary chipset communicates with the CPU via a PCIe 4.0 x4 link, acting as a hub. This innovative approach was developed in collaboration with ASMedia and fabricated by TSMC using a mature process node. The design allows motherboard manufacturers greater flexibility in configuring M.2 slots and peripheral ports.

Supported processors

The platform is exclusively compatible with Ryzen 7000 Series desktop processors built on the Zen 4 microarchitecture. This includes models like the Ryzen 9 7950X, Ryzen 7 7700X, and Ryzen 5 7600X. All compatible CPUs feature integrated RDNA 2-based graphics, a first for mainstream Ryzen desktop parts. Processor support is managed through the unified Socket AM5, which guarantees support through at least 2025. The platform also fully supports technologies like Precision Boost Overdrive and AMD Curve Optimizer for performance tuning.

Motherboards

Motherboard vendors released a wide range of models, from premium offerings like the ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero to more mainstream ATX and microATX designs. These boards typically feature robust VRM designs, multiple M.2 slots with heatsinks, and premium audio codecs from Realtek. High-end models often include Thunderbolt 4 support via add-in controllers and reinforced PCIe slots. The BIOS interface, typically AMI UEFI, provides extensive control for memory timings and CPU overclocking settings.

Comparison with other chipsets

Within the Socket AM5 ecosystem, it sits above the mainstream AMD B650 and entry-level AMD A620 chipsets, offering more USB and PCIe connectivity. Its primary sibling, the AMD X670E, mandates PCIe 5.0 for both graphics and storage slots, whereas this platform allows motherboard makers to implement PCIe 4.0 for graphics. Compared to the previous flagship AMD X570, it adds DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support but removes native support for PCIe 4.0 from the chipset itself. Against competitors, it contrasts with Intel's Z790 chipset, which offers more native SATA ports but fewer modern USB connections. Category:AMD chipsets Category:Computer hardware