When AMD launched the Zen architecture many years ago, no one could have imagined how iconic the AM4 platform that accompanied it would become. This socket has supported 5 serial CPU architectures, 4 process nodes, and over 125 processor SKUs during its lifetime. But today we say goodbye to him! It's time to welcome AMD's newest addition to the Zen lineup, the Ryzen 7000 "Raphael" processors (available September 27, 2022) along with a brand new socket and platform. Hello AM5!
Content:
- New socket chipsets
- AM5 vs. AM4: what has changed and what remains
- Advantages of AM5 using X570S vs. X670E as an example
- What you need to upgrade to AM5
- Where to buy a computer with AM5
The new socket boasts technologies and features to achieve a higher level of performance. Moreover, AMD also promises support for this platform until at least 2025. That is, the manufacturer guarantees the durability of its products.
"As with AM4, we are committed to supporting the AM5 platform with new next generation technologies and architectures until at least 2025." - David McAfee (Desktop Division)
The Ryzen 7000 series CPUs will be the first desktop processors to use TSMC's advanced 5nm FinFET process. These new processors are packed with next-generation features such as PCIe5.0, DDR5 support and more, making them ideal for those looking to the future. We reviewed all the announced chipsets based on the AM5 platform, compared them with AMD's latest generation rivals.
For those who are not very versed in this topic, let's say that in simple terms, the chipset is the part of the motherboard that controls the flow of data between the processor and other devices. It is this device that determines which feature set the motherboard can use and/or support.
Chipsets such as the X570, B550, B450 and so on are pretty well known among PC builders over the past few years. The AM5 platform now brings next-generation chipsets to motherboards with the features you need to harness the full power of AMD Ryzen 7000 processors!
New socket chipsets
list of chipsets includes the following models:
- X670E;
- X670;
- B650E;
The launch of the AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors will bring a completely new AM5 platform that will allow the use of new technologies and protocols has been known for a long time. There is DDR5 memory and a PCIe 5.0 connection at the fifth level. However, upcoming chipsets designed by AMD to work with the new processors will be available in several flavors.
So we will see the regular versions of X670 and B650 that support either PCIe 5.0 GPU or PCIe 5.0 M.2 NVIMe SSD. Today we have confirmation that not only the big X670 chipset has an "E" or "Extreme" version, but also its smaller brother, the B650. With the X670E and B650E, users get PCIe 5.0 connectivity for their GPU and M.2 NVIMe SSD.
AM5 vs AM4: what has changed and what remains
The AMD Ryzen 7000 series comes with a new socket design that makes AM4 and AM5 incompatible with each other. That is, AM4 processors do not fit AM5 sockets, and AM5 processors do not fit AM4 sockets. If you are familiar with Ryzen processors on the AM4 platform, you will notice that there are (PGA) pins in the processor package or chip. Ryzen processors on the AM5 platform will now have pins on the motherboard socket (LGA). One of the main reasons for this change is the move to higher performance.
DDR5 support across the board
Introducing next-generation memory technology opens up new levels of performance for many memory-intensive workloads. With Ryzen 7000 official support, you'll have access to the latest DDR5 memory ecosystem. What's more, you'll get next-gen DDR5 support on all AM5 motherboards for Ryzen 7000 processors.
CPU cooler support: backward compatible with AM4 CPU coolers
Despite the fact that AMD switched to LGA from PGA, the manufacturer managed to keep the physical size of the processor approximately the same as previous Ryzen models. In addition to this, it retained the AM4 fixing module for wider support for older CPU coolers. One of the key benefits of this approach is that it remains compatible with the vast ecosystem of AM4 CPU cooling solutions on the market.
Of course, compatibility may vary from one motherboard to another and from one case to another, depending on parameters such as height clearances and heatsink dimensions. But in terms of installation, the AM5 platform has the same mounting mechanism and dimensions as the AM4.
However, AMD guarantees compatibility with its AMD Wraith coolers to ease the transition process to the AM5 platform. What's more, the beloved line of AM4 compatible Liquid AIO coolers will also work with the brand new AM5 motherboards!
While the X570 motherboards have dominated the AM4 era for several years, the X670E motherboards are doing the same for the AM5. Although both X670E and X670 have PCIe 5.0 connectivity and support for DDR5 memory, X670E motherboards use the new PCIe 5.0 standard for both M.2 and PCIe slots. On the other hand, X670 motherboards only support PCIe 5.0 in one of two options - either in the PCIe slot or in M.2.
Memory, however, is another matter. All AM5 chipsets announced earlier this year support DDR5. This means that X670E, X670 and B650 can use this type of memory without restrictions.
PCIe 5.0 and DDR5
The X570 chipset ushered in the era of PCIe 4.0, enabling enthusiasts and professionals to use lightning fast PCIe 4.0 storage devices and graphics cards. Now the X670 series chipset continues this trend with PCIe 5.0 and DDR5.
Stronger strength design: ready to take on anything
X570S motherboards already featured a robust power design that allowed them to work seamlessly with top-tier Ryzen CPUs. They can have up to 16 + 2 phases with 90A power stages.
However, motherboard manufacturers are taking things to the next level with the X670E. Now they will have up to 24+2+1 phases with 105A Smart Power Stage! You can be sure that your new AMD Ryzen 7000 processor is running at full speed and nothing is stopping it.
PCB materials and build quality: server grade PCBs with up to 10 layers
While X570S motherboards boast a premium design with up to 6 layers, X670E has gone to great lengths to provide reliable PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 connectivity. Now we can see up to 10 layers on the X670E motherboard PCB.
Improved Thermal Design: Maximum Heat Dissipation
X570S motherboards have an excellent heat dissipation system due to their excellent design. However, with the high speeds of PCIe 5.0 and DDR5, the manufacturer had to get even more creative.
Several top-of-the-line X670E motherboards feature a VRM heatsink. The all-aluminum cooling system + heatpipe from the top X570S boards gives way to a more efficient wavy heatsink and a new heatpipe. The wavy structure of this layered fin increases the surface area and provides a significant improvement in heat dissipation. At the same time, the cross heat pipe allows for a more efficient removal of heat from the working (thermal) centers.
Next generation USB connectivity: power delivery and display port are here
Although the X570S motherboards had USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports, they were just ultra-fast connectors. This option did not take into account the desires of experienced users who wanted more.
X670E motherboards are taking things to the next level with boards that feature Type-C front USB ports. The latter support power supply up to 60 watts. The rear connectors can handle Display Port 1.4 HBR3 (High Bit Rate 3) signal. Now you can charge multiple devices using the USB-C port on the front panel, and use a single connection with output up to 8K 60Hz via the USB-C port on the rear panel!
What you need to switch to AM5
In this section, we will talk about what you need to migrate to a new socket if you have a computer with a previous generation. Before we start, let's say that AMD has a serious competitor. Intel looks set to release 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors in the coming months.
New motherboard
As mentioned above, AMD is releasing 4 chipsets on the new socket: X670 and B650, as well as variants of each of them with the "Extreme" prefix. The first is scheduled for release at the end of September 2022 along with Ryzen 7000 processors, and the B650 boards in October. As with previous generations, both the X670 and B650 are unlocked for overclocking and support all CPU features.
The "Extreme" options are only associated with PCIe 5.0. What does this mean? For X670 Extreme, the M.2 Solid State Drive (SSD) slot and graphics slot must be PCIe 5.0, while only the M.2 slot is suitable for X670 baseboards. It looks like the same is true for the B650.
DDR5 Memory
In addition to the new socket, Ryzen 7000 brings DDR5 memory to the AMD desktop platform. Unlike 12th gen Intel processors, users don't have the option to use DDR4 with Ryzen 7000. You need DDR5 memory, which AMD says should become more affordable with the launch of Ryzen 7000.
However, don't just pick up any DDR5 kit. AMD says there will be 15 kits available at launch with the company's new EXPO branding. In fact, this is a RAM overclocking profile similar to the Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP). AMD claims that EXPO kits can provide up to 11% performance boost in games over stock speeds.
You can keep the old CPU cooler
You need a new motherboard and RAM for your Ryzen 7000. Also, you probably won't need a new CPU cooler. AMD states that the vast majority of AM4 coolers are compatible with AM5. Some experts expect there to be coolers that come with a proprietary backplate (should improve cooling). However, most air and liquid coolers available today will do.
If your cooler does turn out to be incompatible, there's a good chance the manufacturer will release a kit that will allow you to use your AM4 cooling system. Both AM4 and AM5 have the same socket sizes, so the transition should be painless for most CPU coolers available today.
Where to buy a computer with AM5
As soon as boards with this socket appear on the market, Artline store specialists will immediately assemble them. You can leave a request on the site, and we will contact you when new workstations go on sale. Our customers are always satisfied with Artline products.
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