If you’re considering upgrading to an AMD Ryzen 9000 series processor in July, your motherboard options could be more limited than you expect. Strangely, it appears that X870E and X870 chipsets will be conspicuously absent from the launch of Zen 5.
If true, this wouldn’t leave AMD’s best CPUs without a socket to call home. As a reminder, Ryzen 9000 chips will be compatible with existing AM5 motherboards, pending a BIOS update. Still, this leaves those wanting the advantages of X870 and X870E with no other option but to wait patiently.
This claim comes from conversations between hardwareLUXX (via Videocardz) and motherboard manufacturers at Computex. It’s unclear why AMD is adopting this strategy but it could help board partners shift existing stock. Furthermore, it’s clear that some companies still have new 600 series boards in the works, like B650E Aorus Stealth Ice.
Admittedly, the upgrades offered by X870E and X870 primarily appeal to enthusiasts. After all, PCIe 5.0 SSDs remain expensive and we’re yet to see graphics cards using a Gen 5 interface. Meanwhile, there are USB 4.0 devices on the market. Higher AMD EXPO memory clock support is tempting but we’re yet to see kits materialise or measure their performance impact.
At least for now, then, it seems the best value move is to stick with existing 600 series motherboards. This wisdom applies to existing owners of AM5 boards as well as those upgrading to the platform. AMD has renewed its commitment to supporting the socket through 2027 onwards, meaning you could simply upgrade in five years time and maximise the return on your initial investment. Meanwhile, new adopters should save some cash through price reductions on existing stock following the arrival of X870E and X870.
All that said, it’s possible that AMD is holding back X870E and X870 motherboards for the launch of other Ryzen 9000 series CPUs. The company is yet to reveal its plans for X3D and non-X SKUs, but their arrival is a question of when rather than if. As a Ryzen 7 7800X3D user, I’m waiting to see what 9000X3D chips Team Red has up its sleeves. Should I be tempted to upgrade, I’ll likely continue to use my X870E motherboard too.
For more Computex news and scoops, check out our look at AMD Ryzen AI 300 series mobile processors. We’ve also seen G.Skill RAM running at 10,600MT/s, which could make for an ideal pairing with Ryzen 9000 series CPUs.