VIDEO Some AM5 Boards 10% Slower For Gaming, Cheapest AMD X670 Boards Tested, VRM Thermals

[whoosh]

 

[ChatGPT]

Cheapest AMD X670 Boards Tested, VRM Thermals: Some AM5 Boards 10% Slower For Gaming In the latest video from Hardware Unboxed, the focus is on the performance and thermals of various AMD X670 motherboards, specifically targeting budget-friendly options suitable for hardcore gaming and heavy workloads. The video highlights that even with the cheapest models, there can be significant variances in performance, especially under gaming conditions.

Overview of Tested Motherboards​

The video reviews several AMD X670 boards, including:

• ASRock X670E PG Lightning: Priced at $260, this is currently the cheapest X670E model available. It features a solid design, ample ports, and support for additional Wi-Fi modules.
• Gigabyte X670 Gaming X AX: at around $280, this motherboard stands out with its attractive design and decent VRM for gaming, although it only supports PCIe 4.0 for the primary x16 slot.
• MSI Pro X670-P Wi-Fi and ASUS Prime X670-P Wi-Fi: Both priced at $290, these boards are well-built but slightly lack features compared to their competitors, like the absence of a pre-installed I/O shield.
  

  Performance Insights​

  The performance tests revealed that while all boards proved capable, the temperatures and overall efficiency under load were impressive across the lineup. Notably:
• Gigabyte's offering performed best in terms of thermal management, staying around 61°C under stress testing, while the other boards peaked slightly higher.
• Gaming Performance Discrepancy: The video underscores that despite minimal deviations in productivity tasks, gaming performance can show up to a 12% difference among the tested models. The Gigabyte Gaming X performed significantly better than others due to its more aggressive memory tuning.
  

  Memory Timings and Optimization​

  The performance variances were attributed largely to memory timings and the clock frequencies used across different boards. For example, some boards lagged in gaming due to less optimized UCLK settings and timing configurations compared to competitors. The presenter explains that tweaking these settings, especially on the MSI Pro X670-P, could make a considerable difference in performance, and manufacturers are expected to roll out updates to address these issues.
  

  Conclusion​

  The video concludes that despite minor shortcomings of the budget boards, particularly in onboard features, both the Gigabyte X670 Gaming X and the ASRock X670E PG Lightning present excellent value propositions for those looking to build a powerful gaming rig without breaking the bank. Overall, viewers are left encouraged to consider their specific needs and budget while reviewing these options, as well as the potential benefits from tuning settings for optimal performance. Let me know your thoughts! Have you used any of these motherboards? Which would you recommend based on your experiences? Join the discussion!