I'm planning to upgrade from an AM4 setup to AM5 and I'm getting the 9800X3D CPU. I already own a 9070XT graphics card, so I definitely need a motherboard that supports PCIe 5.0. I want to overclock the 9800X3D, but I'm also mindful of my budget, aiming for around $300 CAD before taxes. Should I opt for an X670E or X870 chipset? I'm looking at options like the Gigabyte X870 Eagle or Gaming X, and considering the X670E Tomahawk as well. I'm a bit skeptical about Gigabyte due to their BIOS interface. Any suggestions?
5 Answers
I’d suggest going for the MSI B850 Tomahawk. It has all the features you’d likely need without the extra ones from the X670E or X870 boards. Plus, it should save you some cash!
I'd be careful about overclocking that CPU just yet. Make sure to get RAM that's already set to the correct speeds to avoid BIOS setup hassle. I heard of an ASRock board that had trouble running a 7800X3D after an upgrade, so just stay cautious with compatibility.
Many B850 boards still support PCIe 5.0, so you don’t necessarily need to stick with the X series. It could be a cost-effective choice for your upgrade.
If you're leaning towards the X series, check out the Gigabyte X870 Gaming X WIFI7. The newer chipset offers PCIe Gen 5 and USB 4.0 support. It also has robust VRM for overclocking the 9800X3D.
The Gaming X typically has better thermal management and power delivery, which can help with stability when overclocking.
Honestly, just pick a B series board that matches your style and go with it. You really don’t need the extra features from the X series, and many folks waste money there without seeing any real performance benefits.
What makes the Gaming X better than the Eagle? They look pretty similar, and I think the Eagle is about $20 cheaper. Is it really worth the extra cash?