AM5 Socket Chipsets and Motherboards: A Complete Guide

The AM5 socket represents an entirely new change for AMD's CPU architecture and debuted with the Ryzen 7000 series, with the Ryzen 8000 series to come in 2025. These new platforms represent the most significant changes in the past several years, including support for DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and increased thermal and power capabilities. Designed for enthusiasts, gamers, content creators, and system builders, AM5 platform offers plenty of future-compatible performance options from AMD for years to come.

What is the AM5 Socket?

AMD's latest CPU socket for standard desktop processors is called AM5 or LGA 1718! Transitioning from the AM4 socket (used PGA or Pin Grid Array design) to the Land Grid Array (LGA) format is a significant architectural change. In an LGA socket, the pins are located on the motherboard instead of the CPU, lowering the chance of damage while installing and allowing for improved power and signal delivery.

Key Specifications:

• Socket Type: LGA 1718 (1718 contact pins)
• Introduced With: Ryzen 7000 series (Zen 4)
• Supports: Ryzen 7000, 8000, and future Zen 5 CPUs
• Memory Type: DDR5 only
• PCIe Support: PCIe 5.0 (GPU and NVMe SSDs depending on chipset)
• TDP Support: Up to 230W
• Expected Longevity: Through at least 2027

By doing this, AMD is poised to go head-to-head with Intel's LGA 1700 and to-be-announced LGA 1851 socket effectively and keeps the same level of features and future capability as Intel.

AM5 Chipset Families Explained

AMD's 600-series chipsets enable advanced features of the AM5 platform depending on varying market needs, including enthusiast, performance, mainstream, and entry. The 600 series consist of X670E, X670, B650E, B650, and A620.

X670E (Extreme)

• Target Audience: Enthusiasts and overclockers
• PCIe 5.0 Support: GPU and NVMe SSDs
• USB Support: USB4, USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
• Overclocking: Full support (CPU and memory)
• VRM Quality: High-end, usually 18+ phases
• Multi-GPU: Yes (SLI/CrossFire)

X670

• Target Audience: High-end users, gamers
• PCIe 5.0 Support: NVMe SSDs; GPU optional
• USB Support: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
• Overclocking: Yes
• Expansion: Multiple PCIe and M.2 slots

B650E

• Target Audience: Performance-focused builders
• PCIe 5.0 Support: GPU and SSDs
• USB Support: USB 3.2 Gen 2
• Overclocking: Yes
• Ideal For: Gamers who want latest tech at a lower price

B650

• Target Audience: Mainstream users
• PCIe 5.0 Support: SSD only
• GPU Slot: PCIe 4.0
• Overclocking: Yes
• Networking: Typically, 2.5GbE and/or Wi-Fi 6

A620

• Target Audience: Budget builds, office PCs
• PCIe Support: PCIe 4.0 only
• Overclocking: Not supported
• Best For: Affordable Ryzen 7000/8000 systems

Best AM5 Motherboards in 2025 (With Specs and Review-Based Insight)

Below are some of the best motherboards compatible with AM5 socket in 2025, categorized by use-case and budget.

1. ASUS ROG Crosshair X670E Hero

• Chipset: X670E
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory Support: DDR5 up to 8000+ MHz (OC)
• Expansion: PCIe 5.0 x16 (GPU), Dual PCIe 5.0 x4 (M.2)
• VRM: 18+2 phase, robust cooling
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN, Bluetooth 5.2
• USB: Dual USB4, multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
• Price: High ($700 to $1000)

Pros: Premium features, robust overclocking, great aesthetics
Cons: Very expensive, may be overkill for average users

2. MSI MPG B650 Carbon WiFi

• Chipset: B650
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory Support: DDR5 up to 6600 MHz
• Expansion: PCIe 5.0 (M.2), PCIe 4.0 (GPU)
• VRM: 14+2 phase
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN
• USB: USB-C 20Gbps
• Price: Mid-range ($329.99 to $390.89)

Pros: Great price-to-performance ratio, PCIe 5.0 SSD support
Cons: No PCIe 5.0 GPU slot

3. Gigabyte B650 AORUS Elite AX

• Chipset: B650
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory Support: DDR5 up to 6400 MHz
• Expansion: PCIe 5.0 (SSD), PCIe 4.0 (GPU)
• VRM: 12+2 phase
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, 2.5Gb LAN
• USB: USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C
• Price: Affordable ($187.71 to $242.00)

Pros: Affordable with future-ready features
Cons: Limited USB ports compared to higher-end boards

4. ASRock X670E Taichi

• Chipset: X670E
• Form Factor: ATX
• Memory Support: DDR5 up to 7200+ MHz
• Expansion: Dual PCIe 5.0 x16, PCIe 5.0 M.2
• VRM: 24 phases
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN
• USB: USB4, 3.2 Gen2x2
• Price: Premium ($499)

Pros: Superb power delivery, premium looks, strong overclocking
Cons: Large form factor, expensive

5. ASUS Prime A620M-A II-CSM

• Chipset: A620
• Form Factor: Micro-ATX
• Memory Support: DDR5 up to 6400 MHz
• Expansion: PCIe 4.0 (GPU and SSD)
• VRM: 6 phase
• Connectivity: Gigabit LAN
• USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0
• Price: Budget ($128.99 to $159.99)

Pros: Cheapest entry into AM5 platform
Cons: No overclocking, limited features

AM5 vs AM4: Major Differences

Should You Upgrade to AM5 in 2025?

Upgrade if:

• You need cutting edge DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 performance. 
• You are building a new gaming or creator PC.
• You want potential future upgrades with Ryzen 9000 or later.

Hold off if:

• You already have an AM4 build with Ryzen 5000, high-end.
• You have a limited budget, and RAM prices are too high for DDR5.
• You do not need PCIe 5.0 for GPU or storage

Conclusion

The AM5 platform is AMD's most advanced and future-proof socket yet. With support for DDR5, PCIe 5.0, high-power TDP CPUs, and ample connectivity, it is built for high-end gaming and creative workloads with an eye toward the future. Whether you are looking to plunk down thousands of dollars for an X670E board or are considering an A620 build on a budget, AM5

motherboards offer something for every type of user. As product pricing settles and compatibility matures over the next couple of years, 2025 surely is the time we can push long-dormant components into this generation.

Expect future updates from this platform given the launch of the Ryzen 9000 series later this year, continue to unlock the full potential of the AM5 platform.