Expert’s Rating
Pros
- DDR5, PCIe Gen 5 are right here
- Unique touches such because the M.2 latch for simpler entry
- Plenty of USB ports and connectivity
- Overkill VRM efficiency simply handles the 7950X
- 10GbE networking and Wi-Fi 6E
- AM5 Socket ought to final for years
Cons
- $699 MSRP ought to embody a number of additional options
- Missing USB 4, and just one ethernet port for energy customers
- Fewer visible touches than different “Xtreme” motherboards
- AM5 platform prices are greater in comparison with final technology general
Our Verdict
It’s to be anticipated that AM5 motherboards will value a premium, besides, we’d anticipate extra options from one thing that’s branded “Xtreme.” Also, for these trying to show their builds, the design of this motherboard leaves just a little to be desired—it lacks the flashy really feel you anticipate from high-end boards. Despite this, the Gigabyte Aorus Xtreme is a well-designed motherboard general, with an honest characteristic set that gives good worth for anybody trying to put money into DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5 {hardware}.
Price When Reviewed
$699
Best Prices Today: Gigabyte X679E Aorus Extreme
$699.99
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After what looks like a millennium, the venerable AM4 platform has lastly been changed by AM5, together with AMD’s powerful Ryzen 7000 CPUs. This new chipset brings with it a bevy of options, in addition to earth-shaking efficiency.
These powerhouse CPUs want a spot to name house, and in the present day that’s the Gigabyte X670E Aorus Xtreme motherboards. Yes, the E additionally stands for excessive, making this the “Extreme Xtreme.” We’ll talk about pricing, new options, efficiency, and issues to be careful for with this motherboard. Will it reside as much as its title? Let’s discover out!
Gigabyte X670E Aorus Xtreme: The specs
Thiago Trevisan
AM5 brings with it totally new motherboards that includes the brand new LGA 1718 socket. This time, the pins are on the motherboard itself and never on the CPU, a welcome change. The socket can now help as much as 230 watts, as effectively, although the mighty 7950X Ryzen 9 we examined with tops out at 170 watts at the moment. DDR5 and PCIe Gen 5 are additionally right here, with improved I/O and connectivity. AM4 CPUs is not going to work with the brand new AM5 socket, so that you’ll want a CPU improve this technology. The excellent news is that AM5 must be supported for years to come back, making these motherboards long-haul warriors!
Let’s check out a few of the specs of the Xtreme, after which we’ll talk about how they matter.
- E-ATX type issue
- Support for Ryzen 7000 CPUs solely
- 18+2+2 Digital VRM with 105 amps
- DDR5 RAM
- PCIe Gen 5
- Four PCIe Gen 5 M.2 slots, with up to date latch
- HDMI and DisplayPort out
- 12 USB ports on again: 4x USB 2.0, 6x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A, 1x USB Type C Gen 2 10Gb/s, and 1x Type C 20Gb/s USB 2×2
- Intel Wi-Fi 6E
- 10GbE LAN
- RGB fusion headers, animated show with brand
- 6 SATA 6Gb/s ports
- 10 PWM fan headers
- Q Flash Plus BIOS, plus Clear CMOS
- Audio: Sabre Reference ESS 9118 DAC with Front Essential USB DAC included
- AM5 backwards suitable with AM4 coolers
- MSRP $699
Gigabyte X670E Aorus Xtreme: Features
Let’s get this out of the best way: The Gigabyte Aorus X670E Xtreme is available in at a $699 MSRP. Paired with dearer Ryzen 7000 processors, and want for next-gen DDR5 reminiscence, that is an costly platform to get into till B650 motherboards come out. Keep in thoughts that is the “Xtreme”—the higher-end providing from Gigabyte—however most midrange motherboards have additionally gone up in pricing relative to their predecessors.
Budget out of the best way, this AM5 motherboard does provide some engaging options which will matter to you. First, you’re future-proofing with each DDR5 RAM and PCIe Gen 5 help. As a draw back, this provides to the expense. Performance at the moment has its limits compared to the cheaper DDR4, which isn’t accessible on AM5.
Where are you able to profit? While even new GeForce RTX 4000 Nvidia GPUs are PCIe Gen 4 solely, 28 lanes of PCIe Gen 5 does provide you with entry to quick M.2 SSD capabilities, as much as 4 on this motherboard. They even have a neat M.2 “latch” system that lets you safe modules with out the necessity for the micro screws we’re used to, stopping some complications there. Similarly, the GPU PCIe slot will also be launched with a button, making for an ideal quality-of-life improve.
There are an ideal selection and variety of USB ports, every little thing from USB 2.0 to super-fast 20Gb/s USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type C. Unfortunately, this motherboard doesn’t have USB 4, whereas a few of its worth opponents, such because the Asus X670E Hero, do. That’s a whopping 40Gb/s, much like Thunderbolt 4, which might have been good to see normal on an “Xtreme” motherboard.
Network connectivity is nice, with the anticipated Wi-Fi 6E accessible, together with 10GbE Lan. Gigabyte additionally consists of two Wi-Fi antennas, to enhance sign energy. Some customers might miss a second ethernet port, nevertheless, as some higher-end motherboards will embody 2.5GbE or at the very least one other 1GbE port as well as.
Audio connectivity is nice, with a high-end ESS Sabre Hi-Fi ES9118 DAC—plus you get a bundled USB DAC, too.
Another plus: High-end Ryzen 7000 CPUs include built-in “iGPUs” out of the field. This implies that if you’ll want to troubleshoot your system and not using a graphics card, you’ll have the ability to.
Gigabyte X670E Aorus Xtreme: Design
Thiago Trevisan
Worry not, the Xtreme doesn’t signify an excessively audacious design. If something, this Xtreme motherboard has a really subdued and understated design language.
Having owned varied Gigabyte Xtreme motherboards previously—together with different high-end choices from Asus, MSI, and others—it have to be famous that the X670E technology of the Gigabyte Aorus Xtreme is a contact tame by comparability. Compared to even its Z790 Intel cousin, the X670E model doesn’t have a lot occurring round its proper aspect. There is generally simply uncovered PCB right here, versus extra “shields” and “armor” such as you’ll discover on different similar-caliber motherboards.
The design of the packaging can also be extra akin to what you’d get within the Gigabyte Aorus “Master” of previous generations, with much less fanfare. This might have been to focus on a sure worth level inside ever-changing markets—and it have to be stated that $699 is a major $300 much less then the $999 Asus flagship Extreme motherboard for X670E.
Build high quality stays good, nevertheless. The included backplate is engaging and gives a very good little bit of heft general.
Thiago Trevisan
RGB can also be tastefully performed, with just some hints across the necessary areas. The shroud on the left additionally consists of easy and efficient RGB with the Aorus brand. You get RGB headers as effectively, to reinforce your system utilizing Gigabyte’s Fusion software program management.
Gigabyte X670E Aorus Xtreme: Performance and BIOS
Thiago Trevisan
The Xtreme model is obvious right here, with overkill VRMs and energy design.18+2+2 with 105A seems like rather a lot—and it’s, even for the beefy Ryzen 9 7950X. This CPU is designed to run usually as much as 95 C, which can scare some customers at first, however this motherboard handles it capably with out points.
DDR5 RAM supercharges your efficiency, however in fact that comes at a better value at the moment. AM5 solely helps DDR5, so you may’t save money by choosing DDR4, as is widespread on rival Intel programs.
PCIe Gen 5 can also be current and accounted for, however you’ll seemingly solely benefit from it for those who run many M.2 quick drives. GPUs such because the RTX 4000 are PCIe Gen 4, so that you’re greater than coated there.
The BIOS is simple to navigate, with an easy-to-follow format. I did expertise a problem updating the BIOS by the BIOS itself, nevertheless, the place the system would simply restart—however fortunately you should utilize the Q-Flash button on the again with a USB drive as an alternate technique to replace the BIOS. (It’s widespread for a brand new platform to have early teething points that finally get addressed.)
Should you purchase the Gigabyte X670E Aorus Xtreme?
The Gigabyte X670E Aorus Xtreme falls in an uncommon spot: It carries the extremely sought “Xtreme” model, with higher pricing at $699 than its opponents’ flagship motherboards this technology, nevertheless it’s not fairly as feature-rich or blinged out.
Compared to the upcoming Intel Z790 Aorus Xtreme, there’s a noticeable distinction visually, with the latter boasting a extra armor and RGB impacts (in addition to system readouts on the display screen). We don’t know pricing for that as but, nevertheless it’s sage to imagine it is going to be dearer than the X670E model.
The Gigabyte Aorus Xtreme compares extra intently to motherboards similar to Asus X670E ROG Hero, which is available in on the identical $699 price ticket. The $999 Asus ROG Extreme packs extra options, however at a significantly greater worth.
Overall, the Gigabyte X670E Aorus Xtreme is a strong, well-designed motherboard, with a very good set of options. For $699, we’d wish to see it have extra included options (similar to USB 4, which the $699 ROG Hero has) and just a little extra visible pizazz, similar to that discovered within the Z790 Aorus Xtreme. Most customers might be most likely be higher served by the cheaper Gigabyte Aorus X670E Master at $499, for those who don’t want all of the options on the Xtreme. Otherwise, you’ll need to pony up more cash for one of many higher-end choices in the marketplace.