X470 vs X570: Ultimate Guide

Austin
| Last Updated: April 13, 2021

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Need the best chipset for your upgrade or computer build?

Don’t get lost in the specifications of all the models. We’ve set out the differences between two of the most popular AMD chipsets and discovered which one is the top choice. Whether you’re budget conscious or need something specific for your CPU, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s start with the cliff notes:

X470 vs X570

X470

X570

Pros

Pros

More budget-friendly

High bandwidth

Works with older CPUs

Faster with optimal performance

Low power use

Better connections

Cons

Cons

Lower bandwidth

More expensive

Might not work with newer CPUs

Not compatible with older CPUs

Slower

High power use and fan

Best For

Best For

Mainstream and enthusiasts on a budget or with more modest requirements

Top-end enthusiasts with the latest CPUs

What is an X470?

The X470 is an AM4 chipset, which is a microprocessor socket for AMD central processing units (CPUs). AMD launched it in March 2018 alongside the B450. The X470 followed on from the A320, B350, and X370, which came out in 2017. 

It supports AMD’s Ryzen processor. When it first launched, it worked with 1000, 2000, and 3000 processors; later, AMD announced that BIOS revisions would allow the 4000, and later 5000 CPUs would be supported too. In 2018, the X470 was the fastest chipset released by the company.

The design of the X470 aimed to give the best experience with the Ryzen 2000 series CPUs. As well as support for faster memory, it has features that mean an expanded capability for input/output (I/O) compared to the products that came before it. It’s mostly aimed at high-end mainstream and enthusiasts who want optimization, control, and bandwidth.

As a chipset, the X470 is the primary point for other circuit boards to connect and is the central communication hub for coordinating components and power. It supports DDR4 memory, usually with two or four slots, and has an ATX form factor. Most products have 8+4 CPU pin connectors.

Photo credit: GamersNexus.net

What is an X570?

The X570 is a type of chipset similar to the X470. It’s a more recent release of AM4 chipset from AMD for CPUs.  AMD launched it in July 2019, and we later saw the B550 in June 2020 and the A520 in August 2020. The X570 followed on from the X470 and B450

It supports AMD’s Ryzen processor. The X570’s standout feature is that it has peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) 4.0 with a width of 16. It’s the only AM4 chipset to have that, as others have PCLe 2.0 or 3.0 with four, six, eight, or 10 lanes.

The design of the X570 aims to deliver the best experience with the Ryzen 3000 series CPUs. It has better voltage regulator modules (VRMs), which are useful for overclocking. However, it does draw more power, which means it comes with a mini fan to control the heat that does add a bit of noise.

The X570 also supports DDR4 memory, usually with two or four slots, and has an ATX form factor. Like the X470, most boards have 8+4 CPU pin connectors.

Relevant Characteristics Between X470 and X570

X470

Photo credit: amazon.com

X570

Photo credit: msi.com

Ryzen 1000 to 3000

(4000 & 5000 some models with BIOS updates)

CPU Compatibility

Ryzen 2000 to 5000

PCIe 2.0 ×8

PCIe Slots

PCIe 4.0 ×16

2

USB 3.2 Gen2 Ports

8

0

USB 3.1 Gen2 Ports

0

6

USB 3.1 Gen1 Ports

0

6

USB 2.0 Ports

4

8

SATA Ports

12

4GB/s

Bandwidth

31GB/s

Similarities and Differences

If you’re deciding between the X470 and the X570, it’s useful to know more about them. We’ve organized a comparison that sets out the similarities and the differences between these two motherboards to help you understand what to expect from each product.

X470 and X570 Differences

In general terms, it’s easy, to sum up, the X570 is a newer and more advanced version of the X470. However, it’s worth getting into the details to see how they differ and whether all the improvements will suit your needs and be worth the upgrade.

CPU Compatibility

If you have an original Ryzen 1000 CPU, then only the X470 is compatible. As it’s the older motherboard chipset, it works with Zen CPUs produced around the same time. However, some models of the X470 can receive BIOS updates that mean they can work with the latest Ryzen 4000 and 5000 series. 

If you want a chipset designed to give you the best experience with the latest Ryzen CPU, the X570 is the best option. You can expect it to work with newer series, and it’ll deliver the optimum speeds and power to help you make the most of your CPU.

PCIe 

The PCIe is the interface for your graphics card, solid-state drives, WiFi, and ethernet connections. Depending on your usage, this aspect affects what you can plug in your motherboard and the performance you can achieve. 

The X570 has the option for PCIe x16, which means it can run cards of this size and smaller. However, the X470 has x8, which means you can’t use an x16 card in those slots. It’s not just the lanes that matter, it’s also the upgrade from PCIe version 2.0 to 4.0 that differentiates the X570 from the X470. 

Bandwidth

Having PCIe x16 on the X570 affects the theoretical bandwidth, which, in turn, impacts the application performance on your computer.

The X470 has a much lower availability of bandwidth with 4GB/s, whereas the X570 with the 4.0 version and 16 lanes is 31GB/s. 

Photo credit: msi.com

X470 and X570 Similarities 

The X470 and the X570 are both AM4 motherboards, which means they have plenty in common. In many ways, they are interchangeable or have only a few small differences in features, which means they’ll both do a similar job.

SATA Ports

Just as PCIe is crucial for connectivity, serial advanced technology attachments or SATA play a role in data and power connections. They’re typically used for hard drives, solid-state drives, and optical drives. For basic needs, two to four SATA ports on your computer should be plenty.

The X470 has eight and the X570 another four on top of that. Generally speaking, eight is sufficient for most needs, so it’s unlikely that you’ll purchase the X570 just to have an extra four ports. However, you might consider it alongside the other advantages of that motherboard.

USB Ports

These ports provide cable connections for your computer to other devices, such as printers, your smartphone, or a mouse or keyboard. In terms of numbers of ports, there isn’t much difference between the X470, which has 14, and the X570, which has 12. Both should provide enough for most users.

The different generation of the ports does affect speed, which is why the X570 is superior with eight 3.2 Gen 2 ports. The number of each type of USB port will vary depending on the model you buy, though. That makes this factor more of a minor consideration than the main reason to choose one over the other.  

CPU Compatibility

When it comes to the oldest and the newest CPUs, the two chipsets differ. However, there’s a middle range where the two share similarities. If you want to find something for a Ryzen 2000 series or 3000 series, you can make either the X470 or X570 work for you.

Photo credit: msi.com

Advantages of X470

Now that you understand the differences and similarities, it’s time to think about how these products could work for you. If you’ve been viewing different X470 models, you might be wondering whether they are worth the investment and the right fit for you. Here are some advantages to the X470 that could help you make an informed decision.

Power Consumption

As an older chipset, the X470 has low power demands. The thermal design power (TDP) is 5 watts, compare that to the 15 watts of the X570, and you’ll see a big difference in energy draw. Where this matters most is in terms of heat, which can cause wear and tear over time. 

The X570 does have a fan to keep it cool, but if that malfunctions, you’ll have issues. On the other hand, the X470 shouldn’t cause many problems in that area.

Cost

While we mostly want to focus on features, there’s no getting away from the fact that you’ll be paying significantly different amounts for the X470 and the X570. As for the newer chipset, the X570 models are more expensive.

You’ll be able to find entry-level models for each chipset. However, if you’re on a budget and the other features and advantages meet your requirements, an X470 is the more affordable option.

Excellent Features on Tried and Tested Board

The X470 has been around for a few years now, which means we really know what it can do. Many boards come with theoretical bandwidth or claim to be superior in certain ways, but the proof comes when you put it to the test. It has shown that it can deliver.

Advantages of X570

Is newer better? Well, there are certainly many advantages to going for the more recently launched AMD chipset, the X570. Generally, these models are more likely to work with any new CPUs and other products that come out, and they have some backward compatibility too.

That means there’s a wide range of options for using an X570 with an older CPU, but also using one of these when you upgrade your other hardware. Here are some more advantages to choosing an X570 motherboard chipset.

Get the Best Performance 

If you’re working with a 3000 series or later Ryzen CPU, you’ll have a lot of power within reach. However, to make the most of that, you’ll need a motherboard to match. X570 models are produced with gamers and enthusiasts in mind. 

It delivers stable power to allow the CPU to interact smoothly with other components. That makes the X570 an obvious choice if you have a Ryzen 3900X and want to see it perform. Pairing a top-end X570 with those types of CPUs brings the quality to a new level. 

Faster Connections and Better Options

The PCIe 4.0 x16 means you’ll have more options when it comes to graphics cards and devices that need the 16 lanes. Plus, having the 4.0 version gives you very high theoretical bandwidth. 

Both of these elements will help with performance when gaming or using different applications. You can have better graphics cards and an improved transfer rate, which can help with loading times. You’ll also find several USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, which will allow for faster connections with devices.

Other Specifications

The multiphase VRM is another appealing feature of an X570, as it means that overclocking is possible without compromising stability. Many models of this chipset also offer the new WiFi 6 standard and 10 GbE ethernet connection.

What About B450?

Photo credit: anandtech.com

You might be wondering if there’s another option to meet your needs and could be considering the B450. It’s another AM4 chipset from AMD, launched at the same time as the X470. 

Similarities

It shares many features with the X470, including the number and types of USB ports, the CPU compatibility with the Ryzen 1000 series to 3000, and some models can go higher with BIOS updates. Its TDP is five watts and supports DDR4 memory.

The B450 is considered a more mainstream model than the X570, which is aimed at enthusiasts, and the X470, which is for high-level mainstream and enthusiasts. There are a few specifications that show how the B450 will perform differently from the two motherboard chipsets discussed in this guide.

Differences

The B450 has PCIe 2.0 x6. That’s the same version as the X470, but two fewer lanes, which will affect bandwidth and the choice of connections. Another sign that this chipset is for mainstream use is that it has four SATA ports compared to the X570’s 12 and X470’s eight.

You’ll likely find that a B450 is cheaper as it has fewer features. However, it still might meet your needs. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t have scalable link interface (SLI) support, which you’ll need if you want to link several video cards to create a single output. 

When and Why Would I Use an X470?

If you’re upgrading your current computer or looking to build a new one, you might want to consider an X470 motherboard chipset. Several aspects will help determine whether this product is right for you. We’ve summed up a few crucial points to make it easier to decide.

What Kind of User Are You?

As we’ve mentioned, the X470 is best for the top mainstream users or enthusiasts. That means people who are more invested or interested than the average consumer. You’ll know about how your computer works, you’re interested in overclocking, you’ll want good quality in all your components, and since you’re here, you’ll want to buy those separately to build or upgrade. 

Photo credit: techspot.com

What CPU Will You Use it With?

The X470 was made to get the best out of the Ryzen 2000 series CPUs, so if you have one of those, this chipset is likely the top product for you that’ll deliver the best performance. Additionally, if you have a 1000 series CPU, then you’ll need to get an X470 or something older to be sure it’ll work.

Budget

If you care about performance but also need to stick to a certain budget, you’ll likely be moving the X470 to the top of your list. In comparison to the X570, it’s more affordable.

When and Why Would I Use an X570?

Still not sure whether an X570 should be part of your build or upgrade? We’ve summed up the key points for users that would want this chipset.

You Want the Best

If you want the newest motherboard chipset with the best chance of being compatible in the future, you’ll want the X570. If budget isn’t an issue, or you’d rather pay just a bit more for something that looks fantastic and works well, you’ll want to consider the high-end, enthusiast models.

Ryzen 3000 Series Or Better

If you already have a Ryzen 3000 series CPU or will be including one or something even better in your build, the X570 deserves your attention. AMD designed it to work alongside those and deliver the power and performance that any enthusiast will want from their equipment.

PCIe 4.0 Matters

Not everyone will be interested in or need PCIe 4.0 with 16 lanes. However, many modern graphics cards would fill this slot, and the bandwidth will help with performance in terms of applications and gaming.

Photo credit: eteknix.com

Bottom Line

The X470 and the X570 have fantastic features. They have several similarities, and there’s a huge range of Ryzen CPUs that’ll work with both products. USB and SATA ports won’t be an issue, and they each provide SLI support.

The X570 is suited to bigger budgets with newer CPUs that want top performance from their chipset. Many will look at the X470 as a high-end compromise that works with older CPUs or an excellent option for enthusiasts that don’t need quite so many features.

People Also Ask

We’ve covered the general differences, similarities, and advantages of X570 and X470, as well as providing some context by looking at the B450. However, looking at chipsets isn’t straightforward, and you’ll have many factors to take into account. 

Here are some common questions and their answers to make the decision process a little easier.

Is it Worth Getting an X570 Motherboard?

If you need it, yes. There are a few occasions where this won’t be the right choice for you. One is if you’re using an older CPU, such as a Ryzen 1000 series, as they aren’t compatible. Budget is also a factor, and if you won’t make use of the WiFi 6 connection or PCIe 4.0 x16, you might not be able to justify the cost.

Photo credit: bermorzone.com.ph

Are X470 Motherboards Worth it?

Yes. Upgrading to an X470 from an older chipset or one with fewer features can provide a lot of benefits. There are entry-level models as well as high-end ones to suit your needs. The speed increase, SLI support, number of ports, and storage options can all improve your experience. 

Do You Need X570 for Ryzen 3700x?

No. Many X470 models can work with this CPU through a BIOS update. You’ll get the best performance with an X570, but AMD hasn’t made the X470 series obsolete and offers a Flashback to make it work with the 3700x.

Is B450 Better Than X470?

No. There are many similarities between the two, and they were launched at the same time. However, X470 has a few features that make it better than the B450, including PCIe 2.0 x8, not x6, and has more SATA ports.

Why Is X570 So Expensive?

There are a few reasons for the price difference. As a newer chipset, they’re more in demand, which can drive up the price. You do get more for your money, particularly in terms of the PCIe 4.0 x16, which can’t be found on other AM4 motherboard chipsets from AMD.



Austin

When the tech company I worked for restructured and I ended up jobless, I decided to put the wealth of knowledge and management skills to use somewhere new. I’d checked out a few buyer’s guides on the site in the past and reached out to the previous owner. A few months later, here we are. Now, I get to be behind the scenes, helping people find the best tech.